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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and its majority-owned subsidiaries, as well as any variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which FibroGen is the primary beneficiary. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. For any VIE for which FibroGen is not the primary beneficiary, the Company uses the equity method of accounting.

The Company operates in one reportable segment — the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to treat serious unmet medical needs.

The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable will be sufficient to meet its anticipated cash requirements for at least the next 12 months from the date of issuance of the financial statements. However, the Company may need additional capital thereafter and its liquidity assumptions may materially differ. The Company may utilize its available financial resources sooner than it currently expects and may incur additional expenses not currently contemplated. In addition, the Company may elect to raise additional funds at any time through equity, equity-linked, debt financing arrangements or from other sources.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

The reporting currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar.

The functional currency of FibroGen Europe is the Euro. The functional currency of FibroGen (China) Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“FibroGen Beijing”) is CNY. As such, monetary assets and liabilities of FibroGen Europe and FibroGen Beijing in currencies other than their functional currencies are remeasured using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. The assets and liabilities of FibroGen Europe and FibroGen Beijing are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. All income statement accounts are translated at monthly average exchange rates. Resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (deficit).

The functional currency of FibroGen, Inc. and all other subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, monetary assets and liabilities in the non-functional currency of these subsidiaries are remeasured using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Revenues and costs in local currency are remeasured using average exchange rates for the period, except for costs related to those balance sheet items that are remeasured using historical exchange rates. The resulting remeasurement gains and losses are included within interest income and other, net in the consolidated statements of operations as incurred and have not been material for all periods presented.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions include valuation and recognition of revenue and deferred revenue, specifically, estimates in variable consideration for drug product sales, and estimates in transaction price per unit for the China performance obligation (as defined and discussed under Revenue Recognition below). On an ongoing basis, management reviews these estimates and assumptions. Changes in facts and circumstances may alter such estimates and actual results could differ from those estimates.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company is subject to risks associated with concentration of credit for cash and cash equivalents. Outside of short-term operating needs, the majority of cash on hand is invested in U.S. treasuries, corporate bonds, commercial paper and money market funds. Any remaining cash is deposited with major financial institutions primarily in the U.S., China and the Cayman Islands. At times, such deposits may be in excess of insured limits. The Company has not experienced any loss on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents. Included in current assets are significant balances of accounts receivable as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Falikang — Related party

 

 

42

%

 

 

65

%

AstraZeneca

 

 

33

%

 

 

16

%

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate accounts receivable related to roxadustat sales in China from distributors represented 17% and 10%, respectively, of the consolidated accounts receivable, with no material balance from any individual distributor.

Other Risks and Uncertainties

Other Risks and Uncertainties

The Company’s future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the results of clinical trials and the achievement of milestones, research developments, actions by regulatory authorities, market acceptance of the Company’s product candidates, competition from other products and larger companies, the liquidity and capital resources of the Company, intellectual property protection for the Company's proprietary technology, strategic relationships, and dependence on key individuals, suppliers, clinical organization, and other third parties.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Time Deposits

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Time Deposits

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents also include money market accounts and various deposit accounts. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, a total of $32.2 million and $92.5 million, respectively, of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents was held outside of the U.S. in the Company’s foreign subsidiaries to be used primarily for the Company’s China operations. Restricted time deposits include an irrevocable standby letter of credit as security deposit for a long-term property lease with the Company’s landlord. Restricted time deposits were $1.7 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Investments

Investments

As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s investments consist primarily of diversified bonds, commercial paper, and money market funds. Those investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than 12 months (365 days) are considered short-term investments. Those investments with maturities greater than 12 months (365 days) from the balance sheet date are considered long-term investments. When such investments are held, the Company’s investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices at period end. Unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale debt investments that are deemed temporary in nature are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholder’ equity. Realized and unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in value and sale of the Company’s marketable equity investments are recorded in other income (expenses) in the consolidated statement of operations.

A decline in the fair value of any security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the corresponding establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Premiums and discounts are amortized (accreted) over the life of the related security as an adjustment to its yield. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of investments sold.

Trade Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable

The allowance for credit losses is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. The Company makes estimates of expected credit losses for the allowance for doubtful accounts by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, the age of the accounts receivable balances, current economic and regulatory conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay, and estimates of expected future losses. The Company’s bad debt expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were immaterial.

Credit Losses – Available-For-Sale Debt Securities

Credit losses – Available-for-sale debt securities

The Company periodically assesses its available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary impairment. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first considers its intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria are met, the amortized cost basis of such debt securities is written down to fair value through interest and other, net.

For debt securities in an unrealized loss position that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company assesses whether the decline in the fair value of such debt securities has resulted from credit losses or other factors. The Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and any adverse conditions specifically related to the securities, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss may exist, the Company then compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from such securities to their amortized cost basis. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded through interest and other, net, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any additional impairment not recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for, or reversal of, credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when the Company believes that an available-for-sale security is confirmed uncollectable or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, on a first-in, first-out, or FIFO, basis. The cost of the Company’s inventories in China is determined using full absorption and standard costing method. The Company reviews the standard cost of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods annually and more often as appropriate to ensure that its inventories approximate current actual cost. The cost of the Company’s inventories in the U.S. uses actual costs to determine its cost basis. The cost of inventories includes direct material cost, direct labor and manufacturing overhead.

When the technical feasibility of the Company’s future commercialization is considered probable and the future economic benefit is expected to be realized, based on management’s judgment, the Company capitalizes pre-launch inventory costs prior to regulatory approval. A number of factors are considered, including the status in the validation process in significant jurisdictions, regulatory application and approval process, and terms and condition for future sale of such inventory or future alternative use. The pre-launch inventory cost includes purchase cost of raw materials, cost paid to contract manufacturers for inventory manufacturing, freight and custom charges, and certain direct internal labor and overhead expenses.

The Company periodically reviews its inventories to identify obsolete, slow-moving, excess or otherwise unsaleable items. If obsolete, excess or unsaleable items are observed and there are no alternate uses for the inventory, an inventory valuation adjustment is recorded through a charge to cost of goods sold on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Inventory valuation adjustments require judgment including consideration of many factors, such as estimates of future product demand and product expiration period, among others.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Computer equipment, laboratory equipment, machinery and furniture and fixtures are depreciated over three to five years. Leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and amortized over the term of the lease or their useful life, whichever is shorter.

Equity Method Investment - Variable Interest Entity

Equity method investment - Variable Interest Entity

Under the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), when the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, it evaluates the entity to determine if it should be deemed a VIE, and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary and is therefore required to consolidate the VIE, based on significant judgment whether the Company (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

On an ongoing basis, the Company re-evaluates the VIE assessment based on potential changes in facts and circumstances, including but not limited to, the shareholder loans to the entity and the execution of any future significant agreements between the entity and its shareholders and/or other third parties.

Leases

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception date when it is given control of the underlying assets. The Company elected the practical expedient not to apply the lease recognition and measurement requirements to short-term leases, which is any lease with a term of 12 months or less as of the commencement date that does not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise.

Lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As its leases do not typically provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The Company reassesses the incremental borrowing rate periodically for application to any new leases or lease modifications, which approximates the rate at which the Company would borrow, on a secured basis, in the country where the lease was executed. For any lease modification, the Company reassesses the lease classification, remeasures the related lease liability using an updated discount rate, and adjusts the related ROU asset under the lease modification guidance under the ASC 842, Leases, (“ASC 842”).

Lease ROU assets include any lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The Company generally accounts for each lease component separately from the non-lease components, and excludes all non-lease components from the calculation of minimum lease payments in measuring the ROU asset and lease liability.

The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.

Regarding leases denominated in a foreign currency, the related ROU assets and the corresponding ROU asset amortization costs are remeasured using the exchange rate in effect at the date of initial recognition; the related lease liabilities are remeasured using the exchange rate in effect at the end of the reporting period; the lease costs and interest expenses related to lease liability accretion are remeasured using average exchange rates for the reporting period.

Finance leases are included in finance lease ROU assets, finance lease liabilities, current and non-current on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets, operating lease liabilities, current and non-current on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of its long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. If the Company determines that an impairment trigger has been met, the Company evaluates the realizability of its long-lived assets (asset group) based on a comparison of projected undiscounted cash flows from use and eventual disposition with the carrying value of the related asset. Any write-downs (which are measured based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset) are treated as permanent reductions in the carrying amount of the assets (asset group). Based on this evaluation, the Company believes that, as of each of the balance sheet dates presented, none of the Company’s long-lived assets were impaired. The Company had no impairment of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Liability Related to Sale of Future Revenues

Liability Related to Sale of Future Revenues

The Company accounts for the sale of future revenue as a debt, because the risks and rewards to the investor are limited by the terms of the transaction as discussed further in Note 10, Liability Related to Sale of Future Revenues. The difference between the carrying amount of the initial liability and the gross proceeds received is accounted for as a discount. The Company recognizes interest expense based on an estimated effective annual interest rate, which is affected by the amount and timing of revenues recognized and changes in the timing of forecasted revenues. Quarterly, the Company reassesses the expected revenues and the timing of such revenues, recalculates the amortization and effective interest rate and adjusts the accounting prospectively as needed
Asset Acquisition

Asset Acquisition

The Company evaluates acquisitions of entities or assets to assess whether or not the transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition by first applying a screen test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If this screen criteria is met, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If not, further determination is required as to whether or not the Company has acquired inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs which would meet the definition of a business. The Company measures and recognizes asset acquisitions that are not deemed to be business combinations based on the cost to acquire the assets, which includes transaction costs.

In an asset acquisition, the cost allocated to acquire in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) with no alternative future use is charged to research and development expense at the acquisition date. The Company recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in asset acquisitions, including contingent assets and liabilities, and non-controlling interests (“NCI”) in the acquired assets at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition.

An NCI represents the non-affiliated equity interest in the underlying entity or asset. The Company presents redeemable NCI in its consolidated statements of changes in equity within mezzanine equity. Nonredeemable NCI and redeemable NCI are initially recorded at their fair values. Subsequently, net loss in the underlying entity or asset is only allocated to nonredeemable NCI. Net income in the underlying entity or asset is allocated to nonredeemable NCI and redeemable NCI based on their respective stated rights.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenues under collaboration agreements

The Company’s collaboration agreements include multiple performance obligations comprised of promised services, or bundles of services, that are distinct. Services that are not distinct are combined with other services in the agreement until they form a distinct bundle of services. The Company’s process for identifying performance obligations and an enumeration of each obligation for each agreement is outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues. Determining the performance obligations within a collaboration agreement often involves significant judgment and is specific to the facts and circumstances contained in each agreement.

The Company has identified the following material promises under its collaboration agreements: (1) license of FibroGen technology, (2) the performance of co-development services, including manufacturing of clinical supplies and other services during the development period, and (3) manufacture of commercial supply. The evaluation as to whether these promises are distinct, and therefore represent separate performance obligations, is described in more detail in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues.

For revenue recognition purposes, the Company determines that the terms of its collaboration agreements begin on the effective date and end upon the completion of all performance obligations contained in the agreements. In each agreement, the contract term is defined as the period in which parties to the contract have present and enforceable rights and obligations. The Company believes that the existence of what it considers to be substantive termination penalties on the part of the counterparty create sufficient incentive for the counterparty to avoid exercising its right to terminate the agreement.

The transaction price for each collaboration agreement is determined based on the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled for satisfying all performance obligations within the agreement. The Company’s collaboration agreements include payments to the Company of one or more of the following: non-refundable upfront license fees; co-development billings; development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments; payments from sales of active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”); payments from sales of bulk drug product and royalties on net sales of licensed products.

Upfront license fees are non-contingent and non-refundable in nature and are included in the transaction price at the point when the license fees become due to the Company. The Company does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the customer and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer will be one year or less.

Co-development billings resulting from the Company’s research and development efforts, which are reimbursable under its collaboration agreements, are considered variable consideration. Determining the reimbursable amount of research and development efforts requires detailed analysis of the terms of the collaboration agreements and the nature of the research and development efforts incurred. Prior to CKD approval in the third quarter of 2021, determining the amount of variable consideration from co-development billings required the Company to make estimates of future research and development efforts, which involved significant judgment. Co-development billings are allocated entirely to the co-development services performance obligation when amounts are related specifically to research and development efforts necessary to satisfy the performance obligation, and such an allocation is consistent with the allocation objective.

Milestone payments are also considered variable consideration, which requires the Company to make estimates of when achievement of a particular milestone becomes probable. Similar to other forms of variable consideration, milestone payments are included in the transaction price when it becomes probable that such inclusion would not result in a significant revenue reversal. Milestones are therefore included in the transaction price when achievement of the milestone becomes probable.

For arrangements that include sales-based royalties and for which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). To date, royalty revenue resulting from its collaboration arrangements was immaterial.

The transaction price is allocated to performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling price (“SSP”), with the exception of co-development billings allocated entirely to co-development services performance obligations. The SSP is determined based on observable prices at which the Company separately sells the products and services. If an SSP is not directly observable, then the Company will estimate the SSP considering marketing conditions, entity-specific factors, and information about the customer or class of customer that is reasonably available. The process for determining SSP involves significant judgment and includes consideration of multiple factors, including assumptions related to the market opportunity and the time needed to commercialize a product candidate pursuant to the relevant license, estimated direct expenses and other costs, which include the rates normally charged by contract research and contract manufacturing organizations for development and manufacturing obligations, and rates that would be charged by qualified outsiders for committee services.

Significant judgment may be required in determining whether a performance obligation is distinct, determining the amount of variable consideration to be included in the transaction price, and estimating the SSP of each performance obligation. An enumeration of the Company’s significant judgments is outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues.

For each performance obligation identified within an arrangement, the Company determines the period over which the promised services are transferred and the performance obligation is satisfied. Service revenue that was recognized over time was based on progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. For each performance obligation satisfied over time, the Company assesses the proper method to be used for revenue recognition, either an input method to measure progress toward the satisfaction of services or an output method of determining the progress of completion of performance obligation.

Revenue under license agreements

Under a license agreement, if the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company recognizes revenues from upfront license fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the licensee and the licensee is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are bundled with other promises, the Company determines whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time. If the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time, the Company uses judgment in determining the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from the up-front license fees. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition.

Product revenue, net

Product revenue, net consists of revenues from sales of roxadustat commercial product to Falikang, and directly to pharmaceutical distributors located in one province in China that are not covered by Falikang. Falikang is jointly owned by AstraZeneca AB (“AstraZeneca”) and FibroGen Beijing. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of Falikang for accounting purposes, as AstraZeneca is the final decision maker for all the roxadustat commercialization activities, and the Company lacks the power criterion to direct the activities of Falikang (see Note 5, Equity method investment - Variable Interest Entity).

Sales to Falikang

Falikang became fully operational in January 2021, at which time FibroGen Beijing began selling roxadustat commercial product to Falikang. Falikang is FibroGen Beijing’s primary customer in China and substantially all roxadustat product sales to distributors in China are made by Falikang. Falikang bears inventory risk once it receives and accepts the product from FibroGen Beijing, and is responsible for delivering product to its distributors.

The promises identified under the AstraZeneca China Agreement (as defined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues), including the license, co-development services and manufacturing of commercial supplies have been bundled into a single performance obligation (“China performance obligation”). Amounts of the transaction price allocable to this performance obligation under the Company’s agreements with AstraZeneca as outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, are deferred until control of the manufactured commercial product is transferred to AstraZeneca.

The initiation of roxadustat sales to Falikang marked the beginning of the China performance obligation. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of roxadustat commercial product is transferred to Falikang. Revenue is recognized based on the estimated transaction price per unit and actual quantity of product delivered during the reporting period. Specifically, the transaction price per unit is determined based on the overall transaction price over the total estimated sales quantity for the estimated performance period in which the Company determined it is likely those sales would occur. The price per unit is subject to reassessment on a quarterly basis, which may result in cumulative catch up adjustments due to changes in estimates.

The overall transaction price for FibroGen Beijing’s product sales to Falikang includes the following elements of consideration:

Non-refundable upfront license fees; development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments based on the AstraZeneca China Agreement allocated to the China performance obligation;
Co-development billings resulting from the Company’s research and development efforts, which are reimbursable under the AstraZeneca China Agreement;
Interim profit/loss share between FibroGen Beijing and AstraZeneca from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020; and
Net transaction price from product sales to Falikang from January 1, 2021 onwards. The net transaction price includes the following elements:
o
Gross transaction price: The gross transaction price is based on a percentage of Falikang’s net sales to its distributors, which takes into account Falikang’s operating expenses and its payments to AstraZeneca for roxadustat sales and marketing efforts, capped at a percentage of Falikang’s net roxadustat sales.
o
Profit share: The gross transaction price is then adjusted for an estimated amount to achieve the 50/50 profit share from current period roxadustat net sales in China. The adjustments to date have been a reduction to the transaction price and the related accounts receivable from Falikang.

The non-refundable upfront license fees constitute a fixed consideration. The remainder of the above are variable consideration components, which may be constrained, and included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. The calculation of the above variable consideration includes significant assumptions such as total sales quantity, performance period, gross transaction price and profit share, which require significant judgment.

Any net transaction price in excess of the revenue recognized is deferred, and will be recognized over future periods as the performance obligations are satisfied.

Direct Sales to Distributors

The Company sells roxadustat in China directly to a number of pharmaceutical distributors located in one province in China that are not covered by Falikang. These pharmaceutical distributors are the Company’s customers. Hospitals order roxadustat through a distributor and the Company ships the product directly to the distributors. The delivery of roxadustat to a distributor represents a single performance obligation. Distributors are responsible for delivering product to end users, primarily hospitals. Distributors bear inventory risk once they receive and accept the product. Product revenue is recognized when control of the promised good is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the product.

The period between the transfer of control of the promised goods and when the Company receives payment is based on 60-day payment terms. As such, product revenue is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component.

Product revenue is recorded at the net sales prices that includes certain estimates of variable consideration. These estimates include price adjustment calculated based on estimated channel inventory levels when China’s National Healthcare Security Administration releases price guidance for roxadustat under the National Reimbursement Drug List, various fixed-amount or percentage-based rebates and discounts recorded as a reduction to revenue at the point of sale to the distributor or when distributor meets eligibility requirements, and estimated sales return as distributors can request to return product to the Company only due to quality issues or for product purchased within one year prior to the product’s expiration date.

The calculation of the variable consideration is based on gross sales to the distributor, or estimated utilizing best available information from the distributor, maximum known exposures and other available information including estimated channel inventory levels and estimated sales made by the distributor to hospitals, which involve a significant judgment.

The rebates and discounts all together are eligible to be applied against the distributor’s future sales order, limited to certain maximums until such rebates and discounts are exhausted. These rebates and discounts are recorded as contract liabilities at the time they become eligible and in the same period that the related revenue is recorded. Due to the Company’s legal right to offset, at each balance sheet date, the rebates and discounts are presented as reductions to gross accounts receivable from the distributor, or as a current liability to the distributor to the extent that the total amount exceeds the gross accounts receivable or when the Company expects to settle the discount in cash. The Company’s legal right to offset is determined at the individual distributor level. The contract liabilities were included in accrued and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The rebates and discounts reflected as reductions to gross accounts receivable for direct sales.

Drug product revenue

Drug product revenue includes commercial-grade API or bulk drug product sales to AstraZeneca and Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”) in support of pre-commercial preparation prior to the New Drug Application (“NDA”) or Marketing Authorization Application approval, and to Astellas for ongoing commercial activities in Japan and Europe. Drug product revenue is recognized when the Company fulfills the inventory transfer obligations.

The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price may be constrained, and is included in the drug product revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Estimating variable consideration and the related constraint requires the use of significant management judgment. The Company reviews new information that may affect its variable consideration estimate at every reporting period and records revenue adjustment, if certain and material. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received in the future may differ from the Company’s estimates, for which the Company will adjust these estimates and affect the drug product revenue in the period such variances become known.

As each of the Company’s collaboration agreements provide for annual true up to the considerations paid for its commercial supplies, the Company will re-evaluate the transaction price in each reporting period and record adjustment to revenue as uncertain events are resolved or other changes in circumstances occur.

License Acquisition Agreement

License Acquisition Agreement

In June 2021, the Company entered into an exclusive license and option agreement (the “HiFiBiO Agreement”) with HiFiBiO Therapeutics (“HiFiBiO”), pursuant to which the Company exclusively licensed all product candidates in HiFiBiO’s Galectin-9 program and subsequently exclusively licensed all product candidates in HiFiBiO’s CCR8 program in December 2021. Under the terms of the HiFiBiO Agreement, the Company has paid a $25.0 million upfront payment to HiFiBiO during the year ended December 31, 2021, and recorded a $35.0 million upfront payment for the CCR8 option exercise in accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2021, which was paid during the first quarter of 2022. HiFiBiO may receive R&D and regulatory milestone payments of up to $175 million, as well as sales milestones of up to $170 million. HiFiBiO will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties based upon worldwide net sales capped at 10%, subject to certain reductions. We expect to file INDs on product candidates for both the CCR8 and Galectin-9 programs in the first half of 2024.

The acquisition of these licenses was accounted for as an asset acquisition. The above-mentioned upfront payments of $60.0 million related to the license and options acquisition meets the definition of an in-process research and development asset (“IPR&D asset”) under the ASC 730, Research and Development. They relate to particular research and development projects and are determined to have no alternative future uses and thus have no separate economic value. Therefore, these upfront payments were recorded as research and development expenses during the year ended December 31, 2021, and the cash payments were reflected as investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Contingent consideration payments will be evaluated and recognized when they become probable and reasonably estimable. The related IPR&D asset will only be capitalized if it has an alternative future use other than in a particular research and development project. Otherwise, amounts allocated to IPR&D asset that have no alternative use will be expensed. As of December 31, 2023, the contingencies related to the milestone payments had not been resolved, therefore no contingent consideration was recognized. The Company will reassess the probability of future option payments and contingent payments on a quarterly basis.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses consist of above-mentioned expense for acquired IPR&D asset, independent research and development costs and the gross amount of costs associated with work performed under collaboration agreements. Research and development costs include employee-related expenses, expenses incurred under agreements with clinical research organizations, other clinical and preclinical costs and allocated direct and indirect overhead costs, such as facilities costs, information technology costs and other overhead. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Clinical Trial Accruals

Clinical Trial Accruals

Clinical trial costs are a component of research and development expenses. The Company accrues and expenses clinical trial activities performed by third parties based upon actual work completed in accordance with agreements established with clinical research organizations and clinical sites. The Company determines the costs to be recorded based upon validation with the external service providers as to the progress or stage of completion of trials or services and the agreed-upon fee to be paid for such services.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of employee-related expenses for executive, operational, finance, legal, compliance and human resource functions. SG&A expenses also include facility-related costs, professional fees, accounting and legal services, other outside services including co-promotional expenses associated with our commercialization efforts in China, recruiting fees and expenses associated with obtaining and maintaining patents.

Restructuring Charge

Restructuring Charge

A restructuring charge is recognized when the liability is incurred and accrued in the period in which it is probable that the employees are entitled to the restructuring benefits and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The restructuring liability accrued but not paid at the end of the reporting period is included in accrued and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. Management makes estimates, assumptions and judgments to determine the Company’s provision for income taxes and for deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowances recorded against the Company’s deferred tax assets. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent the Company believes that recovery is not likely, the Company must establish a valuation allowance.

The calculation of the Company’s current provision for income taxes involves the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments while taking into account current tax laws, interpretation of current tax laws and possible outcomes of future tax audits. The Company has established reserves to address potential exposures related to tax positions that could be challenged by tax authorities. Although the Company believes its estimates, assumptions and judgments to be reasonable, any changes in tax law or its interpretation of tax laws and the resolutions of potential tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The calculation of the Company’s deferred tax asset balance involves the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments while taking into account estimates of the amounts and type of future taxable income. Actual future operating results and the underlying amount and type of income could differ materially from the Company’s estimates, assumptions and judgments thereby impacting the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The Company has adopted ASC 740-10, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, that prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the Company’s income tax return, and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company maintains equity incentive plans under which equity awards are granted to employees, which are comprised of stock options, service-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based RSUs (“PRSUs”), and total shareholder return (“TSR”) awards.

The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock options, RSUs and PRSUs granted to its employees and directors based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards. The determination of the grant date fair value of options using the Black-Scholes valuation model is affected by the Company’s estimated common stock fair value and requires management to make a number of assumptions including the expected life of the option, the volatility of the underlying stock, the risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The Company determines the fair value of RSUs and PRSUs using the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. To estimate the fair value of the TSR awards, the Company uses the Monte Carlo valuation model to simulate the probabilities of achievement, which requires management to make a number of assumptions including 30-day average price, volatility of the underlying stock and the Company’s peers, and the risk-free interest rate.

The compensation cost of service-based stock options and restricted stock units is recognized net of any estimated forfeitures on a straight-line basis over the employee requisite service period. Compensation cost for PRSUs is expensed over the respective vesting periods when the achievement of performance criteria is probable. Compensation cost for the TSR awards is recognized over the requisite service period, regardless of when, if ever, the market condition is satisfied.

The Company believes that the fair value of stock options granted to non-employees is more reliably measured than the fair value of the services received.

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The fair value of employee stock options and RSUs is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. Compensation cost for PRSUs is expensed over the respective vesting periods when the achievement of performance criteria is probable. The Company estimates the fair value of the TSR awards using the Monte Carlo valuation model to simulate the probabilities of achievement. Compensation cost for the TSR awards is recognized over the requisite service period, regardless of when, if ever, the market condition is satisfied. The fair market value of common stock is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of the grant.

The fair value of employee stock-based compensation is estimated using the following assumptions:

Expected Term. Expressed as a weighted-average, the expected life of the options is based on the average period the stock options are expected to be outstanding and was based on the Company’s historical information of the option exercise patterns and post-vesting termination behavior as well as contractual terms of the instruments. The expected term of 2014 ESPP shares is the average of the remaining purchase periods under each offering period. The expected term of TSR awards is determined based on the grant date to the end of the performance period.
Expected Volatility. The Company considers its historical volatility data for volatility considerations for all of its stock-based compensation types except for its TSR awards, which is based on a blend of the Company’s and comparable public entities’ historical volatility.
Risk-Free Interest Rate. Expressed as a weighted-average, the risk-free interest rate assumption is based on the U.S. Treasury instruments whose term was consistent with the expected term of the Company’s respective stock-based compensation types.
Expected Dividend Yield. The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends and does not plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company is required to report all components of comprehensive income (loss), including net loss, in the consolidated financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, including unrealized gains and losses on investments and foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive gains (losses) have been reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for all periods presented.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires all public entities, including public entities with a single reportable segment, to provide in interim and annual periods one or more measures of segment profit or loss used by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. In addition, this guidance requires disclosures of significant segment expenses and other segment items as well as incremental qualitative disclosures. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods after December 15, 2024, with retrospective application required, and early adoption permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the effects of this guidance on its related disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires enhanced income tax disclosures, including specific categories and disaggregation of information in the effective tax rate reconciliation, disaggregated information related to income taxes paid, income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit, and income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its related disclosures.

Collaboration Arrangements and Revenues

Astellas Agreements

Astellas Japan Agreement

In June 2005, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Astellas for the development and commercialization (but not manufacture) of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in Japan (“Astellas Japan Agreement”). Under this agreement, Astellas paid license fees and other consideration totaling $40.1 million (such amounts were fully received as of February 2009). Under the Astellas Japan Agreement, the Company is also eligible to receive from Astellas an aggregate of approximately $132.5 million in potential milestone payments, comprised of (i) up to $22.5 million in milestone payments upon achievement of specified clinical and development milestone events (such amounts were fully received as of July 2016), (ii) up to $95.0 million in milestone payments upon achievement of specified regulatory milestone events, and (iii) up to approximately $15.0 million in milestone payments upon the achievement of specified commercial sales milestone. The Astellas Japan Agreement also provides for tiered payments based on net sales of product (as defined) in the low 20% range of the list price published by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, adjusted for certain elements, after commercial launch.

The aggregate amount of the considerations received under the Astellas Japan Agreement, through December 31, 2023 totals $105.1 million, excluding drug product revenue that is discussed under the Drug Product Revenue, Net section below. Based on its current development plans for roxadustat in Japan, the Company does not expect to receive most or all of the additional potential milestones under the Astellas Japan Agreement.

In 2018, FibroGen and Astellas entered into an amendment to the Astellas Japan Agreement that allows Astellas to manufacture roxadustat drug product for commercialization in Japan (the “Astellas Japan Amendment”). Under this amendment, FibroGen would continue to manufacture and supply roxadustat API to Astellas for the roxadustat commercial activities in Japan. The commercial terms of the Astellas Japan Agreement relating to the transfer price for roxadustat for commercial use remain substantially the same, reflecting an adjustment for the manufacture of drug product by Astellas rather than FibroGen. The related drug product revenue is described under the Drug Product Revenue, Net section below.

Astellas Europe Agreement

In April 2006, the Company entered into a separate collaboration agreement with Astellas for the development and commercialization of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in Europe, the Middle East, the Commonwealth of Independent States and South Africa (“Astellas Europe Agreement”). Under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement, Astellas paid license fees and other upfront consideration totaling $320.0 million (such amounts were fully received as of February 2009). The Astellas Europe Agreement also provides for additional development and regulatory approval milestone payments up to $425.0 million, comprised of (i) up to $90.0 million in milestone payments upon achievement of specified clinical and development milestone events (such amounts were fully received as of 2012), and (ii) up to $335.0 million in milestone payments upon achievement of specified regulatory milestone events. Under the Astellas Europe Agreement, Astellas committed to fund 50% of joint development costs for Europe and North America, and all territory-specific costs. The Astellas Europe Agreement also provides for tiered payments based on net sales of product (as defined) in the low 20% range.

On March 21, 2022, EVRENZO® (roxadustat) was registered with the Russian Ministry of Health. The Company evaluated the regulatory milestone payment associated with the approval in Russia under the Astellas Europe Agreement and concluded that this milestone was achieved in the first quarter of 2022. Accordingly, the consideration of $25.0 million associated with this milestone was included in the transaction price and allocated to performance obligations under the Astellas Europe Agreement, all of which was recognized as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2022 from performance obligations satisfied.

During the third quarter of 2021, the European Commission approved EVRENZO® (roxadustat) for the treatment of adult patients with symptomatic anemia associated with CKD. Astellas has launched EVRENZO in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Austria. This approval triggered a total of $120.0 million milestone payable to the Company by Astellas under the Astellas Europe Agreement. Accordingly, the consideration of $120.0 million associated with these milestones was included in the transaction price and allocated to performance obligations under the Astellas Europe Agreement, all of which was recognized as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2021 from performance obligations satisfied.

The aggregate amount of the considerations received under the Astellas Europe Agreement through December 31, 2023 totals $685.0 million, excluding drug product revenue that is discussed under the Drug Product Revenue, Net section below. Based on its current development plans for roxadustat in Europe, the Company does not expect to receive most or all of the additional potential milestones under the Astellas Europe Agreement.

Under the Astellas Europe Agreement, Astellas has an option to purchase roxadustat bulk drug product in support of commercial supplies. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company entered into an EU Supply Agreement with Astellas (“Astellas EU Supply Agreement”) to define general forecast, order, supply and payment terms for Astellas to purchase roxadustat bulk drug product from FibroGen in support of commercial supplies. The related drug product revenue is described under the Drug Product Revenue, Net section below.

Accounting for the Astellas Agreements

For each of the Astellas agreements, the Company has evaluated the promised services within the respective arrangements and has identified performance obligations representing those services and bundles of services that are distinct.

Promised services that were not distinct have been combined with other promised services to form a distinct bundle of promised services, with revenue being recognized on the bundle of services rather than the individual services. There are no right-of-return provisions for the delivered items in the Astellas agreements.

As of December 31, 2023, the transaction price for the Astellas Japan Agreement, excluding manufacturing services that is discussed separately below, included $40.1 million of non-contingent upfront payments, $65.0 million of variable consideration related to payments for milestones achieved, and $12.3 million of variable consideration related to co-development billings. The transaction price for the Astellas Europe Agreement, excluding manufacturing services that is discussed separately below, included $320.0 million of non-contingent upfront payments, $365.0 million of variable consideration related to payments for milestones achieved, and $220.7 million of variable consideration related to co-development billings.

For the technology license under the Astellas Japan Agreement and the Astellas Europe Agreement, SSP was determined primarily by using the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method, which aggregates the present value of future cash flows to determine the valuation as of the effective date of each of the agreements. The DCF method involves the following key steps: 1) the determination of cash flow forecasts and 2) the selection of a range of comparative risk-adjusted discount rates to apply against the cash flow forecasts. The discount rates selected were based on expectations of the total rate of return, the rate at which capital would be attracted to the Company and the level of risk inherent within the Company. The discounts applied in the DCF analysis ranged from 17.5% to 20.0%. The Company’s cash flow forecasts were derived from probability-adjusted revenue and expense projections by territory. Such projections included consideration of taxes and cash flow adjustments. The probability adjustments were made after considering the likelihood of technical success at various stages of clinical trials and regulatory approval phases. SSP also considered certain future royalty payments associated with commercial performance of the Company’s compounds, transfer prices and expected gross margins.

The promised services that were analyzed, along with their general timing of satisfaction and recognition as revenue, are as follows:

(1)
License to the Company’s technology existing at the effective date of the agreements. For both of the Astellas agreements, the license was delivered at the beginning of the agreement term. In both cases, the Company concluded at the time of the agreement that its collaboration partner, Astellas, would have the knowledge and capabilities to fully exploit the licenses without the Company’s further involvement. However, the Astellas Japan Agreement has contractual limitations that might affect Astellas’ ability to fully exploit the license and therefore, potentially, the conclusion as to whether the license is capable of being distinct. The Company considered the fact that at the time of delivery of the license, the development services were beyond the preclinical development phase and any remaining development work in either agreement would not be expected to result in any significant modification or customization to the licensed technology. As such, the development services are separately identifiable from the licensed technology, indicating that the license is a distinct performance obligation. The portion of the transaction price allocated to this performance obligation based on a relative SSP basis was recognized as revenue in its entirety at the point in time the license transfers to Astellas.
(2)
Co-development services (Astellas Europe Agreement). This promise relates to co-development services that were reasonably expected to be performed by the Company at the time the collaboration agreement was signed and is considered distinct. Co-development billings are allocated entirely to the co-development services performance obligation as amounts are related specifically to research and development efforts necessary to satisfy the performance obligation related to CKD approval, and such an allocation is consistent with the allocation objective. Through the third quarter of 2021 upon the approval of CKD, revenue was recognized over time based on progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company used an input method to measure progress toward the satisfaction of the performance obligation, which was based on costs of labor hours and out-of-pocket expenses incurred relative to total expected costs to be incurred. Subsequently, the Company accounts for the development services for the indications related to chemotherapy-induced anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes separately as services are provided. There was no provision for co-development services in the Astellas Japan Agreement.
(3)
License to the Company’s technology developed during the term of the agreement and development (referred to as “when and if available”) and information sharing services. These promises are generally satisfied throughout the term of the agreements.
(4)
Manufacturing of clinical supplies of products. This promise is satisfied as supplies for clinical product are delivered for use in the Company’s clinical trial programs during the development period, or pre-commercialization period.
(5)
Committee service. This promise is satisfied throughout the course of the agreements as meetings are attended.

Items (2)-(5) are bundled into a single performance obligation that is distinct given the fact that all are highly interrelated during the development period (pre-commercial phase of development) such that satisfying them independently is not practicable. For the revenue recognized over time based on progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation, the Company uses an input method to measure progress toward the satisfaction of the performance obligation, which is based on costs of labor hours or full time equivalents and out-of-pocket expenses incurred relative to total expected costs to be incurred, and updates the measure of progress in each reporting period.

(6)
Manufacturing commercial supplies of products. This promised service is distinct as services are not interrelated with any of the other performance obligations. Payments received for commercial supplies of products represent sales-based payments related predominately to the license of intellectual property under both Astellas agreements. Revenue is recognized as supplies are shipped for commercial use during the commercialization period. See the Drug Product Revenue, Net section below.

Under the Astellas Japan Amendment, the drug product revenue represents variable consideration and is estimated based on the quantity of product shipped, actual listed price for roxadustat issued by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and possible future changes to the listed price, adjusted for the timing of and estimated bulk product strength mix intended to be manufactured by Astellas, estimated cost to convert the API to bulk drug product tablets, and estimated yield from the manufacture of bulk product tablets, among others.

Under the Astellas Europe Agreement, the drug product revenue amount represents variable consideration and is estimated based on the quantity of product transferred and an estimated price. The estimated price is based on the contractual transfer price percentage applied on the estimated weighted average net sales price per strength, which is estimated to be realized by Astellas from the end sale of roxadustat in its approved territories.

License Revenue and Development Revenue Recognized Under the Astellas Agreements

License amounts identified below are included in the “License revenue” line item in the consolidated statements of operations. All other elements identified below are included in the “Development and other revenue” line item in the consolidated statements of operations.

Amounts recognized as license revenue and development revenue under the Astellas Japan Agreement were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

Agreement

 

Performance Obligation

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Astellas Japan Agreement

 

Development revenue

 

$

210

 

 

$

284

 

 

$

248

 

 

The transaction price related to consideration received through December 31, 2023 and accounts receivable has been allocated to each of the following performance obligations under the Astellas Japan Agreement, along with any associated deferred revenue as follows (in thousands):

 

Astellas Japan Agreement

 

Total Consideration
 Through
December 31, 2023

 

License

 

$

100,347

 

Development revenue

 

 

17,092

 

Total license and development revenue

 

$

117,439

 

 

There was no license revenue or development revenue resulting from changes to estimated variable consideration in the current period relating to performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods for the year ended December 31, 2023 under the Astellas Japan Agreement. The Company does not expect material variable consideration from estimated future co-development billing beyond the development period in the transaction price related to the Astellas Japan Agreement.

Amounts recognized as license revenue and development revenue under the Astellas Europe Agreement were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

Agreement

 

Performance Obligation

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Astellas Europe Agreement

 

License revenue

 

$

 

 

$

22,590

 

 

$

108,434

 

 

 

Development revenue

 

$

6,452

 

 

$

9,624

 

 

$

21,679

 

 

The transaction price related to consideration received through December 31, 2023 and accounts receivable has been allocated to each of the following performance obligations under the Astellas Europe Agreement, along with any associated deferred revenue as follows (in thousands):

 

Astellas Europe Agreement

 

Total Consideration
 Through
December 31, 2023

 

License

 

$

618,975

 

Development revenue

 

 

286,717

 

Total license and development revenue

 

$

905,692

 

 

There was no license revenue or development revenue resulting from changes to estimated variable consideration in the current period relating to performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods for the year ended December 31, 2023 under the Astellas Europe Agreement. The Company does not expect material variable consideration from estimated future co-development billing beyond the development period in the transaction price related to the Astellas Europe Agreement.

AstraZeneca Agreements

AstraZeneca U.S./Rest of World (“RoW”) Agreement

Effective July 30, 2013, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca for the development and commercialization of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in the U.S. and all other countries in the world, other than China, not previously licensed under the Astellas Europe and Astellas Japan Agreements (“AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement”). The AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement was terminated on February 23, 2024 (except South Korea). China is covered by a separate agreement with AstraZeneca described below. Under the terms of the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, AstraZeneca paid upfront, non-contingent, non-refundable and time-based payments totaling $374.0 million (such amounts were fully received as of June 2016). Under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, AstraZeneca also agreed to pay an aggregate of approximately $875.0 million in potential milestone payments, comprised of (i) up to $65.0 million in milestone payments upon achievement of specified clinical and development milestone events, (ii) up to $325.0 million in milestone payments upon achievement of specified regulatory milestone events, (iii) up to $160.0 million in milestone payments related to activity by potential competitors and (iv) up to approximately $325.0 million in milestone payments upon the achievement of specified commercial sales events.

Under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, the Company and AstraZeneca equally share in the development costs of roxadustat not already paid for by Astellas, up to a total of $233.0 million (i.e. the Company’s share of development costs is $116.5 million, which was reached in 2015). Development costs incurred by FibroGen during the development period in excess of the $233.0 million (aggregated spend) are fully reimbursed by AstraZeneca.

The aggregate amount of the considerations received under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement through December 31, 2023 totals $439.0 million, excluding drug product revenue that is discussed under the Drug Product Revenue, Net section below.

In 2020, the Company entered into a Master Supply Agreement with AstraZeneca under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement (“AstraZeneca Master Supply Agreement”) to define general forecast, order, supply and payment terms for AstraZeneca to purchase roxadustat bulk drug product from FibroGen in support of commercial supplies. The related drug product revenue is described under the Drug Product Revenue, Net section below.

AstraZeneca China Agreement

Effective July 30, 2013, the Company (through its subsidiaries affiliated with China) entered into a collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca for the development and commercialization (but not manufacture) of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in China (“AstraZeneca China Agreement”). Under the terms of the AstraZeneca China Agreement, AstraZeneca agreed to pay upfront consideration totaling $28.2 million (such amounts were fully received in 2014). Under the AstraZeneca China Agreement, the Company is also eligible to receive from AstraZeneca an aggregate of approximately $348.5 million in potential milestone payments, comprised of (i) up to $15.0 million in milestone payments upon achievement of specified clinical and development milestone events, (ii) up to $146.0 million in milestone payments upon achievement of specified regulatory milestone events, and (iii) up to approximately $187.5 million in milestone payments upon the achievement of specified commercial sales and other events. The AstraZeneca China Agreement is structured as a 50/50 profit or loss share (as defined), which was amended under the AstraZeneca China Amendment in 2020 as discussed below, and provides for joint development costs (including capital and equipment costs for construction of the manufacturing plant in China), to be shared equally during the development period.

The aggregate amount of the considerations received for milestone and upfront payments under the AstraZeneca China Agreement through December 31, 2023 totals $77.2 million.

On September 18, 2023, the Company received the formal notice, from Beijing Medical Products Administration, of renewal of its right to continue to market roxadustat in China through 2028. The Company evaluated the regulatory milestone payment associated with this renewal under the AstraZeneca China Agreement and concluded that this milestone was achieved in the third quarter of 2023. Accordingly, the consideration of $4.0 million associated with this milestone was included in the transaction price and allocated to performance obligations under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement and the AstraZeneca China Agreement, $3.5 million of which was recognized as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2023 from performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied. As of December 31, 2023, the $4.0 million milestone was recorded as a contract asset and was fully netted against the contract liabilities (deferred revenue) related to the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement and AstraZeneca China Agreement.

AstraZeneca China Amendment

In July 2020, FibroGen China Anemia Holdings, Ltd., FibroGen Beijing, and FibroGen International (Hong Kong) Limited and AstraZeneca entered into an amendment, relating to the development and commercialization of roxadustat in China (the “AstraZeneca China Amendment”). Under the AstraZeneca China Amendment, in 2020, FibroGen Beijing and AstraZeneca completed the establishment of a jointly owned entity, Falikang, which performs roxadustat distribution, as well as conducts sales and marketing through AstraZeneca.

Under the AstraZeneca China Amendment, with effect from April 1, 2020, AstraZeneca’s co-promotion expenses for their sales and marketing efforts are subject to a cap of a percentage of net sales. In addition, the AstraZeneca China Amendment has allowed for a higher cost of manufacturing incurred by FibroGen Beijing to be included in the profit or loss share calculation, subject to an annual cap, among other changes.

The co-promotion expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, capped at a percentage of net roxadustat sales in China, were $4.6 million, $4.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, included in the selling, general and administrative expenses.

Under the AstraZeneca China Amendment, profit/loss share between FibroGen Beijing and AstraZeneca is based on a calculation of the current period net roxadustat sales in China and deductible expenses pursuant to the AstraZeneca China Agreement. Based on the calculation revised under the AstraZeneca China Amendment, profit was achieved during 2020. As a result, the Company recorded a corresponding one-time profit share liability to AstraZeneca, the balance of which was $7.1 million and $7.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, in accrued and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

Substantially all direct roxadustat product sales to distributors in China are made by Falikang, while FibroGen Beijing continues to sell roxadustat product directly in one province in China. FibroGen Beijing manufactures and supplies commercial product to Falikang based on a gross transaction price, adjusted for the estimated profit share. In addition, AstraZeneca bills the co-promotion expenses to Falikang and to FibroGen Beijing, respectively, for its services provided to the respective entity. AstraZeneca is entitled to reimbursement of its sales and marketing expenses up to a cumulative capped amount of a percentage of net sales. Once such amount is reached, AstraZeneca will bill the co-promotion expenses based on actual costs as incurred plus a markup on a prospective basis, which is currently expected to continue through 2033. Development costs continue to be shared 50/50 between the Parties.

The related net product revenue recognized from the sales to Falikang and the sales directly to distributors are discussed under the Product Revenue, Net section below.

Accounting for the AstraZeneca Agreements

The Company evaluated whether the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement and the AstraZeneca China Agreement should be accounted for as a single or separate arrangements and concluded that the agreements should be accounted for as a single arrangement with the presumption that two or more agreements executed with a single customer at or around the same time should be presumed to be a single arrangement. The key points the Company considered in reaching this conclusion are as follows:

1.
While the two agreements were largely negotiated separately, those negotiations proceeded concurrently, and were intended to be completed contemporaneously, presuming AstraZeneca decided to proceed with licenses in all regions available.
2.
Throughout negotiations for both agreements, the Company and the counterparties understood and considered the possibility that one arrangement may be executed without the execution of the other arrangement. However, the preference for the Company and the counterparties during the negotiations was to execute both arrangements concurrently.
3.
The two agreements were executed as separate agreements because different development, regulatory and commercial approaches required certain terms of the agreements to be structured differently, rather than because the Company or the counterparties considered the agreements to be fundamentally separate negotiations.

Accordingly, as the agreements are being accounted for as a single arrangement, upfront and other non-contingent consideration received and to be received has been and will be pooled together and allocated to each of the performance obligations in both the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement and the AstraZeneca China Agreement based on their relative SSPs.

For each of the AstraZeneca agreements, the Company has evaluated the promised services within the respective arrangements and has identified performance obligations representing those services and bundled services that are distinct.

Promised services that were not distinct have been combined with other promised services to form a distinct bundle of promised services, with revenue being recognized on the bundle of services rather than the individual promised services. There are no right-of-return provisions for the delivered items in the AstraZeneca agreements.

As of December 31, 2023, the transaction price for the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement and the AstraZeneca China Agreement, excluding manufacturing services that is discussed separately below, included $402.2 million of non-contingent upfront payments, $118.0 million of variable consideration related to payments for milestones considered probable of being achieved, $614.6 million of variable consideration related to co-development billings, offset by $7.1 million of variable consideration related to the above-mentioned one-time profit share under the AstraZeneca China Amendment.

For the AstraZeneca agreements, the Company allocated the transaction price to the various performance obligations based on the relative SSP of each performance obligation, with the exception of co-development billings and commercial sale of product. Co-development billings under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement were allocated entirely to the U.S./RoW co-development services performance obligation, and co-development billings under the AstraZeneca China Agreement were allocated entirely to the combined performance obligation under the AstraZeneca China Agreement. Commercial sale of product under the AstraZeneca U.S./ROW Agreement is entirely allocated to the manufacturing commercial supply of products performance obligation, and commercial sale of product under the AstraZeneca China Agreement is allocated entirely to the combined China performance obligation.

For revenue recognition purposes, the Company determined that the terms of its collaboration agreements with AstraZeneca begin on the effective date and end upon the completion of all performance obligations contained in the agreements. The contract term is defined as the period in which parties to the contract have present and enforceable rights and obligations. The Company believes that the requirement to continue funding development for a substantive period of time and the loss of product rights, along with non-refundable upfront payments already remitted by AstraZeneca, represent substantive termination penalties that create significant disincentive for AstraZeneca to exercise its right to terminate the agreement.

For the technology license under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, SSP was determined based on a two-step process. The first step involved determining an implied royalty rate that would result in the net present value of future cash flows to equal to zero (i.e. where the implied royalty rate on the transaction would equal the target return for the investment). This results in an upper bound estimation of the magnitude of royalties that a hypothetical acquirer would reasonably pay for the forecasted cash flow stream. The Company’s cash flow forecasts were derived from probability-adjusted revenue and expense projections. Such projections included consideration of taxes and cash flow adjustments. The probability adjustments were made after considering the likelihood of technical success at various stages of clinical trials and regulatory approval phases. The second step involved applying the implied royalty rate, which was determined to be 40%, against the probability-adjusted projected net revenues by territory and determining the value of the license as the net present value of future cash flows after adjusting for taxes. The discount rate utilized was 17.5%.

AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement:

The promised services that were analyzed, along with their general timing of satisfaction and recognition as revenue, are as follows:

(1)
License to the Company’s technology existing at the effective date of the agreements. For the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, the license was delivered at the beginning of the agreement term. The Company concluded that AstraZeneca has the knowledge and capabilities to fully exploit the license under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement without the Company’s further involvement. Finally, the Company considered the fact that at the time of delivery of the license, the development services were beyond the preclinical development phase and any remaining development work would not be expected to result in any significant modification or customization to the licensed technology. As such, the development services are separately identifiable from the licensed technology, indicating that the license is a distinct performance obligation. Therefore, the Company has concluded that the license is distinct and represents a performance obligation. The portion of the transaction price allocated to this performance obligation based on a relative SSP basis is recognized as revenue in its entirety at the point in time the license transfers to AstraZeneca.
(2)
Co-development services. This promise relates to co-development services that were reasonably expected to be performed by the Company at the time the collaboration agreement was signed and is distinct. Co-development billings are allocated entirely to the co-development services performance obligation as amounts are related specifically to research and development efforts necessary to satisfy the performance obligation, and such an allocation is consistent with the allocation objective. Through the end of 2021, revenue was recognized over time based on progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company used an input method to measure progress toward the satisfaction of the performance obligation related to CKD approval, which is based on costs of labor hours or full time equivalents and out-of-pocket expenses incurred relative to total expected costs to be incurred. Subsequently, the Company accounts for the development services for other significant indications related to chemotherapy-induced anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes separately as services are provided.
(3)
Manufacturing of clinical supplies of products. This promise is satisfied as supplies for clinical product are delivered for use in the Company’s clinical trial programs during the development period, or pre-commercialization period.
(4)
Information sharing and committee service. These promises are satisfied throughout the course of the agreement as services are provided.

Items (2)-(4) are bundled into a single performance obligation that is distinct given the fact that all are highly interrelated during the development period (pre-commercial phase of development) such that delivering them independently is not practicable. For the revenue recognized over time based on progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation, the Company uses an input method to measure progress toward the satisfaction of the performance obligation, which is based on costs of labor hours or full time equivalents and out-of-pocket expenses incurred relative to total expected costs to be incurred, and updates the measure of progress in each reporting period.

(5)
Manufacturing commercial supplies of products. This promise is distinct as services are not interrelated with any of the other performance obligations. Revenue is recognized as supplies are shipped for commercial use during the commercialization period. The drug product revenue amount represents variable consideration and is estimated based on the quantity of product shipped and an estimated price for each individual purchase order. The estimated price is based on the contractual transfer price percentage applied on the estimated weighted average net sales price, which is estimated to be realized by AstraZeneca from the end sale of roxadustat in its approved territories. See the Drug Product Revenue, Net section below.

AstraZeneca China Agreement:

The promised services that were analyzed are consistent with the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, except for license to the Company’s technology existing at the effective date of the agreement, described as follows:

License to the Company’s technology existing at the effective date of the agreement. The license was delivered at the beginning of the agreement term. However, the AstraZeneca China Agreement has contractual limitations that might affect AstraZeneca’s ability to fully exploit the license and therefore, potentially, the conclusion as to whether the license is distinct in the context of the agreement. In the AstraZeneca China Agreement, AstraZeneca does not have the right to manufacture commercial supplies of the drug. In order to determine whether this characteristic of the arrangement should lead to a conclusion that the license was not distinct in the context of the agreement, the Company considered the ability of AstraZeneca to benefit from the license on its own or together with other resources readily available to AstraZeneca.

For the AstraZeneca China Agreement, the Company retained manufacturing rights as an essential part of a strategy to pursue domestic regulatory pathway for product approval, which requires the regulatory licensure of the manufacturing facility in order to commence commercial shipment. The prospects for the collaboration as a whole would have been substantially different had manufacturing rights been provided to AstraZeneca. The Company holds the rights to manufacture commercial drug product in China. Therefore, AstraZeneca cannot benefit from the license on its own or together with other readily available resources. Accordingly, all the promises identified, including the license, co-development services and manufacturing of commercial supplies, under the AstraZeneca China Agreement have been bundled into a single performance obligation and amounts of the transaction price allocable to this performance obligation are deferred until control of the manufactured commercial drug product has begun to transfer to AstraZeneca.

In accordance with the AstraZeneca China Amendment, substantially all product sales will be made by Falikang directly to the distributors in China, while the Company continues to sell directly in one province in China. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of roxadustat commercial product is transferred to Falikang. For the Company’s direct sales of commercial drug product, revenue is recognized when control of the promised good is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the product. See the Product Revenue, Net section below.

Product Revenue, Net

Product Revenue, Net

Product revenue, net from the sales of roxadustat commercial product in China was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Direct Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross revenue

 

$

13,190

 

 

$

12,366

 

 

 

13,727

 

Discounts and rebates

 

 

(1,298

)

 

 

(665

)

 

 

(1,740

)

Sales returns

 

 

2

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

83

 

Direct sales revenue, net

 

 

11,894

 

 

 

11,702

 

 

 

12,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales to Falikang:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross transaction price

 

 

154,817

 

 

 

112,544

 

 

 

97,531

 

Profit share

 

 

(66,254

)

 

 

(43,716

)

 

 

(34,759

)

Net transaction price

 

 

88,563

 

 

 

68,828

 

 

 

62,772

 

Decrease (increase) in deferred revenue

 

 

492

 

 

 

2,339

 

 

 

(27,204

)

Sales to Falikang revenue, net

 

 

89,055

 

 

 

71,167

 

 

 

35,568

 

Total product revenue, net

 

$

100,949

 

 

$

82,869

 

 

$

47,638

 

Direct Sales

Product revenue from direct roxadustat product sales to distributors in China is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products, net of sales rebates and discounts.

The discounts and rebates consisted of the price adjustments recorded based on government-listed price guidance and estimated channel inventory levels, the contractual sales rebate calculated based on the stated percentage of gross sales by each distributor in the distribution agreement entered between FibroGen and each distributor, and other rebates and discounts, as well as sales return allowance. The total discounts and rebates were immaterial for the periods presented.

Due to the Company’s legal right to offset, at each balance sheet date, the rebates and discounts are presented as reductions to gross accounts receivable from the distributor, or as a current liability to the distributor to the extent that the total amount exceeds the gross accounts receivable or when the Company expects to settle the discount in cash. The Company’s legal right to offset is determined at the individual distributor level. The contract liabilities were included in accrued and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and were immaterial as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The rebates and discounts were reflected as reductions to gross accounts receivable for direct sales and were immaterial as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Sales to Falikang – China Performance Obligation

Substantially all direct roxadustat product sales to distributors in China are made by Falikang. FibroGen Beijing manufactures and supplies commercial product to Falikang. The net transaction price for FibroGen Beijing’s product sales to Falikang is based on a gross transaction price, adjusted for the estimated profit share.

The roxadustat sales to Falikang marked the beginning of the Company’s China performance obligation under the Company’s agreements with AstraZeneca. Product revenue is based on the transaction price of the China performance obligation. Revenue is recognized when control of the product is transferred to Falikang, in an amount that reflects the allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligation satisfied during the reporting period. Any net transaction price in excess of the revenue recognized is added to the deferred balance to date, and will be recognized in future periods as the performance obligation is satisfied.

Periodically, the Company updates its assumptions such as total sales quantity, performance period, gross transaction price, profit share and other inputs including foreign currency translation impact, among others. Following updates to its estimates, the Company recognized $0.5 million from the previously deferred revenue of the China performance obligation during the year ended December 31, 2023. The product revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2023 included a decrease in revenue of 2.9 million resulting from changes to estimated variable consideration in the current period relating to performance obligation satisfied in previous periods. Comparatively, following updates to its estimates, the Company recognized $2.3 million from the previously deferred revenue of the China performance obligation during the year ended December 31, 2022.

The following table includes a roll-forward of the related deferred revenue that is considered as a contract liability (in thousands):

 

 

Balance at
December 31, 2022

 

 

Additions

 

 

Recognized as Revenue

 

 

Currency
Translation
and Other

 

 

Balance at
December 31, 2023

 

Product revenue - AstraZeneca China
   performance obligation - deferred revenue

 

$

(175,646

)

 

$

(94,099

)

 

$

89,055

 

 

$

839

 

 

$

(179,851

)

Deferred revenue includes amounts allocated to the China performance obligation under the AstraZeneca arrangement as revenue recognition associated with this unit of accounting is tied to the commercial launch of the products within China and to when the control of the manufactured commercial products is transferred to AstraZeneca. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $32.0 million of the above deferred revenue related to the China unit of accounting was included in short-term deferred revenue, which represents the amount of deferred revenue associated with the China unit of accounting that is expected to be recognized within the next 12 months, associated with the commercial sales in China.

Due to the Company’s legal right to offset, at each balance sheet date, the rebates and discounts, mainly related to profit sharing, are presented as reductions to gross accounts receivable from Falikang, which was $3.0 million and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Drug Product Revenue, Net

Drug Product Revenue, Net

Drug product revenue from commercial-grade API or bulk drug product sales to Astellas and AstraZeneca was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Astellas Japan Agreement

 

$

15,656

 

 

$

9,480

 

 

$

2,056

 

Astellas Europe Agreement

 

 

3,097

 

 

 

1,606

 

 

 

1,130

 

AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,224

)

Drug product revenue, net

 

$

18,753

 

 

$

11,086

 

 

$

962

 

Astellas Japan Agreement

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company updated its estimate of variable consideration related to the API shipments fulfilled under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment, and accordingly recorded adjustments to the drug product revenue of $2.1 million. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the API held by Astellas at period end, adjusted to reflect the changes in the estimated bulk product strength mix intended to be manufactured by Astellas, estimated cost to convert the API to bulk product tablets, and estimated yield from the manufacture of bulk product tablets, among others.

During the first quarter of 2022, the Company fulfilled a shipment obligation under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment, and recognized related drug product revenue of $9.8 million in the same period. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company fulfilled a shipment obligation under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment, and recognized related drug product revenue of $8.4 million in the same period. In addition, the Company updated its estimate of variable consideration related to the API shipments fulfilled under the terms of Japan Amendment with Astellas, and recorded a reduction to the drug product revenue of $8.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the API held by Astellas at period end, adjusted to reflect foreign currency translation impact, the changes in the estimated bulk product strength mix intended to be manufactured by Astellas, estimated cost to convert the API to bulk product tablets, and estimated yield from the manufacture of bulk product tablets, among others.

During the second quarter of 2023, the Company fulfilled two shipment obligations under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment, and recognized related drug product revenue of $14.4 million in the same period. In addition, the Company updated its estimate of variable consideration related to the API shipments fulfilled under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment and accordingly recorded an adjustment to the drug product revenue of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the API held by Astellas at period end, adjusted to reflect the changes in the estimated bulk product strength mix intended to be manufactured by Astellas, foreign exchange impacts and estimated yield from the manufacture of bulk product tablets, among others. As of December 31, 2023, the balances related to the API price true-up under the Astellas Japan Agreement were $1.2 million in accrued liabilities and $0.7 million in other long-term liabilities, representing the Company’s best estimate of the timing for these amounts to be paid. As of December 31, 2022, the related balance in accrued liabilities was $6.5 million.

Astellas Europe Agreement

During the first quarter of 2021, the Company transferred bulk drug product from process validation supplies for commercial purposes under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement. The Company recorded the consideration of $11.8 million from this inventory transfer as deferred revenue as of December 31, 2021, due to a high degree of uncertainty associated with the final consideration. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company transferred bulk drug product for commercial purposes under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement, and recognized the related fully-burdened manufacturing costs of $1.0 million as drug product revenue, and recorded $8.3 million as deferred revenue as of December 31, 2021, due to a high degree of uncertainty associated with the final consideration. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company updated its estimate of variable consideration related to the bulk drug product inventory transfers fulfilled under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement, and recorded an unbilled contract asset of $49.8 million, which was offset by related deferred revenue under the Astellas Europe Agreement and Astellas EU Supply Agreement. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the bulk drug product held by Astellas at the period end, adjusted to reflect the changes in the estimated transfer price, among others.

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company transferred bulk drug product for commercial purposes under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement, and recognized the related fully-burdened manufacturing costs of $1.0 million as drug product revenue, and recorded $23.2 million as deferred revenue due to a high degree of uncertainty associated with the variable consideration for revenue recognition purposes. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company billed and received $49.2 million from Astellas related to the annual transfer price true up for bulk drug product transferred for commercial purposes. This amount was recorded in deferred revenue and netted against an unbilled contract asset as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Company updated its estimate of variable consideration related to the bulk drug product transferred in prior years. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the bulk drug product held by Astellas at the period end, adjusted to reflect the changes in the estimated transfer price, forecast information, shelf-life estimates and other items. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company reclassified a total of $57.4 million from the related deferred revenue to accrued liabilities, which was paid to Astellas during 2023.

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company transferred bulk drug product for commercial purposes under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement, and recognized the related fully-burdened manufacturing costs of $0.8 million as drug product revenue, and recorded $17.7 million as deferred revenue due to a high degree of uncertainty associated with the variable consideration for revenue recognition purposes. In addition, the Company updated its estimate of variable consideration related to the bulk drug product transferred in prior years. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the bulk drug product held by Astellas at the period end, adjusted to reflect the changes in the estimated transfer price, forecast information, shelf-life estimates and other items. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company reclassified $38.7 million from the related deferred revenue to accrued liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, the related balance in accrued liabilities was $38.6 million, representing the Company’s best estimate that this amount will be paid within the next 12 months.

In addition, the Company recognized royalty revenue of $2.3 million and $0.6 million as drug product revenue from the deferred revenue under the Astellas Europe Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The remainder of the deferred revenue will be recognized as and when uncertainty is resolved, based on the performance of roxadustat product sales in the Astellas territory.

The following table includes a roll-forward of the above-mentioned deferred revenues that are considered as contract liabilities related to drug product (in thousands):

 

 

 

Balance at
December 31, 2022

 

 

Additions

 

 

Recognized as Revenue

 

 

Reclassified to Accrued Liability / Accounts Payable

 

 

Balance at
December 31, 2023

 

Drug product revenue - deferred revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astellas Europe Agreement

 

$

(40,303

)

 

$

(17,674

)

 

$

2,306

 

 

$

38,746

 

 

$

(16,925

)

 

AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company shipped bulk drug product to AstraZeneca as commercial supply under the terms of the Master Supply Agreement. Based on the complete response letter issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2021, the Company evaluated the impact of these developments in revising its estimates of variable consideration associated with drug product revenue. As a result, the Company updated the estimated transaction price for these shipments, and recorded $11.2 million as deferred revenue as of December 31, 2021. The related drug product revenue was $(2.2) million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

During the first quarter of 2022, the Company evaluated the current developments in the U.S. market, and updated its estimates of variable consideration associated with bulk drug product shipments to AstraZeneca in prior years as commercial supply. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company reclassified $11.2 million from the related deferred revenue to accrued liabilities, which remained unchanged as of December 31, 2023, representing its best estimate that this amount will be paid within the next 12 months.

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under U.S. GAAP, the Company presents all financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair-value measurements. The guidance also requires fair value measurements be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs.

The Company values certain assets and liabilities, focusing on the inputs used to measure fair value, particularly in instances where the measurement uses significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. The Company’s financial instruments are valued using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) or based upon other observable inputs (Level 2). The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires management to make judgments and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. In addition, the categories presented do not suggest how prices may be affected by the size of the purchases or sales, particularly with the largest highly liquid financial issuers who are in markets continuously with non-equity instruments, or how any such financial assets may be impacted by other factors such as U.S. government guarantees. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The availability of observable data is monitored to assess appropriate classification of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy. Depending upon the availability of such inputs, specific securities may transfer between levels. In such instances, the transfer is reported at the end of the reporting period.