FORTE BIOSCIENCES, INC., 10-Q filed on 5/13/2024
Quarterly Report
v3.24.1.1.u2
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
May 10, 2024
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2024  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2024  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Trading Symbol FBRX  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Registrant Name FORTE BIOSCIENCES, INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001419041  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity File Number 001-38052  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 26-1243872  
Entity Address, Address Line One 3060 Pegasus Park Drive, Building 6  
Entity Address, City or Town Dallas  
Entity Address, State or Province TX  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 75247  
City Area Code 310  
Local Phone Number 618-6994  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   36,442,380
v3.24.1.1.u2
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,444 $ 37,125
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,058 1,202
Total current assets 31,502 38,327
Property and equipment, net 106 109
Other assets 409 544
Total assets 32,017 38,980
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 1,685 1,424
Accrued liabilities 1,647 2,242
Total current liabilities 3,332 3,666
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Stockholders’ equity    
Common stock, $0.001 par value: 200,000,000 shares authorized as of March 31, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023; 36,394,882 and 36,335,105 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023, respectively 36 36
Additional paid-in capital 154,591 153,794
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2) 4
Accumulated deficit (125,940) (118,520)
Total stockholders’ equity 28,685 35,314
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 32,017 $ 38,980
v3.24.1.1.u2
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - $ / shares
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Common stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized 200,000,000 200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 36,394,882 36,335,105
Common stock, shares outstanding 36,394,882 36,335,105
v3.24.1.1.u2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Operating expenses:    
Research and development (including $29 and $0 of related party transactions for the 3 months ending March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively) $ 4,353 $ 4,787
General and administrative 3,451 2,068
Total operating expenses 7,804 6,855
Loss from operations (7,804) (6,855)
Other income, net 384 102
Net loss $ (7,420) $ (6,753)
Net loss per share - basic $ (0.16) $ (0.32)
Net loss per share - diluted $ (0.16) $ (0.32)
Weighted average shares and pre-funded warrants outstanding, basic 46,082,861 21,006,680
Weighted average shares and pre-funded warrants outstanding, diluted 46,082,861 21,006,680
Comprehensive Loss:    
Net loss $ (7,420) $ (6,753)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (6)  
Comprehensive loss $ (7,426) $ (6,753)
v3.24.1.1.u2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Research and development $ 4,353 $ 4,787
Related Party    
Research and development $ 29 $ 0
v3.24.1.1.u2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Deficit
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 38,818 $ 21 $ 125,841   $ (87,044)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2022   21,000,069      
Issuance of common stock under ESPP 6   6    
Issuance of common stock under ESPP, shares   7,000      
Stock-based compensation 877   877    
Net loss (6,753)       (6,753)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2023 32,948 $ 21 126,724   (93,797)
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2023   21,007,069      
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2023 35,314 $ 36 153,794 $ 4 (118,520)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2023   36,335,105      
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units, net (16)   (16)    
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units, net, shares   49,277      
Issuance of common stock under ESPP 8   8    
Issuance of common stock under ESPP, shares   10,500      
Stock-based compensation 805   805    
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (6)     (6)  
Net loss (7,420)       (7,420)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2024 $ 28,685 $ 36 $ 154,591 $ (2) $ (125,940)
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2024   36,394,882      
v3.24.1.1.u2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net loss $ (7,420) $ (6,753)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
Depreciation expense 9  
Stock-based compensation expense 805 877
Accretion of debt discount on available-for-sale securities (6)  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Prepaid expenses and other assets 279 91
Accounts payable 261 189
Accrued liabilities (595) 392
Net cash used in operating activities (6,667) (5,204)
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Purchase of property and equipment (6)  
Net cash used in investing activities (6)  
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under ESPP 8 6
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (16)  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (8) 6
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (6,681) (5,198)
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period 37,125 41,100
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period $ 30,444 $ 35,902
v3.24.1.1.u2
Organization and Description of Business
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Organization and Description of Business

1. Organization and Description of Business

 

Forte Biosciences, Inc. (www.fortebiorx.com) and its subsidiaries, referred to herein as the “Company” or "Forte", is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing its FB102 program which the Company believes has potentially broad applications for autoimmune and autoimmune-related diseases, including graft-versus-host disease ("GvHD"). FB102 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

The Company merged with Tocagen, Inc. ("Merger"), a publicly traded biotechnology company, on June 15, 2020. Prior to the Merger, Forte was a privately held company incorporated in Delaware on May 3, 2017. The Company's headquarters is in Dallas, Texas. The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol “FBRX”‌.

Liquidity and Risks

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments relating to the recoverability and reclassification of assets and liabilities that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern. Since inception, the Company has incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $125.9 million. The Company used $6.7 million of cash in operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024. Management expects to continue to incur additional losses in the foreseeable future as the Company focuses its development efforts on advancing FB102 through clinical trials.

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $30.4 million as of March 31, 2024. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at financial institutions and exceed federally insured limits. The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to allow the Company to fund its operations for at least 12 months from the filing date of this Form 10-Q.

The Company will continue to need to raise additional capital or obtain financing from other sources. Management may fund future operations through the sale of equity and debt financings and may also seek additional capital through arrangements with strategic partners or other sources. There can be no assurance that additional funding will be available on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. If the Company is unable to raise additional funding to meet its working capital needs in the future, it may be forced to delay or reduce the scope of its research and development programs and/or limit or cease its operations. The Company's ability to raise additional funds may be adversely impacted by potential worsening global economic conditions and the recent disruptions to, and volatility in, the credit and financial markets in the United States and worldwide resulting from the military conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and otherwise.

There are numerous risks and uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical development and the Company is unable to predict the timing or amount of increased expenses on the development of future product candidates or when or if it will start to generate revenues. Even if the Company does generate revenues, it may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability. If the Company fails to become profitable or is unable to sustain profitability on a continuing basis, then it may be unable to continue its operations at planned levels and may be forced to reduce its operations.

Businesses throughout our industry have been and will continue to be impacted by a number of challenging and unexpected global and national events and circumstances that continue to evolve, including without limitation the COVID-19 pandemic, the military conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, increased economic uncertainty, inflation, rising interest rates, recent and any potential future financial institution failures, and other geopolitical tensions. The extent of the impact of these events and circumstances on our business, operations, development

timelines and plans remains uncertain, and will depend on certain developments, including the duration and scope of the events and their impact on the Company's development activities, third parties with whom it does business, as well as its impact on regulatory authorities and its key scientific and management personnel. The Company has been and continues to actively monitor the potential impacts that these various events and circumstances may have on its business and the Company takes steps, where warranted, to minimize any potential negative impacts on its business resulting from these events and circumstances.

v3.24.1.1.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company should be read in conjunction with its audited financial statements and accompanying notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 18, 2024. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and the rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company’s financial position, the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any future period.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant management estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses include stock-based compensation expense and accruals for clinical trials and drug manufacturing. Although these estimates are based on the Company’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately materially differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include U.S. treasury bills, money market funds and deposits with commercial banks. Cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase.

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

The Company’s available-for-sale securities primarily consist of U.S. government and agency securities. Securities with maturities from the date of purchase of 90 days or less are included in cash equivalents. The Company classifies its marketable securities as available-for-sale and records such assets at estimated fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the specific identification method and recorded as interest income (loss).

 

Any premium arising at purchase is amortized to the earliest call date and any discount arising at purchase is accreted to maturity. Accretion of discounts are recorded in interest income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

 

 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in determining fair value by their reliability and preferred use as follows:

Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurements and are unobservable.

To the extent that a valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable, or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized within Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

There have been no significant changes to the valuation methods utilized by the Company during the periods presented. There have been no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 in any periods presented.

The carrying amounts of financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities included in the Company’s financial statements, are reasonable estimates of fair value, primarily due to their short maturities.

Net Loss Per Share

The Company’s net loss is equivalent to net loss attributable to common stockholders for all periods presented. Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares, without consideration for common stock equivalents. The weighted average number of shares of common stock used in the basic and diluted net loss per share calculation include the pre-funded warrants outstanding during the period as they are exercisable at any time and their exercise requires only nominal consideration for the delivery of shares. As of March 31, 2024, no pre-funded warrants have been exercised and pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,689,293 shares of common stock were outstanding.

Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period in accordance with the treasury stock method. The following number of unexercised stock options, restricted stock units, warrants, and shares expected to be purchased under the ESPP, which are common stock equivalents, have been excluded from the diluted net loss calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Options

 

 

5,027,570

 

 

 

2,413,195

 

Restricted stock units

 

 

897,201

 

 

 

1,262,201

 

Warrants

 

 

4,434

 

 

 

4,434

 

ESPP

 

 

1,480

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

5,930,685

 

 

 

3,679,830

 

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In August 2020, the FASB issued ​ASU 2020-06​, ​Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)​ (“ASU 2020-06”). ​ASU 2020-06 eliminates the beneficial conversion and cash conversion accounting models for convertible instruments. It also amends the accounting for certain contracts in an entity’s own equity that are currently

accounted for as derivatives because of specific settlement provisions. In addition, ASU 2020-06 modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain contracts that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted earnings per share computation. The amendments in ASU 2020-06 are effective for smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 as of January 1, 2024, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies and adopted by us as of a specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosure. This ASU includes amendments that further enhance income tax disclosures, primarily through standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The ASU is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2024, but early adoption is permitted. This ASU should be applied on a prospective basis, although retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the changes required by the new standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The new standard is intended to improve annual and interim reportable segment disclosure requirements regardless of number of reporting units, primarily through enhanced disclosures of significant expenses. The amendment requires public entities to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and included within each reported measure of segment profit and loss. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years starting after December 15, 2024. This ASU must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the changes required by the new standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

v3.24.1.1.u2
Balance Sheet Components
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]  
Balance Sheet Components

3. Balance Sheet Components

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Prepaid manufacturing and research expenses

 

$

182

 

 

$

306

 

Prepaid insurance

 

 

280

 

 

 

318

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

363

 

 

 

413

 

Other

 

 

233

 

 

 

165

 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

1,058

 

 

$

1,202

 

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 Equipment

 

$

106

 

 

$

100

 

 Furniture and fixtures

 

 

18

 

 

 

18

 

Property and equipment, at cost

 

 

124

 

 

 

118

 

 Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(9

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

$

106

 

 

$

109

 

 

Other Assets

Other assets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Prepaid insurance

 

$

232

 

 

$

280

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

121

 

 

 

211

 

Other

 

 

56

 

 

 

53

 

Total other assets

 

$

409

 

 

$

544

 

 

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 Accrued legal and professional fees

 

$

10

 

 

$

276

 

 Accrued compensation

 

 

834

 

 

 

947

 

 Accrued manufacturing and research expenses

 

 

803

 

 

 

1,016

 

 Other

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

Total accrued liabilities

 

$

1,647

 

 

$

2,242

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Fair Value
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value

4. Fair Value

 

The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Company uses the following three-level valuation hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs to value its financial assets and liabilities:

Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurements and are unobservable.

Money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor from an actively traded exchange. Money market funds and U.S. Treasury bills were included as cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented. The Company obtains the fair value of its Level 2 cash equivalents from third-party pricing services. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models whereby all significant inputs, including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, or other market-related data, are observable.

The following tables provides a summary of the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements as of
March 31, 2024

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

8,400

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

8,400

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

 

 

 

 

19,809

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,809

 

Total

 

$

8,400

 

 

$

19,809

 

 

$

 

 

$

28,209

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2023

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

5,686

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

5,686

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

 

 

 

 

25,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,164

 

Total

 

$

5,686

 

 

$

25,164

 

 

$

 

 

$

30,850

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Available-for-sale Securities
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Available-for-sale Securities

5. Available-for-sale Securities

 

The following table summarizes the Company's available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Estimated Fair Value

 

Cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

$

19,811

 

 

$

 

 

$

(2

)

 

$

19,809

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

$

19,811

 

 

$

 

 

$

(2

)

 

$

19,809

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Estimated Fair Value

 

Cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

$

25,160

 

 

$

4

 

 

$

 

 

$

25,164

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

$

25,160

 

 

$

4

 

 

$

 

 

$

25,164

 

 

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company classified available-for-sale securities as cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated balance sheets because the original maturity dates were less than three months as of the date of the purchases. As of March 31, 2024 the Company has one U.S. treasury bill security in an unrealized loss position.

v3.24.1.1.u2
Commitments and Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Bank accounts in the United States are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. The Company’s cash accounts significantly exceed FDIC limits.

Indemnifications

As permitted under Delaware law, the Company indemnifies its officers, directors, and employees for certain events and occurrences while the officer, or director is, or was, serving at the Company’s request in such capacity.

Lease Agreements

The Company has entered into month-to-month lease agreements for certain office and laboratory space. The lease agreements are cancellable by the Company at any time with a 30-day notice. Total rent expense for all locations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $70 thousand. Total rent expense for all locations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $7 thousand.

Clinical and Preclinical Services

The Company has entered into various agreements with third-party vendors for preclinical and clinical services. The estimated remaining commitments as of March 31, 2024 under these agreements were approximately $357 thousand. The Company entered into agreements with a clinical research organization ("CRO") in 2023 for

Phase 1 clinical trials of FB102, its product candidate. The Company has agreed to pay third-party costs associated with those agreements. The CRO agreements are subject to termination at any time, with or without cause, by the Company, in which case only costs earned or non-cancellable to date of termination would remain subject to reimbursement.

Legal Proceedings

 

Camac Fund L.P. v. Forte Biosciences Inc., C.A. No. 2022-1075-NAC (Del. Ch.)

In November 2022, a stockholder of the Company, Camac Fund LP, filed a complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking to access certain books and records of the Company pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as well as to seek attorney fees (the “Books and Records Action”). The Books and Records Action, which is captioned Camac Fund L.P. v. Forte Biosciences Inc., C.A. No. 2022-1075-NAC, remains pending. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted in the Books and Records Action and intends to vigorously defend against it.

Camac Fund, LP v. Paul A. Wagner, et al., C.A. No. 2023-0817-MTZ (Del. Ch.)

On August 10, 2023, Camac Fund LP filed a complaint (the “Complaint”), captioned Camac Fund, LP v. Paul A. Wagner, et al., C.A. No. 2023-0817-MTZ, in the Delaware Court of Chancery, against the members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Directors”) and entities affiliated with certain of the Company’s investors (the “Investors”) and naming the Company as nominal defendant. The Complaint alleged that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties by causing the Company to enter into a July 31, 2023 private placement (the “Private Placement”), which raised approximately $25 million for the Company from the Investors and certain of the Company’s executives and directors, and by scheduling the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) for more than thirteen months after its 2022 annual meeting. The Complaint also alleged the Investors aided and abetted the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty by the Directors. Plaintiff also filed a motion for preliminary injunction and motion to expedite seeking a hearing on its preliminary injunction motion on an expedited basis. The Complaint and motions sought declarations that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties and that the Investors aided and abetted them, to enjoin defendants from counting votes cast by the Investors’ shares obtained through the private placement at the Annual Meeting or any subsequent director election, and money damages in an unspecified amount.

On August 15, 2023, the Company, the Directors, and certain Investors filed oppositions to Plaintiff’s motion to expedite. On August 16, 2023, the Company, the Directors, and certain Investors filed motions to dismiss the Complaint. On August 17, 2023, the Court held a hearing at which it granted the motion to expedite in part but declined to schedule a preliminary injunction hearing prior to the Annual Meeting and determined that Defendants could brief their motions to dismiss and be heard on an expedited schedule. The Court determined that discovery could proceed while the motions to dismiss are pending and directed the parties to confer regarding a schedule for further proceedings.

On September 1, 2023, Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed its claims against the Investors. On September 7, 2023, the parties agreed to a schedule for briefing the motion to dismiss filed by the Directors and the Company (together, hereinafter, “Defendants”), with the understanding that the schedule would change if Plaintiff amended its Complaint rather than file a brief in opposition to Defendants’ motion to dismiss, and the parties also agreed to stay discovery pending resolution of the motion to dismiss. On September 19, 2023, the Company held its Annual Meeting at which, among other things, the Company’s two director nominees were re-elected and Plaintiff’s two director nominees were not elected. On September 21, 2023, Defendants filed their opening brief in support of their motion to dismiss.

On October 20, 2023, Plaintiff filed an amended class action and derivative complaint (the “Amended Complaint”) against the Directors and naming the Company as a nominal defendant. The Amended Complaint makes many of the same allegations as the original Complaint. The Amended Complaint also purports to bring a claim on behalf of a class of holders of the Company’s common stock as of August 10, 2023, the record date for the Annual Meeting. The class claim alleges the Directors breached their fiduciary duties by causing the Company to

enter into the Private Placement, setting the Annual Meeting record date for a date after the Private Placement closed, and holding the Annual Meeting more than thirteen months after the 2022 annual meeting. The Amended Complaint purports to bring a second claim for “wrongful dilution” derivatively on behalf of the Company. The derivative claim alleges the Directors “wrongfully diluted” Plaintiff and other stockholders by causing the Company to enter into the Private Placement in bad faith and for the purpose of entrenchment and not permitting Plaintiff and other stockholders to participate. The Amended Complaint seeks declarations that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties, that the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by the shares acquired in the Private Placement should be excluded from the final voting results, that Plaintiff’s two director nominees at the Annual Meeting were elected and that the Company’s nominees were not elected, as well as an order requiring the Company’s board of directors to recognize Plaintiff’s nominees as validly elected and remove the Company’s nominees from their positions on the board of directors. The Amended Complaint also seeks an order that the Company hold an annual meeting of stockholders in 2024 within thirteen months of the 2023 Annual Meeting, that the shares acquired in the Private Placement are enjoined from voting at the 2024 annual meeting, and awarding money damages in an unspecified amount.

On November 3, 2023, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint, which was fully briefed in advance of a hearing before the Court on the motion on February 14, 2024. On April 15, 2024, the Court issued an oral ruling denying Defendants’ motion to dismiss. Discovery is currently ongoing, and trial is scheduled for July 29-31, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware. The Company believes the Plaintiff’s claims are baseless and intends to vigorously defend against them.

Forte Biosciences, Inc. v. Camac Fund, LP, et al., Case No. 3:23-cv-02399-N (N.D. Tex.)

On October 28, 2023, the Company filed a complaint (the “Complaint”), captioned Forte Biosciences, Inc. v. Camac Fund, LP, et al., Case No. 3:23-cv-02399-N, against Camac Fund, LP, Camac Partners, LLC, Camac Capital, LLC, and Eric Shahinian (collectively, “Camac”), as well as against Michael G. Hacke, Chris McIntyre, McIntyre Partnerships, LP, McIntyre Capital GP, LLC, McIntyre Capital Management, LP, McIntyre Capital Management GP, LLC, ATG Fund II LLC, ATG Capital Management, LLC, Gabriel Gliksberg, Funicular Funds, LP, The Funicular Fund, LP, Cable Car Capital LLC, Jacob Ma-Weaver, BML Investment Partners, L.P., BML Capital Management, LLC, and Braden M. Leonard (collectively with Camac, “Defendants”). The Complaint alleges that Defendants have been and are engaged in a campaign of deceit and misinformation in an attempt to force the Company to liquidate for Defendants’ benefit and to the detriment of the Company and other stockholders.

The Company brings claims against Camac and certain other Defendants for issuing false and misleading proxy statements in connection with their attempts to elect two members of Forte’s board at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting in violation of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The Company also brings claims against Defendants under Exchange Act Section 13(d) for failure to file and for filing misleading Schedule 13Ds, including because Defendants failed to disclose that they were coordinating as a group. The Company further alleges that Defendants tortiously interfered with Forte’s prospective business relationships, including by smearing the Company and manipulating the market for its stock to dissuade prospective investors from investing in the Company. The Complaint seeks declarations that Defendants violated Sections 14(a) and 13(d) of the Exchange Act, an order directing Defendants to file true and correct proxy statements and Schedule 13Ds, an injunction prohibiting Defendants from issuing future materially misleading and false public filings, and money damages to compensate the Company for Defendants’ violations of law.

Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Complaint on January 16, 2024. On February 6, 2024, the Company filed an Amended Complaint. The Amended Complaint makes many of the same allegations as the original Complaint and alleges two additional federal claims, one brought under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act for recovery of short swing profits of the Defendants, and the other for declaratory relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2201. On February 15, 2024, the Company also filed a Motion for Relief from the PSLRA Discovery Stay and Speedy Hearing on Declaratory Judgment Act Claim, asking the Court to allow the Company to conduct limited, targeted discovery of documents and communications that demonstrate the full scope of the relationship between all Defendants and for an accounting of all short swing profits and trading records for all shares purchased or sold during the relevant time frame so the Company can fully account for short swing profits. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint on March 5, 2024, and on March 7, 2024, Defendants also filed a response in opposition to the Company’s Motion for Relief from the PSLRA Discovery Stay and Speedy Hearing on Declaratory Judgment Act. On March 21, 2024, the Company filed a Reply in support of the Motion for Relief from

the PSLRA Discovery Stay and Speedy Hearing. Therefore, this motion has now been fully briefed and is awaiting a ruling from the Court.

On March 26, 2024 the Company filed a Response in opposition to Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint and Defendants filed their Reply in support of the Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint on April 9, 2024. Therefore, this motion has now been fully briefed and is awaiting a ruling from the Court.

The Company believes its claims are meritorious and intends to pursue them vigorously to remedy Defendants’ violations of the law.

v3.24.1.1.u2
Equity
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Equity [Abstract]  
Equity

7. Equity

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company has 10 million authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.001, with no shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Common Stock

On July 31, 2023, the Company issued 15,166,957 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $1.006 per Share and 9,689,293 pre-funded warrants to purchase shares of common stock at a purchase price of $1.005 per pre-funded warrant ("Private Placement") in connection with a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”). The pre-funded warrants have an exercise price of $0.001 per share of common stock, are immediately exercisable and remain exercisable until exercised in full. The holders of pre-funded warrants may not exercise a pre-funded warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. The holders of pre-funded warrants may increase or decrease such percentages not in excess of 19.99% by providing at least 61 days’ prior notice to the Company. The Purchase Agreement also provides certain investors a participation right in future offerings of the Company’s equity securities. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 that was declared effective on September 8, 2023. The gross proceeds of the Private Placement were approximately $25 million and the Company incurred $272,000 in issuance costs. Certain executive officers, senior management, and board members of the Company participated in this Private Placement, purchasing approximately $1.16 million of shares of common stock at a purchase price of $1.01 per share.

As of March 31, 2024, no pre-funded warrants were exercised and pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,689,293 shares of common stock outstanding. The 9,689,293 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the pre-funded warrants is not included in the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

In June 2021, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that went effective in June 2021 which will allow the Company to raise up to $300 million in additional capital. On March 31, 2022, the Company entered into an “at-the-market” equity offering program (“ATM Facility”) whereby the Company may from time to time offer and sell shares of its common stock up to an aggregate offering price of $25.0 million during the term of the ATM Facility. On April 1, 2022, the Company filed a prospectus supplement to the June 2021 Form S-3 relating to the offer and sale of the shares pursuant to the ATM Facility covering sales of up to $7.0 million of shares of common stock. On August 12, 2022, the Company filed an additional prospectus supplement relating to the offer and sale of shares pursuant to the ATM Facility covering sales of up to an additional $2.7 million of shares of common stock. The Company is not obligated to sell any shares under the ATM Facility. The ATM Facility may be terminated at any time upon ten days’ prior notice, or at any time in certain circumstances, including the occurrence of a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has agreed to pay the sales agent a commission equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sales of shares under the ATM Facility and has agreed to provide the sales agent with customary indemnification and contribution rights. The Company issued 6.1 million shares of common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $7.7 million under the ATM Facility from July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and incurred $595 thousand in issuance costs related to the ATM Facility and shelf registration statement. While the ATM Facility remains in place, it remains restricted in its ability to access additional funding from the sale of securities under Form S-3.

Warrants to purchase 4,434 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $140.25 per share which were previously issued by Tocagen, survived the Merger and remained outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. These warrants have an expiration date of October 30, 2025. These warrants meet the criteria for equity classification and were therefore recorded at fair value as of the grant date as a component of stockholders’ equity within additional paid-in capital.

 

Shares of common stock reserved for future issuance were as follows:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Pre-funded warrants outstanding

 

 

9,689,293

 

Stock options outstanding

 

 

5,027,570

 

Reserved for issuance under equity incentive plans

 

 

1,777,902

 

RSUs outstanding

 

 

897,201

 

Reserved for issuance under employee stock purchase plan

 

 

500,522

 

Warrants outstanding

 

 

4,434

 

Total

 

 

17,896,922

 

 

Rights Plan

On July 11, 2022, the Company authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one right (each, a “Right” and part of the "Rights Agreement") for each outstanding share of common stock of the Company to stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 21, 2022. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), of the Company at an exercise price of $16.00 per one one-thousandth of a share of Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment. The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Distribution Date is the 10th business day after the public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired beneficial ownership of 10 percent or more of our common stock or the 10th business day after a person or group announces a tender or exchange offer that would result in ownership by a person or group of 10 percent or more of our common stock.

 

The Rights will be redeemable at the Company’s option for $0.001 per Right at any time on or prior to the 10th business day after the public announcement that an Acquiring Person has acquired beneficial ownership of 10 percent or more of the Common Stock.

 

On June 26, 2023, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Rights Agreement which extends the expiration of the Rights to July 12, 2024, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement. There were no other changes to the terms and conditions of the Rights Agreement in connection with such amendment.

 

On July 28, 2023, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Rights Agreement, which prevents the approval, execution, delivery or performance of the Purchase Agreement or the pre-funded warrants, or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement or the pre-funded warrants, including any issuance of the Company's common stock pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement or the pre-funded warrants, from, among other things, (i) causing or permitting the Rights to be exercised or exchanged, or (ii) causing any Purchaser or any of their respective affiliates to be deemed an Acquiring Person (as defined in the Rights Agreement) for any purpose under the Rights Agreement.

 

The Rights were determined to have no value upon issuance and no rights were exercisable as of March 31, 2024.

v3.24.1.1.u2
Stock-Based Compensation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Stock-Based Compensation

8. Stock-Based Compensation

Equity Plans

The Company inherited the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2017 Plan") as part of its merger with Tocagen, Inc. in June 2020. The 2017 Plan was terminated in May 2021 and replaced by the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The 2017 Plan will continue to govern outstanding awards issued under the 2017 Plan. The 2021 Plan had an initial reserve of 1,000,000 shares available for grant. The 2021 Plan was amended in June 2022 to increase the shares available for grant by an additional 1,500,000 shares.

The 2021 Plan was amended and restated in September 2023 to increase the shares available for grant by an additional 2,500,000 shares. The 2021 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options (“ISOs”), non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance-based stock awards, other forms of equity compensation and performance cash awards. ISOs may be granted only to employees. All other awards may be granted to employees, including officers, and to non-employee directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates. Service-based awards generally vested over a four-year period, with the first 25% of such awards vesting following twelve months of continued employment or service with the remaining awards vesting monthly in equal installments over the following thirty-six months. For certain service-based awards to the board of directors, vesting occurs in thirty-six equal monthly installments over a three-year period for initial grants and in twelve equal monthly installments over a twelve-month period for subsequent grants. As of March 31, 2024, there were 62,277 shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan.

On July 26, 2020, the Company adopted the 2020 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Inducement Plan”) and reserved 2,000,000 shares for future grant under the 2020 Inducement Plan. As of March 31, 2024, there were 1,715,625 shares available for issuance under the 2020 Inducement Plan.

Stock Options

The risk-free interest rate valuation assumption for options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve rate at the date of grant with a maturity approximating the expected term of the option.

All option awards generally expire ten years from the date of grant. The expected term assumption for options granted to employees is determined using the simplified method that represents the average of the contractual term of the option and the weighted average vesting period of the option. The Company uses the simplified method because it does not have sufficient historical option exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term.

Due to the Company’s limited trading of its common stock, it alone does not have the relevant company-specific historical data to support its expected volatility. As such, the Company utilized a weighted approach by blending its own historical price data with the historical volatility of a group of similar companies in the life sciences industry whose shares are publicly traded. The Company selected the peer group based on comparable characteristics, including development stage, product pipeline, and market capitalization. The Company computes historical volatility data using the daily closing prices during the equivalent period of the calculated expected term of the stock-based awards.

The assumed dividend yield is based upon the Company’s expectation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The fair value per share of common stock is the closing stock price on the option grant date.

The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $0.63 and $0.82, respectively.

The weighted-average assumptions used to value these stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows.

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

Fair value of common stock

 

$

0.74

 

$

1.02

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

4.14

%

 

3.70

%

Dividend yield

 

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

Expected term of options (years)

 

 

6.08

 

 

5.77

 

Volatility

 

 

110.20

%

 

101.42

%

 

 

The table below summarizes the stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2024:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares
Outstanding

 

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

 

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)

 

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (in thousands)

 

Balances at December 31, 2023

 

 

2,645,278

 

 

$

8.26

 

 

 

7.17

 

 

$

30

 

Granted

 

 

2,540,000

 

 

$

0.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled/Forfeited

 

 

(157,708

)

 

$

2.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at March 31, 2024

 

 

5,027,570

 

 

$

4.63

 

 

8.24

 

 

$

28

 

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2024

 

 

5,027,570

 

 

$

4.63

 

 

8.24

 

 

$

28

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2024

 

 

1,458,093

 

 

$

11.58

 

 

6.37

 

 

$

3

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of options at March 31, 2024 is based on the Company’s fair value of its stock price on that date of $0.70 per share.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards

Restricted stock units vest over four years with one sixteenth of the restricted stock units vesting every quarter.

The table below summarizes the restricted stock unit awards activity during the three months ended March 31, 2024:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Avg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Fair Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2023

 

 

1,055,951

 

 

$

 

1.37

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

 

(90,000

)

 

 

 

1.03

 

Issued as Common Stock

 

 

(68,750

)

 

 

 

1.01

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2024

 

 

897,201

 

 

$

 

1.43

 

2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In May 2021, the Company’s board of directors reactivated the Company’s 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which had previously been suspended. The ESPP allows eligible employees to withhold up to 15% of their earnings to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share equal to the lower of (i) 85% of the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the first date of an offering or (ii) 85% of the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of purchase. The Company had 500,522 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP as of March 31, 2024. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance will automatically increase on January 1 of each calendar year through January 1, 2027, by the lesser of (a) 1% of the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on December 31 of the preceding calendar year, (b) 300,000 shares, or (c) a number determined by the Company’s board of directors that is less than (a) and (b). The Company issued 17,500 and 7,000 shares under the ESPP during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The ESPP is considered a compensatory plan. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to its ESPP of $2 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation expenses included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Research and development

 

$

312

 

 

$

304

 

General and administrative

 

 

493

 

 

 

573

 

Total

 

$

805

 

 

$

877

 

 

As of March 31, 2024, there was unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $4.7 million related to stock options and restricted stock units with service conditions, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.26 years. Total unrecognized stock-based compensation as of March 31, 2024 was approximately $0.5 million related to restricted stock units with performance based vesting. The performance based conditions are tied to development milestones which have not been met.
v3.24.1.1.u2
Related Party Transactions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions

9. Related Party Transactions

 

One member of the Company’s board of directors received cash payments of $29,000 for scientific consulting services during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Company had no outstanding accounts payable to the director as of March 31, 2024
v3.24.1.1.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company should be read in conjunction with its audited financial statements and accompanying notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 18, 2024. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and the rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company’s financial position, the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any future period.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant management estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses include stock-based compensation expense and accruals for clinical trials and drug manufacturing. Although these estimates are based on the Company’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately materially differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Cash, Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include U.S. treasury bills, money market funds and deposits with commercial banks. Cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase.

Available-for-Sale Securities

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

The Company’s available-for-sale securities primarily consist of U.S. government and agency securities. Securities with maturities from the date of purchase of 90 days or less are included in cash equivalents. The Company classifies its marketable securities as available-for-sale and records such assets at estimated fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) within the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the specific identification method and recorded as interest income (loss).

 

Any premium arising at purchase is amortized to the earliest call date and any discount arising at purchase is accreted to maturity. Accretion of discounts are recorded in interest income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in determining fair value by their reliability and preferred use as follows:

Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurements and are unobservable.

To the extent that a valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable, or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized within Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

There have been no significant changes to the valuation methods utilized by the Company during the periods presented. There have been no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 in any periods presented.

The carrying amounts of financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities included in the Company’s financial statements, are reasonable estimates of fair value, primarily due to their short maturities.

Net Loss Per Share

Net Loss Per Share

The Company’s net loss is equivalent to net loss attributable to common stockholders for all periods presented. Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares, without consideration for common stock equivalents. The weighted average number of shares of common stock used in the basic and diluted net loss per share calculation include the pre-funded warrants outstanding during the period as they are exercisable at any time and their exercise requires only nominal consideration for the delivery of shares. As of March 31, 2024, no pre-funded warrants have been exercised and pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,689,293 shares of common stock were outstanding.

Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period in accordance with the treasury stock method. The following number of unexercised stock options, restricted stock units, warrants, and shares expected to be purchased under the ESPP, which are common stock equivalents, have been excluded from the diluted net loss calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Options

 

 

5,027,570

 

 

 

2,413,195

 

Restricted stock units

 

 

897,201

 

 

 

1,262,201

 

Warrants

 

 

4,434

 

 

 

4,434

 

ESPP

 

 

1,480

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

5,930,685

 

 

 

3,679,830

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In August 2020, the FASB issued ​ASU 2020-06​, ​Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)​ (“ASU 2020-06”). ​ASU 2020-06 eliminates the beneficial conversion and cash conversion accounting models for convertible instruments. It also amends the accounting for certain contracts in an entity’s own equity that are currently

accounted for as derivatives because of specific settlement provisions. In addition, ASU 2020-06 modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain contracts that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted earnings per share computation. The amendments in ASU 2020-06 are effective for smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 as of January 1, 2024, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies and adopted by us as of a specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosure. This ASU includes amendments that further enhance income tax disclosures, primarily through standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The ASU is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2024, but early adoption is permitted. This ASU should be applied on a prospective basis, although retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the changes required by the new standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The new standard is intended to improve annual and interim reportable segment disclosure requirements regardless of number of reporting units, primarily through enhanced disclosures of significant expenses. The amendment requires public entities to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and included within each reported measure of segment profit and loss. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years starting after December 15, 2024. This ASU must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the changes required by the new standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

v3.24.1.1.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Diluted Net Loss Calculation

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Options

 

 

5,027,570

 

 

 

2,413,195

 

Restricted stock units

 

 

897,201

 

 

 

1,262,201

 

Warrants

 

 

4,434

 

 

 

4,434

 

ESPP

 

 

1,480

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

5,930,685

 

 

 

3,679,830

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Balance Sheet Components (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Prepaid manufacturing and research expenses

 

$

182

 

 

$

306

 

Prepaid insurance

 

 

280

 

 

 

318

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

363

 

 

 

413

 

Other

 

 

233

 

 

 

165

 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

1,058

 

 

$

1,202

 

Schedule of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 Equipment

 

$

106

 

 

$

100

 

 Furniture and fixtures

 

 

18

 

 

 

18

 

Property and equipment, at cost

 

 

124

 

 

 

118

 

 Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(9

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

$

106

 

 

$

109

 

 

Schedule of Other Assets

Other assets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Prepaid insurance

 

$

232

 

 

$

280

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

121

 

 

 

211

 

Other

 

 

56

 

 

 

53

 

Total other assets

 

$

409

 

 

$

544

 

 

Components of Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 Accrued legal and professional fees

 

$

10

 

 

$

276

 

 Accrued compensation

 

 

834

 

 

 

947

 

 Accrued manufacturing and research expenses

 

 

803

 

 

 

1,016

 

 Other

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

Total accrued liabilities

 

$

1,647

 

 

$

2,242

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Fair Value (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following tables provides a summary of the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements as of
March 31, 2024

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

8,400

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

8,400

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

 

 

 

 

19,809

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,809

 

Total

 

$

8,400

 

 

$

19,809

 

 

$

 

 

$

28,209

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2023

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

5,686

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

5,686

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

 

 

 

 

25,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,164

 

Total

 

$

5,686

 

 

$

25,164

 

 

$

 

 

$

30,850

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Available-for-sale Securities (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Summary of Available-for-sale Securities

The following table summarizes the Company's available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Estimated Fair Value

 

Cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

$

19,811

 

 

$

 

 

$

(2

)

 

$

19,809

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

$

19,811

 

 

$

 

 

$

(2

)

 

$

19,809

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Equity (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance

Shares of common stock reserved for future issuance were as follows:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Pre-funded warrants outstanding

 

 

9,689,293

 

Stock options outstanding

 

 

5,027,570

 

Reserved for issuance under equity incentive plans

 

 

1,777,902

 

RSUs outstanding

 

 

897,201

 

Reserved for issuance under employee stock purchase plan

 

 

500,522

 

Warrants outstanding

 

 

4,434

 

Total

 

 

17,896,922

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Value Stock Options

The weighted-average assumptions used to value these stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows.

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

Fair value of common stock

 

$

0.74

 

$

1.02

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

4.14

%

 

3.70

%

Dividend yield

 

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

Expected term of options (years)

 

 

6.08

 

 

5.77

 

Volatility

 

 

110.20

%

 

101.42

%

 

Summary of Stock Option Activity

The table below summarizes the stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2024:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares
Outstanding

 

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

 

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)

 

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (in thousands)

 

Balances at December 31, 2023

 

 

2,645,278

 

 

$

8.26

 

 

 

7.17

 

 

$

30

 

Granted

 

 

2,540,000

 

 

$

0.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled/Forfeited

 

 

(157,708

)

 

$

2.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at March 31, 2024

 

 

5,027,570

 

 

$

4.63

 

 

8.24

 

 

$

28

 

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2024

 

 

5,027,570

 

 

$

4.63

 

 

8.24

 

 

$

28

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2024

 

 

1,458,093

 

 

$

11.58

 

 

6.37

 

 

$

3

 

Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Award Transactions

The table below summarizes the restricted stock unit awards activity during the three months ended March 31, 2024:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Avg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Fair Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2023

 

 

1,055,951

 

 

$

 

1.37

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

 

(90,000

)

 

 

 

1.03

 

Issued as Common Stock

 

 

(68,750

)

 

 

 

1.01

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2024

 

 

897,201

 

 

$

 

1.43

 

Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expenses

Stock-based compensation expenses included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Research and development

 

$

312

 

 

$

304

 

General and administrative

 

 

493

 

 

 

573

 

Total

 

$

805

 

 

$

877

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Organization and Description of Business - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]      
Accumulated deficit $ 125,940   $ 118,520
Cash used in operating activities (6,667) $ (5,204)  
Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,444   $ 37,125
v3.24.1.1.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
shares
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]  
Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels | $ $ 0
Number of prefunded or common stock warrants exercised 0
Accounting Standards, Adoption date Jan. 01, 2024
Accounting Standards, Adoption true
Accounting Standards, Immaterial effect true
Accounting Standards Update us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate202006Member
Common Stock  
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]  
Warrants outstanding 9,689,293
v3.24.1.1.u2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Diluted Net Loss Calculation (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted net loss calculation 5,930,685 3,679,830
Options    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted net loss calculation 5,027,570 2,413,195
Restricted Stock Units    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted net loss calculation 897,201 1,262,201
Warrants    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted net loss calculation 4,434 4,434
ESPP    
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]    
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted net loss calculation 1,480  
v3.24.1.1.u2
Balance Sheet Components - Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]    
Prepaid manufacturing and research expenses $ 182 $ 306
Prepaid insurance 280 318
Prepaid professional fees 363 413
Other 233 165
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 1,058 $ 1,202
v3.24.1.1.u2
Balance Sheet Components - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost $ 124 $ 118
Less accumulated depreciation (18) (9)
Total property and equipment, net 106 109
Equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 106 100
Furniture and Fixtures    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost $ 18 $ 18
v3.24.1.1.u2
Balance Sheet Components - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]    
Prepaid insurance $ 232 $ 280
Prepaid professional fees 121 211
Other 56 53
Total other assets $ 409 $ 544
v3.24.1.1.u2
Balance Sheet Components - Components of Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]    
Accrued legal and professional fees $ 10 $ 276
Accrued compensation 834 947
Accrued manufacturing and research expenses 803 1,016
Other   3
Total accrued liabilities $ 1,647 $ 2,242
v3.24.1.1.u2
Fair Value - Schedule of Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total $ 28,209 $ 30,850
U.S. Treasury Bills    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 19,809 25,164
Money Market Funds    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 8,400 5,686
Level 1    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 8,400 5,686
Level 1 | Money Market Funds    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 8,400 5,686
Level 2    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 19,809 25,164
Level 2 | U.S. Treasury Bills    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total $ 19,809 $ 25,164
v3.24.1.1.u2
Available-for-sale Securities - Additional Information (Details)
Mar. 31, 2024
Security
U.S. Treasury Bills  
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]  
Available-for-sale securities with an unrealized loss, number of security 1
v3.24.1.1.u2
Available-for-sale Securities - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost $ 19,811 $ 25,160
Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Gains   4
Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Losses (2)  
Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value 19,809 25,164
U.S. Treasury Bills    
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost 19,811 25,160
Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Gains   4
Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Losses (2)  
Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value $ 19,809 $ 25,164
v3.24.1.1.u2
Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Oct. 28, 2023
Aug. 10, 2023
Jul. 31, 2023
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]          
FDIC insured amount       $ 250,000  
Rent expenses       70,000 $ 7,000
Contractual obligation       $ 357,000  
Complaint filed, date October 28, 2023 August 10, 2023      
Name of plaintiff Forte Biosciences Camac Fund LP      
Name of defendant Camac Fund, LP members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Directors”) and entities affiliated with certain of the Company’s investors (the “Investors”) and naming the Company as nominal defendant.      
Gross proceeds of private placement     $ 25,000,000    
v3.24.1.1.u2
Equity - Additional Information (Details)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2023
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Aug. 12, 2022
USD ($)
Jul. 11, 2022
Right
$ / shares
shares
Apr. 01, 2022
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Mar. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2023
$ / shares
shares
Jun. 16, 2020
$ / shares
shares
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Common stock, par value | $ / shares           $ 0.001     $ 0.001  
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock           $ 8,000 $ 6,000      
Number of prefunded warrants exercised | shares           0        
Gross proceeds of private placement $ 25,000,000                  
Warrants expiration date           Jul. 12, 2024        
Dividend payable, date of record     Jul. 21, 2022              
At The Market Equity Offering Program                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock         $ 25,000,000          
Percentage of sales commission         3.00%          
Rights Agreement                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Percentage of beneficial ownership acquired by a person or group of affiliated or associated persons     10.00%              
Percentage of ownership by a person or group upon announcement of tender or exchange offer     10.00%              
Percentage of beneficial ownership acquired by an acquiring person after public announcement     10.00%              
Certain Executive Officers, Senior Management and Board Members [Member] | Private Placement                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Private placement purchasing amount $ 1,160,000                  
Maximum | At The Market Equity Offering Program                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock       $ 7,000,000            
New issuance of common stock   $ 2,700,000                
Maximum | Shelf Registration                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Additional capital raised           $ 300,000,000        
Common Stock                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Common stock issued, shares | shares 15,166,957                  
Warrants to purchase common stock | shares                   4,434
Common stock exercise price | $ / shares                   $ 140.25
Warrants outstanding | shares           9,689,293        
Warrant ownership limit 9.99%                  
Warrant ownership increase or decrease limit 19.99%                  
Warrant notice limit 61 days                  
Warrants expiration date                   Oct. 30, 2025
Dividend distribution, number of right for each share | Right     1              
Common Stock | Private Placement                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Gross proceeds of private placement $ 25,000,000                  
Offering costs $ 272,000                  
Common Stock | At The Market Equity Offering Program                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Common stock issued, shares | shares               6,100,000    
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock               $ 7,700,000    
Offering costs               $ 595,000    
Common Stock | Certain Executive Officers, Senior Management and Board Members [Member] | Private Placement                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Shares price, per share | $ / shares $ 1.01                  
Common Stock | Pre funded warrants                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Warrants to purchase common stock | shares           9,689,293     9,689,293  
Common stock exercise price | $ / shares 0.001                  
Shares price, per share | $ / shares $ 1.006                  
Common Stock | Pre funded warrants | Private Placement                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Warrants to purchase common stock | shares 9,689,293                  
Shares price, per share | $ / shares $ 1.005                  
Series A Preferred Stock                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Preferred stock authorized, shares | shares           10,000,000     10,000,000  
Preferred stock outstanding, shares | shares           0     0  
Preferred stock per share | $ / shares           $ 0.001     $ 0.001  
Series A Participating Preferred Stock                    
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                    
Common stock exercise price | $ / shares     $ 16              
Dividend distribution, each right entitled to purchase shares | shares     0.001              
Preferred stock per share | $ / shares     $ 0.001              
v3.24.1.1.u2
Equity - Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance (Details)
Mar. 31, 2024
shares
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 17,896,922
Stock Options Outstanding  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 5,027,570
Equity Incentive Plan  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 1,777,902
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 897,201
Employee Stock Purchase Plan  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 500,522
Pre funded warrants  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 9,689,293
Warrants Outstanding  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 4,434
v3.24.1.1.u2
Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
May 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Jul. 26, 2020
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted   $ 0.63 $ 0.82      
Fair value of stock price   $ 0.7        
Shares available for future issuance   17,896,922        
Stock-based compensation expense   $ 805 $ 877      
Unrecognized compensation expense   $ 4,700        
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized   2 years 3 months 3 days        
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Service-based awards, vesting period   4 years        
Service-based awards vesting percentage   6.25%        
Shares available for future issuance   897,201        
Performance Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Unrecognized compensation expense   $ 500        
Stock Options            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Expiration years from the date of grant   10 years        
2020 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Shares reserved for future grant           2,000,000
Shares available for issuance   1,715,625        
2021 Equity Incentive Plan            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Service-based awards, vesting period 4 years          
Service-based awards vesting description   vested over a four-year period, with the first 25% of such awards vesting following twelve months of continued employment or service with the remaining awards vesting monthly in equal installments over the following thirty-six months        
Shares available for issuance 1,000,000 62,277        
Additional shares available for grant       2,500,000 1,500,000  
2021 Equity Incentive Plan | Board Of Director            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Service-based awards, vesting period 3 years 12 months        
Service-based awards vesting description   vesting occurs in thirty-six equal monthly installments over a three-year period for initial grants and in twelve equal monthly installments over a twelve-month period for subsequent grants        
2021 Equity Incentive Plan | Following Twelve Months of Service            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Service-based awards vesting percentage 25.00%          
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Eligible employees withhold percentage of earnings to purchase shares of common stock 15.00%          
Shares available for future issuance   500,522        
Shares reserved for issuance increase percentage of total number of shares of common stock outstanding 1.00%          
Shares Issued under plan   17,500 7,000      
Stock-based compensation expense   $ 2 $ 2      
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Maximum            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance increase on of each calendar year 300,000          
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | On First Date of Offering | Maximum            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Percentage of fair market value of share of common stock to purchase 85.00%          
2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | On Date of Purchase | Maximum            
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Percentage of fair market value of share of common stock to purchase 85.00%          
v3.24.1.1.u2
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Value Stock Options (Details) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]    
Fair value of common stock $ 0.74 $ 1.02
Risk-free interest rate 4.14% 3.70%
Dividend yield 0.00% 0.00%
Expected term of options (years) 6 years 29 days 5 years 9 months 7 days
Volatility 110.20% 101.42%
v3.24.1.1.u2
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Number of Shares Outstanding    
Outstanding, Beginning 2,645,278  
Granted 2,540,000  
Cancelled/Forfeited (157,708)  
Outstanding, Ending 5,027,570 2,645,278
Vested and expected to vest 5,027,570  
Exercisable 1,458,093  
Weighted-Average Exercise Price    
Outstanding, Beginning $ 8.26  
Granted 0.74  
Cancelled/Forfeited 2.74  
Outstanding, Ending 4.63 $ 8.26
Vested and expected to vest 4.63  
Exercisable $ 11.58  
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)    
Outstanding 8 years 2 months 26 days 7 years 2 months 1 day
Vested and expected to vest 8 years 2 months 26 days  
Exercisable 6 years 4 months 13 days  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value    
Outstanding $ 28 $ 30
Vested and expected to vest 28  
Exercisable $ 3  
v3.24.1.1.u2
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Award Transactions (Details) - Restricted Stock Unit Awards
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
$ / shares
shares
Shares  
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 1,055,951
Forfeited/Cancelled (90,000)
Issued as Common Stock (68,750)
Outstanding at March 31, 2024 897,201
Weighted Avg Grant Date Fair Value  
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $ / shares $ 1.37
Forfeited/Cancelled | $ / shares $ 1.03
Issued as Common Stock 1.01
Outstanding at March 31, 2024 | $ / shares $ 1.43
v3.24.1.1.u2
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 31, 2023
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Stock-based compensation expense $ 805 $ 877
Research and Development    
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Stock-based compensation expense 312 304
General and Administrative    
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Stock-based compensation expense $ 493 $ 573
v3.24.1.1.u2
Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - Director
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Payments for scientific consulting services $ 29,000
Accounts payable $ 0