FORTE BIOSCIENCES, INC., 10-Q filed on 8/14/2024
Quarterly Report
v3.24.2.u1
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Aug. 09, 2024
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2024  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2024  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
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   36,503,949
v3.24.2.u1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 24,498 $ 37,125
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,213 1,202
Total current assets 25,711 38,327
Property and equipment, net 96 109
Other assets 271 544
Total assets 26,078 38,980
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 5,275 1,424
Accrued liabilities (including $50 and $0 related party payable as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively) 3,842 2,242
Total current liabilities 9,117 3,666
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Stockholders’ equity    
Common stock, $0.001 par value: 200,000,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023; 36,442,380 and 36,335,105 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023, respectively 36 36
Additional paid-in capital 155,383 153,794
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (7) 4
Accumulated deficit (138,451) (118,520)
Total stockholders’ equity 16,961 35,314
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 26,078 $ 38,980
v3.24.2.u1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Accrued liabilities $ 3,842 $ 2,242
Common stock, par value $ 0.001 $ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized 200,000,000 200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 36,442,380 36,335,105
Common stock, shares outstanding 36,442,380 36,335,105
Related Party    
Accrued liabilities $ 50 $ 0
v3.24.2.u1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Operating expenses:        
Research and development $ 5,590 $ 7,139 $ 9,914 $ 11,926
Research and development - related party 150   179  
General and administrative 7,078 1,895 10,529 3,963
Total operating expenses 12,818 9,034 20,622 15,889
Loss from operations (12,818) (9,034) (20,622) (15,889)
Other income, net 307 138 691 240
Net loss $ (12,511) $ (8,896) $ (19,931) $ (15,649)
Net loss per share - basic $ (0.27) $ (0.42) $ (0.43) $ (0.74)
Net loss per share - diluted $ (0.27) $ (0.42) $ (0.43) $ (0.74)
Weighted average shares and pre-funded warrants outstanding, basic 46,131,151 21,046,831 46,107,006 21,026,866
Weighted average shares and pre-funded warrants outstanding, diluted 46,131,151 21,046,831 46,107,006 21,026,866
Comprehensive Loss:        
Net Income (Loss) $ (12,511) $ (8,896) $ (19,931) $ (15,649)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities (5) 1 (11) 1
Comprehensive loss $ (12,516) $ (8,895) $ (19,942) $ (15,648)
v3.24.2.u1
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 Income (Loss) (6,753)       (6,753)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2023 32,948 $ 21 126,724 $ 0 (93,797)
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2023   21,007,069      
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2022 38,818 $ 21 125,841   (87,044)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2022   21,000,069      
Net Income (Loss) (15,649)        
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2023 24,884 $ 21 127,555 1 (102,693)
Ending balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2023   21,051,195      
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2023 32,948 $ 21 126,724 0 (93,797)
Beginning balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2023   21,007,069      
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units, net (24)   (24)    
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units, net, shares   44,126      
Stock-based compensation 855   855    
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities 1     1  
Net Income (Loss) (8,896)       (8,896)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2023 24,884 $ 21 127,555 1 (102,693)
Ending balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2023   21,051,195      
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 gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (6)     (6)  
Net Income (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      
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2023 35,314 $ 36 153,794 4 (118,520)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2023   36,335,105      
Net Income (Loss) (19,931)        
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2024 16,961 $ 36 155,383 (7) (138,451)
Ending balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2024   36,442,380      
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2024 28,685 $ 36 154,591 (2) (125,940)
Beginning balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2024   36,394,882      
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units, net (10)   (10)    
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock units, net, shares   47,498      
Stock-based compensation 802   802    
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (5)     (5)  
Net Income (Loss) (12,511)       (12,511)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2024 $ 16,961 $ 36 $ 155,383 $ (7) $ (138,451)
Ending balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2024   36,442,380      
v3.24.2.u1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net loss $ (19,931) $ (15,649)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
Depreciation expense 19  
Stock-based compensation expense 1,607 1,732
Accretion of debt discount on available-for-sale securities (11) (21)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Prepaid expenses and other assets 262 168
Accounts payable 3,851 1,853
Accrued liabilities 1,600 1,238
Net cash used in operating activities (12,603) (10,679)
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Purchase of property and equipment (6)  
Purchase of short-term investments   (9,965)
Net cash used in investing activities (6) (9,965)
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 (26) (24)
Net cash used in financing activities (18) (18)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (12,627) (20,662)
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period 37,125 41,100
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period $ 24,498 20,438
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities    
Purchase of fixed assets recorded in accounts payable   $ 30
v3.24.2.u1
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Mar. 31, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Mar. 31, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Pay vs Performance Disclosure            
Net Income (Loss) $ (12,511) $ (7,420) $ (8,896) $ (6,753) $ (19,931) $ (15,649)
v3.24.2.u1
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
v3.24.2.u1
Organization and Description of Business
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 FB102, which is a proprietary anti-CD122 monoclonal antibody therapeutic candidate with potentially broad autoimmune and autoimmune-related indications. The phase 1 healthy volunteer single and multiple ascending dose cohorts have successfully completed. Forte is currently advancing clinical development of FB102 into patient-based studies.

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 June 30, 2024, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $138.5 million. The Company used $12.6 million of cash in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024. Management expects to continue to incur additional losses in the foreseeable future as the Company continues its development efforts on advancing FB102 through clinical trials.

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $24.5 million as of June 30, 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 Eastern Europe 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.

v3.24.2.u1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 from the date of purchase.

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

The Company’s available-for-sale securities consist of U.S. treasury bills. 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 June 30, 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.

 

 

 

 

Three and Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Options

 

4,912,925

 

 

 

2,428,195

 

Restricted stock units

 

835,951

 

 

 

1,193,451

 

Warrants

 

4,434

 

 

 

4,434

 

ESPP

 

4,253

 

 

 

459

 

Total

 

5,757,563

 

 

 

3,626,539

 

 

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.

v3.24.2.u1
Balance Sheet Components
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Prepaid manufacturing and research expenses

 

$

319

 

 

$

306

 

Prepaid insurance

 

 

214

 

 

 

318

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

367

 

 

 

413

 

Other

 

 

313

 

 

 

165

 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

1,213

 

 

$

1,202

 

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 Equipment

 

$

106

 

 

$

100

 

 Furniture and fixtures

 

 

18

 

 

 

18

 

Property and equipment, at cost

 

 

124

 

 

 

118

 

 Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(28

)

 

 

(9

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

$

96

 

 

$

109

 

 

Other Assets

Other assets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Prepaid insurance

 

$

184

 

 

$

280

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

30

 

 

 

211

 

Other

 

 

57

 

 

 

53

 

Total other assets

 

$

271

 

 

$

544

 

 

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 Accrued legal and professional fees

 

$

344

 

 

$

276

 

 Accrued compensation

 

 

1,035

 

 

 

947

 

 Accrued manufacturing and research expenses

 

 

750

 

 

 

1,016

 

 Estimated accrued legal settlement

 

 

1,700

 

 

 

-

 

 Other

 

 

13

 

 

 

3

 

Total accrued liabilities

 

$

3,842

 

 

$

2,242

 

v3.24.2.u1
Fair Value
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements as of
June 30, 2024

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

7,636

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

7,636

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

 

 

 

 

14,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,922

 

Total

 

$

7,636

 

 

$

14,922

 

 

$

 

 

$

22,558

 

 

 

 

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

 

v3.24.2.u1
Available-for-sale Securities
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Estimated Fair Value

 

Cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

$

14,929

 

 

$

 

 

$

(7

)

 

$

14,922

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

$

14,929

 

 

$

 

 

$

(7

)

 

$

14,922

 

 

 

 

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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2024 the Company had one U.S. treasury bill security in an unrealized loss position.

v3.24.2.u1
Commitments and Contingencies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $75 thousand and $146 thousand, respectively. Total rent expense for all locations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was $17 thousand and $24 thousand, respectively.

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 June 30, 2024 under these agreements were approximately $400 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 the 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, was dismissed with prejudice on July 29, 2024.

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. Expedited discovery ensued. On June 4, 2024, the parties reached an agreement-in-principle to settle the action. On June 11, 2024, the parties entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement, Compromise, and Release, which was filed with the Court the next day. Also on June 11, 2024, the Company entered into a Standstill and Voting Agreement with Camac Fund LP and related entities and persons. On July 2, 2024, Plaintiff filed its Opening Brief in Support of (A) Approval of Settlement; (B) Certification of the Settlement Class; and (C) Award of Attorneys’ Fees, Litigation Expenses and Incentive Award. On July 30, 2024, the Court held a settlement hearing and declined to approve the settlement. In accordance with the terms of the Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement, Compromise, and Release the Company paid $364 thousand and accrued $1.7 million for Camac’s estimated legal fees which does not include any potential insurance recoveries. The accrual reflects the Company’s best estimate based on currently available information. The parties are continuing to engage in discussions to resolve the action. The Company continues to believe the Plaintiff’s claims are baseless and intends to vigorously defend against them in the event litigation proceeds. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred.

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, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, 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 alleged that Defendants issued false and misleading disclosures in connection with their efforts to elect two directors to Forte’s board of directors at the 2023 annual meeting. Defendants moved to dismiss and on June 11, 2024, the Complaint was dismissed with prejudice.

v3.24.2.u1
Equity
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 June 30, 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 to register the issuance of up to $300 million in securities. 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. However, this shelf registration statement on Form S-3 expired in June 2024, and the Company would need to file a new registration statement on Form S-3 to sell additional shares under the ATM Facility. 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, the Company 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 June 30, 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

 

 

4,912,925

 

Reserved for issuance under equity incentive plans

 

 

1,892,547

 

RSUs outstanding

 

 

835,951

 

Reserved for issuance under employee stock purchase plan

 

 

800,522

 

Warrants outstanding

 

 

4,434

 

Total

 

 

18,135,672

 

 

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 entitled 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 extended the expiration of the Rights to July 12, 2024, unless the Rights were 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 June 30, 2024. The Rights expired on July 12, 2024.

v3.24.2.u1
Stock-Based Compensation
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2024, there were 137,547 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 500,000 shares for future grant under the 2020 Inducement Plan. The 2020 Inducement Plan

was amended on March 14, 2024 to increase the shares available for grant by an additional 1,500,000. As of June 30, 2024, there were 1,755,000 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 and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $0.53 and $0.62, respectively. The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was $0.81 for both periods.

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

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

Fair value of common stock

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.98

 

 

$

0.74

 

$

1.00

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

4.40

%

 

3.75

%

 

 

4.15

%

 

3.73

%

Dividend yield

 

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

 

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

Expected term of options (years)

 

 

6.08

 

 

6.08

 

 

 

6.08

 

 

5.93

 

Volatility

 

 

110.00

%

 

104.52

%

 

 

110.20

%

 

102.97

%

 

The table below summarizes the stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 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

 

 

2,640,000

 

 

$

0.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled/Forfeited

 

 

(372,353

)

 

$

5.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at June 30, 2024

 

 

4,912,925

 

 

$

4.45

 

 

8.38

 

 

$

7

 

Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2024

 

 

4,912,925

 

 

$

4.45

 

 

8.38

 

 

$

7

 

Exercisable at June 30, 2024

 

 

1,367,645

 

 

$

12.00

 

 

7.29

 

 

$

3

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of options at June 30, 2024 is based on the Company’s fair value of its stock price on that date of $0.54 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 six months ended June 30, 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

 

 

 

(130,000

)

 

 

 

1.01

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2024

 

 

 

835,951

 

 

$

 

1.46

 

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 800,522 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP as of June 30, 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 10,500 and 7,000 shares under the ESPP during the six months ended June 30, 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 and $4 thousand for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively and $2 thousand and $4 thousand for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation expenses included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Research and development

 

$

296

 

 

$

304

 

 

$

608

 

 

$

608

 

General and administrative

 

 

506

 

 

 

551

 

 

 

999

 

 

 

1,124

 

Total

 

$

802

 

 

$

855

 

 

$

1,607

 

 

$

1,732

 

 

As of June 30, 2024, there was unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $4.0 million related to stock options and restricted stock units with service conditions, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.19 years. Total unrecognized stock-based compensation as of June 30, 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.
v3.24.2.u1
Related Party Transactions
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 $100 thousand and $129 thousand for scientific consulting services during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company had a $50 thousand payable to the director as of June 30, 2024 included in accrued liabilities. There were no consulting services provided in 2023.

v3.24.2.u1
Employee Benefit Plan
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Benefit Plan

10. Employee Benefit Plan

The Company has a defined-contribution 401(k) plan for employees. Under the terms of the plan, employees may make voluntary contributions as a percentage of compensation. The Company matches employee contributions as permitted by the plan. The Company's total cost related to the 401(k) plan was $29 thousand for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company did not make contributions in 2023.

v3.24.2.u1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 from the date of purchase.

Available-for-Sale Securities

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

The Company’s available-for-sale securities consist of U.S. treasury bills. 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 June 30, 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.

 

 

 

 

Three and Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Options

 

4,912,925

 

 

 

2,428,195

 

Restricted stock units

 

835,951

 

 

 

1,193,451

 

Warrants

 

4,434

 

 

 

4,434

 

ESPP

 

4,253

 

 

 

459

 

Total

 

5,757,563

 

 

 

3,626,539

 

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.

v3.24.2.u1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Diluted Net Loss Calculation

 

 

 

 

Three and Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Options

 

4,912,925

 

 

 

2,428,195

 

Restricted stock units

 

835,951

 

 

 

1,193,451

 

Warrants

 

4,434

 

 

 

4,434

 

ESPP

 

4,253

 

 

 

459

 

Total

 

5,757,563

 

 

 

3,626,539

 

v3.24.2.u1
Balance Sheet Components (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Prepaid manufacturing and research expenses

 

$

319

 

 

$

306

 

Prepaid insurance

 

 

214

 

 

 

318

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

367

 

 

 

413

 

Other

 

 

313

 

 

 

165

 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

1,213

 

 

$

1,202

 

Schedule of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 Equipment

 

$

106

 

 

$

100

 

 Furniture and fixtures

 

 

18

 

 

 

18

 

Property and equipment, at cost

 

 

124

 

 

 

118

 

 Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(28

)

 

 

(9

)

Total property and equipment, net

 

$

96

 

 

$

109

 

 

Schedule of Other Assets

Other assets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

Prepaid insurance

 

$

184

 

 

$

280

 

Prepaid professional fees

 

 

30

 

 

 

211

 

Other

 

 

57

 

 

 

53

 

Total other assets

 

$

271

 

 

$

544

 

 

Components of Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

 Accrued legal and professional fees

 

$

344

 

 

$

276

 

 Accrued compensation

 

 

1,035

 

 

 

947

 

 Accrued manufacturing and research expenses

 

 

750

 

 

 

1,016

 

 Estimated accrued legal settlement

 

 

1,700

 

 

 

-

 

 Other

 

 

13

 

 

 

3

 

Total accrued liabilities

 

$

3,842

 

 

$

2,242

 

v3.24.2.u1
Fair Value (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements as of
June 30, 2024

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$

7,636

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

7,636

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

 

 

 

 

14,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,922

 

Total

 

$

7,636

 

 

$

14,922

 

 

$

 

 

$

22,558

 

 

 

 

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

 

v3.24.2.u1
Available-for-sale Securities (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Estimated Fair Value

 

Cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

 

$

14,929

 

 

$

 

 

$

(7

)

 

$

14,922

 

Total available-for-sale securities

 

$

14,929

 

 

$

 

 

$

(7

)

 

$

14,922

 

 

 

 

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

 

v3.24.2.u1
Equity (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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

 

 

4,912,925

 

Reserved for issuance under equity incentive plans

 

 

1,892,547

 

RSUs outstanding

 

 

835,951

 

Reserved for issuance under employee stock purchase plan

 

 

800,522

 

Warrants outstanding

 

 

4,434

 

Total

 

 

18,135,672

 

v3.24.2.u1
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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 June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

Fair value of common stock

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.98

 

 

$

0.74

 

$

1.00

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

4.40

%

 

3.75

%

 

 

4.15

%

 

3.73

%

Dividend yield

 

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

 

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

Expected term of options (years)

 

 

6.08

 

 

6.08

 

 

 

6.08

 

 

5.93

 

Volatility

 

 

110.00

%

 

104.52

%

 

 

110.20

%

 

102.97

%

Summary of Stock Option Activity

The table below summarizes the stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 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

 

 

2,640,000

 

 

$

0.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled/Forfeited

 

 

(372,353

)

 

$

5.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at June 30, 2024

 

 

4,912,925

 

 

$

4.45

 

 

8.38

 

 

$

7

 

Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2024

 

 

4,912,925

 

 

$

4.45

 

 

8.38

 

 

$

7

 

Exercisable at June 30, 2024

 

 

1,367,645

 

 

$

12.00

 

 

7.29

 

 

$

3

 

Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Award Transactions

The table below summarizes the restricted stock unit awards activity during the six months ended June 30, 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

 

 

 

(130,000

)

 

 

 

1.01

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2024

 

 

 

835,951

 

 

$

 

1.46

 

Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expenses

Stock-based compensation expenses included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

Research and development

 

$

296

 

 

$

304

 

 

$

608

 

 

$

608

 

General and administrative

 

 

506

 

 

 

551

 

 

 

999

 

 

 

1,124

 

Total

 

$

802

 

 

$

855

 

 

$

1,607

 

 

$

1,732

 

v3.24.2.u1
Organization and Description of Business - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]      
Accumulated deficit $ 138,451   $ 118,520
Cash used in operating activities (12,603) $ (10,679)  
Cash and cash equivalents $ 24,498   $ 37,125
v3.24.2.u1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 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
v3.24.2.u1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Diluted Net Loss Calculation (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]        
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted net loss calculation 5,757,563 3,626,539 5,757,563 3,626,539
Options        
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]        
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted net loss calculation 4,912,925 2,428,195 4,912,925 2,428,195
Restricted Stock Units        
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]        
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted net loss calculation 835,951 1,193,451 835,951 1,193,451
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 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 4,253 459 4,253 459
v3.24.2.u1
Balance Sheet Components - Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]    
Prepaid manufacturing and research expenses $ 319 $ 306
Prepaid insurance 214 318
Prepaid professional fees 367 413
Other 313 165
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 1,213 $ 1,202
v3.24.2.u1
Balance Sheet Components - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost $ 124 $ 118
Less accumulated depreciation (28) (9)
Total property and equipment, net 96 109
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
v3.24.2.u1
Balance Sheet Components - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]    
Prepaid insurance $ 184 $ 280
Prepaid professional fees 30 211
Other 57 53
Total other assets $ 271 $ 544
v3.24.2.u1
Balance Sheet Components - Components of Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]    
Accrued legal and professional fees $ 344 $ 276
Accrued compensation 1,035 947
Accrued manufacturing and research expenses 750 1,016
Estimated accrued legal settlement 1,700  
Other 13 3
Total accrued liabilities $ 3,842 $ 2,242
v3.24.2.u1
Fair Value - Schedule of Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total $ 22,558 $ 30,850
U.S. Treasury Bills    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 14,922 25,164
Money Market Funds    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 7,636 5,686
Level 1    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 7,636 5,686
Level 1 | Money Market Funds    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 7,636 5,686
Level 2    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total 14,922 25,164
Level 2 | U.S. Treasury Bills    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Total $ 14,922 $ 25,164
v3.24.2.u1
Available-for-sale Securities - Additional Information (Details)
Jun. 30, 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
v3.24.2.u1
Available-for-sale Securities - Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost $ 14,929 $ 25,160
Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Gains   4
Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Losses (7)  
Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value 14,922 25,164
U.S. Treasury Bills    
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items]    
Available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost 14,929 25,160
Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Gains   4
Available-for-sale securities, Unrealized Losses (7)  
Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value $ 14,922 $ 25,164
v3.24.2.u1
Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Oct. 28, 2023
Aug. 10, 2023
Jul. 31, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]              
FDIC insured amount       $ 250,000   $ 250,000  
Rent expenses       75,000 $ 17,000 146,000 $ 24,000
Contractual obligation       400,000   400,000  
Complaint filed, date Oct. 28, 2023 Aug. 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        
Payments for legal settlements           364,000  
Accrued estimated legal fees       $ 1,700,000   $ 1,700,000  
v3.24.2.u1
Equity - Additional Information (Details)
6 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2023
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Aug. 12, 2022
USD ($)
Jul. 11, 2022
Right
$ / shares
shares
Apr. 01, 2022
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2024
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Jun. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2023
$ / shares
shares
Jun. 26, 2023
Jun. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Jun. 16, 2020
$ / shares
shares
Class Of Stock [Line Items]                        
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       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]                        
Issuance in securities                     $ 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                  
v3.24.2.u1
Equity - Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance (Details)
Jun. 30, 2024
shares
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 18,135,672
Stock Options Outstanding  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 4,912,925
Equity Incentive Plan  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 1,892,547
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 835,951
Employee Stock Purchase Plan  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Total common stock reserved for future issuance 800,522
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
v3.24.2.u1
Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
May 31, 2021
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Mar. 14, 2024
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   $ 0.53 $ 0.81 $ 0.62 $ 0.81        
Fair value of stock price       $ 0.54          
Shares available for future issuance   18,135,672   18,135,672          
Stock-based compensation expense   $ 802 $ 855 $ 1,607 $ 1,732        
Unrecognized compensation expense   $ 4,000   $ 4,000          
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized       2 years 2 months 8 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   835,951   835,951          
Performance Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards                  
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]                  
Unrecognized compensation expense   $ 500   $ 500          
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                 500,000
Shares available for issuance   1,755,000   1,755,000          
Additional shares available for grant           1,500,000      
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 1,000,000 137,547   137,547          
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   800,522   800,522          
Shares reserved for issuance increase percentage of total number of shares of common stock outstanding 1.00%                
Shares Issued under plan       10,500 7,000        
Stock-based compensation expense   $ 2 $ 2 $ 4 $ 4        
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%                
v3.24.2.u1
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Value Stock Options (Details) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]        
Fair value of common stock $ 0.63 $ 0.98 $ 0.74 $ 1
Risk-free interest rate 4.40% 3.75% 4.15% 3.73%
Dividend yield 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Expected term of options (years) 6 years 29 days 6 years 29 days 6 years 29 days 5 years 11 months 4 days
Volatility 110.00% 104.52% 110.20% 102.97%
v3.24.2.u1
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Number of Shares Outstanding    
Outstanding, Beginning 2,645,278  
Granted 2,640,000  
Cancelled/Forfeited (372,353)  
Outstanding, Ending 4,912,925 2,645,278
Vested and expected to vest 4,912,925  
Exercisable 1,367,645  
Weighted-Average Exercise Price    
Outstanding, Beginning $ 8.26  
Granted 0.74  
Cancelled/Forfeited 5.16  
Outstanding, Ending 4.45 $ 8.26
Vested and expected to vest 4.45  
Exercisable $ 12.00  
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)    
Outstanding 8 years 4 months 17 days 7 years 2 months 1 day
Vested and expected to vest 8 years 4 months 17 days  
Exercisable 7 years 3 months 14 days  
Aggregate Intrinsic Value    
Outstanding $ 7 $ 30
Vested and expected to vest 7  
Exercisable $ 3  
v3.24.2.u1
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Award Transactions (Details) - Restricted Stock Unit Awards
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
$ / shares
shares
Shares  
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 1,055,951
Forfeited/Cancelled (90,000)
Issued as Common Stock (130,000)
Outstanding at June 30, 2024 835,951
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 June 30, 2024 | $ / shares $ 1.46
v3.24.2.u1
Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock-based compensation expense $ 802 $ 855 $ 1,607 $ 1,732
Research and Development        
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock-based compensation expense 296 304 608 608
General and Administrative        
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock-based compensation expense $ 506 $ 551 $ 999 $ 1,124
v3.24.2.u1
Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - Director - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Payments for scientific consulting services $ 100,000 $ 0 $ 129,000 $ 0
Accounts payable $ 50,000   $ 50,000  
v3.24.2.u1
Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2024
Jun. 30, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]    
Total cost related to the 401(k) plan $ 29 $ 29