UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

August 2018

 

Commission file number: 001-36288

 

Akari Therapeutics, Plc

(Translation of registrant's name into English)

 

75/76 Wimpole Street

London W1G 9RT

United Kingdom

Tel: (646) 448-8743

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F  x       Form 40-F  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulations S-T Rule 101(b)(1):_____

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulations S-T Rule 101(b)(7):_____

 

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS

 

On August 17, 2018, Akari Therapeutic, Plc (the “Company”) announced that it will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on September 19, 2018.  In connection with the meeting, the Company furnishes the following documents:

 

1.

Notice and Proxy Statement to Shareholders dated August 17, 2018

 

2.Statutory Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2017

 

3.Form of Proxy Card

 

The information contained in this report (including the exhibits hereto) is hereby incorporated by reference into all effective registration statements filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Exhibit No.

 

99.1Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement

 

99.2Statutory Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2017

 

99.3Form of Proxy Card

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  Akari Therapeutics, Plc
  (Registrant)  
     
  By: /s/ Clive Richardson  
  Name:   Clive Richardson  
    Interim Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Operating Officer
   
Date: August 17, 2018  

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1 

 

THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

 

If you are in any doubt as to what action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own financial advice from your stockbroker or other independent adviser authorized under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended).

 

If you have recently sold or transferred all of your shares in AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC, please forward this document, together with the accompanying documents, as soon as possible either to the purchaser or transferee or to the person who arranged the sale or transfer so they can pass these documents to the person who now holds the shares.

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

(Registered No. 05252842)

42-50 Hersham Road

Walton-On-Thames

Surrey KT12 1RZ
+44 (0)20 3318 3004
 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

 

Dear Shareholders of Akari Therapeutics, Plc:

 

You are cordially invited to attend (and notice is hereby given of) the annual general meeting (the “Annual General Meeting”) of the shareholders of Akari Therapeutics, Plc (“Akari” or the “Company”), to be held at 2.00 p.m., local time, on September 19, 2018, at Duke Room, First Floor, Chandos House, 2 Queen Anne Street W1G 9LQ for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing the following resolutions:

 

Resolutions 1 to 13 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions

 

  1. To receive the reports of the Directors and the accounts for the year ended December 31, 2017, together with the report of the statutory auditor and the strategic report.

 

  2. To receive and adopt the Directors’ Remuneration Report (other than the part containing the Directors’ Remuneration Policy).

 

  3. To re-elect Stuart Ungar, M.D. as a director of Akari, as a Class A Director as stated in Article 18.2.1 of the Articles of Association of Akari.

 

  4. To re-elect James Hill, M.D. as a director of Akari, as a Class A Director as stated in Article 18.2.1 of the Articles of Association of Akari.

 

  5. To re-elect David Byrne as a director of Akari, as a Class A Director as stated in Article 18.2.1 of the Articles of Association of Akari.

 

  6. To re-elect Donald Williams as a director of Akari, as a Class A Director as stated in Article 18.2.1 of the Articles of Association of Akari.

 

  7. To re-elect Peter Feldschreiber as a director of Akari, as a Class A Director as stated in Article 18.2.1 of the Articles of Association of Akari.

 

 

 

 

  8. To re-elect Michael Grissinger as a director of Akari, as a Class A Director as stated in Article 18.2.1 of the Articles of Association of Akari.

 

9.To re-elect Ray Prudo as a director of Akari, as a Class C Director as stated in Article 18.2.3 of the Articles of Association of Akari.

 

10.To ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP, as independent registered public accounting firm of Akari for the year ending December 31, 2018.

 

  11. To re-appoint Haysmacintyre, as statutory auditors of Akari to hold office until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting at which accounts are laid before Akari shareholders.

 

  12. To authorize the audit committee of the Board of Directors of Akari to fix the statutory auditors’ remuneration.

 

  13. To generally and unconditionally authorize an increase in the number of shares available for the grant of awards to 183,083,207 ordinary shares under the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”).

 

Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, as amended, the Company specifies that entitlement to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting, and the number of votes which may be cast at the Annual General Meeting, will be determined by reference to the Company’s register of members at 6.30 p.m. (London time) on September 17, 2018 or, if the Annual General Meeting is adjourned, at 48 hours before the time of the adjourned Annual General Meeting (as the case may be). In each case, changes to the register of members after such time will be disregarded. The accompanying Proxy Statement more fully describes the details of the business to be conducted at the Annual General Meeting. After careful consideration, our Board of Directors has unanimously approved the proposals and recommends that you vote FOR each proposal described in the accompanying Proxy Statement.

 

The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 75/76 Wimpole Street, London W1G 9RT. The UK registered office of Akari Therapeutics, Plc is currently at 42 – 50 Hersham Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 1RZ, United Kingdom (and with effect from August 20, 2018 is at Elder House, St Georges Business Park, 207 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TS, United Kingdom). Except as set out in this Notice, any communication with the Company in relation to the Annual General Meeting, should be sent to the Company’s Registrar, SLC Registrars, Elder House, St Georges Business Park, 207 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TS, United Kingdom. No other means of communication will be accepted. In particular, you may not use any electronic address provided within this notice or in any related documents (including the annual report and accounts for the period ended 31 December 2017 or the Form of Proxy) to communicate with the Company.

 

A copy of the Statutory Accounts (including the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the Directors’ Remuneration Policy) can be accessed by visiting the Akari website at http://investor.akaritx.com/.

 

Your vote is important. The affirmative vote (on a show of hands or a poll) of shareholders present in person or by proxy in accordance with the requisite majority set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement is required for approval of Resolutions Nos. 1 through 13. We encourage you to read this proxy statement carefully.

 

Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual General Meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the meeting. Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote in person if you attend the meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are represented by American Depositary Shares and held on deposit by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as depositary, or if your ordinary shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to have your votes cast at the meeting, you must obtain, complete and timely return a proxy card issued in your name from that intermediary in accordance with any instructions provided therewith.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors of
Akari Therapeutics, Plc
 
/s/ Ray Prudo

 

Ray Prudo
Executive Chairman
August 17, 2018

 

THE AKARI BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED AND BELIEVES THAT EACH OF THE RESOLUTIONS OUTLINED ABOVE IS ADVISABLE TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF, AKARI AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND HAS APPROVED EACH SUCH RESOLUTION. THE AKARI BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT AKARI SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” EACH SUCH RESOLUTION.

 

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT FOR
2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
 
GENERAL INFORMATION

 

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Akari Therapeutics, Plc, a public limited company registered in England & Wales (“Akari”, the “Company” or “our”), for use at the Company’s 2018 Annual General Meeting of shareholders to be held at Duke Room, First Floor, Chandos House, 2 Queen Anne Street W1G 9LQ on September 19, 2018, at 2.00 p.m. local time for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing the resolutions specified in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. This proxy statement is being mailed to shareholders on or about August 17, 2018.

 

For a proxy to be effective, it must be properly executed and dated and lodged (together with a duly signed and dated power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is executed (or a notarially certified copy of such power of attorney or other authority)) at the offices of the Company’s registrars, SLC Registrars, Elder House, St Georges Business Park, 207 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TS, United Kingdom (the “Registrars”) so as to be received by 6.30 p.m. local time on September 17, 2018. Each proxy properly tendered will, unless otherwise directed by the shareholder, be voted FOR the proposals subject to a binding vote, FOR the nominees described in this Proxy Statement and at the discretion of the proxy holder(s) with regard to all other matters that may properly come before the meeting.

 

The Company will pay all of the costs of soliciting proxies. We will provide copies of our proxy materials to the depositary for our American Depositary Shares (Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas), brokerage firms, fiduciaries and custodians for forwarding to beneficial owners and will reimburse these persons for their costs of forwarding these materials. Our directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies; however, we will not pay them additional compensation for any of these services. Proxies may be solicited by telephone, facsimile, or personal solicitation.

 

Shares Outstanding and Voting Rights

 

Akari is registered in England & Wales and therefore subject to the Companies Act 2006 (the “Companies Act”), which, together with the Articles of Association of the Company (the “Articles”), governs the processes for voting at Annual General Meetings. There are a number of differences between English and U.S. law in relation to voting. At the Annual General Meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is demanded by (a) the chairman, (b) at least five shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, (c) a shareholder or shareholders representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting (excluding any voting rights attached to shares that are held as treasury shares) or (d) a shareholder or shareholders holding shares conferring a right to vote at the meeting being shares on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all shares conferring that right (excluding any shares in the Company conferring a right to vote at the meeting that are held as treasury shares).

 

Only holders of record of our Ordinary Shares 48 hours prior to the date of this notice (being the latest practicable date before the publication of this document are entitled to receive this notice and only those holders of record of our ordinary shares 48 hours prior to the time of the Annual General Meeting (the “Record Date”) are entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting. Therefore, if you sell or transfer your Ordinary Shares or interest in the Company prior to the Record Date, your proxy form will no longer be able to be used and if submitted (whether before or after you sell or transfer your Ordinary Shares) will be treated as invalid. Please pass this document together with the accompanying form of proxy to the person who arranged the sale or transfer for delivery to the purchaser or transferee. The purchaser or transferee will need to contact Dov Elefant, Company Secretary, to request a new proxy form for its use.

 

On the ADR Record Date (as defined below), 1,525,693,413 ordinary shares were outstanding, of which approximately 1,520,837,700 were held in the name of Deutsche Bank AG London, the nominee of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Depositary”), which issues Company-sponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) evidencing American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) which, in turn, each represent one hundred (100) ordinary shares. With respect to all matters to be voted on at the Annual General Meeting, each shareholder present has only one vote unless demand is made for a vote on a poll (in which case each shareholder gets one vote per ordinary share held). The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least two shareholders holding at least 15% of the share capital of the Company as of the Record Date will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual General Meeting. At any adjournment of the Annual General Meeting, if a quorum is not present within fifteen minutes from the time appointed for such meeting, one person entitled to be counted in a quorum present at the adjournment shall be a quorum.

 

Persons who hold ordinary shares directly on the Record Date (“record holders”) must return a proxy card or attend the Annual General Meeting in person in order to vote on the proposals. Persons who own ordinary shares indirectly on the Record Date through a brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution, including persons who own ordinary shares in the form of ADSs through the Depositary (“beneficial owners”), must return a voting instruction form to have their shares or the shares underlying their ADSs, as the case may be, voted on their behalf. Brokerage firms, banks or other financial institutions that do not receive voting instructions from beneficial owners may either vote these shares on behalf of the beneficial owners or return a proxy leaving these shares un-voted (a “broker non-vote”). ADR holders are not entitled to vote directly at the Annual General Meeting, but a deposit agreement dated as of December 7, 2012, as amended (the “Deposit Agreement”), exists between the Depositary and the holders of ADRs pursuant to which registered holders of ADRs as of August 3, 2018 (the “ADR Record Date”) are entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of voting rights pertaining to the ordinary shares so represented. The Depositary has agreed that it will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote (in person or by delivery to the Company of a proxy) the ordinary shares registered in the name of Deutsche Bank AG London, in accordance with the instructions of the ADR holders. In the event that the instruction card is executed but does not specify the manner in which the ordinary shares represented are to be voted (i.e., by marking a vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or any other option), the Depositary will vote in respect of each proposal as recommended by the Board which is described in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. Instructions from the ADR holders must be sent to the Depositary so that the instructions are received by no later than 10:00 a.m. New York time on September 10, 2018 (the “Instruction Date”).

 

 

 

 

The Company has retained SLC Registrars to hold and maintain its register of members. SLC Registrars will be engaged by the Company to send proxy forms to all registered members appearing on that register and to take delivery of completed proxy forms posted to it in accordance with the details above.

 

Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of a quorum, but will not be counted for the purpose of determining the number of votes cast on a given proposal and therefore will not impact the outcomes of the items on the agenda. The required vote for each of the proposals expected to be acted upon at the Annual General Meeting is described below:

 

Resolution No. 1 — Receipt of Statutory Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2017.  This proposal will be approved if (i) on a show of hands, a majority of shareholders present in person or by proxy and voting on the proposal vote in favor of the resolution or (ii) on a poll, a majority of the shares present at the meeting in person or by proxy and voting on the proposal are voted in favor of the resolution.

 

Resolution No. 2 – Directors’ Remuneration Report. This proposal will be approved if (i) on a show of hands, a majority of shareholders present in person or by proxy and voting on the proposal vote in favor of the resolutions or (ii) on a poll, a majority of the shares present at the meeting in person or by proxy and voting on the proposal are voted in favor of the resolution.

 

Resolution No. 3 to No. 9 — Re-election of Directors.  Each director nominated for election or re-election is re-elected if (i) on a show of hands, a majority of shareholders present in person or by proxy and voting on the resolution vote in favor of such director or (ii) on a poll, a majority of the shares present at the meeting in person or by proxy and voting on the resolution are voted in favor of such director.

 

Resolution No. 10 to No. 12 Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Re-Appointment of Statutory Auditor and Remuneration of Statutory Auditor.  These proposals will be approved if (i) on a show of hands, a majority of shareholders present in person or by proxy and voting on the resolution vote in favor of the resolution or (ii) on a poll, a majority of the shares present at the meeting in person or by proxy and voting on the resolution are voted in favor of the resolution.

 

Resolution No. 13 Authorization to an increase in the number of shares available for the grant of awards under the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”).  This proposal will be approved if (i) on a show of hands, a majority of shareholders present in person or by proxy and voting on the resolution vote in favor of the resolution or (ii) on a poll, a majority of the shares present at the meeting in person or by proxy and voting on the resolution are voted in favor of the resolution.

 

As a result, we encourage you to vote by proxy by mailing an executed proxy card. By voting in advance of the meeting, this ensures that your shares will be voted and reduces the likelihood that the Company will be forced to incur additional expenses soliciting proxies for the Annual General Meeting. Any record holder of our Ordinary Shares may attend the Annual General Meeting in person and may revoke the enclosed form of proxy at any time by:

 

  executing and delivering to the company secretary, Dov Elefant, a later-dated proxy; or

 

  voting in person at the Annual General Meeting.

 

Beneficial owners of our ordinary shares and holders of ADSs representing our ordinary shares who wish to change or revoke their voting instructions should contact their brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution or the Depositary, as applicable, for information on how to do so. Generally, however, beneficial owners of our ordinary shares and holders of ADSs representing our ordinary shares who wish to change or revoke their voting instructions may do so up until 10:00 a.m. New York Time on the Instruction Date. Beneficial owners who wish to attend the Annual General Meeting and vote in person should contact their brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution holding ordinary shares of Akari on their behalf in order to obtain a “legal proxy” which will allow them to both attend the meeting and vote in person. Without a legal proxy, beneficial owners cannot vote at the Annual General Meeting because their brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution may have already voted or returned a broker non-vote on their behalf. Record holders of ADSs representing our ordinary shares who wish to attend the Annual General Meeting and vote in person should contact the Depositary (and beneficial owners wishing to do the same should contact their brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution holding their ADSs) to cause their ADSs to be cancelled and the underlying shares to be withdrawn in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement so as to be recognized by us as a record holder of our ordinary shares.

 

 

 

 

MATTERS BEING SUBMITTED TO A VOTE OF AKARI SHAREHOLDERS

 

Akari Resolution No. 1: Statutory Accounts

 

As a public limited company, it is a requirement under English company law that the Board lay the Company’s report of the Directors and the accounts for the year ended December 31, 2017, together with the report of the Statutory Auditor and the strategic report, before the shareholders at a general meeting (“Statutory Accounts”). The Statutory Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards. The Statutory Accounts are available for download on the Company’s website (http://investor.akaritx.com/). In addition, hard copies of the Statutory Accounts may be obtained by contacting the Company’s investor relations department at Akari Therapeutics, Plc at info@akaritx.com. Shareholders present at the Annual General Meeting will have the opportunity to ask questions relating to the Statutory Accounts.

 

 Akari Resolution No. 2: Directors’ Remuneration Report

 

The Companies Act requires that an annual Directors’ Remuneration Report be subject to an annual advisory vote so that shareholders vote, by ordinary resolution. The Board considers that appropriate remuneration plays a vital part in helping to achieve the Company’s overall objectives. The full text of the Directors’ Remuneration Report is contained within the Statutory Accounts which can be found on the Company’s website (http://investor.akaritx.com/).

 

The Directors’ Remuneration Report gives details of the remuneration paid to the Directors during the year ended December 31, 2017. The vote on the Directors’ Remuneration Report is advisory in nature in that payments made or promised to Directors will not have to be repaid, reduced or withheld in the event that Resolution 2 is not passed.

 

Akari Resolution Nos. 3 – 9: Re-election of Directors

 

Under the Company’s Articles of Association, there are three classes of Board members (Class A, Class B and Class C) with each class having a specific office term. James Hill, M.D., Stuart Ungar, M.D., David Byrne, Donald Williams, Robert Ward, Michael Grissinger and Peter Feldschreiber currently serve as Class A directors; Clive Richardson currently serves as Class B director and Ray Prudo currently serves as a Class C director. James Hill, M.D., Stuart Ungar, M.D., David Byrne, Donald Williamson, Michael Grissinger and Peter Feldschreiber are up for re-election as Class A directors and Ray Prudo is up for re-election as Class C director. Robert Ward is not standing for re-election at the Annual General Meeting. Consequently, his retirement from the Board will be effective upon the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting.

 

Class A directors re-elected at the Annual General Meeting will hold office until the 2019 Annual General Meeting, unless they resign or their seats become vacant due to death, removal, or other cause in accordance with the Articles.

 

Class C directors re-elected at the Annual General Meeting will hold office until the 2021 Annual General Meeting, unless they resign or their seats become vacant due to death, removal, or other cause in accordance with the Articles.

 

Subject to the matters described below, the following persons have been nominated by the Board to be re-elected as directors at the Annual General Meeting:

 

James Hill, M.D., age 73, has served as a member of our Board since September 2015. Prior to joining our Board, Dr. Hill was a non-executive director and Chairman of Genetix Group Plc from 2001 to 2009, an AIM listed company providing scientists with intelligent solutions for cell imaging and analysis. Previously Dr. Hill was a director and Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs with SmithKline Beecham, from 1994 to 2001, with global responsibility for Investor Relations, Government Affairs, Communication and was a member of the corporate management team which oversaw corporate strategy. Dr. Hill’s prior experience was in the field of strategic product development working closely with research and development and the global markets. Dr. Hill qualified in medicine at Guys Hospital and became a fellow to The Royal Colleges of Physicians in both London and Edinburgh and was earlier awarded a Hunterian Professorship by The Royal College of Surgeons in England.

 

 

 

 

Stuart Ungar, M.D., age 74, has served as a member of our Board since September 2015. Dr. Ungar is currently a member of our Board. After pursuing post-graduate studies in Internal Medicine and research in neuro-pharmacology at The Royal Post-Graduate Medical School, UK, Dr. Ungar was in practice as an Internist at The Princess Grace Hospital, London. Following fifteen years of practice he, jointly with Dr. Raymond Prudo, founded The Doctors Laboratory PLC (TDL), a general pathology laboratory, which provided analytical services to clinicians and pharmaceutical organizations throughout the United Kingdom and abroad. During his tenure as Chairman and Board Director, The Doctors Laboratory PLC grew from a start-up to become one of the largest pathology laboratories in the United Kingdom. It was sold to Sonic Healthcare, a quoted Australian PLC in 2002. Dr. Ungar studied medicine and biochemistry in the University of London at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine. As a post-graduate he was admitted to The Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom. Dr. Ungar is a Life Fellow of The Royal Society of Medicine and a founder and former Vice-President of The Independent Doctors Federation.

 

David Byrne, age 58, has served as a member of our Board since June 2016. Mr. Byrne is currently Group Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Healthcare UK Group, the United Kingdom’s largest NGO clinical diagnostics organization, a position that he has held since 1997. Mr. Byrne is also the CEO of The Doctors Laboratory which is a subsidiary of Sonic. Mr. Byrne also currently serves as a Main Board Director for CIS Healthcare Limited and served as a Main Board Finance Director for Clinisys Solutions Ltd from 2000 to 2007. He is a UK Chartered Certified Accountant with over 25 years’ experience in corporate finance and developing early stage biotechnology and medical services companies.

 

Donald Williams, age 59, has served as a member of our Board since June 2016. Mr. Williams is a 35-year veteran of the public accounting industry who retired in 2014. Mr. Williams spent 18 years as a partner at Ernst & Young and the last seven years as a partner at Grant Thornton. Mr. Williams’ career focused on private and public companies in the technology and life sciences sectors. During the last seven years at Grant Thornton, he served as the National Leader of Grant Thornton’s Life Sciences Practice and the Managing Partner of the San Diego Office. He was the lead partner for both Ernst & Young and Grant Thornton on multiple initial public offerings; secondary offerings; private and public debt financings; as well as numerous mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Williams serves as a director of Alphatec Holdings, Inc., Impedimed Limited and Marina Biotech, Inc.  Mr. Williams served on the board of directors and is past President and Chairman of the San Diego Venture Group and has served on the board of directors of Proove Biosciences and various charitable organizations in the communities in which he has lived. Mr. Williams is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a B.S. degree.

 

Michael Grissinger, age 64, has served as a member of our Board since January 2018. Mr. Grissinger has spent over 20 years at Johnson & Johnson, where he is currently serving as Vice President – M&A Operations, Divestitures and Immunology Business Development. Over the course of his career at Johnson & Johnson Mr. Grissinger has served in a variety of senior-level management roles including Vice President – Corporate Development, Vice President - Worldwide Pharmaceutical Business Development & Licensing as well as Vice President - M&A. He has led transactions and teams across a broad span of deal-types, geographies, and therapeutic disease areas. In addition, Mr. Grissinger served on the management board of Ortho-McNeil, Johnson & Johnson’s largest operating company. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Mr. Grissinger spent over 10 years in the healthcare industry with Ciba-Geigy, now part of Novartis, and SmithKline Beecham. Mr. Grissinger holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Juniata College and an MBA from Temple University-Fox School of Business.

 

Dr. Peter Feldschreiber, age 75, has served as a member of our Board since January 2018. Dr. Feldschreiber is dual qualified as a physician and barrister with extensive experience both in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare law. Since 2004, Dr. Feldschreiber has been a member of 4 New Square chambers in Lincoln’s Inn. He has over 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry including 10 years’ as European Medical Director at Proctor and Gamble Limited and he has held appointments as Senior Medical Assessor and Special Litigation Coordinator to the Commission on Human Medicines, a U.K. government advisory body, as well as the Committee on Safety of Devices, Medicines, and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, part of the U.K. government’s Department of Health. Dr. Feldschreiber is General Editor of the Law and Regulation of Medicines (Oxford University Press) and Consultant Editor for the section on Medicinal Products and Drugs in the Fifth Edition of Halsbury’s Laws of England. Dr. Feldschreiber holds a B.Sc. MB.BS from Kings College Hospital Medical School, University of London, is a Fellow of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine Royal College of Physicians and holds an LLB Hons. from Thames Valley University.

 

Ray Prudo, M.D., age 73, has served as our Executive Chairman since September 2015. Dr. Prudo has been an active investor and developer of healthcare companies for 25 years. Dr. Prudo is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Volution and its predecessor company, Varleigh Immuno Pharmaceuticals, since inception in 2007. He is currently a board member of several UK healthcare companies. Dr. Prudo holds an MBBS from the University of London, and an FRCP(C) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

 

 

 

 

Resolution No. 10 Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Our Audit Committee has appointed BDO USA LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018. The Audit Committee and the Board are requesting, as a matter of policy, that shareholders ratify the selection of BDO USA LLP. The Audit Committee and the Board are not required to take any action as a result of the outcome of the vote on this proposal. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Board may, in its discretion, appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. If the appointment is not ratified, the Board will consider its options.

 

Resolution Nos. 11 and 12: Re-Appointment of Statutory Auditor and Authority to Fix Remuneration of Statutory Auditor

 

At every general meeting at which accounts are presented to shareholders, Akari is required to appoint statutory auditors to serve from the end of the meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting which accounts are laid before Akari shareholders. Haysmacintyre has indicated that it is willing to continue as Akari’s statutory auditor to hold office during this period. You are asked to authorize the Audit Committee to determine their remuneration.

 

Proposal No. 13: Authority to amend the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Board is seeking approval of the shareholders to increase in the number of shares available for the grant of awards to 183,083,207 ordinary shares under the under the Company’s 2014 Plan. 

 

On June 19, 2014, our Board approved the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. The shareholders approved the 2014 Plan on June 19, 2014. The purpose of the 2014 Plan is to enable us to continue to attract and retain professional personnel for the purposes of executing our clinical development plan. The Plan is administered by our Board and grants are made pursuant thereto by the compensation committee. The aggregate number of ordinary shares that may be issued upon exercise of options under the Plan is currently the sum of: (i) 141,142,420 ordinary shares and (ii) any ordinary shares that are represented by awards granted under the Company’s 2007 Stock Option Plan that are forfeited, expired or are cancelled without delivery of ordinary shares or which result in the forfeiture of ordinary shares back to the Company on or after June 19, 2014, or the equivalent of such number of ordinary shares after the administrator, in its sole discretion, has interpreted the effect of any stock split, stock dividend, combination, recapitalization or similar transaction in accordance with the 2014 Plan; provided, however, that no more than 480,000 ordinary shares shall be added to the 2014 Plan pursuant to subsection (ii). Options may be granted at any time. As of August 15, 2018, options to purchase 77,580,422 of our ordinary shares were outstanding under the 2014 Plan. Unless sooner terminated, the 2014 Plan shall expire on April 30, 2024. 

 

We believe that the increase in the number of shares available for issuance under our 2014 Plan is essential to permit our management to continue to provide long-term, equity-based incentives to present and future key employees, consultants and directors. Accordingly, our Board believes approval of the amendment to increase the aggregate number of shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan is in our best interests and those of its shareholders. 

 

EACH SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY.

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

 

31 DECEMBER 2017

 

Registered Number: 05252842

 

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

CONTENTS Page
   
   
Officers and professional advisers 1
   
   
Directors’ report 2 – 3
   
   
Strategic Report 4 – 10
   
   
Director’s Remuneration Report 11-19
   
   
Independent Auditors’ report to the shareholders of Akari Therapeutics Plc 20-22
   
   
Consolidated statement of comprehensive loss 23
   
   
Consolidated statement of financial position 24
   
   
Parent company statement of financial position 25
   
   
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 26
   
   
Consolidated statement of cash flows 27
   
   
Parent company statement of cash flows 28
   
   
Notes to the report and financial statements 29-42

 

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

Directors G Roshwalb (resigned 29 May 2017)
  R Prudo-Chlebosz
  C Richardson
  J Hill
  S Ungar
  D Byrne
  R Ward
  D Williams
  D Solomon (appointed 28 August 2017, resigned 8 May 2018)
  M Grissinger (appointed 23 January 2018)
  P Feldschreiber (appointed 23 January 2018)
   
Secretary SLC Corporate Services Limited
  R Shaw (appointed 23 March 2016, resigned 4 December 2017)
  D Elefant (appointed 4 December 2017)
   
Registered Office 42-50 Hersham Road
  Walton-On-Thames,
  Surrey
  KT12 1RZ
   
Independent Auditors haysmacintyre
  10 Queen Street Place
  London
  EC4R 1AG

 

 1 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “Akari,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company”, the “Group” and similar designations refer to Akari Therapeutics, Plc and its subsidiaries. All references to “parent company” refer to Akari Therapeutics, Plc excluding its subsidiaries.

 

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

 

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY

 

The principal activity of the Group is developing inhibitors of acute and chronic inflammation, specifically the complement system, the eicosanoid system and the bioamine system for the treatment of rare and orphan diseases.

 

DIRECTORS

 

The directors who served the company during the year and up to the date of signing the Annual Report were as follows:

 

G Roshwalb (resigned 29 May 2017)

R Prudo-Chlebosz

C Richardson

J Hill

S Ungar

D Byrne

R Ward

D Williams

D Solomon (appointed 28 August 2017, resigned 8 May 2018)

M Grissinger (appointed 23 January 2018)

P Feldschreiber (appointed 23 January 2018)

 

SUPPLIER PAYMENT POLICY

 

It is the Group’s policy to agree to commercial terms with its suppliers prior to purchase of goods or services. The Group negotiates favourable payment terms where possible.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The Group is not required to implement the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”).

 

Regular board meetings are held and the Executive Directors are heavily involved in the day to day running of the business. The Board of Directors meets regularly and is responsible for formulating strategy, monitoring financial performance and approving material items of expenditure.

 

GOING CONCERN

 

The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through funding. The Group’s forecast and projections, show that at present, the Group has insufficient working capital to fulfil its current business plan for the next twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements without the Group raising additional capital. However, the Group also has the option to revise its plan including reducing the scale of its operations and pace of development, to reduce discretionary costs to ensure its cost and liabilities are met from existing working capital resources. Therefore, having reviewed the Group’s forecast and projections, and having made appropriate enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has sufficient funding and adequate resources to continue operationally for at least 12 months from the date of this Annual Report.  The Group therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

 2 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 
 
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

Company law requires the directors to prepare group and parent company financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors are required to prepare the group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the EU. Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

 

The Group financial statements are required by law and IFRS as adopted by the EU to present fairly the financial position and performance of the group; the Companies Act 2006 provides in relation to such financial statements that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation. The parent company financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the parent company.

 

In preparing these financial statements the directors are required to:

·select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
·make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
·state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
·prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the parent company will continue in business.

 

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and parent company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to safeguard the assets of the Group and parent company and to prevent and detect fraud and

other irregularities.

 

The directors consider that the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.

 

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS

 

So far as each of the directors is aware at the time the report is approved:

·there is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditors are unaware; and
·the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information

 

This report was approved by the board on 3 August 2018

and signed on its behalf.

 

/s/ Clive Richardson  
Clive Richardson  
Director  

 

 3 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
STRATEGIC REPORT
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 
 
REVIEW OF BUSINESS

 

We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing inhibitors of acute and chronic inflammation, specifically the complement system, the eicosanoid or leukotriene system and the bioamine system for the treatment of rare and orphan diseases. Each of these systems has scientifically well-supported causative roles in the diseases being targeted by us. We believe that blocking early mediators of inflammation will prevent initiation and continual amplification of the processes that cause certain diseases.

 

Ticks have undergone 300 million years of natural selection to produce inhibitors that bind tightly to key highly-conserved inflammatory mediators, are generally well tolerated in humans, and remain fully functional when a host is repeatedly exposed to the molecule. Our molecules are derived from these inhibitors.

 

Our lead product candidate, Coversin, which is a second-generation complement inhibitor, acts on complement component-C5, preventing release of C5a and formation of C5b–9 (also known as the membrane attack complex, or MAC), and independently also inhibits leukotriene B4, or LTB4, activity, both elements that are co-located as part of the immune/inflammatory response. Coversin is a recombinant small protein (16,740 Da) derived from a protein originally discovered in the saliva of the Ornithodoros moubata tick, where it modulates the host immune system to allow the parasite to feed without alerting the host to its presence or provoking an immune response.

 

Coversin has received orphan drug status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and the European Medicines Agency, or the EMA, for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, or PNH, and Guillain Barré Syndrome, or GBS. Orphan drug designation provides us with certain benefits and incentives, including a period of marketing exclusivity if regulatory approval of the drug is ultimately received for the designated indication. The receipt of orphan drug designation status does not change the regulatory requirements or process for obtaining marketing approval and the designation does not mean that marketing approval will be received. We intend to apply in the future for orphan drug designation in additional indications we deem appropriate.

 

On 29 March 2017, we received notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of fast track designation for the investigation of Coversin for the treatment of PNH in patients who have polymorphisms conferring Soliris® (eculizumab) resistance. The fast track program was created by the FDA to facilitate the development and expedite the review of new drugs which show promise in treating a serious or life-threatening disease and address an unmet medical need. Drugs that receive this designation benefit from more frequent communications and meetings with the FDA to review the drug’s development plan including the design of the proposed clinical trials, use of biomarkers and the extent of data needed for approval. Drugs with fast track designation may also qualify for priority review to expedite the FDA review process, if relevant criteria are met.

 

Our initial clinical targets for Coversin are PNH and atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, or aHUS. We are also targeting patients with polymorphisms of the C5 molecule which interfere with correct binding of eculizumab, a C5 inhibitor currently approved for PNH and aHUS treatment, making these patients resistant to treatment with that drug. In addition to disease targets where complement dysregulation is the key driver, we are also targeting a range of inflammatory diseases where the inhibition of both C5 and LTB4 are implicated, including bullous pemphigoid (a blistering disease of the skin), or BP, and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, or AKC.

 

Other compounds in our pipeline include engineered versions of Coversin that potentially decrease the frequency of administration, improve potency, or allow for specific tissue targeting, as well as new proteins targeting LBT4 alone, as well as bioamine inhibitors (for example, anti-histamines). In general, these inhibitors act as ligand binding compounds, which may provide additional benefit versus other modes of inhibition. For example, off-target effects are less likely with ligand capture. One example of this benefit is seen with LTB4 inhibition through ligand capture. LTB4 acts to amplify the inflammatory signal by bringing and activating white blood cells to the area of inflammation. Compounds that have targeted the production of leukotrienes will inhibit both the production of pro-inflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory leukotrienes—often diminishing the potential benefit of the drug on the inflammatory system. Coversin has demonstrated that, by capturing LTB4, it is limited to disrupting the white blood cell activation and attraction aspects, without interfering with the anti-inflammatory benefits of other leukotrienes.

 

 4 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

REVIEW OF BUSINESS (CONTINUED)

 

Coversin is much smaller than typical antibodies currently used in therapeutic treatment. Coversin can be self-administered by subcutaneous injection, much like an insulin injection, which we believe will provide considerable benefits in terms of patient convenience. We believe that the subcutaneous formulation of Coversin as an alternative to intravenous infusion may accelerate patient uptake if Coversin is approved by regulatory authorities for commercial sale. Patient surveys contracted by us suggest that many patients would prefer to self-inject daily than undergo intravenous infusions. Additionally, Coversin’s bio-physical properties allow it to be potentially used in a variety of formulations, some of which may enable therapeutic use via topical or inhaled routes of administration.

 

Further information about our business can be found in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on July 18, 2018.

 

On 27 April 2017, we issued a press release stating that Edison Investment Research Ltd., or Edison, has withdrawn its report issued 26 April 2017 titled “Akari’s Coversin matches Soliris in Phase II”, or the “Edison Report”, because it contains material inaccuracies, including without limitation, with respect to our interim analysis of our ongoing Phase II PNH trial of Coversin. Investors were cautioned not to rely upon any information contained in the Edison Report and instead were directed to our press release issued on 24 April 2017 that discusses the interim analysis of our then ongoing Phase II PNH trial and other matters. Our Board of Directors established an ad hoc special committee of the Board to review the involvement, if any, of our personnel with the Edison Report, which was later retracted. Edison was retained by the Company to produce research reports about us. While that review was pending, Dr. Gur Roshwalb, a former Chief Executive Officer, was placed on administrative leave and Dr. Ray Prudo in his role as Executive Chairman temporarily assumed Dr. Roshwalb’s duties in his absence. Following that review, we determined that the Edison Report was reviewed and approved by Dr. Roshwalb, in contravention of Company policy. On 29 May 2017, Dr. Roshwalb submitted his resignation as Chief Executive Officer and member of our Board of Directors, effective immediately.

 

On 12 May 2017, a putative securities class action captioned Derek Da Ponte v. Akari Therapeutics, PLC, Gur Roshwalb, and Dov Elefant (Case 1:17-cv-03577) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against us, a former Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. The plaintiff asserted claims alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, based primarily on our press releases or statements issued between 24 April 2017 and 11 May 2017 concerning the Phase II PNH trial of Coversin and the Edison Report about us and actions taken by us after the report was issued. The purported class covers the period from March 30, 2017 to May 11, 2017. The complaint seeks unspecified damages and costs and fees. On May 19, 2017, an almost identical class action complaint captioned Shamoon v. Akari Therapeutics, PLC, Gur Roshwalb, and Dov Elefant (Case 1:17-cv-03783) was filed in the same court. On 11-12 July 2017, candidates to be lead plaintiff filed motions to consolidate the cases and appoint a lead plaintiff. On 10 August 2017, the court issued a stipulated order: (i) consolidating the class actions under the caption In re: Akari Therapeutics, PLC Securities Litigation (Case 1:17-cv-03577); and (ii) setting out schedule for plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint and defendants to respond thereto. By order dated 7 September 2017, the court appointed lead plaintiffs for the class and lead plaintiffs’ counsel. On 6 November 2017, lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint, or the CAC. While the CAC contains similar substantive allegations to the initial complaints, it adds two additional defendants, Ray Prudo and Edison Investment Research Ltd., and the purported class period was changed to 24 April 2017 through 30 May 2017. On 10 January 2018, at a hearing regarding the defendants’ impending motions to dismiss the CAC, the Court gave plaintiffs permission to file a second consolidated amended complaint, or the SCAC and established a briefing schedule for defendants’ motions to dismiss the SCAC. Pursuant to that schedule, plaintiffs’ SCAC was filed on January 31, 2018. All briefing on the motions to dismiss was completed on 20 April 2018. On 9 May 2018, the parties engaged in a mediation session and came to an agreement in principle to settle the dispute. On 8 June 2018, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding. A memorandum of understanding is not a definitive settlement agreement, which must be approved by the Court. By the terms of the memorandum, the parties agreed in principle to a total payment of $2.7 million in cash. We recorded the $2.7 million CAC litigation settlement loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss in the year ended 31 December 2017, which is the period in which the lawsuits were originally filed. The $2.7 million CAC settlement liability was recorded as a loss contingency in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets as of 31 December 2017. We expect the full amount of the litigation settlement loss to be covered by our directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. On 26 July 2018, plaintiffs filed a notice with the Court voluntarily dismissing Edison from the action. On 3 August 2018, the remaining parties executed and filed a stipulation and agreement of settlement (which largely tracked the parties’ agreement in the memorandum of understanding), and plaintiffs filed a motion seeking preliminary approval of the parties’ settlement. The motion for preliminary approval of the settlement is the first step in gaining the Court’s approval of the settlement.

 

 5 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

REVIEW OF BUSINESS (CONTINUED)

 

Separately, Edison has sought indemnification from us pursuant to its contract with us, including reimbursement of all legal expenses that Edison incurs in connection with the securities class action (to which, as discussed above, Edison was added as a defendant on 6 November 2017) and lost profits from customer relationships that Edison claims it lost as a result of the retraction of the Edison Report. The parties have come to an agreement in principle to settle the dispute. The settlement amount is expected to be immaterial to our operations and future cash flows. The parties are in continued discussions regarding finalizing a settlement.

 

We voluntarily reported to the SEC the circumstances leading to the withdrawal of the Edison Report and the outcome of our special committee’s investigation. In response, the SEC requested certain documents from us with respect to the matters we reported. We have been cooperating with the SEC’s requests for information. On 5 June 2018, we received a subpoena from the SEC, which requested further documents and information primarily related to our Phase II clinical trial of Coversin in connection with an investigation of us that the SEC is conducting. We are in the process of responding to the subpoena and will continue to cooperate with the SEC.

 

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS

 

Research and development expenses for the year ended 31 December 2017 were $23,285,000 (2016: $17,884,000). This $5,401,000 increase was primarily due to higher expenses of approximately $1,457,000 for manufacturing, $1,633,000 for clinical trial expenses, $988,000 for consulting expense, $929,000 for personnel expenses and $134,000 for stock-based non-cash compensation expense.

 

Administrative expenses for the year ended 31 December 2017 were $11,799,000 (2016: $9,941,000). This $1,858,000 increase was primarily due to higher expenses of approximately $2,276,000 for legal, accounting and professional fees, $574,000 of personnel expenses and $276,000 of recruiting expenses offset by $1,332,000 for stock-based non-cash compensation expense.

 

Litigation settlement loss for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $2,700,000. This relates to a proposed settlement agreement of our securities class action lawsuit. The parties are in the process of documenting the settlement which will be presented to the court for approval.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $31,594,000 (2016: $24,614,000). Net cash flow used in operating activities was primarily attributed to our ongoing research activities to support Coversin, including manufacturing, clinical trial and preclinical activities.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $9,985,000 (2016: net cash used of $10,067,000). This is cash derived from the maturities of short-term investments compared to cash used in investing activities during the prior year.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $15,672,000 during the year ended December 31, 2017. In the year ended 31 December 2016 there was no financing activity.

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments decreased to approximately $28,249,000 at 31 December 2017 (2016: $34,241,000).

 

The Group made a loss of $29,239,000 (2016: $26,224,000). The loss for the Group is in line with the expected performance and the Directors are satisfied with the results for the year.

 

No dividends were paid during the year (2016: $Nil) and the directors do not propose a final dividend.

 

 6 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

Financing

The Group requires additional funding to continue its future operations and planned research and development activities. The directors recognise that the Group may not be able to obtain financing on favourable terms and the terms of the Group’s finance arrangements may be dilutive. The Group may also seek additional funding through arrangements with collaborators and other third parties. These types of arrangements may require the Group to relinquish rights to internally developed technology, product candidates or products. If the Group is unable to obtain additional funding on a timely basis, the Group may be required to curtail or terminate some or all of its research or development programs, including some or all of its product candidates. Additionally, the report of the Group’s independent registered public accounting firm on its financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2017, includes an explanatory paragraph raising substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern as a result of recurring losses from operations and net capital deficiency. The Group’s future is dependent upon its ability to obtain financing in the future. This opinion could materially limit the Group’s ability to raise funds.

 

Early stage development

The Group is an early stage development Group with limited history of trading on which future projections can be based. There is no guarantee that the Group will succeed in growing its current business or that the Group will be able to provide or maintain sufficient resources required for operations in the development and introduction of its products. A large majority of early stage development companies fail to achieve their business plans mainly due to lack of being able to estimate the speed of new market entrants and the costs associated with entering markets and obtaining market share.

 

Drug development

The Group’s approach to drug development is complex and all of the product candidates are in an early stage of development with a high risk of failure. It is impossible to predict when or if any of the product candidates will prove effective or safe in humans or will receive regulatory approval.

 

Further common challenges for similar companies and the Group is to:

 

·Find a stable active product or formulation without extensive clinical trials and substantial additional costs or create adequate assay for the products for formulation or clinical testing purposes;
·Manufacture, and/or formulate sufficient amounts of its product candidates or upscale or optimise such synthesis so as to enable efficient production of scale;
·Find safe and effective doses and dose ratios for its product candidates without extensive clinical trials and substantial additional costs;
·Obtain sufficient supply or quality of product candidates supply or materials to produce product candidates or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials; and
·Establish manufacturing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to supply materials to make product candidates, or manufacture clinical trial drug supplies.

 

 7 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (CONTINUED)

 

Departure of and search for executive officers

The Group’s success depends on its ability to hire and retain the services of its current executive officers, directors, principal consultants and others. In addition, the Group has established relationships with universities and research institutions which have historically provided, and continue to provide, us with access to research laboratories, clinical trials, facilities and patients. The loss of the services of any of these individuals or institutions has had and could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business. On 8 May 2018, David Horn Solomon resigned as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Company’s board. Dr. Solomon’s resignation followed the results of an investigation conducted, with the assistance of an independent law firm, which revealed that Dr. Solomon incurred personal charges on the Company’s corporate credit cards in violation of Company policy. Clive Richardson, who was then serving as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, was appointed to serve as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer while we seek a permanent Chief Executive Officer. Previously, in December 2017 the Company’s former Chief Legal & Compliance Officer was terminated without cause and in May 2017 the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer who preceded David Horn Solomon also resigned. The Group faces significant competition for executives with the qualifications and experience it is seeking. There can be no assurances concerning the timing or outcome of the Group’s search for a new permanent Chief Executive Officer or any other executive officer.

 

Pending Class Action Lawsuit and SEC Investigation

As described above, the Group is currently subject to a putative class action asserting violations of certain U.S. securities laws as well as other related claims. As a result of this, the Group may be required to pay substantial damages, incur substantial costs not covered by directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, suffer a significant adverse impact on the Group’s reputation, and management’s attention and resources may be diverted from other priorities, including the execution of business plans and strategies that are important to the Group’s ability to grow the Group’s business, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business. In addition, as described above, the Group is subject to an SEC investigation. The Group cannot predict what, if any, actions the SEC may take or the timing or duration of the investigation. If the Group were to conclude that enforcement action is appropriate, the Group could be required to pay civil penalties and fines, and the SEC could impose other sanctions against the Group or against our current and former officers and directors. In addition, the Group’s board of directors, management and employees may expend a substantial amount of time on the SEC investigation, diverting resources and attention that would otherwise be directed toward our operations and implementation of Group business strategy, all of which could materially adversely affect the Group’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Furthermore, while the SEC has informed the Group that the investigation should not be construed as an indication by the SEC or its staff that any violation of law has occurred, nor as a reflection upon any person, entity or security, publicity surrounding the foregoing, or any SEC enforcement action or settlement as a result of the SEC’s investigation, even if ultimately resolved favorably for the Group, could have an adverse impact on the Group’s reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Market acceptance

The Group is not guaranteed that any of its product candidates will gain market acceptance amongst physicians, patients, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies or other customers.

 

The Group’s clinical trials in humans may show that the doses or dose ratios selected based on screening, animal testing or early clinical trials do not achieve the desired therapeutic result in humans, or achieve these results only in a small part of the population. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or other regulatory agencies in the United States and foreign jurisdictions may determine that these clinical trials do not support the Group’s conclusion. The Group may be required to conduct additional long-term clinical studies and provide more evidence substantiating the safety and effectiveness of the doses or dose ratios selected in a significant patient population.

 

Intense competition from powerful competitors

Many companies, universities and research organisations developing product candidates have greater resources and significantly greater experience in financial, research and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, distribution and technical regulatory matters than the Group has. These competitors could commence and complete clinical testing of their products, obtain regulatory approval, and begin commercial-scale manufacturing of their products faster than the Group is able to, thus resulting in a situation whereby the Group may not be able to commercialise its product candidates or achieve a competitive position in the market.

 

 8 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (CONTINUED)

 

Product liability exposure

The Group faces exposure to product liability and other claims if its product candidates, products or processes are alleged to have caused harm. These risks are inherent in testing, manufacturing, and marketing human therapeutic products. If the Group is sued for any injury caused by its products, product candidates or processes, the Group’s liability could exceed its product liability insurance coverage and its total assets. Claims against the Group, regardless of their merit or potential outcome, may also generate negative publicity or damage the Group’s ability to obtain physician endorsement of its products or expand its business.

 

Intellectual Property

The Group may be unable to protect the intellectual property relating to its product candidates, or if it infringes the rights of others, its ability to successfully commercialise its product candidates may be harmed. The Group owns or hold licenses to a number of issued patents (foreign and foreign counterparts) and pending patent applications. The Group’s success depends in part on its ability to obtain patent protection both in the United States and in other countries for its product candidates, as well as the methods for treating patients in the product indications using these product candidates. The Group’s ability to protect its product candidates from unauthorised or infringing use by third parties depends in substantial part on its ability to obtain and maintain valid and enforceable patents. Due to evolving legal standards relating to the patentability, validity and enforceability of patents covering pharmaceutical inventions and the scope of claims made under these patents, the Group’s ability to obtain, maintain and enforce patents is uncertain and involves complex legal and factual questions. Even if the Group’s product candidates, as well as methods for treating patients for prescribed indications using these product candidates are covered by valid and enforceable patents and have claims with sufficient scope, disclosure and support in the specification, the patents will provide protection only for a limited amount of time. Accordingly, rights under any issued patents may not provide the Group with sufficient protection for a commercial advantage against competitive products or processes

 

Material Weaknesses in Internal Controls and Ineffective Disclosure Controls

The Group identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, and concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2017 as a result of its former Chief Executive Officer violating its Code of Conduct and Ethics by utilizing the Company credit card for personal expenses and exceeding his delegation of authority by entering into unauthorized agreements with third parties and having ineffective internal controls related to the evaluation of the accounting principles and disclosure requirements for loss contingencies. Any failure to maintain internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit the Group’s ability to accurately report its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, the Group’s management has concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 were not effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 due to the material weaknesses noted above. If the Group does not effectively remediate the material weaknesses identified, it may not be able to accurately report its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows on a timely basis, which may adversely affect investor confidence in the Group.

 

Liquidity and Public Listing

Historically, a limited public market exists for the Group’s securities and it cannot assure that its securities will continue to be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market or any other securities exchange or that an active trading market will ever develop for any of its securities. The Group’s ADSs were approved for listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market on 31 January 2014. The Group cannot assure that it will be successful in meeting the continuing listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market. On 17 May 2018 the Group received a notice from NASDAQ notifying the Group that it is not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing set forth in Nasdaq listing Rule 5250©(1) because it did not timely file its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017. On 19 July 2018 the Group received a notice from NASDAQ notifying the Group that it is now in compliance with the requirements for continued listing set forth in Nasdaq listing Rule 5250©(1) because it filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017.

 

More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting us is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on July 18, 2018 and in other filings that we have made and may make with the SEC in the future.

 

 9 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 
 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Group finances its operations using cash generated by the sale of equity instruments in the Group. The cash flow of the Group is monitored on a regular basis to ensure the Group has sufficient funding to meet its capital and operational requirements.

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The Group is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing inhibitors of acute and chronic inflammation, specifically the complement system, the eicosanoid system and the bioamine system for the treatment of rare and orphan diseases.

 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

 

The directors consider the key performance indicators to be the research and development spend. This allows the Directors to manage the on-going activities and strategies for further development of the Group.

 

The key performance indicators are measured and reviewed on a regular basis at Board meetings and enable the Directors to communicate the performance of the Group against predetermined targets.

 

Key financial performance indicators:

 

Research and Development spend - $23,285,000 (2016: $17,884,000)

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments position - $28,249,000 (2016: $34,241,000)

 

This report was approved by the board on 3 August 2018 and signed on its behalf.

 

/s/ Clive Richardson  
Clive Richardson  
Director  
3 August 2018  

 

 10 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

PART I - ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

 

Information provided in this section of the Directors’ Remuneration report is subject to audit.

 

Single Total Figure of Remuneration for Each Director (subject to audit)

 

The following table shows the compensation paid or accrued during the fiscal year ended 31 December 2017.

 

Name of Director Salary
and Fees
($)
Taxable
Benefits
($)
Bonus
 ($)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)(1)
Pension
Benefits
($)
2017 Total
($)
Executive Director
Ray Prudo (2) 206,000 - 103,000 - - - 309,000
David Solomon (3) 173,611 4,129 119,041 - 654,459 - 951,240
Gur Roshwalb, M.D. (4) 193,263 13,620 (5) - - - - 206,883
Clive Richardson 332,507 9,793 (6) 135,991 - 113,272 32,650 (7) 624,213
Non-Employee Director
James Hill, M.D. 56,840 - - - 42,983 - 99,823
Stuart Ungar, M.D. 46,690 - - - 42,983 - 89,673
David Byrne 46,555 - - - 42,983 - 89,538
Donald Williams 51,765 - - - 42,983 - 94,748
Robert Ward 45,451 - - - 42,983 - 88,434

 

(1) These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for option awards for fiscal year 2017 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. A discussion of the assumptions used in determining grant date fair value may be found in Akari’s Financial Statements, included in Akari’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017.

 

(2) Dr. Prudo is party to a non-executive contract although he performs executive duties on behalf of Akari.

 

(3) Dr Solomon was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer on 28 August 2017 and resigned as chief Executive Officer on 8 May 2018

 

(4) Dr. Roshwalb resigned as Chief Executive Officer on 29 May 2017.

 

(5) Consists of company contributions to health benefits.

 

(6) Consists of company contributions to health benefits of $7,633 and life insurance premiums of $2,160.

 

(7) Consists of company contributions to a pension plan.

 

The following table shows the compensation paid or accrued during the fiscal year ended 31 December 2016.

 

Name of Director Salary
and Fees
($)
Taxable
Benefits
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)(1)
Pension
Benefits
($)
2016 Total
($)
Executive Director
Ray Prudo(2) 200,000 - 150,000 - - - 350,000
Gur Roshwalb, M.D. 375,000 28,925 (3) 187,500 - - 18,750(4) 581,250
Clive Richardson 282,178 8,757 (5) 129,167 - - 33,225(6) 446,160
Non-Employee Director
James Hill, M.D. 58,249 - - - 126,226 - 184,475
Stuart Ungar, M.D. 50,770 - - - 126,226 - 176,996
David Byrne (7) 21,683 - - - 278,636 - 300,319
Donald Williams (8) 25,500 - - - 248,898 - 274,398
Robert Ward (9) 10,880 - - - 69,062 - 79,942
Mark S. Cohen(10) 60,749 - - - 195,287 - 256,036
Allan Shaw (11) 25,290 - - - - - 25,290

 

(1) These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for option awards for fiscal year 2016 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. A discussion of the assumptions used in determining grant date fair value may be found in Akari’s Financial Statements, included in Akari’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2016.

 

(2) Dr. Prudo is party to a non-executive contract although he performs executive duties on behalf of Akari.

 

(3) Consists of company contributions to health benefits.

 

 11 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

(4) Consists of company contributions to a 401K plan.

 

(5) Consists of company contributions to health benefits of $7,167 and life insurance premiums of $1,590.

 

(6) Consists of company contributions to a pension plan.

 

(7) Mr. Byrne was appointed to the board as a Class A director on 20 April 2016.

 

(8) Mr. Williams was appointed to the board as a Class A director on 30 June 2016.

 

(9) Mr. Ward was appointed to the board as a Class A director on 13 October 2016.

 

(9) Mr. Cohen resigned as a Class C director on 13 October 2016. In connection with Mr. Cohen’s resignation, Akari and Mr. Cohen agreed that Mr. Cohen’s (i) outstanding unvested stock options from 25 November 2015 and 29 June 2016 in the amounts of 1,028,722 and 1,300,000 ordinary shares, respectively, shall be fully vested as of 13 October 2016, and (ii) vested options (including those whose vesting accelerated pursuant to the preceding clause) shall continue to be exercisable for a period ending on the earlier of (1) 10 years following the respective dates of grant of such options, or (2) three months following Akari’s 2018 AGM. In addition, Akari agreed to (i) grant Mr. Cohen an additional option to purchase 1,300,000 fully vested ordinary shares (equivalent to 13,000 ADS) at an exercise price of $0.080621 per share (or $8.0621 per ADS) and which can be exercised until three months following the 2018 AGM, and (ii) pay Mr. Cohen, in quarterly instalments, $45,750 for the balance of director fees that he would have earned through the 2017 AGM and an additional $61,000 that he would have earned in director fees from the 2017 AGM to the 2018 AGM.

 

(10) Mr. Shaw’s term as a Class A director expired on 29 June 2016. As of 31 December 2016, all previously granted options to Mr. Shaw expired without exercise.

 

Incentive Plan Awards (subject to audit)

 

Akari operates an equity incentive plan (the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2014 Plan) under which directors receive options to acquire ordinary shares in Akari. Options awards granted during the fiscal year ended 31 December 2017 are as follows:

 

Name of Director Option
Awards(1)
Grant Date Exercise
Price
Option Awards ($) (2)
James Hill, M.D 1,300,000 28/6/2017 $0.0504 42,983
Stuart Ungar, M.D 1,300,000 28/6/2017 $0.0504 42,983
David Byrne 1,300,000 28/6/2017 $0.0504 42,983
Donald Williams 1,300,000 28/6/2017 $0.0504 42,983
Robert Ward 1,300,000 28/6/2017 $0.0504 42,983

 

(1) Option awards are subject to time-based vesting.

 

(2) These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for option awards for fiscal year 2017 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. A discussion of the assumptions used in determining grant date fair value may be found in Akari’s Financial Statements, included in Akari’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017.

 

Director’s shareholdings (subject to audit)

 

The table below shows, for each director, the total number of ordinary shares owned, the total number of share options held and the number of share options vested within 60 days of 31 May 2018. No director exercised any share options during the year ended 31 December 2017.

 

Name of Director Ordinary Shares Owned Share Options Vested Share Options (1)
Executive Director
Ray Prudo 782,345,600 (2) - -
David Solomon (3) - 26,000,000 -
Clive Richardson - 20,771,850 11,186,897
Non-employee Director
James Hill, M.D - 3,900,000 3,543,758
Stuart Ungar, M.D - 3,900,000 3,537,092
David Byrne - 3,900,000 3,466,666
Donald Williams - 3,900,000 3,466,666
Robert Ward - 2,600,000 2,166,666

 

(1) All share options that were outstanding as at 31 December 2017 use time-based vesting and are not subject to performance targets other than continued service until the date of vesting. None of the options have been exercised.

 

 12 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

(2) Represents the entire holdings of RPC Pharma Limited. Dr. Prudo has voting and dispositive control over the ordinary shares held by RPC Pharma Limited and owns approximately 71% of RPC’s outstanding shares (including option grants), including 10.64% of RPC’s outstanding shares held in trust for Dr. Ungar. Dr. Prudo disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his actual pecuniary interest in such shares.

 

(3) Dr. Solomon was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 28 August 2017 and resigned 8 May 2018.

 

The remainder of this Directors’ Remuneration Report is not subject to audit.

 

Illustration of Total Shareholder Return

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Akari’s ADSs, each representing 100 ordinary shares, with that of the Nasdaq Biotech Index from the period that Akari’s ADSs were publicly traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market through 31 December 2017. Akari selected the Nasdaq Biotech Index because Akari’s ADSs trade on The NASDAQ Capital Market and Akari believes this indicates its relative performance against a group consisting of more similarly situated companies.

 

 

 

Chief Executive Total Remuneration History

 

The table below sets out total remuneration details for the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Period

Single total
figure of

remuneration
$

 

Annual
Bonus
Short-term
incentive
payout
against
maximum
Option
Awards ($)
Option
Awards
against
maximum
(4)
2017 (Gur Roshwalb and David Solomon) (1) 1,338,253 119,041 (5) 100% (6) - -
2016 (Gur Roshwalb) 581,250 187,500 125% (7) - -
2015 (Gur Roshwalb) 7,306,951 86,625 100% (8) 6,863,034 -
2014 (Gur Roshwalb) 410,564 - - 60,564 -
2013 (Gur Roshwalb) (2) 576,389 - - 173,396 -
2012 (3) - - - - -

 

 13 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

(1)Dr. Roshwalb resigned as Akari’s Chief Executive Officer on 29 May 2017 and David Solomon was appointed as Akari’s Chief Executive Officer on 28 August 2017 and resigned 8 May 2018.

 

(2)Dr. Roshwalb was appointed as Akari’s Chief Executive Officer on 4 March 2013.

 

(3)Akari was not a quoted company in 2012.

 

(4)All options were awarded on a discretionary basis on an annual basis.

 

(5)Includes a $50,000 signing bonus.

 

(6)Bonus was awarded in 2017 but calculated from Dr. Solomon’s appointment on 28 August 2017.

 

(7)Bonus was awarded in 2016 but calculated for a 15-month period from the date of the acquisition of Volution Immuno Pharmaceutical SA on 18 September 2015.

 

(8)Bonus was awarded in 2015 but calculated for a 9-month period until the date of the acquisition of Volution Immuno Pharmaceutical SA on 18 September 2015.

 

Chief Executive Officer’s Remuneration Compared to Other Employees

 

The table below shows the percentage change in remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer and Akari’s employees as a whole between the year ended 31 December 2016 and the year ended 31 December 2017.

 

 

Percentage increase in remuneration

in year ended 31 December 2017
compared

with remuneration in the year ended

31 December 2016

CEO All employees
Basic Salary 3% 47%
Annual bonus (37%) (1%)
Taxable benefits 5% 33%

 

Relative Importance of Spend on Pay

 

The following table sets forth the total amounts spent by the Company on remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2017 and the year ended 31 December 2016. Given that Akari remains in the early phases of its business life cycle, the comparator chosen to reflect the relative importance of Akari’s spend on pay is Akari’s research and development costs as shown in its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017. The Company acquired Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA on 18 September 2015 and as a result spending has increased.

 

Period

Year Ended

31 December 2016

$

Year Ended

31 December 2016

$ (1)

Total spend on remuneration 4,608,190 3,145,055
Shareholder distributions - -
Research and development costs 23,285,279 17,306,001

 

(1)Increase was due to increase in headcount and initiation of clinical trials

 

Implementation of remuneration policy for year ending 31 December 2018

 

The following table presents the salary increases agreed for the upcoming fiscal year

 

 

Director

31
December
2017
31
December
2018 (1)
Increase
%
Executive Director
Ray Prudo $206,000 $212,180 3% (2)
David Solomon (3) $500,000 $515,000 3% (2)
       
Clive Richardson (4) £252,000 £259,560 3% (2)
Non-employee Director
James Hill, M.D $57,680 $58,792 2% (2)
Stuart Ungar, M.D $47,380 $48,492 2% (2)
David Byrne $47,380 $48,492 2% (2)
Donald Williams $52,530 $53,642 2% (2)
Robert Ward $47,380 $48,492 2% (2)

 

 14 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

(1) Additional discretionary bonuses may be awarded in accordance with contractual entitlement and the remuneration policy.

 

(2) Represents an increase in line with inflation.

 

(3) Dr. Solomon was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 28 August 2017 and his salary is on annualised basis. Dr Solomon resigned 8 May 2018.

 

(4) On 8 May 2018, Mr Richardson was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer.

 

Compensation Committee Approach to Remuneration Matters

 

The Compensation Committee is comprised of Dr. James Hill (Chairman), Dr. Stuart Ungar, and Mr. David Byrne. All members have continued to serve until the date of this Directors’ Remuneration Report. The charter of the Committee is set forth on Akari’s website at http://www.akaritx.com.

 

Advice Provided to the Compensation Committee

 

The Committee retained Willis Towers Watson to provide independent advice and consultation with respect to remuneration arrangements for the Executive Officers, senior management and the Non-Executive Directors. Willis Towers Watson is a global remuneration consultant with a well established reputation for design and implementation of remuneration programmes, including the design and implementation of equity-based award programmes. The amounts paid to Willis Towers Watson in the year ended 31 December 2017 totaled $17,870.

 

In addition to Willis Towers Watson, the Committee solicited and received input from the Chief Executive Officer concerning the remuneration of senior executives other than himself. The Chief Executive Officer provided recommendations with respect to annual cash bonuses to be paid to these persons for service in the year ended 31 December 2017 and base salary awards effective from 1 January 2018, and with respect to equity-based awards to be made to these persons in January 2018. The Chief Executive Officer also provided input concerning the remuneration packages of senior executives appointed during the year. Finally, the Chief Executive Officer also provided input to the Committee regarding the implementation of equity-based remuneration as an element of all other employees’ remuneration.

 

Statement of Voting at AGM

 

Akari is committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and the Compensation Committee takes an active interest in shareholder views and voting outcomes.

 

 15 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

PART II - DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

 

INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION OF THE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT IS NOT SUBJECT TO AUDIT.

 

This Directors’ Remuneration Policy (“Policy”) of Akari Therapeutics, Plc (“Akari”) was approved by shareholders at the 2017 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“AGM”). The Policy provides a framework for execution of Akari’s compensation framework from the date of its approval at the 2017 AGM and for a period of three years thereafter, unless changes to the Policy are required earlier and a new Policy is put to shareholder vote.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, in approving the Directors’ remuneration policy, authority is given to Akari to honour any commitments entered into with current or former Directors (such as the payment of a pension, fees or the vesting/exercise of past share option awards).

 

Akari’s remuneration policy seeks to provide compensation packages which will attract, motivate, reward and retain an executive team with the right calibre of talent, experience, and skills to lead a successful future for Akari. Akari’s compensation framework is designed to provide a competitive package in comparison to companies of similar size, complexity, maturity profile and geographic presence.

 

The table below sets out the main elements of Akari’s remuneration policy for its Executive Directors and seeks to explain how each element of the compensation package operates:

 

Policy table – Executive Directors

 

Element Purpose and
link to strategy
Operation Maximum opportunity Performance
metrics
Base salary Support the recruitment and retention of Executive Officers

·  Base salary levels are set taking into account the role, responsibilities and individual’s experience in the position, performance of the individual and Akari.

 

·  Base salaries are typically reviewed annually.

·  There is no prescribed maximum increase nor any requirement to increase salary at any time.

 

·  By exception, higher increases may be made to reflect individual circumstances. These may include significant changes in the job size or complexity and/or promotion.

·  None, although overall performance of the individual is considered when setting and reviewing salaries.
Pension Encourages and enables executives to build savings for their retirement ·  Akari typically makes contributions to pension plans (or retirement savings plans) to match prevailing local market practices. ·  Currently up to 10% of salary per annum. ·  None.
Other Benefits Provide market competitive benefits in a cost-effective way

·  Provisions include medical insurance, life assurance, permanent health insurance, etc.

 

·  In exceptional circumstances, such as the relocation of an executive or for a new hire, additional benefits may be provided in the form of relocation allowance and benefits.

 

·  Other benefits may be offered if considered appropriate and reasonable by the Compensation Committee.

·  No prescribed maximum.  The cost of benefits will vary from year to year in accordance with the cost of insuring such benefits. ·  None.

 

 16 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

Element Purpose and
link to strategy
Operation Maximum opportunity Performance
metrics
Bonus To reward the delivery of  annual targets as well as to recognise the individual contributions towards our key strategic achievements

·  Any bonus is paid in cash typically within 60 days after the end of the financial year to which it relates.

 

·  Performance objectives and targets are either fixed contractually or set annually and actual payout levels are determined after the year end, based on performance against targets subject to overriding discretion of the Compensation Committee.

·  The maximum annual bonus payable for any financial year is capped at 100% of salary, although the Compensation Committee reserves the right to vary this amount in exceptional circumstances. ·  Where performance conditions are attached to a bonus payment, targets are either fixed contractually or selected by the Compensation Committee and set annually and can include key financial, operational and/or individual objectives. All assessments of performance against target is made by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.

Equity incentive plan

(2014 Equity Incentive Plan)

To motivate and reward long-term performance in alignment with the shareholder interests and value-creation

 

·  Awards may be made periodically to Executive Officers in the form of options or in shares including stock appreciation rights, phantom stock awards or stock units.

 

·  Awards typically vest over three or four years and may be subject to phased vesting.

·  There is no specific maximum set for annual equity awards.

 

·  When making awards, the Compensation Committee will take into account internal grant guidelines, which have been set in reference to local market norms.

·  Where performance conditions are attached to an award, these typically include key financial, operational and/or individual objectives subject to overall Compensation Committee discretion.

CSOP

(UK resident employees and directors only)

·  Executives are eligible to participate in the all-employee CSOP Plan under the same conditions as all other employees. ·  Grant value of £30,000 or local market rules as amended from time to time. ·  None.

 

 17 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

Policy table – Non-Executive Directors

 

Akari’s non-employee compensation policy is administered by its board of directors with the assistance of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews non-employee director compensation policy and makes recommendations to the board.

 

Non-Executive Directors typically receive an annual retainer paid in cash for their service (depending on their additional membership and chairman responsibilities) and an annual grant of stock options but do not participate in the bonus plan to which Executive Officers are eligible, nor do they typically receive any other performance related payment.

 

The table below sets out some of the features of Akari’s current non-employee director compensation policy:

 

Element Purpose and link to strategy Operation Maximum opportunity Performance metrics
Annual Cash Retainer Fee Support the recruitment and retention of Non-Executive Directors

·  Each Non-Executive Director serving on the Board receives an annual cash retainer, with additional amounts payable for acting as a chairman or a member of various committees.

·  In addition, the Chairman and Vice Chairman receive an additional cash retainer.

·  Annual cash retainers are typically payable on a quarterly basis.

·  A Non-Employee Director may elect to receive annual cash payments in the form of fully-vested ordinary shares.

·  There is no prescribed maximum increase nor any requirement to increase salary at any time. ·  None.
Share options Strengthens the alignment to shareholders’ interests through share ownership

·  Directors typically receive an annual grant of options in the form of market value options under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.

·  These awards typically vest in full on the date of the next AGM following the date of grant, subject to the Non-Executive Director’s continued service on the Board, have a term of 10 years from date of grant, and vesting accelerates in the case of a change of control.

·  Normal initial grant and annual grant of share options will be equal to 1,300,000 (or equivalent value of ADS) but the Committee reserves the discretion to review and amend this amount. ·  None.

 

 18 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

The foregoing is qualified in its entirety by Akari’s current non-employee director compensation policy, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Approach to recruitment compensation

 

Akari’s policy is to pay a fair remuneration package for the role being undertaken and the experience of the individual to be appointed.

 

Akari expects remuneration packages for Executive Directors to include base salary, targeted level of annual cash incentive, initial and ongoing equity-based awards, standard benefits and special provisions tailored to the recruiting situation, such as: sign-on bonus, reasonable relocation support and make-whole awards for remuneration forfeited from a prior employer (whether on account of cash bonuses, share awards, pension benefits or other forfeited items). The Compensation Committee retains the discretion to provide additional cash, share based payment, benefits and other remuneration where necessary or useful to recruit new Executive Directors or to secure the ongoing service of existing Executive Directors.

 

The remuneration package for any new non-Executive Director will be set in accordance with the terms of Akari’s non-employee director compensation policy then in effect.

 

Director’s service contracts

 

Akari’s board of directors is divided into three classes for purposes of election (Class A Directors, who serve a one year term before being subject to re-election at Akari’s annual general meeting; Class B Directors, who serve a two year term before being subject to re-election at the annual general meeting; and Class C Directors who serve a three year term before being subject to re-election at the annual general meeting, provided also that in any two year period, a majority of the board must stand for re-election).

 

Service contracts are available for inspection at Akari’s registered office or 75/76 Wimpole Street London W1G 9RT.

 

Policy on Payments for Loss of Office

 

Akari’s approach to payments to Executive Directors in the event of termination is to take account of the individual circumstances including the reason for termination, individual performance, contractual obligations and the terms of any option award.

 

Generally, Akari expects that employment arrangements for any Executive Director will include a notice provision and continuing payment obligations as per the individual Executive Director service contracts following termination by Akari of an Executive Director without cause or termination by the Executive Director for good reason or change of control. Payment obligations could include base salary, benefits, and all or some portion of target annual cash remuneration. Akari may offer payment in lieu of notice if it is considered to be in the best interests of Akari.

 

Treatment of unvested outstanding equity awards will be determined according to the specific nature of termination, individual contracts, and plan rules.

 

The Compensation Committee reserves the right to make payments it considers reasonable under a compromise or settlement agreement, including payment or reimbursement of reasonable legal and professional fees, and any payment or compensation (in whatever form) in respect of statutory rights under employment law in the US, UK or other jurisdictions. Payment or reimbursement (in whatever forms) of reasonable outplacement fees may also be provided.

 

Other relevant information considered

 

As appropriate, the Compensation Committee considers the pay and conditions of the broader employee workforce when making compensation related decisions for the Directors.

 

The Compensation Committee also considers shareholder feedback, so far as it relates to compensation, when reviewing of the appropriateness of its Policy.

 

This report was approved by the board on 3 August 2018 and signed on its behalf.

 

/s/ Clive Richardson  
Clive Richardson  
Director  

 

 19 

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDER OF

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Akari Therapeutics plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 December 2017 which comprise the income statement, the consolidated balance sheet, the parent company balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders equity, the parent company statement of shareholders equity, the consolidated cash flow statement, the parent company cash flow statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements:

 

• give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

 

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

 

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

 

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

 

• the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

• the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the group’s or the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

 

Key audit matter How the matter was addressed

 

Management Override of Controls

 

·     We considered all areas requiring judgement, tested journal entries and incorporated unpredictability into our testing procedures.

 

 

Going Concern

 

 

·     We reviewed post year end trading activity and discussed with management.

 

·     We reviewed the cash flow forecast prepared by management and made enquiries with management on assumptions and judgements made.

 

·     We assessed the company’s ability to scale back operations and reduce costs should cash levels become low in the twelve months from the signing of the accounts.

 

 

 20 

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDER OF

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

Our application of materiality

The scope and focus of our audit was influenced by our assessment and application of materiality. We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement that could reasonably be expected to influence the readers and the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements. We use materiality to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole. Due to the nature of the group we considered expenditure and expenditure growth to be the main focus for the readers of the financial statements, accordingly this consideration influenced our judgement of materiality. Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the group to be $700,000. This value was derived from a benchmark of 2% of expenditure.

 

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the overall control environment, our judgement was that performance materiality (i.e. our tolerance for misstatement in an individual account or balance) for the company was 75% of materiality, namely $525,000

 

An overview of the scope of our audit

Our audit approach is based on obtaining and maintaining a thorough understanding of the group’s business, structure and scope in order to undertake a risk based audit approach. This approach requires us to identify relevant and appropriate key and significant risks of misstatement and determine the most appropriate tailored responses to this risk assessment. The extent of our work is determined by the level of risk in each area and our assessment of materiality as discussed above.

 

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

 

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

• the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act

2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

 

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 3, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

 

 21 

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDER OF

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

 

Ian Cliffe (Senior statutory auditor)

for and on behalf of haysmacintyre,

Statutory Auditor

10 Queen Street Place

London

EC4R 1AG

 

 22 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

       2017   2016 
   Notes   $000   $000 
             
Research and development expenses        (23,285)   (17,884)
Administrative expenses        (11,799)   (9,941)
Contingent costs        (2,700)   - 
                
OPERATING LOSS        (37,784)   (27,825)
                
Net finance income   3    (142)   1,023 
                
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX        (37,926)   (26,802)
                
Income Tax Expense   4    8,687    578 
                
loss for the YEAR        (29,239)   (26,224)
                
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:               
Currency translation differences        44    (437)
                
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEAR        (29,195)   (26,661)

 

All losses are derived from continuing activities for the current and previous financial year.

 

The Company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present the parent company income statement. Refer note 5 for the results of the parent company.

 

The notes on pages 28 to 41 form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

 23 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC COMPANY NUMBER: 05252842
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  
   
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2017  
   

 

       2017   2016 
   Notes   $000   $000 
ASSETS            
Non-current assets               
Property, plant and equipment   7    56    58 
Intangible Assets   6    36    39 
                
         92    97 
Current assets               
Trade and Other receivables   9    9,395    1,513 
Cash and cash equivalents        28,249    34,241 
Short term investments        -    10,022 
                
         37,644    45,776 
                
TOTAL ASSETS        37,736    45,873 
                
EQUITY               
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s               
equity shareholders               
Called up share capital   12    22,928    18,341 
Share premium   13    105,863    94,778 
Other reserves   13    (236)   (280)
Merger reserve   13    9,128    9,128 
Share based payment reserve   13    10,764    8,029 
Reverse Acquisition reserve   13    (20,983)   (20,983)
Retained earnings   13    (96,522)   (67,283)
                
TOTAL EQUITY        30,942    41,730 
                
LIABILITIES               
Non Current Liabilities               
Warrants   11    -    35 
Other long term liabilities   11    48    56 
Current liabilities               
Trade and other payables   10    6,746    4,052 
                
TOTAL LIABILITIES        6,794    4,143 
                
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES        37,736    45,873 

 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 3 August 2018 and were signed below on its behalf by:

 

/s/ Clive Richardson
Clive Richardson
Director

  

The notes on pages 28 to 41 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 24 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC COMPANY NUMBER: 05252842
   
PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  
   
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2017  
   

 

       2017   2016 
    Notes   $000     $000   
ASSETS               
Non-current assets               
Property, plant and equipment   7    56    58 
Investment in subsidiaries   8    20,339    20,339 
                
         20,395    20,397 
Current assets               
Trade and Other receivables   9    13,379    5,589 
Cash and cash equivalents        28,147    34,115 
Short term investments        -    10,022 
                
         41,526    49,726 
                
TOTAL ASSETS        61,921    70,123 
                
EQUITY               
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s               
 equity shareholders               
Called up share capital   12    22,928    18,341 
Share premium   13    105,863    94,778 
Merger reserve   13    9,128    9,128 
Share based payment reserve   13    10,764    8,029 
Retained earnings   13    (93,401)   (64,231)
                
TOTAL EQUITY        55,282    66,045 
                
LIABILITIES               
Non Current Liabilities               
Warrants   11    -    35 
Other long term liabilities   11    48    56 
Current liabilities               
Trade and other payables   10    6,591    3,987 
                
TOTAL LIABILITIES        6,639    4,078 
                
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES        61,921    70,123 

 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 3 August 2018 and were signed below on its behalf by:

 

/s/ Clive Richardson
Clive Richardson
Director

 

The notes on pages 28 to 41 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 25 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

                   Share   Reverse         
                   Based   Acquis-         
   Share   Share   Other   Merger   Payment   ition   Retained     
   Capital   Premium   Reserves   Reserve   Reserve   Reserve   Loss   Total 
   $000   $000   $000   $000   $000   $000   $000   $000 
                                 
At I January 2016   18,341    94,778    157    9,128    4,096    (20,983)   (41,086)   64,431 
                                         
Comprehensive loss for the year   -    -    (437)   -    -    -    (26,224)   (26,661)
Share based payments   -    -    -    -    3,933    -    -    3,933 
Dissolution of subsidiary   -    -    -    -    -    -    27    27 
                                         
At 31 December 2016   18,341    94,778    (280)   9,128    8,029    (20,983)   (67,283)   41,730 
                                         
Comprehensive gain/ (loss) for the year   -    -    44    -    -    -    (29,239)   (29,195)
Share based payments   -    -    -    -    2,735    -    -    2,735 
Shares Issued   4,587    11,085    -    -    -    -    -    15,672 
                                         
At 31 December 2017   22,928    105,863    (236)   9,128    10,764    (20,983)   (96,522)   30,942 

 

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

               Share Based         
   Share   Share   Merger   Payment   Retained     
   Capital   Premium   Reserve   Reserve   Loss   Total 
   $000   $000   $000   $000   $000   $000 
                         
At I January 2016   18,341    94,778    9,128    4,096    (38,221)   88,122 
                               
Total comprehensive loss for the year   -    -    -    -    (26,037)   (26,037)
Share based payments   -    -    -    3,933    -    3,933 
Dissolution of subsidiary   -    -    -    -    27    27 
                               
At 31 December 2016   18,341    94,778    9,128    8,029    (64,231)   66,045 
                               
Total comprehensive loss for the year   -    -    -    -    (29,170)   (29,170)
Share based payments   -    -    -    2,735    -    2,735 
Shares Issued   4,587    11,085    -    -    -    15,672 
                               
At 31 December 2017   22,928    105,863    9,128    10,764    (93,401)   55,282 

 

The notes on pages 28 to 41 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 26 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

   2017   2016 
   $000   $000 
Cash flows from operating activities          
Loss before income tax   (37,926)   (26,802)
Adjustments for:          
Changes in fair value of warrants   (35)   (650)
Share-based payment   2,735    3,933 
Foreign currency exchange gains   93    (273)
Depreciation and amortisation   42    51 
Trade and other receivables   807    (786)
Trade and other payables   2,698    (672)
Other liabilities   (8)   7 
Tax received   -    578 
           
Net cash flows used in operating activities   (31,594)   (24,614)
           
Cash flow from investing activities          
Receivable from related party   -    10 
Purchase of property and equipment   (37)   (55)
Purchase of short-term investments   -    (46,120)
Maturities of short-term investments   10,022    36,098 
           
Net cash from (used) investing activities   9,985    (10,067)
           
Cash flows from financing activities          

Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares

   

17,400

    -
 
Issue costs   (1,728)   - 
           
Cash generated from financing activities   15,672    - 
           
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents   (55)   (140)
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (5,992)   (34,821)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   34,241    69,062 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   28,249    34,241 

 

The notes on pages 28 to 41 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 27 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

   2017   2016 
   $000   $000 
Cash flows from operating activities          
Loss before income tax   (37,857)   (26,615)
Adjustments for:          
Changes in fair value of warrants   (35)   (650)

Share based payments

   2,735    3,933 
Compensation expense   -    - 
Depreciation   39    38 
Trade and other receivables   897    (1,252)
Trade and other payables   2,603    (559)
Taxation   -    - 
Exchange rate differences   -    - 
Other liabilities   (8)   7 
Tax received   -    578 
           
Net cash flows used in operating activities   (31,626)   (24,520)
           
Cash flow from investing activities          
Purchase of property, plant and equipment   (37)   (55)
Purchase of short-term investments   -    (46,120)
Maturities of short-term investments   10,022    36,098 
           
Net cash from (used) in investing activities   9,985    (10,077)
           
Cash flows from financing activities          
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares   17,400    - 
Issue costs   (1,728)   - 
           
Cash generated from financing activities   15,672    - 
           
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents
   1    27 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (5,968)   (34,570)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   34,115    68,685 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   28,147    34,115 

 

The notes on pages 28 to 41 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 28 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

(a)Basis of preparation

 

These consolidated financial statements of Akari Therapeutics Plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRIC interpretations issued and effective or issued and early adopted as at the time of preparing these statements and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a historical cost conversion. A summary of the more important accounting policies is set out below.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 1(n).

 

(b)Basis of consolidation

 

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

 

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same financial year as the parent company, applying consistent accounting policies throughout the Group. Inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealised profits are eliminated on consolidation.

 

The Group financial statements consolidate the Company’s financial statements of Akari Therapeutics Plc and its subsidiaries (the “Group”).

 

(c)Going Concern

 

The Group’s forecast and projections, show that at present, the Group has insufficient working capital to fulfil its current business plan for the next 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements without raising additional capital. However, the Group also has the option to revise its plan including reducing the scale of its operations and pace of development, to reduce discretionary costs to ensure its cost and liabilities are met from existing working capital resources. Therefore, having reviewed the group’s forecast and projections, and having made appropriate enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has sufficient funding and adequate resources to continue operationally for at least 12 months from the date of this Annual Report.  The Group therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The financial statements do not include the necessary adjustments required should the group cease to be a going concern.

 

(d)Foreign currency translation

 

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 functional currency of Akari Therapeutics Plc is U.S. dollars. The Group and Parent Company financial statements are presented in U.S Dollars which is considered to the Group’s presentation currency.

 

Transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transactions or valuation where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement.

 

 29 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Group companies

 

The results and financial position of all the Group entities (none of which has the currency of a hyper-inflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated as follows:

 

(a)assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are translated at the closing rate as at that balance sheet date;

(b)income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates; and

(c)all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

 

(e)Financial instruments

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the balance sheet.

 

Trade and other receivables

 

Trade and other receivables are recognised at fair value less a provision for impairment. Bad debts are written off through the income statement when identified. If collection is expected in one year or less, they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets.

 

Trade and other payables

 

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services received that have been acquired in the ordinary course of the business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Executory contracts are recognised when both parties to the contract met their respective obligations. Trade and other payable are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are stated at cost.

 

The Group's liability related to options and warrants related to equity and debt financing and are recognised on the balance sheet at their fair value, with changes in the fair value accounted for in the statement of comprehensive loss and included in financing income or expenses.

 

Share capital

 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

 

(f)Research and development expenditure

 

Research costs are expensed through the income statement as they are incurred. Research and development expenses include, among other costs, costs incurred by outside laboratories and other accredited facilities in connection with clinical trials and preclinical studies.

 

Under IAS 38, development costs are only capitalised after technical and commercial feasibility of the asset for sale or use have been established. The company must intend and be able to complete the asset and either use it or sell it and be able to demonstrate how the asset will generate future economic benefit. If the company cannot distinguish between the research and the development phase, then all costs are expensed as research costs.

 

(g)Property, plant and equipment:

 

Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost, including directly attributable costs, less accumulated depreciation and excluding day-to-day servicing expenses. The assets residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

 

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the assets at annual rates as follows:

 

Computers, peripheral and scientific equipment - 33%  

Office furniture and equipment - 33%

 

 30 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

The Group reviews all long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held or used is measured by comparison of the carrying value of the asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment recognised is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.

 

(h)Intangible assets:

 

Patent acquisition costs and related capitalised legal fees are recognised at historical cost. Patents have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line basis method and are amortised over the shorter of the legal or useful life. The estimated useful life for current patents is twenty two years.

 

The Group expenses costs associated with maintaining and defending patents subsequent to their issuance in the period the costs are incurred.

 

(i)Investments

 

Investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less provisions for impairment.

 

(j)Share-based payments and warrants

 

Where share options or warrants are awarded to directors and employees, the fair value of the options or warrants at the grant date is charged to the consolidated income statement over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each balance sheet date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options and warrants granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition.

 

Where the terms and conditions of options and warrants are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options and warrants, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to the consolidated income statement over the remaining vesting period.

 

When the options and warrants are exercised, the company issues new shares. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the options and warrants are exercised.

 

When share options and warrants lapse, any amounts credited to the share-based payments reserve are released to the retained earnings reserve.

 

(k)Finance income and expenses

 

Interest income and expenses are recognised using the effective interest method. It mainly comprises of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value through the income statement and exchange gains and losses which is reported on a net basis in the statement of comprehensive loss.

 

(l)Operating lease agreements

 

 

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made on operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

 

(m)Deferred taxation

 

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying values in the financial statements. The deferred tax is 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 does not affect either the accounting or taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.

 31 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

 

 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which temporary differences can be utilised.

 

(n)Critical accounting estimates and judgements:

 

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The preparation of financial statements requires management and the Board of Directors to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management and the Board believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, significantly impacting earnings and financial position.

 

Management believes that the following areas, all of which are discussed and separately marked in the respective sections of Note 1 “Accounting Policies,” comprise the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments it has to make in the preparation of the financial statements: valuation of intangible and other non-current assets, deferred taxation, and collecting trade receivables.

 

(o)Business combinations:

 

Business combinations on or after 1 January 2004 are accounted for under IFRS 3 (“Business combinations”) using the purchase price method. Any excess of the cost of business combinations over the group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is recognised in the balance sheet as goodwill.

 

After initial recognition, goodwill is not amortised but is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment loss, with the carrying value being reviewed for impairment, at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

 

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the related cash generating units monitored by management. Where the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement.

 

Intangible assets are tested annually for impairment and other non-current assets are tested where an indication of impairment arises. The assessment of impairment is made by comparing the carrying amount of cash generating units (including any associated goodwill) to the higher of their value in use and their fair value. Value in use represents the net present value of future discounted cash flows.

 

Any impairment of non-current assets are recognised in the income statement.

 

2.EXPENSES BY NATURE

 

   2017   2016 
   $000   $000 
           
Employee benefit expense (see below)   4,224    2,722 
Depreciation   39    38 
Amortisation   3    13 
Exchange (loss)/ gain   340    (273)
Auditors’ remuneration          
- audit fees   21    20 
- other services   2    2 

  

 32 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

 

 

 

2.EXPENSES BY NATURE (continued)

 

   2017   2016 
   $000   $000 
Employee benefit expense          
Wages and salaries   3,840    2,453 
Social security costs   384    269 
   4,224    2,722 
The average number of persons (including directors)          
employed by the group during the year was as follows:          
Office and administration   21    20 
           
Key management remuneration          
Wages and salaries   3,410    1,928 

 

The key management is considered to be the directors and senior management team. Details of directors’ remuneration can be seen within the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 9 to 17.

 

3.NET FINANCE INCOME

 

   2017   2016 
   $000   $000 
         
Change in value of liability related to warrants   35    650 
Net foreign exchange gains (losses)   (340)   273 
Interest Income   175    143 
Interest Expense   (9)   (39)
Other taxes   (3)   (4)
    (142)   1,023 

 

4(a).INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

   2017   2016 
   $000   $000 
Current tax:        
Current tax on losses for the year   (4,711)   - 
Adjustment in respect of prior years   (3,976)   (578)
    (8,687)   (578)
The tax assessed in the year is different from the standard rate of          
corporation tax in the UK of 19.25% in 2017 and 20.00% in 2016.          
The differences are explained below:          
           
Loss before tax   (37,926)   (26,802)
           
Loss on ordinary activities before tax multiplied by the standard          
companies’ rate of tax in the UK   (7,301)   (5,360)
           
Effects of:          
Losses carried forward   3,937    5,360 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes   542    - 
Surrender of tax loses for R&D tax credit refund   1,462    - 
Additional deduction for R&D tax credit   (3,351)   - 
Adjustment in respect of prior years   (3,976)   (578)
           
Tax charge/(credit)   (8,687)   (578)

 

 33 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

5.LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PARENT COMPANY

 

The parent Company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its own profit and loss account in these financial statements. The parent Company had a loss for the year of $29,170,000 (2016: $26,037,000).

 

6.INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GROUP  Patent     
   acquisition costs   Total 
   $000   $000 
Cost          
At 1 January 2017   95    95 
Additions   -    - 
           
At 31 December 2017   95    95 
           
Amortisation          
At 1 January 2017   (56)   (56)
Charge for the year   (3)   (3)
           
At 31 December 2017   (59)   (59)
           
Net Book Value          
At 31 December 2017   36    36 
           
At 31 December 2016   39    39 

 

7.PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

GROUP & COMPANY  Office furniture     
   and equipment   Total 
   $000   $000 
Cost          
At 1 January 2017   135    135 
Additions   37    37 
           
At 31 December 2017   172    172 
           
Depreciation          
At 1 January 2017   (77)   (77)
Charge for the year   (39)   (39)
           
At 31 December 2017   (116)   (116)
           
Net Book Value          
At 31 December 2017   56    56 
           
At 31 December 2016   58    58 

 

 34 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

8.INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

  Company  Investments in
Subsidiary
Undertakings
     $000
 
  At 1 January 2017  20,339
  Additions  -
      
  At 31 December 2017  20,339

 

The Company directly owns 100% of the issued share capital of the following subsidiaries, which have been included in the consolidated financial statements:

 

   Principal activity  Country of
incorporation
  Holdings   % 
               
Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA  Development of pharmaceutical drugs  Switzerland   Ordinary    100 
Celsus Therapeutics Inc.  Dormant  United States   Ordinary    100 
Morria Biopharma Ltd.  Dormant  Israel   Ordinary    100 

 

 35 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

9.TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 

  Group   Company 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
   $000   $000   $000   $000 
                    
Trade and other receivables   23    176    4,015    4,267 
Prepayments and accrued income   685    1,337    677    1,322 
Income tax receivable   8,687    -    8,687    - 
                     
    9,395    1,513    13,379    5,589 

 

10.TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 

   Group   Company 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
   $000   $000   $000   $000 
                 
Trade payables   1,961    2,316    1,836    2,275 
Accrued expenses   4,785    1,736    4,755    1,712 
                     
    6,746    4,052    6,591    3,987 

 

11.NON CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

   Group   Company 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 
   $000   $000   $000   $000 
                 
Warrants (note 14)   -    35    -    35 
Deferred rent liability   48    56    48    56 
                     
    48    91    48    91 

 

12.CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

 

Issued and fully paid  No of shares   Share Capital 
        $ 
           
Akari Therapeutics Plc          
As at 1 January 2017   1,177,693,383    18,340,894 
Issued during the year   348,000,010    4,586,640 
           
As at 31 December 2017   1,525,693,393    22,927,534 

 

 36 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

13.RESERVES

 

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

 

Share premium - Accumulated amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of the nominal value of the share capital issued.

 

Retained loss – Includes all current and prior period losses

 

Other reserves - Accounts for all other gains and losses reported by the group and not recognised elsewhere. Includes accumulated gains and losses arising from the retranslation of the net assets of overseas entities.

 

Share based payment reserve – This includes all movement for share options granted during the period.

 

Merger reserve – Merger reserve represents the premium on the shares issued to acquire Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA in accordance with the provisions of S612 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Reverse acquisition reserve – The reverse acquisition reserve relates to the reverse acquisition between Celsus Therapeutics PLC and Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA on 18 September 2015.

 

14.WARRANTS

 

Upon completion of the reverse acquisition, the Company assumed certain warrants that were issued in connection with several private placements by the Company and certain investors where it sold ordinary shares and warrants. Some of the issued warrants contain non-standard anti-dilution clauses.

 

As of 18 September 2015, the reverse acquisition date, warrants to purchase 5,617,977 ordinary shares had full ratchet anti-dilution protection (which would be triggered by a share or warrant issuance at less than $0.1958 price share or exercise price per share). The issuance of ordinary shares in connection with the financing triggered the full ratchet anti-dilution protection resulting in an additional 188,303 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of such warrants for a total of 5,806,280 and reducing the exercise price to $0.18945. As of 31 December 2017, the fair value of the warrants was $0. The net change in fair value was recognised as change in fair value of option and warrant liabilities in the Group’s consolidated statement of comprehensive loss The warrants expired on 4 April 2017.

 

The Group accounts for the liability warrants issued in accordance with IAS 39, “’Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” as a freestanding liability instrument that is measured at fair value at each reporting date, based on its fair value, with changes in the fair values being recognised in the Group's consolidated statement of comprehensive loss as financing income or expense. The fair value of warrants granted was measured using the Binomial method of valuation.

 

The Group’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, consisted of the following types of instruments as of the following dates:

 

   31 December   31 December 
   2017   2016 
         
Warrants (anti-dilution protection)  $-   $34,838 

 

 37 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

14.WARRANTS (continued)

 

Warrants to service providers and investors -

 

The warrants acquired as part of the acquisition and outstanding as of 31 December 2017 are as follows:

 

Grant date  Number of
warrants
  

Exercise

Price

  

 

Expiration date

            
2013 warrants   399,160   $2.00   16 January 2018-17 September 2018

 

15SHARE OPTIONS

 

As part of the business combination, the Group acquired the former Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The number of ordinary shares that may be issued upon exercise of options under the Plan, cannot exceed 141,142,420 shares. As of 31 December 2017, 51,530,422 ordinary shares are available to be issued to certain employees or directors under the Plan rules. The option plan is administered by the Group’s board of directors and grants are made pursuant thereto by the compensation committee. The per share exercise price for the shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an option shall be such price equal to the fair market value of the Group’s ordinary shares on the grant date and set forth in the individual option agreement. Options terminate ten years after the grant date and typically vest over three to four years.

 

The following is a summary of the Group's share options granted separated into ranges of exercise price:

 

Exercise
price

(range)

  

Options
outstanding

as of 31

December
2017

  

Weighted

average

remaining

contractual

life (years)

  

Weighted

average

exercise
price 

  

Options
exercisable

as of 31
December
2017

   Remaining
contractual
life (years for
exercisable
options
  

Weighted

average

exercise

price

 
                          
 0.04-0.19    68,013,351    9.17    0.08    16,950,450    8.36    0.15 
 0.32    21,053,647    7.72    0.32    12,154,979    7.72    0.32 
 0.60-0.75    170,000    6.27    0.69    170,000    6.27    0.69 
 0.80-1.56    175,000    4.26    1.56    175,000    4.26    1.56 
 2.00    200,000    5.73    2.00    200,000    5.73    2.00 
      89,611,998              29,650,429           

 

On 3 April 2017, the Company granted 7,150,000 options to its employees at an exercise price of $0.1171 per share that vests semi-annually over four years. On 28 June 2017, the Company granted 6,500,000 options to its employees at an exercise price of $0.0504 per share that vest annually over one year. On 1 September 2017, the Company granted 36,400,000 options to its directors at an exercise price of $0.036 per share, which will vest semi-annually over four years. On 1 December 2017, the Company granted 200,000 options to an employee at an exercise price of $0.0484, which will vest semi-annually over four years.

 

The Company accounts for awards of equity instruments issued to employees and directors under the fair value method of accounting and recognise such amounts in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss. The Company measures compensation cost for all share-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognise compensation expense in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss using the straight-line method over the service period over which it expects the awards to vest.

 

 38 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

 

 

 

15.SHARE OPTIONS (Continued)

 

The Company accounts for awards of equity instruments issued to employees and directors under the fair value method of accounting and recognise such amounts in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss. The Company measures compensation cost for all share-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognise compensation expense in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss using the straight-line method over the service period over which it expects the awards to vest.

 

The Company estimates the fair value of all time-vested options as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected share price volatility, which is calculated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s ADSs. The Company uses a risk-free interest rate, based on the U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of the grant, for the period comparable to the expected term of the option. Given its limited history with share option grants and exercises, the Company uses the “simplified” method in estimating the expected term, the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, for its grants.

 

The Company classifies its share-based payments as either liability-classified awards or as equity-classified awards. The Company remeasures liability-classified awards to fair value at each balance sheet date until the award is settled. The Company measures equity-classified awards at their grant date fair value and do not subsequently remeasure them. The Company has classified its share-based payments which are settled in common share as equity-classified awards and share-based payments that are settled in cash as liability-classified awards. Compensation costs related to equity-classified awards generally are equal to the grant-date fair value of the award amortised over the vesting period of the award. The liability for liability-classified awards generally is equal to the fair value of the award as of the balance sheet date multiplied by the percentage vested at the time. The Company charges (or credits) the change in the liability amount from one balance sheet date to another to compensation expense. Below are the assumptions used for the options assumed and granted in the year ended 31 December 2017:

 

   2017 
Expected dividend yield   0%
Expected volatility   78.77%-82.03% 
Risk-free interest   1.21%-2.21% 
Expected life   5.50-6.25 years 

 

During the year the Group recognised $2,735,000 in share based compensation expenses for employees and directors. As of 31 December 2017, there was $3,571,000 unrecognised compensation cost relating to unvested share options granted under the Group’s share option plans.

 

16.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

a.Classification of financial assets and liabilities:

 

The financial assets and financial liabilities in the statement of financial position are classified by groups of financial instruments pursuant to IAS 39 are:

 

   2017   2016 
   $000   $000 
         
Financial assets:          
Other receivables   23    176 
           
Financial liabilities:          
Trade payables, other payables, warrants and other long term liabilities   2,009    2,407 

 

 

 39 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

16.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

 

Financial risks factors:

 

The Group's activities are exposed to foreign exchange risk. The Group's comprehensive risk management plan focuses on activities and strategies that reduce adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group to a minimum.

 

1.Foreign currency risk:

 

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group's exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the Group's operating activities when expenses are denominated in a different currency from the Group's functional currency. The Group believes that no reasonable change in foreign currency exchange rates would have a material impact on the income statement or statement of changes in equity. The Group manages its foreign currency risk by managing bank accounts that are denominated in a currency other than its respective functional currency, primarily the Great Britain Pound (GBP).

 

2.Credit risk:

 

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument or supplier contract, leading to a financial loss. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits are deposited with major banks in Europe and the United States, and invested mostly in U.S. dollars and Great Britain Pounds. Such deposits may be in excess of insured limits and are not insured in other jurisdictions. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and therefore bear low risk.

 

3.Market risk:

 

The Group's financial instruments comprise equity investments, cash and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from its operations. The main risk arising from the Groups financial instruments is liquidity risk. The Group has not entered into any derivative transactions.

 

17.OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

 

The future minimum lease payable under non-cancelable office operating lease are as follows:

 

   London   United States 
   $000   $000 
         
2018   141    330 
2019   35    225 
           
Total   176    555 

 

 40 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

18.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The following transactions were carried out with related parties:

 

Office Lease - A non-employee director of the Company is also the CEO of The Doctors Laboratory (“TDL”).  The Company leases its UK office space from TDL and has incurred expenses of approximately $141,000 and $142,000 plus VAT during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

19.POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

 

On 23 January 2018, the Company appointed Michael Grissinger and Peter Feldschreiber to the Board, effective immediately, as Class A directors until the 2018 annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders. In connection with their appointment, Mr. Grissinger and Dr. Feldschreiber shall each be entitled to receive (i) cash fees of $38,192 per year for their service on the Board, and (ii) an initial grant of a ten-year stock option to purchase 1,300,000 ordinary shares of the Company (equivalent to 13,000 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.0347 per share (or $3.47 per ADS), which option shall vest ratably over four years in four equal installments beginning on the one year anniversary of the date of grant, subject to continued service on the Board and subject to acceleration in the case of change of control. In addition, the Company retains Mr. Grissinger as a consultant pursuant to which Mr. Grissinger is receiving consulting fees of up to $90,000 per annum.

 

In January 2018, the Company entered into a sublease of approximately 7,070 square feet of office space in New York, New York with a lease term ending on July 29, 2022. Under the sublease, the monthly fixed rent amounts range from approximately $63,000 to $70,000 per month during the lease term for cumulative fixed rent of approximately $3.3 million. In addition to the Company’s monthly fixed rent obligations, the Company is responsible for providing a security deposit, and payment of certain operating costs and taxes associated with the premises. The Company currently plans to sublease the premises subject to applicable landlord and sublandlord approval. In addition to the Company monthly fixed rent obligations, it will be responsible for providing a security deposit, and payment of certain operating costs and taxes associated with the premises.

 

On 27 April 2017, the Company issued a press release stating that Edison Investment Research Ltd., or Edison, has withdrawn its report issued 26 April 2017 titled “Akari’s Coversin matches Soliris in Phase II”, or the “Edison Report”, because it contains material inaccuracies, including without limitation, with respect to our interim analysis of our ongoing Phase II PNH trial of Coversin. Investors were cautioned not to rely upon any information contained in the Edison Report and instead were directed to the Company’s press release issued on 24 April 2017 that discusses the interim analysis of our then ongoing Phase II PNH trial and other matters. The Company’s Board of Directors established an ad hoc special committee of the Board to review the involvement, if any, of its personnel with the Edison Report, which was later retracted. Edison was retained by the Company to produce research reports about it. While that review was pending, Dr. Gur Roshwalb, a former Chief Executive Officer, was placed on administrative leave and Dr. Ray Prudo in his role as Executive Chairman temporarily assumed Dr. Roshwalb’s duties in his absence. Following that review, the Company determined that the Edison Report was reviewed and approved by Dr. Roshwalb, in contravention of Company policy. On 29 May 2017, Dr. Roshwalb submitted his resignation as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.

 

On 12 May 2017, a putative securities class action captioned Derek Da Ponte v. Akari Therapeutics, PLC, Gur Roshwalb, and Dov Elefant (Case 1:17-cv-03577) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, a former Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. The plaintiff asserted claims alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, based primarily on the Company’s press releases or statements issued between 24 April 2017 and May 11, 2017 concerning the Phase II PNH trial of Coversin and the Edison Report about the Company and actions taken by the Company after the report was issued. The purported class covers the period from 30 March 2017 to 11 May 2017. The complaint seeks unspecified damages and costs and fees. On 19 May 2017, an almost identical class action complaint captioned Shamoon v. Akari Therapeutics, PLC, Gur Roshwalb, and Dov Elefant (Case 1:17-cv-03783) was filed in the same court. On 11-12 July 2017, candidates to be lead plaintiff filed motions to consolidate the cases and appoint a lead plaintiff. On 10 August 2017, the court issued a stipulated order: (i) consolidating the class actions under the caption In re: Akari Therapeutics, PLC Securities Litigation (Case 1:17-cv-03577); and (ii) setting out schedule for plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint and defendants to respond thereto. By order dated 7 September 2017, the court appointed lead plaintiffs for the class and lead plaintiffs’ counsel. On 6 November 2017, lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint, or the

 

 41 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
 

 

19.POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS (continued)

 

CAC. While the CAC contains similar substantive allegations to the initial complaints, it adds two additional defendants, Ray Prudo and Edison Investment Research Ltd., and the purported class period was changed to 24 April 2017 through 30 May 2017. On 10 January 2018, at a hearing regarding the defendants’ impending motions to dismiss the CAC, the Court gave plaintiffs permission to file a second consolidated amended complaint, or the SCAC and established a briefing schedule for defendants’ motions to dismiss the SCAC. Pursuant to that schedule, plaintiffs’ SCAC was filed on January 31, 2018. All briefing on the motions to dismiss was completed on 20 April 2018. On 9 May 2018, the parties engaged in a mediation session and came to an agreement in principle to settle the dispute. On 8 June 2018, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding. By the terms of the memorandum, the parties agreed in principle to a total payment of $2.7 million in cash. The Company recorded the $2.7 million CAC litigation settlement loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss in the year ended 31 December 2017, which is the period in which the lawsuits were originally filed. The $2.7 million CAC settlement liability was recorded as a loss contingency in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets as of 31 December 2017. The Company expects the full amount of the litigation settlement loss to be covered by its directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. On 26 July 2018, plaintiffs filed a notice with the Court voluntarily dismissing Edison from the action. On 3 August 2018, the remaining parties executed and filed a stipulation and agreement of settlement (which largely tracked the parties’ agreement in the memorandum of understanding), and plaintiffs filed a motion seeking preliminary approval of the parties’ settlement. The motion for preliminary approval of the settlement is the first step in gaining the Court’s approval of the settlement. Separately, Edison has sought indemnification from the Company pursuant to its contract with us, including reimbursement of all legal expenses that Edison incurs in connection with the securities class action (to which, as discussed above, Edison was added as a defendant on 6 November 2017) and lost profits from customer relationships that Edison claims it lost as a result of the retraction of the Edison Report. The parties have come to an agreement in principle to settle the dispute. The settlement amount is expected to be immaterial to the Company’s operations and future cash flows. The parties are in continued discussions regarding finalizing a settlement.

 

The Company voluntarily reported to the SEC the circumstances leading to the withdrawal of the Edison Report and the outcome of its special committee’s investigation. In response, the SEC requested certain documents from the Company with respect to the matters it reported. The Company has been cooperating with the SEC’s requests for information. On 5 June 2018, the Company received a subpoena from the SEC, which requested further documents and information primarily related to the Company’s Phase II clinical trial of Coversin in connection with an investigation of the Company that the SEC is conducting. The Company is in the process of responding to the subpoena and will continue to cooperate with the SEC.

 

20.STANDARDS ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE

 

Standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not yet effective up to the date of issuance of the Annual Report are listed below. This listing is of standards, amendments and interpretations issued, which the group reasonably expects to be applicable at a future date. The group intends to adopt those standards when they become effective.

 

·IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’.
·IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’.
·Amendment to IAS 1, ‘Presentation of financial statements’ on the disclosure initiative.
·IFRS 16 ‘Leases’.

 

The impact on the Group’s financial statements of the future adoption of these and other new standards and interpretations is under review. With the exception of the IFRS 16 the Group does not expect the impact of such changes on the financial statements to be material.

 

21.ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

 

The ultimate controlling party of the Group is RPC who holds a 51% stake in the Group.

 

 42 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

PROXY FORM
 
AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

For use at the Annual General Meeting to be held at
Duke Room, First Floor, Chandos House, 2 Queen Anne Street W1G 9LQ
at 2.00 p.m. local time on September 19, 2018.

 

I/We 

(Name in full block capitals please)

of    

being (a) member(s) of Akari Therapeutics, Plc (the “Company) hereby appoint the Chairman of the meeting or

 

as my/our proxy to attend, speak and vote for me/us and on my/our behalf as identified by an “X” in the appropriate box below at the annual general meeting of the Company to be held at 2.00 p.m. local time on September 19, 2018 and at any adjournment of the meeting. This form of proxy relates to the resolutions referred to below.

 

I/We instruct my/our proxy to vote as follows:

 

No. Ordinary Resolutions For Against Abstain
(see note 2)
1. To receive the Statutory Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2017.      
2. To receive and adopt the Directors’ Remuneration Report.      
3. To re-elect Stuart Unger, M.D. as a Class A director.      
4. To re-elect James Hill, M.D. as a Class A director.      
5. To re-elect David Byrne as a Class A director.      
6. To re-elect Donald Williams as a Class A director.      
7. To re-elect Peter Feldschreiber as a Class A director.      
8. To re-elect Michael Grissinger as a Class A director.      
9. To re-elect Ray Prudo as a Class C director.      
10. To ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP, as independent registered public accounting firm of Akari for the year ending December 31, 2018.      
11. To re-appoint Haysmacintyre, as Statutory Auditors of Akari until the next annual general meeting.      
12. To authorize the audit committee of the board of directors of Akari to fix the Statutory Auditors’ remuneration.      
13. To authorize an increase in the number of shares available for the grant of awards under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.      

 

Dated this _____________  2018.

 

Signature(s): ___________________________________

 

Name: ________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Notes:

 

1. Please indicate with an “X” in the appropriate box how you wish the proxy to vote. In the absence of any indication, the proxy will exercise his/her discretion as to whether and how he/she votes. The proxy may also vote or abstain from voting as he/she thinks fit on any other business which may properly come before the meeting.
   
2. If you mark the box “abstain”, it will mean that your proxy will abstain from voting and, accordingly, your vote will not be counted either for or against the relevant resolution. It should be noted that a vote Abstain is not a vote in law.
   
3. The form of proxy should be signed and dated by the member or his attorney duly authorized in writing. If the appointer is a corporation this proxy should be under seal or under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorized. Any alteration made to the form of proxy should be initialed.
   
4. To be valid, this form of proxy, together with a duly signed and dated power of attorney or any other authority (if any) under which it is executed (or a notarially certified copy of such power of attorney or other authority) must be signed and dated and lodged at the Company’s registrars at the address below, so as to be received not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the meeting.
   
5. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. A member may appoint a proxy of his/her own choice. If you wish to appoint someone else, please delete the words “the Chairman of the meeting” and insert the name of the person whom you wish to appoint in the space provided. The Chairman of the meeting will act as your proxy, whether or not such deletion is made, if no other name is inserted. A member may appoint more than one proxy in relation to the meeting provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares.
   
6. In the case of joint holders, signature of any one holder will be sufficient, but the names of all the joint holders should be stated. The vote of the senior holder (according to the order in which the names stand in the register of members in respect of the holding) who tenders a vote in person or by proxy will be accepted to the exclusion of the vote(s) of the other joint holder(s).
   
7. Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, as amended, the Company specifies that entitlement to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting, and the number of votes which may be cast at the Annual General Meeting, will be determined by reference to the Company’s register of members at 6.30 p.m. (London time) on September 17, 2018 or, if the Annual General Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours before the adjourned Annual General Meeting (as the case may be). In each case, changes to the register of members after such time will be disregarded.
   
8. Completion and return of a form of proxy will not preclude a member from attending the meeting and voting in person.
   
9. The Company has retained SLC Registrars to hold and maintain its register of members. SLC Registrars will be engaged by the Company to send proxy forms to all registered members appearing on that register and to take delivery of completed proxy forms posted to it in accordance with the details above. Persons, who own ordinary shares through a brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution, including persons who own ordinary shares in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) evidencing American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) through the Depositary, Deutsche Bank AG London, the nominee of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (“Beneficial Owners”), must return a voting instruction form to have their shares or the shares underlying their ADSs, as the case may be, voted on their behalf. Brokerage firms, banks or other financial institutions that do not receive voting instructions from Beneficial Owners may vote at their discretion. ADS holders are not entitled to vote directly at the Annual General Meeting, but a Deposit Agreement, as amended, exists between the Depositary and the holders of ADRs pursuant to which registered holders of ADRs as of August 3, 2018 are entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of voting rights pertaining to the Ordinary Shares so represented. The Depositary has agreed that it will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote (in person or by delivery to the Company of a proxy) the ordinary shares registered in the name of Deutsche Bank AG London, as custodian for the Depositary, in accordance with the instructions of the ADR holders. Instructions from the ADR holders must be sent to the Depositary so that the instructions are received by no later than September 10, 2018, at 10 a.m. New York time.

 

Address for lodgment of Proxies:

SLC Registrars
Elder House
St Georges Business Park
207 Brooklands Road
Weybridge
Surrey KT13 0TS
United Kingdom