SBBP Strongbridge Biopharma PLC

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

Pursuant to Section 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of November 2017

Commission file number 001-37569

Strongbridge Biopharma  plc

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

900 Northbrook Drive

Suite 200

Trevose, PA 19053

(Address of principal executive offices)

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

Form 20-F ☒   Form 40-F ☐

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

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

Introduction

As used herein, “Strongbridge Biopharma”, the “Company” and “we”, “our” or “us” refer to Strongbridge Biopharma plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

Strongbridge Biopharma plc’s unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in this Report on Form 6-K are presented in United States dollars (“$”) and are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Report on Form 6-K contains forward‑looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The forward‑looking statements are contained principally in the sections of this Report on Form 6-K titled “Business,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this Report on Form 6-K, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, prospective products, product approvals, research and development costs, size of market or patient population, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and future results of current and anticipated products, are forward‑looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward‑looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “positioned,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward‑looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward‑looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and management’s beliefs and assumptions. They are not guarantees of future results, performance or developments and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Factors that may cause our actual results or developments to differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

Actual results could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward‑looking statements we make. As a result, any or all of our forward‑looking statements in this Report on Form 6-K may turn out to be inaccurate. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in this Report on Form 6-K and the reports we file from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 20-F, that we believe could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward‑looking statements that we make. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward‑looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward‑looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment in which new risks often emerge. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward‑looking statements we may make. Our forward‑looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made by us, from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Business

We are a global commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for rare diseases with significant unmet needs.

Our first commercial product is Keveyis® (dichlorphenamide), the first and only treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for hyperkalemic, hypokalemic, and related variants of primary periodic paralysis (“PPP”). Keveyis has orphan drug exclusivity status in the United States through August 7, 2022.  Since acquiring the U.S. marketing rights for Keveyis in December 2016, we have established sales, marketing, market access and patient service capabilities. We believe, based on our market research, that there are approximately 4,000 to 5,000 patients in the United States diagnosed with PPP.  In April 2017, we launched and recorded our initial sales of Keveyis.

In addition to this neuromuscular disease product, we have two clinical-stage product candidates for rare endocrine diseases, Recorlev™ and veldoreotide. Recorlev (levoketoconazole) is a cortisol synthesis inhibitor currently being studied for the treatment of endogenous Cushing's syndrome. Veldoreotide is a next-generation somatostatin analog (SSA) being investigated for the treatment of acromegaly, with potential additional applications in Cushing's syndrome and neuroendocrine tumors. Both Recorlev and veldoreotide have received orphan drug designation from the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”).

Given the well-identified and concentrated prescriber base addressing our target markets, we intend to use a small, focused sales force to effectively market Keveyis and our other products and product candidates, if approved, in the United States, the European Union and other key global markets. We believe that our ability to execute on this strategy is enhanced by the significant commercial and clinical development experience of key members of our management team. We will continue to identify and evaluate the potential acquisition of other products and product candidates that would be complementary to our existing rare neuromuscular and endocrine franchises or that would form the basis for new rare disease franchises. We believe this approach will enable us to maximize our commercial potential by further leveraging our existing resources and expertise.

Recent Developments

On October 6, 2017, we sold 4,000,000 ordinary shares in a public offering at a price to the public of $6.25 per ordinary share for net proceeds of approximately $23.4 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

STRONGBRIDGE BIOPHARMA plc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equit y

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(unaudited)

* Represents an amount less than $1.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

STRONGBRIDGE BIOPHARMA plc

requirements will also increase to the extent we pursue potential in-licenses, acquisitions or similar transactions as part of our strategy. These expenses may be offset only in part by sales of Keveyis. To the extent our sales of Keveyis are less than we anticipate, or our expenses are higher than we anticipate, we may be required to fund our operations and capital needs through additional equity or debt financings. There can be no assurances, however, that additional funding will be available on terms acceptable to us.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies and basis of presentation

Basis of presentation

These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the operating results and financial position for the periods presented.

The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2017.  Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Revenue recognition

Prior to the April 2017 launch of Keveyis, we did not generate any revenue. Therefore, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, effective April 1, 2017.  Topic 606 applies to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments.  Under Topic 606, an entity recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services.  To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are within the scope of Topic 606, the entity performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. We apply the five-step model to contracts only when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to receive in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations, and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. For a complete discussion of accounting for net product revenue, see Note 3, "Revenue Recognition".

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Our inventory consists of only finished goods.

Foreign currency translation

The consolidated financial statements are reported in United States dollars, which is our functional currency, including each of our consolidated subsidiaries. Transactions in foreign currencies are remeasured into our functional currency at the rate of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Any monetary assets and liabilities arising from

these transactions are remeasured into our functional currency at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date or on settlement. Resulting gains and losses are recorded in foreign exchange loss in our consolidated statements of operations.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. We must apply significant judgment in this process. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Net loss per share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to shareholders by the weighted‑average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the period, including any dilutive effect from outstanding stock options or other equity-based awards. Shares used in the diluted net loss per share calculations exclude anti‑dilutive ordinary share equivalents, which currently consist of outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock units and warrants.

The following potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the computations of diluted weighted average shares outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, as they would be anti-dilutive:

Recent accounting pronouncements

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update ( ASU) 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other :   Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment . ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This standard, which will be effective for the us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, is required to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows in order to reduce diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ,   which affects all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The amendments in this ASU cover such areas as the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. This guidance can be applied either prospectively, retrospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. We have adopted the standard effective January 1, 2017 and have elected

to account for forfeitures as they occur as opposed to estimating forfeitures. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , that discusses how an entity should account for lease assets and lease liabilities. The guidance specifies that an entity who is a lessee under lease agreements should recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous FASB guidance. Accounting for leases by lessors is largely unchanged under the new guidance. The guidance is effective for the us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. Early adoption is permitted. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ,  that modifies certain aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The accounting standard update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted.  We are currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . ASU No. 2015-11 applies only to inventory for which cost is determined by methods other than last in, first-out and the retail inventory method, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. Inventory within the scope of this standard is required to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. We adopted this standard on April 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements , there was no accounting impact to previously issued financial statements based on our adoption .

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that re fl ects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash fl ows arising from customer contracts, including signi fi cant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or ful fi ll a contract. We adopted this new standard on April 1, 2017 in conjunction with the launch of Keveyis. As we did not record revenue prior to adopting this standard, there was no accounting impact to previously issued financial statements based on our adoption of ASC Topic 606. 

3. Revenue recognition

Product Revenue, Net

We sell Keveyis to one specialty pharmacy provider (the “Customer”), who is the exclusive distributor of Keveyis in the United States.  The Customer subsequently resells Keveyis to patients, which are covered by payors that may provide for government-mandated or privately negotiated rebates with respect to the purchase of Keveyis. 

Revenues from sales of Keveyis are recognized when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control of Keveyis to the Customer. Transfer of control occurs upon receipt of Keveyis by the Customer.  We expense incremental costs related to the set-up of the contract with the Customer when incurred, as these costs did not meet the criteria for capitalization.

Reserves for Variable Consideration

Revenues from sales of Keveyis are recorded at the net sales price (transaction price), which includes estimates of variable consideration for which reserves are established and which result from rebates, co-pay assistance and other allowances that are offered between us and the patients’ payors.  There is no variable consideration reserve for returns as

we do not accept returns of Keveyis.  These reserves are based on the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales and are classified as reductions of accounts receivable (if the amount is payable to the Customer) or a current liability (if the amount is payable to a party other than the Customer). Where appropriate, these estimates may take into consideration a range of possible outcomes that are probability-weighted for relevant factors such as our historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known market events and trends, industry data and forecasted customer buying and payment patterns. Overall, these reserves reflect our best estimates of the amount of consideration to which we are entitled based on the terms of the contract. The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price may be constrained, and is included in the net sales price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from our estimates. We reassess our estimates on an ongoing basis. If actual results in the future vary from our estimates, we will adjust our estimates. Any such adjustments would affect net product revenue and earnings in the period such variances become known.

Trade Discount : We provide the Customer with a discount that is explicitly stated in our contract and is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related product revenue is recognized. In addition, we receive sales order management, data and distribution services from the Customer. To the extent, the services received are distinct from our sale of Keveyis to the Customer, these payments are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

Funded Co-pay Assistance Program : We contract with a third-party to manage the co-pay assistance program intended to provide financial assistance to qualified insured patients. The calculation of the accrual for co-pay assistance is based on an estimate of claims and the cost per claim that we expect to receive associated with Keveyis that has been recognized as revenue, but remains in the distribution channel inventories at the end of each reporting period. These payments are consideration payable to the customer and the related reserve is recorded in the same period the related revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction of product revenue and the establishment of a current liability which is included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet.

Government Rebates : We are subject to discount obligations under state Medicaid programs and Medicare. We estimate our Medicaid and Medicare rebates based upon a range of possible outcomes that are probability-weighted for the estimated patient mix. These reserves are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction of product revenue and the establishment of a current liability which is included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet. For Medicaid, accruals are based on estimates of future Medicaid beneficiary utilization applied to the Medicaid unit rebate formula established by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Effective January 1, 2011, manufacturers of pharmaceutical products are responsible for 50% of the patient’s cost of branded prescription drugs related to the Medicare Part D Coverage Gap. In order to estimate the cost to us of this Medicare coverage gap responsibility, we estimate the number of patients in the prescription drug coverage gap for whom we will owe an additional liability under the Medicare Part D program. Our liability for these rebates consists of estimates of claims for the current quarter and estimated future claims that will be made for Keveyis that has been recognized as revenue, but remains in the distribution channel inventories at the end of each reporting period.

Temporary Supply and Patient Assistance Programs : We provide free Keveyis to uninsured patients who satisfy pre-established criteria for either the Temporary Supply Program or the Patient Assistance Program.  Patients who meet the Temporary Supply Program eligibility criteria may receive a temporary supply of free Keveyis for no more than sixty days while we are determining the patient’s third-party insurance, prescription drug benefit or other third-party coverage for Keveyis.  The Patient Assistance Program provides free Keveyis for up to twelve months to patients that satisfy pre-established criteria for financial need.  We do not recognize any revenue related to these free products and the associated costs are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

4. Fair value measurement

We follow FASB accounting guidance on fair value measurements for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. Because of their short-term nature, the amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, and accounts payable approximate fair value.

The guidance requires fair value measurements to maximize the use of “observable inputs.” The three-level hierarchy of inputs to measure fair value are as follows:  

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. Because of their short-term nature, the amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, and accounts payable approximate fair value.

Level 2: Significant observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity). The fair values of the outstanding warrants were measured using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Inputs used to determine estimated fair value of the warrant liabilities include the estimated fair value of the underlying stock at the valuation date, the estimated term of the warrants, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends and the expected volatility of the underlying stock. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the warrant liabilities were the volatility rate and the estimated term of the warrants. Generally, increases (decreases) in the fair value of the underlying stock and estimated term would result in a directionally similar impact to the fair value measurement.

The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods presented (in thousands) :

5. Intangible assets and goodwill

The gross carrying amount of in‑process research and development (IPR&D), acquired developed product rights and goodwill is as follows (in thousands):

Our finite lived intangible asset consists of acquired developed product rights obtained from the asset acquisition of Keveyis® (dichlorphenamide) from a subsidiary of Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (“Taro”).  Keveyis is approved in the United States to treat hyperkalemic, hypokalemic and related variants of primary periodic paralysis, a group of rare hereditary disorders that cause episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis.  Keveyis has received orphan drug exclusivity status in the United States through August 7, 2022. In connection with the Asset Purchase Agreement and Supply Agreement we entered into with Taro, we paid Taro an upfront payment in two installments of $1 million in December 2016 and $7.5 million in March 2017.  We concluded that the supply price payable by us exceeds fair value and, therefore, used a discounted cash flow method with a probability assumption to value the payments in excess of fair value at $29.3 million, for which we have recorded an intangible asset and corresponding liability. This liability will be reduced as we purchase inventory over the term of the Supply Agreement.  In addition, we incurred transaction costs of $2.4 million, which were recorded in our Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2016. The overall recording of the transaction resulted in the recording of an intangible asset of $40.2 million. This asset is being amortized over an eight-year period using the straight-line method. 

We recorded amortization expense of $3.8 million and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

We recorded a $20.7 million impairment charge related to the in-process research and development of veldoreotide, which we acquired from Aspireo Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. in 2015. The factors considered in determining the fair value measurement were future revenues expected to be generated, estimated development timeline, increased costs and, an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate. The decrease in the valuation of our intangible asset related to veldoreotide is due to a longer estimated development timeline, as well as increased costs above those previously estimated.

6. Accrued liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

7. Long-Term debt

On July 14, 2017, we entered into a $50 million senior credit facility with CRG LP (“CRG”), a healthcare-focused investment firm, to retire our prior credit facility with Oxford Finance LLC and Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and provide additional capital to us. We initially borrowed $40 million under the term loan agreement and have the option to borrow an additional $10 million based upon the achievement of a certain revenue milestone on or prior to June 30, 2018. Concurrent with the initial borrowing, CRG purchased $3 million of our ordinary shares at a price of $6.98 per share. As a condition to the new credit facility, we issued warrants with a seven-year term to CRG to purchase 394,289 of our ordinary shares at an exercise price of $7.37 per share

The term loan agreement has a six-year term with three years of interest-only payments. The interest-only period may be extended to six years based upon the achievement of certain milestones during the first three years of the loan term. The loan agreement provides for interest payable at an annual rate of 12.5% and a final payment fee of 5% of the principal balance. The loan agreement includes a payment-in-kind  (PIK) provision, which allows us to defer 4.0% of the 12.5% annual interest payable under the loan during the first three years of the term of the loan (which may be extended for the entire term of the loan, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions) by adding such amount to the principal loan amount. We have granted a security interest in substantially all of our existing assets and assets acquired by us in the future, including intellectual property. The loan agreement contains facility and prepayment fees, and customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a financial covenant regarding minimum amounts of net revenue and restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends, and a list of events that will constitute “events of default” under the loan agreement, and permit the lenders to declare all amounts under the loan agreement immediately due and payable, including a material adverse change in our business, operations or financial condition. We incurred $2.5 million in debt discounts and $0.8 million of debt issuance costs relating to this loan agreement which have been recorded as a reduction to the long-term debt. These amounts will be amortized over the outstanding period of the debt to interest expense using the effective interest rate method.

In connection with the retirement of our prior credit facility we incurred a final payment fee of $1.6 million and a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $3.5 million.

Future principal payments due under the loan agreement are as follows (in thousands) :

8. Commitments and contingencies

(a)  Lease obligations

In March 2015, we entered into a 52‑month building sublease agreement for 14,743 square feet of office space in Trevose, Pennsylvania. The lease has annual rent escalations and is recognized on a straight‑line basis over the term of the lease. 

As of September 30, 2017, future minimum commitments under facility operating leases were as follows (in thousands):

Rent expense recognized under our operating lease, including additional rent charges for utilities, parking, maintenance and real estate taxes, was approximately $226,000 and $206,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(b) Commitments to Taro Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

In December 2016, we acquired the United States marketing rights to Keveyis® (dichlorphenamide) from a subsidiary of Taro.  Keveyis is approved in the United States to treat hyperkalemic, hypokalemic and related variants of primary periodic paralysis, a group of rare hereditary disorders that cause episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis.  Keveyis has received orphan drug exclusivity status in the United States through August 7, 2022.  Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, we paid Taro an upfront payment in two installments of $1 million in December 2016 and $7.5 million in March 2017, and will pay an aggregate of $7.5 million in potential milestones upon the achievement of certain product sales targets. Taro has agreed to continue to manufacture Keveyis for us under an exclusive supply agreement through the orphan exclusivity period. We are obligated to purchase certain annual minimum amounts of product totaling approximately $29 million over a six-year period. The supply agreement may extend beyond the orphan exclusivity period unless terminated by either party pursuant to the terms of the agreement. If terminated by Taro at the

conclusion of the orphan exclusivity period, we have the right to manufacture the product on our own or have the product manufactured by a third party on our behalf.

9. Income taxes 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities and operating loss carryforwards and other attributes using enacted rates expected to be in effect when those differences reverse. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized.

We assess our ability to realize deferred tax assets. Changes in future earnings projections, among other factors, may cause us to adjust our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. Any such adjustments would impact our income tax expense in the period in which it is determined that these factors have changed.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded full valuation allowances against our deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability, resulting in income tax expense of $0.7 million.

10. Ordinary shares

Equity Transactions

Concurrent with the CRG credit facility, CRG purchased 429,799 shares of our ordinary shares at a price of $6.98 per share for total proceeds to us of approximately $3.0 million.

We entered into an equity distribution agreement with JMP on April 28, 2017, pursuant to which we may sell, at our option, from time to time, up to an aggregate of $40 million in ordinary shares of the Company through JMP, as sales agent. We will pay JMP a commission equal to 3% of the gross proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares under the ATM Facility. Pursuant to the terms of the equity distribution agreement, we reimbursed JMP for certain out-of-pocket expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to JMP, incurred in connection with establishing the ATM Facility and have provided JMP with customary indemnification rights. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we sold an aggregate of 10,300 ordinary shares under the ATM Facility for net proceeds of  approximately $73,000 and paid fees to JMP of $2,000.

11. Stock‑based compensation

Our board of directors has adopted the 2017 Inducement Plan (the “Inducement Plan”). The Inducement Plan provides for the grant of equity-based awards to new employees. The purpose of the Inducement Plan is to attract valued employees by offering them a greater stake in our success and a closer identity with us, and to encourage ownership of our ordinary shares by such employees. The Inducement Plan is effective as of February 23, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, 52,850 shares are available for issuance pursuant to the Inducement Plan.

Our board of directors has adopted, and our shareholders have approved, the 2015 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options to our employees and any parent or subsidiary corporations’ employees, and for the grant of nonstatutory stock options, stock awards, and restricted stock units to our employees, directors and consultants and our parent or subsidiary corporations’ employees and consultants. The 2015 Plan is effective as of September 3, 2015.  As of September 30, 2017, 374,289 shares are available for issuance pursuant to the 2015 Plan.

Our board of directors has adopted, and our shareholders have approved, the Non‑Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan (the “Non‑Employee Director Plan”). The Non‑Employee Director Plan provides for the grant of nonstatutory stock options, stock awards, and restricted stock units to our non‑employee directors. The Non‑Employee Director Plan is effective as of September 3, 2015.  As of September 30, 2017, 792 shares are available for issuance pursuant to the Non‑Employee Director Plan.

A summary of our outstanding stock options as of September 30, 2017 is as follows:

Included in the stock options outstanding at September 30, 2017 are unvested stock options to purchase 88,908 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $18.80 per share for which the vesting of certain tranches will accelerate if the fair value per share of our stock reaches $31.46. In addition, the options outstanding include 97,652 shares that vest upon a market appreciation event, so long as it occurs prior to the date specified in the applicable award agreement and 97,652 shares that will vest upon the one year anniversary of the market appreciation event. The market appreciation event, which had not yet occurred as of September 30, 2017, is defined as the last trading day in the period in which our closing stock price on each of 20 consecutive trading days reported on NASDAQ has been at least $30.14 or $33.66 for the respective grantee.

Stock‑based compensation expense

We recognized stock‑based compensation expense for employees and directors for stock options and RSUs in the accompanying unaudited consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, is $10.3 million, which we expect to recognize over an estimated weighted‑average period of 2.77 years.

In determining the estimated fair value of our service-based awards, we use the Black‑Scholes option‑pricing model and assumptions discussed below. Each of these inputs is subjective and generally requires significant judgment.

The fair value of our service-based awards that were granted during the years was estimated with the following assumptions:

Restricted Stock Units

On February 26, 2016, our board of directors approved grants of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees.  These RSUs vest two years from the date of issuance, provided that the employee is employed by us on such vesting date. All RSUs will fully vest upon a change of control of our company.  If and when the RSUs vest, we will issue one ordinary share for each whole RSU that has vested, subject to satisfaction of the executive’s tax withholding obligations. The RSUs will cease to be outstanding upon such issuance of ordinary shares.  We recorded expense, which is included in the stock-based compensation table above, of $124,000 and $84,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $309,000 and $197,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs is $0.6 million, which we expect to recognize over an estimated weighted‑average period of 1.49 years.

A summary of our unvested RSUs as of September 30, 2017 is as follows: