aXichem's development during periods 2023-01-01—2023-12-31
This interim report presents aXichem, which consists of aXichem AB (publ), Incendia Pharma AB and aXichem AS (Norway). Amounts in brackets refer to the corresponding period of the previous year.
aXichem's development 2023-01-01 – 2023-12-31
Turnover and results
Net sales amounted to SEK 1,809 thousand (SEK 5,007 thousand).
The operating profit amounted to SEK -17,318 thousand (SEK -14,545 thousand).
The loss for the period amounted to SEK -20,814 thousand (SEK -17,260 thousand).
Financial net SEK -3,471 thousand (SEK -2,690 thousand).
Cash and financial position
The group's cash and cash equivalents on 31 December 2023 amounted to SEK 4,309 thousand (SEK 6,549 thousand).
The equity ratio amounted to 79% (66%).
Investment
Investments in intangible, tangible and financial fixed assets amounted to SEK 5,103 thousand (SEK 2,608 thousand).
Depreciation
Depreciation of intangible and tangible fixed assets amounted to SEK 3,834 thousand (SEK 3,511 thousand).
Share data
Earnings per share, before and after dilution amounted to SEK -1.03 (SEK -1.04).
Equity per share at period end amounted to SEK 2.26 (SEK 2.44).
aXichem's development 2023-10-01 – 2023-12-31
Turnover and results
Net sales amounted to SEK 275 thousand (SEK 3,539 thousand).
The operating profit amounted to SEK 4,801 thousand (SEK -2,253 thousand).
The loss for the period amounted to SEK -5,532 thousand (SEK -3,247 thousand).
Financial net SEK -706 thousand (SEK -969 thousand).
In previous periods in 2023, SEK 536,000 has been incorrectly reported as intangible fixed assets, which has been corrected during the fourth quarter. Reported results in this report for the fourth quarter are exclusive of this correction and reflect the actual outcome of the period.
Investments
Investments in intangible, tangible and financial fixed assets amounted to SEK 523 thousand (SEK 619 thousand).
Depreciation
Depreciation of intangible and tangible fixed assets amounted to SEK 1,016 thousand (SEK 912 thousand).
Share data
Earnings per share, before and after dilution amounted to SEK -0.26 (SEK -0.20).
Significant events during the period
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Significant events after the end of the reporting period
CEO Torsten Helsing comments
The operating result for the financial year 2023 amounts to SEK -17,318 thousand. Net sales amount to SEK 275 thousand during the fourth quarter and SEK 1 809thousand for the year. The year's operating costs amount to SEK -19,994 thousand. The costs mainly relate to production, transport of produced goods, regulatory work and costs for sales and marketing of aXivite within the dietary supplements business area.
Important milestone passed in the Animal Feed business area
For aXichem, 2023 was very much about regulatory work to obtain the market approvals required for the commercialization of phenylcapsaicin as an additive in animal feed. Our objective was to obtain market approval for the product in the EU as well as in Brazil during the year. In December, we received a positive message from Brazil, and thus achieved one of the company's most important goals to date. aXiphen is now approved as a feed additive in Brazil, a huge market for the production and export of chicken meat. In addition to approval for chicken feed, the product was also approved for use in feed for piglets, which may provide additional opportunities in the future. As part of establishing aXiphen in Brazil as an effective feed additive, large-scale production tests will be carried out. The dialogue with potential customers is managed by our local partner Chr. Olesen, with the support of the aXichem team. I see that aXiphen with its unique properties and advantages can contribute to a sustainable, profitable and healthy meat production in Brazil, and that more markets will follow in the future.
The work on Feed Additive approval in the EU continues
Regarding approval in the EU, the process continues. I was of course disappointed when the reviewing authority, EFSA, announced an “Inconclusive Scientific Opinion” for our Feed Additive application in December. It is important to remember that it is not a rejection of the application and that the potential of phenylcapsaicin as an additive in chicken feed is unchanged. However, we must supplement with data that EFSA perceives as required for approval. Our team has now gone deeper into the areas that EFSA has pointed out and we believe that through supplementary studies we should be able to satisfactorily fill the data gaps. We expect to be able to start the studies in April. My assessment is that it will take about six months, from the time the new studies required have been started, to produce the data that the authority is requesting. Then follows the processing by EFSA and the EU Commission, which according to the regulations lasts six to twelve months, until a formal approval. The processing times specified in the regulations are not always fully complied with, and it has not been very easy to follow the progress of the work so far. It is therefore not possible to say anything definite about the time required for the authority's handling of the application. When there is a change of concrete importance to the process, we will notify the market, just like before.
Pushing for accelerated sales of aXivite
Business area Dietary Supplements did not meet the sales expectations we had for 2023. Decreased sales for the entire industry during the pandemic affected the pace of development of new products, which in turn had an effect on the implementation of new ingredients, such as aXivite. There are signals that a recovery is on the way and during the fourth quarter the agreement we signed with Uriach, regarding exclusivity for a melatonin formulation with aXivite, showed results in the form of the first order. This was followed by several and the total value of orders placed so far amounts to approximately 72,000 Euro. Uriach will launch its melatonin product, Aquilea, with aXivite in April 2024, starting in Spain, followed by Portugal, Germany, Austria and Romania.
aXichem's strategy for sales in the Dietary Supplements business area is to establish collaborations with small to medium-sized innovative distributors and producers of dietary supplements in the EU and USA, where we have market approval for phenylcapsacin according to Novel Food and GRAS Food. Together with our partners, we work to drive the sale of aXivite and find new suitable projects for the product. After the end of the year, we were able to announce a new exciting consumer product with aXivite that is on its way to the market, and about two new collaborations where we signed letters of intent. The new product is Triquetra Health's GLP-Activate. The GLP-1 hormone (Glucagon-like peptide 1) is produced in the intestine and is considered to control appetite, hunger, blood sugar and various aspects of metabolism. Triquetra Health's product GLP-Activate can provide the body with natural extracts and nutrients that can support the body's own GLP-1 production. The hormone GLP-1 has been identified as one of the keys to healthy weight control and good gut health. In addition to products for intestinal health, Triquetra Health also works in the areas of exercise and metabolism, which are also areas where aXivite has proven to be able to contribute. My hope is that in the future we will be able to see more products from Triquetra that include aXivite.
With the aim of gaining active marketing and establishment on the Scandinavian market, after the end of the period, in January 2024, we signed a letter of intent with Silvaco A/S, a key player in the industry for nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, food, feed and cosmetics in Scandinavia. Headquartered in Denmark, Silvaco is a dynamic and fast-growing company, specializing in the purchase and marketing of quality ingredients and raw materials for various industries. Furthermore, we see that in 2024 we have the opportunity to expand our presence on the US market. That's why we have started a collaboration with Silver Fern Brand, a supplier of high-quality food supplements to develop together with them a food supplement for intestinal health and where aXivite's documented properties will be used. My assessment is that we will see more similar collaborations unveiled in the coming months, collaborations that will generate sales in 2024.
Preparing for an issue of shares and warrants
After the end of the period, on February 1, 2024, aXichem's board decided, subject to approval at an extraordinary general meeting on March 6, to carry out an issue of shares and warrants, so-called units, with preferential rights for existing shareholders. The rights issue is covered to 70 percent by subscription and guarantee commitments and is estimated to bring in approximately SEK 40.3 million for the company at full subscription before deductions for issue costs of approximately SEK 6.6 million. The background to the issue is to secure aXichem's long-term financing when the company now enters the commercial phase with aXiphen in animal feed in Brazil, as well as continued commercialization of aXivite in dietary supplements in the U.S. and EU. In addition, there is continued regulatory work to achieve approval of the product in animal feed within the EU. The company also intends to use SEK 5.5 million of the issue proceeds for partial repayment of convertible loans from Formue Nord. I hope that our shareholders want to join us on our continued journey. Not least when we can now realize the fantastic opportunity to establish aXiphen in one of the world's largest markets for chicken production and export.
All information about the Extra Sharholder’s Meeting and the new share issue can be found at https://www.axichem.com/foretradesemission-2024/
aXichem stands stronger in 2024
We enter 2024 with market approval for our products aXiphen and aXivite in our priority business areas: animal feed and dietary supplements. The fact that another regulatory obstacle has been removed means that aXichem is commercially better equipped than ever. It will be extremely exciting to see how aXiphen is received in Brazil and how we together with Chr. Olesen can establish the product in this huge market.
About aXichem AB (publ)
aXichem's business concept is to develop, patent and market nature-analog industrial compounds. aXichem's product is a natural analog substance called phenylcapsaicin, which is a synthetically produced and patented capsaicin. As phenylcapsaicin is synthetically produced and has a number of advantages compared to natural capsaicin, such as controllable quality and production process.
The product has benefits that makes it commercially interesting in several application areas, for example as ingredient in animal feed, as ingredient in dietary supplements, as a bio-enhancer and as a bio-repellent in marine applications. aXichem is currently marketing the product under different brands in two prioritized areas: aXivite® for dietary supplements and aXiphen® for poultry feed. aXiphen® has shown properties as a growth promoter and anti-salmonella ingredient in studies made in commercial poultry production settings. In the market segment for sports nutrition products aXivite® is today included in several products for weight control, improved metabolism and gut health.
aXichem aims to become a global supplier of industrial natural analogue chemicals to players in the chemical industry who manufacture products containing aXichem's raw materials. The company’s share is listed on NASDAQ First North since 2013.
Future prospects
aXichem's commercialization of phenylcapsaicin under the brands aXiphen® in the animal feed market and aXivite® in the food supplement market continues. The production capacity and logistics through subcontractors are in place, as is a production process optimized for commercial volumes. The pace of development in the establishment of the products is determined by market approvals in the strategically important countries or regions, starting with the EU, USA, Brazil and India. aXichem cooperates with specialized distributors, who either have their own production or cooperate with innovative leading producers.
The company has market approval for aXivite in the EU and North America. The market’s interest in aXivite is significant, especially in North America. However, the lead times for product development and the launch of consumer products within the agreements entered into with Iovate and Uriach have been longer than expected, which has caused aXichem to revise the goal regarding sales, which was announced in February 2023, of revenues of approximately SEK 20-25 million until February 2024. The company assesses continued gradual increase in sales within dietary supplements, and that the goal should be achieved during the third quarter 2024.
aXiphen has been approved in Brazil since December 2023 for sale as an ingredient in chickenfeed as well as feed for piglets. In production tests, aXiphen has shown a good effect in preventing salmonella in chicken meat production, and the company expects that sales in Brazil of approximately SEK 10 million are possible in 2024, with a goal of achieving sales of approximately SEK 40 million in 2025. A the application for Feed Additive market approval in the EU is being processed by the regulatory authorities and a corresponding application for the US market is being prepared. The company's strategic focus is to prioritize Brazil and the EU, as these markets have the best conditions for an initial establishment.
Financing
In February 2023, the company, with the support of the authorization of the general meeting, carried out an issue of shares with preferential rights for existing shareholders for approximately SEK 50 million before issue costs. The rights issue was 70 percent subscribed and brought aXichem approximately SEK 34.7 million before issue costs and repayment of part of the SEK 20 million loan that the company took out in 2022 from Formue Nord A/S. Furthermore, the board decided to take out a new loan from Formue Nord of approximately SEK 10.53 million, which is due for payment at the end of the first quarter of 2024.
After the end of the period on February 1, 2024, it was announced that the company's board, subject to the approval of the general meeting, decided to carry out an issue of shares and warrants ("Units") with preferential rights for existing shareholders of approximately SEK 40.3 million before issue costs ("Preferred issue"). A Unit consists of five A shares and five warrants of series TO1A. The subscription price per Unit amounts to SEK 7.50, corresponding to SEK 1.50 per A share. The warrants are issued free of charge. The rights issue is covered to 70 percent by subscription and guarantee commitments. The rights issue requires the approval of an extraordinary general meeting, which is scheduled to be held on March 6, 2024.
The issue is carried out to commercialize aXiphen® and aXivite®, to carry out the additional studies required for market approval of phenylcapsaicin as an ingredient in animal feed in the EU, as well as to repay part of the convertible loan.
The board also decided to take out a new convertible loan from Formue Nord Fokus A/S of approximately SEK 5.3 million, which partially replaces the existing convertible loan.
Information about the Extraordinary General Meeting of the planned new issue can be found at https://www.axichem.com/foretradesemission-2024/
Incentive program – Employee stock options
At the annual general meeting on May 31, 2022, it was decided on an option program of series 2022/2026 for employees and key persons in the company comprising 400,000 options with the right to subscribe for 400,000 A shares. As of the balance sheet date, 270,000 options were allocated to staff and key persons, of which 33,750 were vested.
The employee options are earned over 4 years, with a quarter each year, provided that the participant is employed by or otherwise engaged in the company on the grant date. The staff options are awarded free of charge. Earned employee options can be exercised during a three-year period, however no earlier than three years after the respective grant date. Each employee option gives the right to subscribe for 1 A share at a subscription price that corresponds to 140 percent of the volume-weighted average price for the company's A share during the five trading days immediately preceding the day on which the employee options are awarded. The subscription price and the number of A shares to which each employee option entitles may be subject to recalculation as a result of a bonus issue, split, issues or similar measures. In order to enable the delivery of shares according to the incentive program, it was also decided to issue a maximum of 400,000 warrants.
Certified Adviser
Västra Hamnen Corporate Finance is aXichem’s Certified Adviser.
Ownership structure
For information about the company's owners, see the company's website www.axichem.com. under Investor Relations/investor structrue. For information on insider trading, see the Financial Supervisory Authority's register.
Significant risks and uncertainties
Regulatory issues are considered to be the single biggest risk for the company.
The changed security situation in Europe and the tragic development in Ukraine do not currently affect aXichem's operations, but we are following developments closely to be able to manage any effects.
Review
This Year End Report has not been reviewed by the company's auditor.
Financial calendar
Annual Report 2023 2024-05-29
Annual General Meeting 2024-06-19
Q1 Report, Jan – March 2024 2024-05-23
Q2 Report, Jan – June 2024 2024-08-27
Q3 Report, Jan – Sept 2024 2024-11-21
Year End Report 2024 2025-02-27
The board and managing director assure that the interim report provides a fair overview of the company's operations, position and results and describes the significant risks and uncertainty factors that the company is facing.
Lund, 5 March, 2024
The board of aXichem AB (publ)
The information was submitted, through the contact person below, for publication on 5 March, 2024, at 08:30 AM CET. The report is published on the company's website under Investor Relations. Direct link to the report: https://www.axichem.com/investors-relations/#financial-reports
Ph. +46 70 686 33 55
E. torsten.helsing@axichem.se