quarterly_report-093014.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 

 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to
Commission File Number 000-50513
 

 
ACORDA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
13-3831168
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 

420 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
10502
(Zip Code)
(914) 347-4300
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
 
Outstanding at October 31, 2014
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
per share
 
41,947,992 shares
 

 
 

 

ACORDA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
1
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013
1
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the Three and Nine-month Periods Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
2
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the Three and Nine-month Periods Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
3
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Nine-month Periods Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
4
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
5
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
37
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
38
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
39
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
39
Item 6.
Exhibits
40
 

 

 
 

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements relating to future events and our future performance within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Stockholders are cautioned that such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including:  The ability to realize the benefits anticipated from the Civitas Therapeutics, Inc. transaction and to successfully integrate Civitas' operations into our operations; our ability to successfully market and sell Ampyra in the U.S.; third party payers (including governmental agencies) may not reimburse for the use of Ampyra or our other products at acceptable rates or at all and may impose restrictive prior authorization requirements that limit or block prescriptions; the risk of unfavorable results from future studies of Ampyra or from our other research and development programs, including CVT-301, Plumiaz, or any other acquired or in-licensed programs; we may not be able to complete development of, obtain regulatory approval for, or successfully market CVT-301, Plumiaz, or any other products under development; we may need to raise additional funds to finance our expanded operations and may not be able to do so on acceptable terms; the occurrence of adverse safety events with our products; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain regulatory approval of or to successfully market Fampyra outside of the U.S. and our dependence on our collaboration partner Biogen Idec in connection therewith; competition; failure to protect our intellectual property, to defend against the intellectual property claims of others or to obtain third party intellectual property licenses needed for the commercialization of our products; and, failure to comply with regulatory requirements could result in adverse action by regulatory agencies. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and management’s beliefs and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make, and investors should not place undue reliance on these statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described above, we have included important factors in the cautionary statements in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, particularly in the “Risk Factors” section (as updated by the disclosures in our subsequent quarterly reports, including in Part II, Item 1A of this report), that we believe could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments that we may make. Forward-looking statements in this report are made only as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this report.
 
We and our subsidiaries own several registered trademarks in the U.S. and in other countries.  These registered trademarks include, in the U.S., the marks “Acorda Therapeutics,” our stylized Acorda Therapeutics logo, “Ampyra,” “Zanaflex,” “Zanaflex Capsules,” “Qutenza” and “ARCUS.”  Also, our mark “Fampyra” is a registered mark in the European Community Trademark Office and we have registrations or pending applications for this mark in other jurisdictions.  Our trademark portfolio also includes several registered trademarks and pending trademark applications (e.g., “Plumiaz”) in the U.S. and worldwide for potential product names or for disease awareness activities.  Third party trademarks, trade names, and service marks used in this report are the property of their respective owners.
 

 
 

 

PART I
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
ACORDA THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
September 30,
 2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 53,341     $ 48,037  
Restricted cash
    194       277  
Short-term investments
    713,100       225,891  
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,330 and $698, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
    24,792       30,784  
Prepaid expenses
    9,000       8,398  
Finished goods inventory held by the Company
    26,645       25,535  
Finished goods inventory held by others
    570       637  
Deferred tax asset
    5,873       19,314  
Other current assets
    10,374       8,460  
Total current assets
    843,889       367,333  
Long-term investments
          93,299  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    17,089       16,525  
Deferred tax asset
    84,885       107,985  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
    16,865       17,459  
Non-current portion of deferred cost of license revenue
    3,698       4,174  
Other assets
    6,341       352  
Total assets
  $ 972,767     $ 607,127  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 20,507     $ 15,922  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    39,785       37,569  
Deferred product revenue—Zanaflex
    29,515       32,090  
Current portion of deferred license revenue
    9,057       9,057  
Current portion of revenue interest liability
    913       861  
Current portion of convertible notes payable
    1,144       1,144  
Total current liabilities
    100,921       96,643  
Convertible senior notes (due 2021)
    285,825        
Non-current portion of deferred license revenue
    52,835       59,628  
Put/call liability
          147  
Non-current portion of revenue interest liability
    14       493  
Non-current portion of convertible notes payable
    2,159       3,228  
Other non-current liabilities
    8,100       6,635  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 80,000,000 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; issued and outstanding 41,236,633 and 40,896,355 shares, including those held in treasury, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
    41       41  
Treasury stock at cost (12,420 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013)
    (329 )     (329 )
Additional paid-in capital
    743,776       678,686  
Accumulated deficit
    (220,741 )     (238,082 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    166       37  
Total stockholders’ equity
    522,913       440,353  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 972,767     $ 607,127  
 
See accompanying Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 
1

 

ACORDA THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
(unaudited)
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
 
Revenues:
                       
Net product revenues
  $ 98,481     $ 79,760     $ 262,662     $ 223,969  
Royalty revenues
    5,216       2,895       14,153       13,076  
License revenue
    2,264       2,264       6,793       6,793  
Total net revenues
    105,961       84,919       283,608       243,838  
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales
    20,575       17,213       55,004       47,631  
Cost of license revenue
    159       159       476       476  
Research and development
    16,578       13,839       47,548       39,575  
Selling, general and administrative
    47,820       42,336       145,357       138,538  
Total operating expenses
    85,132       73,547       248,385       226,220  
Operating income
    20,829       11,372       35,223       17,618  
Other expense (net):
                               
Interest and amortization of debt discount expense
    (4,597 )     (544 )     (5,116 )     (1,884 )
Interest income
    257       162       596       501  
Total other expense (net)
    (4,340 )     (382 )     (4,520 )     (1,383 )
Income before taxes
    16,489       10,990       30,703       16,235  
Provision for income taxes
    (4,536 )     (3,513 )     (13,361 )     (5,985 )
Net income
  $ 11,953     $ 7,477     $ 17,342     $ 10,250  
                                 
                                 
Net income per share—basic
  $ 0.29     $ 0.19     $ 0.42     $ 0.26  
Net income per share—diluted
  $ 0.28     $ 0.18     $ 0.41     $ 0.25  
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net income per share—basic
    41,094       40,315       41,022       40,037  
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net income per share—diluted
    42,365       41,996       42,346       41,541  
 
See accompanying Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

 
2

 


ACORDA THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
(unaudited)
 
(In thousands)
 
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
 
                         
Net income
  $ 11,953     $ 7,477     $ 17,342     $ 10,250  
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net of tax
    69       44       129       36  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    69       44       129       36  
Comprehensive income
  $ 12,022     $ 7,521     $ 17,471     $ 10,286  
 
See accompanying Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
3

 

ACORDA THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
(unaudited)
 
(In thousands)
 
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 17,342     $ 10,250  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Share-based compensation expense
    20,644       18,001  
Amortization of net premiums and discounts on investments
    3,099       1,774  
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs
    2,226        
Amortization of revenue interest issuance cost
    19       37  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    5,375       4,623  
Gain on put/call liability
    (147 )     (329 )
Deferred tax provision
    13,441       6,063  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease in accounts receivable
    5,992       1,328  
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (2,515 )     1,308  
Increase in inventory held by the Company
    (1,111 )     (5,308 )
Decrease in inventory held by others
    67       111  
Decrease in non-current portion of deferred cost of license revenue
    476       476  
Decrease in other assets
    25       25  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, other current liabilities
    5,732       (13,481 )
Increase in revenue interest liability interest payable
    25       92  
Decrease in non-current portion of deferred license revenue
    (6,793 )     (6,793 )
Increase (decrease) in other non-current liabilities
    27       (272 )
(Decrease) increase in deferred product revenue—Zanaflex
    (2,575 )     1,946  
Decrease in restricted cash
    83       244  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    61,432       20,095  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (2,330 )     (3,663 )
Purchases of intangible assets
    (1,577 )     (2,518 )
Acquisition
          (7,499 )
Purchases of investments
    (580,381 )     (128,038 )
Proceeds from maturities of investments
    183,500       114,500  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (400,788 )     (27,218 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes
    345,000        
Debt issuance costs
    (7,516 )      
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and option exercises
    7,628       12,183  
Repayments of revenue interest liability
    (452 )     (670 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    344,660       11,513  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    5,304       4,390  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    48,037       41,876  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 53,341     $ 46,266  
Supplemental disclosure:
               
Cash paid for interest
    1,153       1,695  
Cash paid for taxes
    1,829       1,742  
                 
 
See accompanying Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 

 

 
4

 

ACORDA THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(unaudited)
 
(1) Organization and Business Activities
 
Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (“Acorda” or the “Company”) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the identification, development and commercialization of novel therapies to improve the lives of people with neurological disorders.
 
The management of the Company is responsible for the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the related information included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
 
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for such year, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
 
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include the results of operations of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include share-based compensation accounting, which are largely dependent on the fair value of the Company’s equity securities. In addition, the Company recognizes Zanaflex revenue based on estimated prescriptions filled. The Company adjusts its Zanaflex inventory value based on an estimate of inventory that may be returned. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Investments
 
Both short-term and long-term investments consist of US Treasury bonds. The Company classifies marketable securities available to fund current operations as short-term investments in current assets on its consolidated balance sheets. Marketable securities are classified as long-term investments in long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets if the Company has the ability and intent to hold them and such holding period is longer than one year. The Company classifies its short-term and long-term investments as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value of the investments based on quoted market prices.
 
Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, which are determined to be temporary, are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
 
Premiums and discounts on investments are amortized over the life of the related available-for-sale security as an adjustment to yield using the effective-interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Amortized premiums and discounts, dividend and interest income and realized gains and losses are included in interest income.
 

 
5

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of gains and losses on available for sale securities and is recorded and presented net of income tax.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Ampyra
 
Ampyra is available only through a network of specialty pharmacy providers that provide the medication to patients by mail; Kaiser Permanente, which distributes Ampyra to patients through a closed network of on-site pharmacies; and ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc. (an AmerisourceBergen affiliate), which distributes Ampyra to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Ampyra is not available in retail pharmacies. The Company does not recognize revenue from product sales until there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed and determinable, the buyer is obligated to pay the Company, the obligation to pay is not contingent on resale of the product, the buyer has economic substance apart from the Company, the Company has no obligation to bring about the sale of the product, the amount of returns can be reasonably estimated and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes product sales of Ampyra following shipment of product to a network of specialty pharmacy providers, Kaiser Permanente, and the specialty distributor to the VA. The specialty pharmacy providers, Kaiser Permanente, and the specialty distributor to the VA are contractually obligated to hold no more than an agreed number of days of inventory, ranging from 10 to 30 days.
 
The Company’s net revenues represent total revenues less allowances for customer credits, including estimated discounts, rebates, and chargebacks. These allowances are recorded for cash consideration given by a vendor to a customer that is presumed to be a reduction of the selling prices of the vendor’s products or services and, therefore, are characterized as a reduction of revenue. At the time product is shipped to specialty pharmacies, Kaiser Permanente and the specialty distributor to the VA, an adjustment is recorded for estimated discounts, rebates, and chargebacks. These allowances are established by management as its best estimate based on available information and will be adjusted to reflect known changes in the factors that impact such allowances. Allowances for discounts, rebates, returns and chargebacks are established based on the contractual terms with customers, historical trends, communications with customers and the levels of inventory remaining in the distribution channel, as well as expectations about the market for the product and anticipated introduction of competitive products.  Product shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.  The Company does not accept returns of Ampyra with the exception of product damages that occur during shipping.
 
Zanaflex
 
The Company applies the revenue recognition guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605-15-25, which among other criteria requires that future returns can be reasonably estimated in order to recognize revenue. The amount of future tablet returns is uncertain due to generic competition and customer conversion to Zanaflex Capsules. The Company has accumulated some sales history with Zanaflex Capsules; however, due to existing and potential generic competition and customer conversion from Zanaflex tablets to Zanaflex Capsules, we do not believe we can reasonably determine a return rate at this time. As a result, the Company accounts for these product shipments using a deferred revenue recognition model. Under the deferred revenue model, the Company does not recognize revenue upon product shipment. For these product shipments, the Company invoices the wholesaler, records deferred revenue at gross invoice sales price, and classifies the cost basis of the product held by the wholesaler as a component of inventory. The Company recognizes revenue when prescribed to the end-user, on a first-in first-out (FIFO) basis. The Company’s revenue to be recognized is based on (1) the estimated prescription demand, based on pharmacy sales for its products; and (2) the Company’s analysis of third-party information, including third-party market research data. The Company’s estimates are subject to the inherent limitations of estimates that rely on third-party data, as certain third-party information is itself in the form of estimates, and reflect other limitations. The Company’s sales and revenue recognition reflects the Company’s estimates of actual product prescribed to the end-user. The Company expects to be able to apply a more traditional revenue recognition policy such that revenue is recognized following shipment to the customer when it believes it has sufficient data to develop reasonable estimates of expected returns based upon historical returns and greater certainty regarding generic competition.
 
The Company’s net revenues represent total revenues less allowances for customer credits, including estimated discounts, rebates, and chargebacks. These allowances are recorded for cash consideration given by a vendor to a customer that is presumed to be a reduction of the selling prices of the vendor’s products or services and, therefore, should be characterized as a reduction of revenue when recognized in the vendor’s statement of operations. Adjustments are recorded for estimated chargebacks, rebates, and discounts. These allowances are established by management as its best estimate based on available information and are adjusted to reflect known changes in the factors that impact such allowances. Allowances
 
 
 
6

 
 
for chargebacks, rebates and discounts are established based on the contractual terms with customers, analysis of historical levels of discounts, chargebacks and rebates, communications with customers and the levels of inventory remaining in the distribution channel, as well as expectations about the market for each product and anticipated introduction of competitive products. In addition, the Company records a charge to cost of goods sold for the cost basis of the estimated product returns the Company believes may ultimately be realized at the time of product shipment to wholesalers. The Company has recognized this charge at the date of shipment since it is probable that it will receive a level of returned products; upon the return of such product it will be unable to resell the product considering its expiration dating; and it can reasonably estimate a range of returns. This charge represents the cost basis for the low end of the range of the Company’s estimated returns. Product shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.
 
Qutenza

Qutenza is distributed in the United States by Besse Medical, Inc., a specialty distributor that furnishes the medication to physician offices; and by ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc., a specialty distributor that furnishes the medication to hospitals and clinics. The Company does not recognize revenue from product sales until there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed and determinable, the buyer is obligated to pay the Company, the obligation to pay is not contingent on resale of the product, the buyer has economic substance apart from the Company, the Company has no obligation to bring about the sale of the product, and the amount of returns can be reasonably estimated and collectability is reasonably assured. This means that, for Qutenza, the Company recognizes product sales following shipment of product to its specialty distributors.
 
The Company’s net revenues represent total revenues less allowances for customer credits, including estimated rebates, chargebacks, and returns. These allowances are recorded for cash consideration given by a vendor to a customer that is presumed to be a reduction of the selling prices of the vendor’s products or services and, therefore, are characterized as a reduction of revenue. At the time product is shipped, an adjustment is recorded for estimated rebates, chargebacks, and returns. These allowances are established by management as its best estimate based on available information and will be adjusted to reflect known changes in the factors that impact such allowances. Allowances for rebates, chargebacks, and returns are established based on the contractual terms with customers, historical trends, as well as expectations about the market for the product and anticipated introduction of competitive products.  Product shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.
 
Milestones and royalties

In order to determine the revenue recognition for contingent milestones, the Company evaluates the contingent milestones using the criteria as provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) guidance on the milestone method of revenue recognition. At the inception of a collaboration agreement the Company evaluates if payments are substantive.  The criteria requires that (i) the Company determines if the milestone is commensurate with either its performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of value resulting from the Company’s activities to achieve the milestone, (ii) the milestone be related to past performance, and (iii) the milestone be reasonable relative to all deliverable and payment terms of the collaboration arrangement.  If these criteria are met then the contingent milestones can be considered substantive milestones and will be recognized as revenue in the period that the milestone is achieved. Royalties are recognized as earned in accordance with the terms of various research and collaboration agreements.
 
In-Process Research and Development
 
The cost of in-process research and development (IPR&D) acquired directly in a transaction other than a business combination is capitalized if the projects will be further developed or have an alternative future use; otherwise they are expensed. The fair values of IPR&D projects acquired in business combinations are capitalized. Several methods may be used to determine the estimated fair value of the IPR&D acquired in a business combination. The Company utilizes the "income method," and uses estimated future net cash flows that are derived from projected sales revenues and estimated costs. These projections are based on factors such as relevant market size, patent protection, historical pricing and expected industry trends. The estimated future net cash flows are then discounted to the present value using an appropriate discount rate. These assets are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or abandonment of the projects, at which time the assets are amortized over the remaining useful life or written off, as appropriate. IPR&D intangible assets which are determined to have had a drop in their fair value are adjusted downward and an expense recognized on the statement of operations. These are tested at least annually or sooner when a triggering event occurs that could indicate a potential impairment.
 
 
 
7

 
 
Collaborations
 
The Company recognizes collaboration revenues and expenses by analyzing each element of the agreement to determine if it shall be accounted for as a separate element or single unit of accounting. If an element shall be treated separately for revenue recognition purposes, the revenue recognition principles most appropriate for that element are applied to determine when revenue shall be recognized. If an element shall not be treated separately for revenue recognition purposes, the revenue recognition principles most appropriate for the bundled group of elements are applied to determine when revenue shall be recognized. Payments received in excess of revenues recognized are recorded as deferred revenue until such time as the revenue recognition criteria have been met.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk
 
The Company’s principal direct customers as of September 30, 2014 were a network of specialty pharmacies, Kaiser Permanente, and the specialty distributor to the VA for Ampyra, wholesale pharmaceutical distributors for Zanaflex Capsules and Zanaflex tablets, and two specialty distributors for Qutenza. The Company periodically assesses the financial strength of these customers and establishes allowances for anticipated losses, if necessary. Four customers individually accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s product revenue in 2014 and 2013. Five and three customers individually accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company’s net product revenues are generated in the United States.
 
Segment and Geographic Information
 
The Company is managed and operated as one business which is focused on the identification, development and commercialization of novel therapies that improve neurological function in people with MS, SCI, and other disorders of the central nervous system. The entire business is managed by a single management team that reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The Company does not operate separate lines of business with respect to any of its products or product candidates and the Company does not prepare discrete financial information with respect to separate products or product candidates or by location.  Accordingly, the Company views its business as one reportable operating segment. Net product revenues reported to date are derived from the sales of Ampyra, Zanaflex and Qutenza in the United States.
 
Subsequent Events
 
Subsequent events are defined as those events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date, but before the financial statements are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company completed an evaluation of the impact of any subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued, and determined there were no subsequent events requiring disclosure in or requiring adjustment to these financial statements other than the subsequent event disclosed in Note 11 below.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" (ASU 2013-11). ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. ASU 2013-11 is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 for public entities. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09), which requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects 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 flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract.  ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements-
 
 
8

 
 
Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (ASU 2014-15), which defines management’s responsibility to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures if there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The pronouncement is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(3) Share-based Compensation
 
During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $7.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $20.6 million and $18.0 million, respectively. Activity in options and restricted stock during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and related balances outstanding as of that date are reflected below. The weighted average fair value per share of options granted to employees for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $14.88 and $18.02, respectively. The weighted average fair value per share of options granted to employees for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $18.04 and $15.76, respectively.
 
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense included within the consolidated statements of operations:
 
 
For the three-month
 
For the nine-month
 
 
period ended September 30,
 
period ended September 30,
 
(In millions)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
                         
Research and development
  $ 1.5     $ 1.5     $ 4.1     $ 4.2  
Selling, general and administrative
    5.8       5.0       16.5       13.8  
 Total
  $ 7.3     $ 6.5     $ 20.6     $ 18.0  
 
 
A summary of share-based compensation activity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 is presented below:
 
Stock Option Activity
 
   
Number of Shares
(In thousands)
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
   
Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
 
Balance at January 1, 2014
    6,486     $ 25.61              
Granted
    1,699       37.07              
Cancelled
    (226 )     31.90              
Exercised
    (336 )     22.74              
Balance at September 30, 2014
    7,623     $ 28.11       6.8     $ 51,194  
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014
    7,542     $ 28.04       6.7     $ 51,053  
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2014
    4,512     $ 24.74       5.4     $ 42,337  
 
Restricted Stock Activity
 
(In thousands)
Restricted Stock
 
Number of Shares
Nonvested at January 1, 2014
 
421
Granted
 
286
Vested
 
(5)
Forfeited
 
(37)
Nonvested at September 30, 2014
 
665

 
 
9

 
 
Unrecognized compensation cost for unvested stock options and restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2014 totaled $60.3 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years.
 
 (4) Earnings Per Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
 
Basic and diluted
                       
Net income
  $ 11,953     $ 7,477     $ 17,342     $ 10,250  
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net income per share—basic
    41,094       40,315       41,022       40,037  
Plus: net effect of dilutive stock options and restricted common shares
    1,271       1,681       1,324       1,504  
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net income per share—diluted
    42,365       41,996       42,346       41,541  
Net income per share—basic
  $ 0.29     $ 0.19     $ 0.42     $ 0.26  
Net income per share—diluted
  $ 0.28     $ 0.18     $ 0.41     $ 0.25  

 
The difference between basic and diluted shares is that diluted shares include the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of outstanding securities. The Company’s stock options and unvested shares of restricted common stock could have the most significant impact on diluted shares.
 
Securities that could potentially be dilutive are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share when a loss from continuing operations exists or when the exercise price exceeds the average closing price of the Company’s common stock during the period, because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts.
 
In June 2014, the Company issued $345 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Notes”), which aggregate principal amount includes the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option.  See Note 8 – “Convertible Senior Notes”.  As the Company has a choice to settle the conversion obligation under the Notes in cash, shares or any combination of the two, the Company has determined that it intends to and has the ability to settle the accreted principal value of the Notes in cash and the excess conversion premium in shares. While the dilutive effect of the potential conversion premium will be considered in the calculation of diluted net income per share using the treasury stock method, the accreted principal value of the Notes will not be included in the calculation of diluted income per share, as we intend to settle this in cash.
 
The following amounts were not included in the calculation of net income per diluted share because their effects were anti-dilutive:
 
(In thousands)
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
Denominator
       
Stock options and restricted common shares
4,380
1,558
3,959
2,786
Convertible note – Saints Capital
29
39
29
39

 
 (5) Income Taxes
 
For the three month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $4.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively, based upon its estimated tax liability for the year. For the nine month
 
 
10

 
 
periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $13.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, based upon its estimated tax liability for the year. The provision for income taxes is based on federal, state and Puerto Rico income taxes. The effective income tax rates for the Company for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 28% and 32%, respectively.  The effective income tax rates for the Company for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 44% and 37%, respectively.  As a result of the Federal research and development tax credit not being extended during the three quarters of 2014, the Company was not able to receive a benefit in the effective tax rate for this in 2014.
 
The Company continues to evaluate the realizability of its deferred tax assets and liabilities on a periodic basis and will adjust such amounts in light of changing facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, future projections of taxable income, tax legislation, rulings by relevant tax authorities, the progress of ongoing tax audits and the regulatory approval of products currently under development. Any changes to the valuation allowance or deferred tax assets in the future would impact the Company's income taxes.
 
(6) Fair Value Measurements
 
The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points for the asset or liability. The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of time deposits and investments in a Treasury money market fund and the Company’s Level 2 assets consist of high-quality government bonds and are valued using market prices on the active markets.  Level 1 instrument valuations are obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets and Level 2 assets are valued using quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other market observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves. The Company’s Level 3 liabilities represent our put/call liability related to the Paul Royalty Fund (PRF) transaction and contingent consideration related to the NeurogesX acquisition. No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2014.
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
September 30, 2014
                 
Assets Carried at Fair Value:
                 
Cash equivalents
  $ 30,881     $     $  
Short-term investments
          713,100        
Long-term investments
                 
Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
                       
Put/call liability
                 
Contingent purchase price
                263  
December 31, 2013
                       
Assets Carried at Fair Value:
                       
Cash equivalents
  $ 28,308     $     $  
Short-term investments
          225,891        
Long-term investments
          93,299        
Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
                       
Put/call liability
                147  
Contingent purchase price
                236  
 
 
 
11

 

 
The following tables present additional information about assets and/or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company utilizes Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.
 
 
Put/call liability
 
(In thousands)
 
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
 
Put/call liability:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 167     $     $ 147     $ 329  
Total realized and unrealized gains included in selling, general and administrative expenses:
    (167 )           (147 )     (329 )
Balance, end of period
  $     $     $     $  

 
The Company estimates the fair value of its put/call liability using a discounted cash flow valuation technique. Using this approach, historical and expected future cash flows are calculated over the expected life of the PRF agreement, are discounted, and then exercise scenario probabilities are applied. Some of the more significant assumptions made in the valuation include (i) the estimated Zanaflex revenue forecast and (ii) the likelihood of put/call exercise trigger events such as bankruptcy and change of control. The valuation is performed periodically when the significant assumptions change.  Realized gains and losses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
The put/call liability has been classified as a Level 3 liability as its valuation requires substantial judgment and estimation of factors that are not currently observable in the market due to the lack of trading in the security. If different assumptions were used for the various inputs to the valuation approach including, but not limited to, assumptions involving the estimated Zanaflex revenue forecast and the likelihood of trigger events, the estimated fair value could be significantly higher or lower than the fair value we determined. The Company may be required to record losses in future periods, which may be significant.
 
 
Contingent purchase price
 
(In thousands)
 
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2013
 
Contingent purchase price:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 254     $     $ 236     $  
Total losses included in selling, general and administrative expenses:
    9       205       27       205  
Balance, end of period
  $ 263     $ 205     $ 263     $ 205  

 
The Company measures the fair value of the contingent purchase price related to the NeurogesX acquisition using a Monte Carlo simulation. Using this approach, the present value of each of the milestone payments is calculated using the probability of milestone achievement under various different scenarios. Some of the more significant assumptions used in the valuation include (i) the probability of FDA approval for NP-1998 and (ii) the variability in net sales for NP-1998 if FDA approval is achieved. The milestone achievement probabilities range from 0% to 10%, and the milestone payment outcomes range from $0 to $5.0 million. The valuation will be performed periodically when the significant assumptions change.  Realized gains and losses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. There is no assurance that any of the conditions for the milestone payments will be met.
 
The contingent purchase price has been classified as a Level 3 liability as its valuation requires substantial judgment and estimation of factors that are not currently observable in the market. If different assumptions were used for the various inputs to the valuation approach including, but not limited to, assumptions involving the probability of FDA approval for NP-1998 and the likelihood of trigger events, the estimated fair value could be significantly higher or lower than the fair value we determined. The Company may be required to record losses in future periods.
 

 
12

 

(7) Investments

The Company has determined that all of its investments are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with interest on these securities included in interest income and are recorded based primarily on quoted market prices. Available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
 
(In thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
unrealized
gains
   
Gross
unrealized
losses
   
Estimated
fair
value
 
September 30, 2014
                       
US Treasury bonds
  $ 712,825     $ 275     $     $ 713,100  
December 31, 2013
                               
US Treasury bonds
    319,123       69       (2 )     319,190  
 
The contractual maturities of short-term available-for-sale debt securities at December 31, 2013 are greater than 3 months but less than 1 year. The contractual maturities of $630.9 million of short-term available-for-sale debt securities at September 30, 2014 are greater than 3 months but less than 1 year.  Additionally, the Company has classified $82.2 million of available-for-sale debt securities with contractual maturities greater than 1 year as short-term investments at September 30, 2014, due to the Company’s intent and ability to hold these investments for a period of less than 1 year. There were no investments classified as long-term at September 30, 2014. The Company has determined that there were no other-than-temporary declines in the fair values of its investments as of September 30, 2014.
 
Short-term investments with maturity of three months or less from date of purchase have been classified as cash equivalents, and amounted to $30.9 million and $28.3 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
 
The Company holds available-for-sale investment securities which are reported at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet. Unrealized holding gains and losses are reported within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) in the statements of comprehensive (loss) income.  The changes in AOCI associated with the unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
 
(In thousands)
 
Net Unrealized Gains on Marketable Securities, Net of Tax
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
  $ 37  
   Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
    129  
   Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
       comprehensive income
     
   Net current period other comprehensive income
    129  
Balance at September 30, 2014
  $ 166  
 
 
(8) Convertible Senior Notes
 
On June 17, 2014, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (the “Underwriter”) relating to the issuance by the Company of $345 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Notes”) in an underwritten public offering pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-196803) (the “Registration Statement”) and a related preliminary and final prospectus supplement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Offering”). The principal amount of Notes includes $45 million aggregate principal amount of Notes that was purchased by the Underwriter pursuant to an option granted to the Underwriter in the Underwriting Agreement, which option was exercised in full. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting the Underwriter’s discount and the offering expenses paid by the Company, were approximately $337.5 million.
 
The Notes are governed by the terms of an indenture, dated as of June 23, 2014 (the “Base Indenture”) and the first supplemental indenture, dated as of June 23, 2014 (the “Supplemental Indenture,” and together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), each between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the Trustee). The Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of the Company’s common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s
 
 
13

 
 
common stock, at the Company’s election, based on an initial conversion rate, subject to adjustment, of 23.4968 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $42.56 per share), only in the following circumstances and to the following extent: (1) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (2) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (3) if the Company calls any or all of the Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; (4) upon the occurrence of specified events described in the Indenture; and (5) at any time on or after December 15, 2020 through the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date.
 
The Company may not redeem the Notes prior to June 20, 2017. The Company may redeem for cash all or part of the Notes, at the Company’s option, on or after June 20, 2017 if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending within five trading days prior to the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The Company will pay 1.75% interest per annum on the principal amount of the Notes, payable semiannually in arrears in cash on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2014. The Notes will mature on June 15, 2021.
 
If the Company undergoes a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture), subject to certain conditions, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes in principal amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The fundamental change repurchase price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. If a make-whole fundamental change, as described in the Indenture, occurs and a holder elects to convert its Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change, such holder may be entitled to an increase in the conversion rate as described in the Indenture.
 
The Indenture contains customary terms and covenants and events of default. If an event of default (other than certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare 100% of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration of acceleration, such principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be due and payable immediately. Upon the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the Company, 100% of the principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the Notes will become due and payable automatically. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture provides that, to the extent the Company elects and for up to 270 days, the sole remedy for an event of default relating to certain failures by the Company to comply with certain reporting covenants in the Indenture consists exclusively of the right to receive additional interest on the Notes.
 
The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt and senior to any of the Company’s subordinated debt. The Notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing or future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company’s subsidiaries and will be effectively subordinated to the Company’s existing or future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral. The Indenture does not limit the amount of debt that the Company or its subsidiaries may incur.
 
In accounting for the issuance of the Notes, the Company separated the Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the par value of the Notes as a whole. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount, referred to as the debt discount, is amortized to interest expense over the seven-year term of the Notes using the effective interest method. The equity component is not re-measured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.
 
 
14

 
 
Our outstanding note balances as of September 30, 2014 consisted of the following:
 
 (In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
 
Liability component:
     
Principal
 
$
345,000
 
Less: debt discount, net
 
(59,175
)
Net carrying amount
 
$
285,825
 
Equity component
 
$
61,195
 
 
In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we incurred approximately $7.5 million of debt issuance costs, which primarily consisted of underwriting, legal and other professional fees, and allocated these costs to the liability and equity components based on the allocation of the proceeds. Of the total $7.5 million of debt issuance costs, $1.3 million were allocated to the equity component and recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital and $6.2 million were allocated to the liability component and recorded as deferred financing costs included in other assets on the balance sheet. The portion allocated to the liability component is amortized to interest expense over the expected life of the Notes using the effective interest method.

We determined the expected life of the debt was equal to the seven year term on the Notes. The carrying amount of the Company’s borrowings of $285.8 million approximates fair value at September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, the remaining contractual life of the Notes is approximately 6.8 years. The effective interest rate on the liability component was 4.8% for the period from the date of issuance through September 30, 2014. The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Notes during the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2014:

(In thousands)
 
Three-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
   
Nine-month
period ended
September 30, 2014
 
Contractual interest expense
  $ 1,522     $ 1,638  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    191       205  
Amortization of debt discount
    1,877       2,020  
      Total interest expense
  $ 3,590     $ 3,863  

(9) Collaborations, Alliances, and Other Agreements
 
Biogen
 
On June 30, 2009, the Company entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with Biogen Idec International GmbH (Biogen Idec) to develop and commercialize Ampyra (known as Fampyra outside the U.S.) in markets outside the United States (the “Collaboration Agreement”). Under the Collaboration Agreement, Biogen Idec was granted the exclusive right to commercialize Ampyra and other products containing aminopyridines developed under that agreement in all countries outside of the United States, which grant includes a sublicense of the Company’s rights under an existing license agreement between the Company and Alkermes plc (Alkermes), formerly Elan Corporation, plc (Elan). Biogen Idec has responsibility for regulatory activities and future clinical development of Fampyra in ex-U.S. markets worldwide. The Company also entered into a related supply agreement with Biogen Idec (the “Supply Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company will supply Biogen Idec with its requirements for the licensed products through the Company’s existing supply agreement with Alkermes.
 
Under the Collaboration Agreement, the Company was entitled to an upfront payment of $110.0 million as of June 30, 2009, which was received in July 2009, and a $25.0 million milestone payment upon approval of the product in the European Union, which was received in August 2011. The Company is also entitled to receive additional payments of up to $10.0 million based on the successful achievement of future regulatory milestones and up to $365.0 million based on the successful achievement of future sales milestones. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the achievement of the future regulatory and sales milestones, these payments will not be recognized as revenue unless and until they are earned. The Company is not able to reasonably predict if and when the milestones will be achieved. Under the Collaboration Agreement, Biogen Idec will be required to make double-digit tiered royalty payments to the Company on ex-U.S. sales. In addition, the
 
 
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consideration that Biogen Idec will pay for licensed products under the Supply Agreement will reflect the price owed to the Company’s suppliers under its supply arrangements with Alkermes or other suppliers for ex-U.S. sales. The Company and Biogen Idec may also carry out future joint development activities regarding licensed product under a cost-sharing arrangement. Under the terms of the Collaboration Agreement, the Company, in part through its participation in joint committees with Biogen Idec, will participate in overseeing the development and commercialization of Ampyra and other licensed products in markets outside the United States pursuant to that agreement. Acorda will continue to develop and commercialize Ampyra independently in the United States.
 
As of June 30, 2009, the Company recorded a license receivable and deferred revenue of $110.0 million for the upfront payment due to the Company from Biogen Idec under the Collaboration Agreement. Also, as a result of such payment to Acorda, a payment of $7.7 million became payable by Acorda to Alkermes and was recorded as a cost of license payable and deferred expense. The payment of $110.0 million was received from Biogen Idec on July 1, 2009 and the payment of $7.7 million was made to Alkermes on July 7, 2009.
 
The Company considered the following deliverables with respect to the revenue recognition of the $110.0 million upfront payment:  (1) the license to use the Company’s technology, (2) the Collaboration Agreement to develop and commercialize licensed product in all countries outside the U.S., and (3) the Supply Agreement. Due to the inherent uncertainty in obtaining regulatory approval, the applicability of the Supply Agreement is outside the control of the Company and Biogen Idec. Accordingly, the Company has determined the Supply Agreement is a contingent deliverable at the onset of the agreement.  As a result, the Company has determined the Supply Agreement does not meet the definition of a deliverable that needs to be accounted for at the inception of the arrangement. The Company has also determined that there is no significant and incremental discount related to the supply agreement since Biogen Idec will pay the same amount for inventory that the Company would pay and the Company effectively acts as a middle man in the arrangement for which it adds no significant value due to various factors such as the Company does not have any manufacturing capabilities or other know how with respect to the manufacturing process.
 
The Company has determined that the identified non-contingent deliverables (deliverables 1 and 2 immediately preceding) would have no value on a standalone basis if they were sold separately by a vendor and the customer could not resell the delivered items on a standalone basis, nor does the Company have objective and reliable evidence of fair value for the deliverables. Accordingly, the non-contingent deliverables are treated as one unit of accounting.  As a result, the Company will recognize the non-refundable upfront payment from Biogen Idec as revenue and the associated payment to Alkermes as expense ratably over the estimated term of regulatory exclusivity for the licensed products under the Collaboration Agreement as the Company had determined this was the most probable expected benefit period. The Company recognized $2.3 million and $6.8 million in license revenue, a portion of the $110.0 million received from Biogen Idec, and $159,000 and $476,000 in cost of license revenue, a portion of the $7.7 million paid to Alkermes, during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
On January 21, 2011 Biogen Idec announced that the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) decided against approval of Fampyra to improve walking ability in adult patients with multiple sclerosis.  Biogen Idec, working closely with the Company, filed a formal appeal of the decision.  In May 2011, the CHMP recommended conditional marketing authorization, and in July 2011 Biogen Idec received conditional approval from the European Commission for, Fampyra (prolonged-release fampridine tablets) for the improvement of walking in adult patients with MS with walking disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale of 4-7). The Company currently estimates the recognition period to be approximately 12 years from the date of the Collaboration Agreement. As part of its ex-U.S. license agreement, Biogen Idec owes Acorda royalties based on ex-U.S. net sales, and milestones based on ex-U.S. regulatory approval, new indications, and ex-U.S. net sales.  These milestones included a $25.0 million payment for approval of the product in the European Union which was recorded and paid in the three month period ended September 30, 2011. Based on Acorda’s worldwide license and supply agreement with Alkermes, Alkermes received 7% of this milestone payment from Acorda during the same period.  For revenue recognition purposes, the Company determined this milestone to be substantive in accordance with applicable accounting guidance related to milestone revenue.  Substantive uncertainty existed at the inception of the arrangement as to whether the milestone would be achieved because of the numerous variables, such as the high rate of failure inherent in the research and development of new products and the uncertainty involved with obtaining regulatory approval. Biogen Idec leveraged Acorda’s U.S. Ampyra study results that contributed to the regulatory approval process. Therefore, the milestone was achieved based in part on Acorda’s past performance.  The milestone was also reasonable relative to all deliverable and payment terms of the collaboration arrangement. Therefore, the payment was recognized in its entirety as revenue and the cost of the milestone revenue was recognized in its entirety as an expense during the three-month period ended September 30, 2011.
 
 
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Actavis/Watson
 
The Company has an agreement with Watson Pharma, Inc., a subsidiary of Actavis, Inc. (formerly Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), to market tizanidine hydrochloride capsules, an authorized generic version of Zanaflex Capsules which was launched in February 2012.  In accordance with the Watson agreement, the Company receives a royalty based on Watson’s gross margin, as defined by the agreement, of the authorized generic product. During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized royalty revenue of $2.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively, related to the gross margin of the Zanaflex Capsule authorized generic.  During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company also recognized revenue and a corresponding cost of sales of $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to the purchase and sale of the related Zanaflex Capsule authorized generic product to Watson, which is recorded in net product revenues and cost of sales.
 
During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized royalty revenue of $6.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, related to the gross margin of the Zanaflex Capsule authorized generic.  During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company also recognized revenue and a corresponding cost of sales of $3.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively, related to the purchase and sale of the related Zanaflex Capsule authorized generic product to Watson, which is recorded in net product revenues and cost of sales.

Neuronex
 
In December 2012, the Company acquired Neuronex, Inc., a privately-held development stage pharmaceutical company (Neuronex) developing Plumiaz (our trade name for Diazepam Nasal Spray).  Plumiaz is a proprietary nasal spray formulation of diazepam that we are developing under Section 505(b)(2) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act as an acute treatment for selected, refractory patients with epilepsy, on stable regimens of antiepileptic drugs, or AEDs, who experience intermittent bouts of increased seizure activity also known as cluster seizures or acute repetitive seizures, or ARS.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company made an upfront payment of $2.0 million in February 2012.  The Company also paid $1.5 million during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2012 pursuant to a commitment under the agreement to fund research to prepare for the Plumiaz pre-NDA meeting with the FDA.  In December 2012, the Company completed the acquisition by paying $6.8 million to former Neuronex shareholders less a $300,000 holdback provision.  After adjustment for Neuronex’s working capital upon closing of the acquisition, approximately $120,000 of the holdback amount was remaining as of December 31, 2013.  This balance was paid to the former equity holders of Neuronex pursuant to the merger agreement in February 2014.
 
The former equity holders of Neuronex are entitled to receive from Acorda up to an additional $18 million in contingent earnout payments upon the achievement of specified regulatory and manufacturing-related milestones with respect to Diazepam Nasal Spray products, and up to $105 million upon the achievement of specified sales milestones with respect to Diazepam Nasal Spray products.  The former equity holders of Neuronex will also be entitled to receive tiered royalty-like earnout payments, ranging from the upper single digits to lower double digits, on worldwide net sales of Diazepam Nasal Spray products.  These payments are payable on a country-by-country basis until the earlier to occur of ten years after the first commercial sale of a product in such country and the entry of generic competition in such country as defined in the Agreement.
 
The patent and other intellectual property and other rights relating to Diazepam Nasal Spray products are licensed from SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (SK).  Pursuant to the SK license, which granted worldwide rights to Neuronex, except certain specified Asian countries, the Company’s subsidiary Neuronex is obligated to pay SK up to $8 million upon the achievement of specified development milestones with respect to the Diazepam Nasal Spray product (including a $1 million payment that was triggered during the three-month period ending September 30, 2013 upon the FDA’s acceptance for review of the first NDA for Plumiaz and paid during the three-month period ending December 31, 2013), and up to $3 million upon the achievement of specified sales milestones with respect to the Diazepam Nasal Spray product.  Also, Neuronex is obligated to pay SK a tiered, mid-single digit royalty on net sales of Diazepam Nasal Spray products.
 
 The Company evaluated the transaction based upon the guidance of ASC 805, Business Combinations, and concluded that it only acquired inputs and did not acquire any processes.  The Company needed to develop its own processes in order to produce an output. Therefore the Company accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition and accordingly the $2.0 million upfront payment, $1.5 million in research funding and $6.8 million of closing consideration net of tangible net assets acquired of $3.7 million which were primarily the taxable amount of net operating loss carryforwards, were
 
 
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expensed as research and development expense during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012.

(10) Commitments and Contingencies
 
A summary of the Company’s commitments and contingencies was included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013. The Company’s long-term contractual obligations include commitments and estimated purchase obligations entered into in the normal course of business.  
 
In May 2014, we exercised our option to lease an additional 25,405 square feet of office space in Ardsley, New York under our current lease agreement with our landlord.  We anticipate occupying the new space during the three-month period ended December 31, 2014, subject to completion of certain tenant improvements to the space prior to our occupancy.
 
In June 2014, we issued $345 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Notes”), which aggregate principal amount includes the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option.  The Notes bear interest at the rate of 1.75% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears in cash on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2014. The Notes are due on June 15, 2021, although they can be converted into cash and shares of our common stock prior to maturity if certain conditions are met.  Any conversion prior to maturity can result in repayment of the principal amount sooner than the scheduled repayment. See Note 8 – “Convertible Senior Notes”.
 
On September 24, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Civitas Therapeutics, a privately-held biopharmaceutical company, for $525 million in cash. The Company will obtain worldwide rights to CVT-301, a Phase 3 treatment candidate for OFF episodes of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The acquisition also includes rights to Civitas’ proprietary ARCUS® pulmonary delivery technology and manufacturing facility with commercial-scale capabilities based in Chelsea, MA. See subsequent event footnote.

The Company accrues for amounts related to legal matters if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. While losses, if any, are possible, the Company is not able to estimate any ranges of losses as of September 30, 2014. Litigation expenses are expensed as incurred.

(11) Subsequent Event
 
On October 22, 2014, the Company completed the previously announced merger (the “Merger”) of Five A Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acorda (“Merger Sub”), with Civitas Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Civitas”) in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 24, 2014 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Acorda, Merger Sub, Civitas and Shareholder Representative Services LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, solely in its capacity as the securityholder’s representative (“SRS”).  Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub has merged with and into Civitas, which is the surviving corporation in the Merger and which is continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acorda under the Civitas name.  Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, all outstanding shares of Civitas common stock and Civitas preferred stock, options to purchase shares of Civitas common stock and warrants to purchase shares of Civitas preferred stock, other than shares of Civitas common stock and Civitas preferred stock held by Civitas (which were cancelled as a result of the Merger) were converted into the right to receive $525.0 million in cash in the aggregate, without interest, less (i) $5.3 million due and payable under Civitas’ existing secured loan facility, consisting of $5.0 million in principal and $0.3 million in prepayment fees, (ii) $30.0 million due and payable to Alkermes, Inc. (“Alkermes”) in connection with the exercise by Civitas of its option to purchase manufacturing facility equipment from Alkermes and (iii) a portion of Civitas’ transaction expenses.  Also pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, $39.375 million of the aggregate consideration was deposited into escrow to secure the indemnification obligations of Civitas and Civitas’ securityholders, and an additional $0.5 million of the aggregate consideration was deposited with SRS for reimbursements payable to SRS under the terms of the Merger Agreement.
 
The Company will also pay approximately $15 million in Acorda and Civitas transactions costs associated with this acquisition.
 
The Company will account for the transaction as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Due to the limited time since the date of the acquisition, the initial disclosure for this business combination is incomplete as of the date of this filing.  As such, it is impracticable for the Company to make certain business combination disclosures at this time.  The Company is unable to present the acquisition date fair value of and information related to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company will provide this
 
 
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information in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. There are $2.4 million in acquisition-related costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine-month periods ending September 30, 2014.

 
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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Background

We are a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the identification, development and commercialization of novel therapies that improve the lives of people with neurological disorders.  We market three FDA-approved therapies, includingAmpyra (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg, a treatment to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis, or MS, as demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. We have one of the leading pipelines in the industry of novel neurological therapies.  We are currently developing a number of clinical and preclinical stage therapies.  This pipeline addresses a range of disorders, including chronic post-stroke walking deficits, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, heart failure, and spinal cord injury.  In October 2014, we acquired Civitas Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company which is developing CVT-301, a Phase 3 treatment candidate for OFF episodes of Parkinson’s disease.
 
Ampyra
 
General
 
Ampyra was approved by the FDA in January 2010 for the improvement of walking in people with MS. To our knowledge, Ampyra is the first and only product approved for this indication. Efficacy was shown in people with all four major types of MS (relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, progressive relapsing and primary progressive).  Ampyra was made commercially available in the United States in March 2010.  Net revenue for Ampyra was $96.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and $77.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
 
Since the March 2010 launch of Ampyra, approximately 100,000 people with MS in the U.S. have tried Ampyra.  As of December 2013, approximately 70% of all people with MS who were prescribed Ampyra received a first refill, and approximately 40% of all people with MS who were prescribed Ampyra have been dispensed at least six months of the medicine through refills, consistent with previously reported trends.  These refill rates exclude patients who started Ampyra through our First Step trial program.  First Step patients that convert to commercial drug tend to be somewhat more persistent with respect to refills over time.
 
Ampyra is marketed in the United States through our own specialty sales force and commercial infrastructure. We currently have approximately 90 sales representatives in the field calling on a priority target list of approximately 7,000 physicians.  We also have established teams of Medical Science Liaisons, Regional Reimbursement Directors, Managed Markets Account Directors who provide information and assistance to payers and physicians on Ampyra, National Trade Account Managers who work with our limited network of specialty pharmacies, and Market Development Managers who work collaboratively with field teams and corporate personnel to assist in the execution of the Company’s strategic initiatives.
 
Ampyra is distributed in the United States exclusively through a limited network of specialty pharmacy providers that deliver the medication to patients by mail; Kaiser Permanente, which distributes Ampyra to patients through a closed network of on-site pharmacies; and ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc. (an AmerisourceBergen affiliate), which distributes Ampyra to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA.  All of these customers are contractually obligated to hold no more than an agreed number of days of inventory, ranging between 10 to 30 days.
 
We have contracted with a third party organization with extensive experience in coordinating patient benefits to run Ampyra Patient Support Services, or APSS, a dedicated resource that coordinates the prescription process among healthcare providers, people with MS, and insurance carriers.  Processing of most incoming requests for prescriptions by APSS begins within 24 hours of receipt. Patients will experience a range of times to receive their first shipment based on the processing time for insurance requirements. As with any prescription product, patients who are members of benefit plans that have restrictive prior authorizations may experience delays in receiving their prescription.
 
Three of the largest national health plans in the U.S. – Aetna (through December 31, 2014), United Healthcare and Cigna – have listed Ampyra in the lowest competitive reimbursement tier, which means that it is listed in either the lowest branded copay tier or the lowest branded specialty tier (if more than one specialty tier exists) of their commercial preferred
 

 
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drug list or formulary.  Approximately 75% of commercially insured individuals in the U.S. continue to have no or limited prior authorizations, or PA’s, for Ampyra.  We define limited PAs as those that require only an MS diagnosis, documentation of no contraindications, and/or simple documentation that the patient has a walking impairment; such documentation may include a Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25W) test.  The access figure is calculated based on the number of pharmacy lives reported by commercial health plans.
 
License and Collaboration Agreement with Biogen Idec
 
Ampyra is marketed as Fampyra outside the U.S. by Biogen Idec International GmbH, or Biogen Idec, under a license and collaboration agreement that we entered into in June 2009.  Fampyra has been approved in a number of countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas.  Biogen Idec anticipates making Fampyra commercially available in additional markets in 2014.  Under our agreement with Biogen Idec, we are entitled to receive double-digit tiered royalties on sales of Fampyra and we are also entitled to receive additional payments based on achievement of certain regulatory and sales milestones.  We received a $25 million milestone payment from Biogen Idec in 2011, which was triggered by Biogen Idec’s receipt of conditional approval from the European Commission for Fampyra.  The next expected milestone payment would be $15 million, due when ex-U.S. net sales exceed $100 million over four consecutive quarters.
 
Ampyra Patent Update
 
We have five issued patents listed in the FDA’s approved Drugs Product List (Orange Book) for Ampyra, one of which issued in 2014, and Ampyra also has Orphan Drug status, which extends into January 2017.  The five Orange Book-listed patents for Ampyra are as follows:
 
·  
The first is U.S. Patent No. 8,007,826, with claims relating to methods to improve walking in patients with MS by administering 10 mg of sustained release 4-aminopyridine (dalfampridine) twice daily. Based on the final patent term adjustment calculation of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, this patent will extend into 2027.

·  
The second is U.S. Patent No. 5,540,938 (“the ‘938 patent”), the claims of which relate to methods for treating a neurological disease, such as MS, and cover the use of a sustained release dalfampridine formulation, such as Ampyra (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg for improving walking in people with MS.  In April 2013, the ‘938 patent received a five year patent term extension under the patent restoration provisions of the Hatch Waxman Act.  With a five year patent term extension, the ‘938 patent will expire in 2018.  We have an exclusive license to this patent from Alkermes (originally with Elan, but transferred to Alkermes as part of its acquisition of Elan’s Drug Technologies business).

·  
 
The third is U.S. Patent No. 8,354,437, which includes claims relating to methods to improve walking, increase walking speed, and treat walking disability in patients with MS by administering 10 mg of sustained release 4-aminopyridine (dalfampridine) twice daily.  This patent is set to expire in 2026.

·  
The fourth is U.S. Patent No. 8,440,703, which includes claims directed to methods of improving lower extremity function and walking and increasing walking speed in patients with MS by administering less than 15 mg of sustained release 4-aminopyridine (dalfampridine) twice daily.  This patent is set to expire in 2025.

·  
The fifth, which issued in March of 2014, is U.S. Patent No. 8,663,685 with claims relating to methods to improve walking in patients with MS by administering 10 mg of sustained release 4-aminopyridine (dalfampridine) twice daily.  Absent patent term adjustment, the patent is set to expire in 2024.

 
In June 2014, we announced receipt of a Paragraph IV Certification Notice Letter advising that Actavis Laboratories FL, Inc. submitted an Abbreviated New Drug Application, or ANDA, to the FDA requesting permission to manufacture and market a generic version of Ampyra (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg.  Subsequently, we received an additional seven Paragraph IV Certification Notice Letters from Accord Healthcare, Inc., Alkem Laboratories Ltd., Apotex, Inc., Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Roxane Laboratories, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., also requesting permission to manufacture and market generic versions of Ampyra Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg.  The ANDA filers have challenged the validity of our Orange Book-listed patents for Ampyra, and they have also asserted that generic versions of their products do not infringe certain claims of these patents.  In response to these filings, we filed lawsuits against all of these companies alleging multiple counts of patent infringement.  This litigation is further described below in
 

 
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Part II, Item 1 of this report.  We filed these lawsuits within 45 days from the date of receipt of each of the Paragraph IV Certification Notice Letters.  As a result, a 30 month statutory stay of approval period applies to each of the ANDAs under the Hatch-Waxman Act.  The 30 month stay starts from January 22, 2015, which is the end of the new chemical entity (NCE) exclusivity period for Ampyra.  This restricts the FDA from approving the ANDAs until July 2017 at the earliest, unless a Federal district court issues a decision adverse to all of our asserted Orange Book-listed patents prior to that date.
 
In 2011, the European Patent Office, or EPO, granted EP 1732548, the counterpart European patent to U.S. Patent No. 8,354,437 with claims relating to, among other things, use of a sustained release aminopyridine composition, such as dalfampridine, to increase walking speed.  In March 2012, Synthon B.V. and neuraxpharm Arzneimittel GmBH filed oppositions with the EPO challenging the EP 1732548 patent.  We defended the patent, and in December 2013, we announced that the EPO Opposition Division upheld amended claims in this patent covering a sustained release formulation of dalfampridine for increasing walking in patients with MS through twice daily dosing at 10 mg.  Both Synthon B.V. and neuraxpharm Arzneimittel GmBH have appealed the decision.  In December 2013, Synthon B.V., neuraxpharm Arzneimittel GmBH and Actavis Group PTC ehf filed oppositions with the EPO challenging our EP 2377536 patent, which is a divisional of the EP 1732548 patent.  Both European patents are set to expire in 2025, absent any additional exclusivity granted based on regulatory review timelines.
 
Civitas Acquisition and CVT-301
 
On October 22, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Civitas Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Civitas”).  As a result of the acquisition, we acquired global rights to CVT-301, a Phase 3 treatment candidate for OFF episodes of Parkinson’s disease which is further described below.  Our acquisition of Civitas also included rights to Civitas’ proprietary ARCUS pulmonary delivery technology, which we believe has applications in multiple disease areas, and a subleased Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP, manufacturing facility in Chelsea, Massachusetts with commercial-scale capabilities.  The approximately 90,000 square foot facility also includes office and laboratory space.  Approximately 45 Civitas employees based at the Chelsea facility have joined the Acorda workforce in connection with the acquisition.
 
The Civitas acquisition was completed under an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 24, 2014 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Acorda, Five A Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), Civitas and Shareholder Representative Services LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, solely in its capacity as the securityholder’s representative (“SRS”).  Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub has merged with and into Civitas, which is the surviving corporation in the Merger and which is continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acorda under the Civitas name.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, all outstanding shares of Civitas common stock and Civitas preferred stock, options to purchase shares of Civitas common stock and warrants to purchase shares of Civitas preferred stock, other than shares of Civitas common stock and Civitas preferred stock held by Civitas (which were cancelled as a result of the Merger) were converted into the right to receive $525.0 million in cash in the aggregate, without interest, less (i) $5.3 million due and payable under Civitas’ existing secured loan facility, consisting of $5.0 million in principal and $0.3 million in prepayment fees, (ii) $30.0 million due and payable to Alkermes, Inc. (“Alkermes”) in connection with the exercise by Civitas of its option to purchase manufacturing facility equipment from Alkermes and (iii) a portion of Civitas’ transaction expenses.  Also pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, $39.375 million of the aggregate consideration was deposited into escrow to secure the indemnification obligations of Civitas and Civitas’ securityholders, and an additional $0.5 million of the aggregate consideration was deposited with SRS for reimbursements payable to SRS under the terms of the Merger Agreement. We financed the transaction with cash on hand. The Company will also pay approximately $15 million in Acorda and Civitas transactions costs associated with this acquisition. There are $2.4 million in acquisition-related costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine-month periods ending September 30, 2014.
 
The foregoing description of the Merger and the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto, and is incorporated into this Current Report by reference.
 
Zanaflex
 
Zanaflex Capsules and Zanaflex tablets are FDA-approved as short-acting drugs for the management of spasticity, a symptom of many central nervous system, or CNS, disorders, including MS and SCI. These products contain tizanidine hydrochloride, one of the two leading drugs used to treat spasticity.  We launched Zanaflex Capsules in April 2005 as part of our strategy to build a commercial platform for the potential market launch of Ampyra.  Combined net revenue of Zanaflex
 
 
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Capsules and Zanaflex tablets was $547,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and $815,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013.  In 2012, Apotex commercially launched a generic version of tizanidine hydrochloride capsules, and we also launched our own authorized generic version, which is being marketed by Watson Pharma (a subsidiary of Actavis).  In March 2013, Mylan Pharmaceuticals commercially launched their own generic version of Zanaflex Capsules.  The commercial launch of generic tizanidine hydrochloride capsules has caused a significant decline in net revenue from the sale of Zanaflex Capsules, and the launch of these generic versions and the potential launch of other generic versions is expected to cause the Company’s net revenue from Zanaflex Capsules to decline further in 2014 and beyond.
 
Qutenza and NP-1998; NeurogesX Transaction
 
Qutenza is a dermal patch containing 8% prescription strength capsaicin approved for the management of neuropathic pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia, also known as post-shingles pain.  We acquired Qutenza as well as NP-1998 from NeurogesX, Inc. in July 2013.  NP-1998, further described below, is a Phase 3 ready, prescription strength capsaicin topical solution being assessed for the treatment of neuropathic pain.  Qutenza was approved by the FDA in 2010 and launched in April 2010 but NeurogesX discontinued active promotion of the product in March 2012.  In January 2014, we re-launched Qutenza using our existing commercial organization, including our specialty neurology sales force.  Net product revenue of Qutenza was $284,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and $103,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
 
We made a $7.5 million payment to acquire development and commercialization rights for Qutenza and NP-1998 in the United States, Canada, Latin America and certain other territories.  We may also make up to $5.0 million in payments contingent upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales milestones related to NP-1998.  Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. has exclusive commercialization rights for Qutenza in the European Economic Area (EEA) including the 28 countries of the European Union, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein as well as Switzerland, certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Astellas also has an option to develop NP-1998 in those same territories.
 
Research & Development Programs
 
We have one of the leading pipelines in the industry of novel neurological therapies.  We are currently developing a number of clinical and preclinical stage therapies.  This pipeline addresses a range of disorders, including chronic post-stroke walking deficits, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, heart failure, and spinal cord injury.  Our pipeline includes the programs described below, and includes the CVT-301 program that we recently acquired with Civitas.
 
We are re-prioritizing our pipeline based on our recent acquisition of Civitas and expect to provide an update in January 2015. At this time, we note that we have been studying AC105 as an acute treatment for patients who have suffered spinal cord injury.  In September 2013, we announced that the first patient was enrolled in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and tolerability of AC105 in people with traumatic spinal cord injury.  Patient recruitment in this trial has been challenging due to several factors, and as a result recruitment into the study has been closed and the study will be terminated.
 
Dalfampridine Development Programs
 
We believe there may be potential for Ampyra to be applied to neurological conditions in addition to MS.  For example, we have conducted a Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial of dalfampridine extended release tablets in chronic post-stroke walking deficits.  This study, which was initiated in 2012, explored the use of dalfampridine in patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke at least six (6) months prior to enrollment and who have stabilized with chronic neurologic deficits, which may include impaired walking, motor and sensory function and manual dexterity.  Over the first six months following a stroke, patients typically show some degree of spontaneous recovery of function, which may be enhanced by rehabilitation and physical therapy.  This trial targeted motor impairments that remain after such recovery.  In the study, treatment with dalfampridine extended release was well-tolerated and improved walking, as measured by the Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW).  The safety findings in this study were consistent with previous clinical trials and post-marketing experience of dalfampridine extended release tablets in MS.  Findings from the trial were presented at the American Neurological Association annual meeting in October 2013, and post-hoc analyses were included in a platform presentation in February 2014 at the 2014 International Stroke Conference.
 
We are on track to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial by the end of this year to evaluate the use of dalfampridine administered twice daily (BID) to improve walking in people who are suffering from chronic post-stroke walking deficits after experiencing an ischemic stroke.  The BID formulation was used in our proof of concept study for which we announced positive results last year, referred to above.  As part of the trial design, we are planning to conduct an interim analysis of the
 
 
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trial data, and depending on the outcome of that analysis we may initiate a second pivotal trial prior to the conclusion of the Phase 3 trial.  We have been exploring a once-daily (QD) formulation of dalfampridine for use in the chronic post-stroke clinical program.  Based on the results of an in-vitro alcohol dose dumping study and a subsequent fed-fasted study, we have determined that the QD formulation that we had been developing with an external partner is not practical for further testing.  We are working with different external partners to develop a new QD formulation that could be included in future post-stroke studies.
 
We also are continuing to evaluate possible grants for investigator-initiated studies looking for potential benefits, including in other neurological disorders.
 
CVT-301
 
We acquired CVT-301 in October 2014 with our acquisition of Civitas.  CVT-301 is a Phase 3-ready inhaled formulation of levodopa, or L-dopa, for the treatment of OFF episodes in Parkinson’s disease.  Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the gradual loss of certain neurons in the brain responsible for producing dopamine.   The disease is characterized by symptoms such as tremor at rest, rigidity and impaired movement.  The standard of care is oral L-dopa, but there are significant challenges in creating a dosing regimen that consistently maintains therapeutic effects.  The unpredictable re-emergence of symptoms is referred to as an OFF episode, and current strategies for treating these OFF episodes are widely regarded as inadequate.
 
CVT-301 is based on the proprietary ARCUS technology platform that we acquired with Civitas.  The ARCUS technology is a dry-powder pulmonary delivery system that we believe has applications in multiple disease areas.  This platform allows delivery of significantly larger doses of medication than are possible with conventional dry powder formulations.  This in turn provides the potential for pulmonary delivery of a much wider variety of pharmaceutical agents. We expect to start a CVT-301 Phase 3 program by the first quarter of 2015.  The program is expected to include a Phase 3 efficacy trial and safety extension, and two pharmacokinetic studies in specific sub-populations.  We expect results from the efficacy trial in 2016, and plan to file a new drug application, or NDA, in the U.S. by the end of 2016.  We expect that the NDA will be filed under section 505(b)(2) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, referencing data from the branded L-dopa product Sinemet®.  Based on Civitas’ interactions with the FDA, we believe a single Phase 3 efficacy study will be needed for filing an NDA, supported by existing Phase 2b data.  A separate safety study will also be required, and we believe this can be completed following submission of an NDA.  We believe that there are approximately 350,000 people in the U.S. with Parkinson’s disease, and we are projecting that if approved, annual peak sales of CVT-301 in the U.S. alone could exceed $500 million.
 
Plumiaz (diazepam) Nasal Spray
 
Plumiaz is a proprietary nasal spray formulation of diazepam as an acute treatment for selected, refractory patients with epilepsy, on stable regimens of antiepileptic drugs, or AEDs, who experience intermittent bouts of increased seizure activity, also known as cluster seizures or acute repetitive seizures.  We acquired Plumiaz with the acquisition of Neuronex, Inc. in December 2012.
 
In November 2013, we announced that we submitted a New Drug Application, or NDA, filing for Plumiaz to the FDA.  Plumiaz was filed under section 505(b)(2) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, referencing data from a therapy previously approved by the FDA (DIASTAT® Rectal Gel) and providing pharmacokinetic data comparing the reference product to Plumiaz. The Company is seeking an indication for Plumiaz in people with epilepsy who experience cluster seizures.  In May 2014, the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter, or CRL, for the Plumiaz NDA.  We are continuing discussions with the FDA regarding the requirements for re-filing the Plumiaz NDA, and are preparing to begin the clinical work that will be necessary for re-submission.  We are still planning on pursuing the 505(b)(2) pathway as described above.  Once we have refiled the NDA, we expect that the FDA will respond to our submission within six months.
 
We have obtained orphan drug designation, which would confer seven years of market exclusivity from the date of approval for diazepam containing drug products for the same indication.  We licensed two patent families relating to the clinical formulation for Plumiaz, including a granted U.S. patent that is set to expire in 2029. We anticipate that our current infrastructure can support sales and marketing of this product if it receives FDA approval.  We believe this product has the potential to generate peak annual sales significantly higher than $100 million.
 
 
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NP-1998
 
NP-1998 is a topical solution containing 20% prescription strength capsaicin.  We believe this liquid formulation of a capsaicin-based therapy has key advantages over the Qutenza patch described above, and may have potential as both a stand-alone therapy and as an adjunct to existing systemic therapies for neuropathic pain.  We are currently working with the FDA to come to agreement on the design of a clinical development program for NP-1998, which we believe has the potential to treat multiple neuropathies.  As a result, a Phase 3 clinical trial, originally scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014, has been delayed.  We are reviewing data from an Astellas clinical trial to assess the use of its capsaicin (8%) cutaneous patch QUTENZA™ in the treatment of pain associated with painful diabetic neuropathy, or PDN.  While the patch and NP-1998 are different products, they contain the same active ingredient, capsaicin, so the results of this Astellas trial may help inform our evaluation of a potential development plan for NP-1998 to treat painful diabetic neuropathy.  Also, in February 2014, Astellas presented data from its ELEVATE study at the 14th Asian Australasian Congress of Anesthesiologists, which compared its capsaicin (8%) cutaneous patch QUTENZA™ to an oral therapy widely used to treat various neuropathic pain conditions.  This open label study compared efficacy, tolerability, and safety, and the data may be useful in connection with our development plans for NP-1998.
 
Glial Growth Factor 2
 
We have completed a GGF2 Phase 1 clinical trial in heart failure patients.  This was a dose-escalating trial designed to test the maximum tolerated single dose, with follow-up assessments at one, three, and six months.  In March 2013, we presented three-month data from this clinical trial in a platform presentation at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual meeting. These data showed a dose-related improvement in ejection fraction in addition to safety findings.  Dose-limiting toxicities were also identified in the highest planned dose cohort including acute liver injury meeting Hy’s Law for drug induced hepatotoxicity.  In October 2013, we announced that the first patient was enrolled in the second clinical trial of GGF2.  This Phase 1b single-infusion trial in people with heart failure is assessing tolerability of three dose levels of GGF2, which were tested in the first trial, and also includes assessment of drug-drug interactions and several exploratory measures of efficacy.  We voluntarily paused enrollment in this trial in December 2013 pending review of additional preclinical data with the FDA.  In April 2014, we announced that we had completed this review and agreed with the FDA that the trial will resume recruitment.  We expect to complete this trial in the second half of 2015.  If we are able to establish a proof of concept for treatment of heart failure through human clinical studies, we may decide to develop the product independently or to enter into a partnership, most likely with a cardiovascular-focused company.
 
Remyelinating Antibodies.
 
We have a remyelinating antibodies program that we acquired under license from the Foundation for Medical Education and Research, or Mayo Clinic.  Studies have demonstrated the ability of this family of antibodies to stimulate repair of the myelin sheath in three different animal models of MS.  Some antibodies within this portfolio also stimulate the growth of neurons and may have applications beyond demyelinating disorders.  First identified in mice, similar remyelinating antibodies were subsequently identified in human blood samples by Mayo Clinic.  rHIgM22 is our lead recombinant human remyelinating antibody.  We believe a therapy that could repair myelin sheaths has the potential to restore substantial neurological function to those affected by demyelinating conditions.
 
In April 2013, we initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of rHIgM22 to assess the safety and tolerability of rHIgM22 in patients with MS.  The study also includes several exploratory efficacy measures.  We have completed the dose escalation portion of this trial, with no dose-limiting toxicities or dose-limiting adverse events reported.  The second portion of this trial is exploring safety, tolerability and efficacy endpoints for six months in additional patients at the two highest doses achieved in the dose escalation portion of the trial.  Enrollment in the second portion of this trial is complete.  We expect to complete our initial analysis of the Phase 1 clinical trial data in early 2015.  
 
Chondroitinase Program
 
We are continuing research on the potential use of chondroitinases for the treatment of injuries to the brain and spinal cord, as well as other neurotraumatic indications.  The chondroitinase program is in the research and translational development phase and has not yet entered formal preclinical development.
 
Convertible Senior Notes
 
In June 2014, we completed a public offering of $345 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% Convertible

 
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Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Notes”), which aggregate principal amount includes the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option.   We conducted the Notes offering to raise funds for general corporate purposes, including to fund possible acquisitions of, or investments in, complementary businesses, products and technologies.  The net proceeds from the offering helped fund the purchase price and other payments made in connection with the Civitas acquisition, described above. The Notes are further described below in this report under “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Corporate Update

In connection with the Civitas acquisition described above, Rick Batycky, Ph.D., previously Chief Scientific Officer of Civitas, became the newest member of our senior leadership team and was appointed to the position of Chief Technology Officer and Site Head.  In this position, Dr. Batycky will be responsible for oversight of our Chelsea, MA manufacturing facility.
 
We currently lease approximately 138,000 square feet of office and laboratory space in Ardsley, NY.  Our lease for this facility includes options to lease up to approximately 120,000 additional square feet of space in additional buildings at the same location.  In May 2014, we notified the landlord that we were exercising our option to expand into an additional 25,405 square feet of office space.  We anticipate occupying the additional space in the first quarter of 2015, subject to completion of certain improvements to the space prior to occupancy.
 
Outlook for 2014

Financial Guidance for 2014

We are providing the following guidance with respect to our 2014 financial performance:

·  
We have raised our expected 2014 net revenue from the sale of Ampyra to range from $345 million to $350 million.

·  
We expect Zanaflex (tizanidine hydrochloride) and ex-U.S. Fampyra (prolonged-release fampridine tablets) 2014 revenue to be approximately $25 million, which includes net sales of branded Zanaflex products, royalties from ex-U.S. Fampyra and authorized generic tizanidine hydrochloride capsules sales, and $9.1 million in amortized licensing revenue from the $110 million payment we received from Biogen Idec in 2009 for Fampyra ex-U.S. development and commercialization rights.

·  
Research and development (R&D) expenses in 2014 are expected to range from $60 million to $70 million, excluding share-based compensation charges and expenditures related to the Civitas acquisition and any other potential acquisition of new products or other business development activities.  R&D expenses are expected to be significantly higher in 2015 based on initiation of Phase 3 clinical trials and advancement of other pipeline products.

·  
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) in 2014 are expected to range from $180 million to $190 million, excluding share-based compensation charges and expenditures related to the Civitas acquisition and any other potential acquisition of new products or other business development activities.


The range of SG&A and R&D expenditures for 2014 are non-GAAP financial measures because they exclude share-based compensation charges.  Non-GAAP financial measures are not an alternative for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.  However, we believe the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures, when viewed in conjunction with actual GAAP results, provides investors with a more meaningful understanding of our projected operating performance because they exclude non-cash charges that are substantially dependent on changes in the market price of our common stock.  We believe that non-GAAP financial measures that exclude share-based compensation charges help indicate underlying trends in our business, and are important in comparing current results with prior period results and understanding expected operating performance.  Also, our management uses non-GAAP financial measures that exclude share-based compensation charges to establish budgets and operational goals, and to manage our business and to evaluate its performance.
 
 
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Development Pipeline Goals

Our planned goals and key initiatives with respect to our pipeline during and beyond 2014 are as follows:
 
·  
Initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial by the end of this year studying the use of dalfampridine administered twice daily (BID) to improve walking in people who are suffering from chronic post-stroke walking deficits after experiencing an ischemic stroke.  As part of the trial design, we are planning to conduct an interim analysis of the trial data, and depending on the outcome of that analysis we may initiate a second pivotal trial prior to the conclusion of the Phase 3 trial.

·  
Commence a CVT-301 Phase 3 program by the first quarter of 2015.  The program is expected to include a Phase 3 efficacy trial and safety extension, and two pharmacokinetic studies in specific sub-populations.  We expect results from the efficacy trial in 2016, and plan to file a new drug application, or NDA, in the U.S. by the end of 2016.  We expect that the NDA will be filed under section 505(b)(2) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, referencing data from the branded L-dopa product Sinemet®.  Based on Civitas’ interactions with the FDA, we believe a single Phase 3 efficacy study will be needed for filing an NDA, supported by existing Phase 2b data.  A separate safety study will also be required, and we believe this can be completed following submission of an NDA.

·  
In November 2013, we announced that we submitted an NDA filing for Plumiaz to the FDA.    In May 2014, the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter, or CRL, for the Plumiaz NDA.  We are continuing discussions with the FDA regarding the requirements for re-filing the Plumiaz NDA, and are preparing to begin the clinical work that will be necessary for re-submission.  Once we have refiled the NDA, we expect that the FDA will respond to our submission within six months.

·  
We are currently working with the FDA to come to agreement on the design of a clinical development program for NP-1998, which we believe has the potential to treat multiple neuropathies.  As a result, a Phase 3 clinical trial, originally scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014, has been delayed.

·  
Continue to progress our Phase 1 clinical trial of rHIgM22, which we initiated in April 2013. We have completed the dose escalation portion of this trial, with no dose-limiting toxicities or dose-limiting adverse events reported.  The second portion of this trial is exploring safety, tolerability and efficacy endpoints for six months in additional patients at the two highest doses achieved in the dose escalation portion of the trial.  Enrollment in the second portion of this trial is complete.  We expect to complete our initial analysis of the Phase 1 clinical trial data in early 2015.

·  
Continue to progress our second clinical trial of GGF2, which we initiated in October 2013.  This is a Phase 1b single-infusion trial in people with heart failure that is assessing tolerability of three dose levels of GGF2, which were tested in our first clinical trial of GGF2, and which also includes assessment of drug-drug interactions and several exploratory measures of efficacy.  In October 2013, we announced that the first patient was enrolled in this clinical trial.  We voluntarily paused enrollment in this trial in December 2013 pending review of additional preclinical data with the FDA. In April 2014, we announced that we had completed this review and agreed with the FDA that the trial will resume recruitment.  We expect to complete this trial in the second half of 2015.

We are re-prioritizing our pipeline based on our recent acquisition of Civitas and expect to provide an update in January 2015.
 
 
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Results of Operations
 
Three-Month Period Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to September 30, 2013
 
Net Product Revenues

Ampyra
 
We recognize product sales of Ampyra following shipment of product to our network of specialty pharmacy providers, Kaiser and the specialty distributor to the VA.  We recognized net revenue from the sale of Ampyra to these customers of $96.4 million as compared to $77.8 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, an increase of $18.6 million, or 23.9%.  The net revenue increase was comprised of net volume increases of $9.6 million and price increases net of discount and allowance adjustments of $9.0 million.  Net revenue from sales of Ampyra increased for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 due to our price increase and greater demand we believe due to, in part, the success of certain marketing programs such as our First Step and Step Together programs. Effective January 2, 2014, we increased our sale price to our customers by 10.75%.

Discounts and allowances which are included as an offset in net revenue consist of allowances for customer credits, including estimated chargebacks, rebates, discounts and returns. Discounts and allowances are recorded following shipment of Ampyra tablets to our network of specialty pharmacy providers, Kaiser and the specialty distributor to the VA. Adjustments are recorded for estimated chargebacks, rebates, and discounts.  Discounts and allowances also consist of discounts provided to Medicare beneficiaries whose prescription drug costs cause them to be subject to the Medicare Part D coverage gap (i.e., the “donut hole”).  Payment of coverage gap discounts is required under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform legislation enacted in 2010.  Discounts and allowances may increase as a percentage of sales as we enter into managed care contracts in the future.

Zanaflex

We recognize product sales of Zanaflex Capsules and Zanaflex tablets using a deferred revenue recognition model where shipments to wholesalers are recorded as deferred revenue and only recognized as revenue when end-user prescriptions of the product are reported. We also recognize product sales on the transfer price of product sold for an authorized generic of Zanaflex Capsules.  We recognized net revenue from the sale of Zanaflex Capsules and Zanaflex tablets of $547,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $815,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013. Net product revenues also include $1.3 million which represents the sale of our Zanaflex Capsules authorized generic product to Actavis for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $1.0 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013.  Generic competition has caused a significant decline in sales of Zanaflex Capsules and is expected to cause the Company’s net revenue from Zanaflex Capsules to decline further in 2014 and beyond.  The decrease in net revenues was also the result of a disproportionate increase in discounts and allowances due to the mix of customers continuing to purchase our product. These customers receive higher levels of rebates and allowances.
 
Discounts and allowances, which are included as an offset in net revenue, consist of allowances for customer credits, including estimated chargebacks, rebates, and discounts.  Adjustments are recorded for estimated chargebacks, rebates, and discounts.

Qutenza

We began selling Qutenza in July 2013 as a result of the NeurogesX transaction. We recognize product sales of Qutenza following shipment of product to our specialty distributors. We recognized net revenue from the sale of Qutenza to these customers of $284,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $103,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013. For the foreseeable future we do not expect that sales of this product will materially contribute to our revenues.

License Revenue

We recognized $2.3 million in license revenue for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, related to the $110.0 million received from Biogen Idec in 2009 as part of our collaboration agreement. We currently estimate the recognition period to be approximately 12 years from the date of the Collaboration Agreement.
 
 
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Royalty Revenue

We recognized $2.5 million and $2.0 million in royalty revenue for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to ex-U.S. sales of Fampyra by Biogen Idec.

We recognized $2.7 million and $0.9 million in royalty revenue for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to the authorized generic sale of Zanaflex Capsules.

Cost of Sales

We recorded cost of sales of $20.6 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $17.2 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013. Cost of sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 consisted primarily of $16.8 million in inventory costs related to recognized revenues.  Cost of sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 also consisted of $2.2 million in royalty fees based on net product shipments, $179,000 in amortization of intangible assets, and $77,000 in period costs related to freight, stability testing, and packaging. Cost of sales also included $1.3 million which represents the cost of Zanaflex Capsules authorized generic product sold for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014.
 
 
Cost of sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 consisted primarily of $14.0 million in inventory costs related to recognized revenues.  Cost of sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 also consisted of $1.9 million in royalty fees based on net product shipments, $175,000 in amortization of intangible assets, and $105,000 in period costs related to freight, stability testing, and packaging. Cost of sales also included $1.0 million which represents the cost of Zanaflex Capsules authorized generic product sold for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013.

Cost of License Revenue
 
We recorded cost of license revenue of $159,000 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Cost of license revenue represents the recognition of a portion of the deferred $7.7 million paid to Alkermes in 2009 in connection with the $110.0 million received from Biogen Idec as a result of our collaboration agreement.
 
Research and Development
 
Research and development expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 were $16.6 million as compared to $13.8 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $2.7 million, or 20%.  The increase was primarily due to increases in expenses for various research and development programs, including $2.0 million related to technical operations and the GGF2, Plumiaz (diazepam) nasal spray, and NP-1998 development programs, as well as an increase in overall research and development staff, compensation and related expenses of $565,000 to support the various research and development initiatives and $539,000 related to our life cycle management program for Ampyra.  R&D expenses are expected to be significantly higher in 2015 based on initiation of Phase 3 clinical trials and advancement of other pipeline products.
 
Selling, General and Administrative
 
Sales and marketing expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 were $26.2 million compared to $24.0 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $2.2 million, or 9%.  The increase was attributable to an increase in overall compensation, benefits, and other selling expenses of $2.2 million, including sales force incentive compensation.
 
General and administrative expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 were $21.6 million compared to $18.4 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $3.2 million, or 17%. This increase was primarily the result of increases for business development and staff and compensation expenses.
 
Other Expense
 
Other expense was $4.3 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 compared to $0.4 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $3.9 million, or 975%. The increase was due to an increase in interest expense of $4.1 million, principally related to the cash and non-cash portions of interest expense for the  convertible senior notes issued in June 2014 (the Notes). Interest expense related to the Notes was $3.6 million for the three-
 
 
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month period ended September 30, 2014, of which the non-cash portion was $2.1 million. We will report interest expense in future quarters of between $3.6 million and $4.3 million related to the Notes.
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
For the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $4.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively, based upon its estimated tax liability for the year. The provision for income taxes is based on federal, state and Puerto Rico income taxes. The effective income tax rates for the Company for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 28% and 32%, respectively.
 
We continue to evaluate the realizability of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities on a periodic basis and will adjust such amounts in light of changing facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, future projections of taxable income, tax legislation, rulings by relevant tax authorities, the progress of ongoing tax audits and the regulatory approval of products currently under development. Any changes to the valuation allowance or deferred tax assets in the future would impact the Company's income taxes.
 
Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to September 30, 2013
 
Net Product Revenues

Ampyra
 
We recognize product sales of Ampyra following shipment of product to our network of specialty pharmacy providers, Kaiser Permanente and the specialty distributor to the VA.  We recognized net revenue from the sale of Ampyra to these customers of $256.3 million as compared to $217.9 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, an increase of $38.4 million, or 18%.  The net revenue increase is comprised of price increases net of discount and allowance adjustments of $22.2 million and net volume increases of $16.2 million. Net revenue from sales of Ampyra increased for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 due to our price increase and greater demand we believe due to, in part, the success of certain marketing programs such as our First Step and Step Together programs. Effective January 2, 2014, we increased our sale price to our customers by 10.75%.

Discounts and allowances which are included as an offset in net revenue consist of allowances for customer credits, including estimated chargebacks, rebates, discounts and returns. Discounts and allowances are recorded following shipment of Ampyra tablets to our network of specialty pharmacy providers, Kaiser and the specialty distributor to the VA. Adjustments are recorded for estimated chargebacks, rebates, and discounts.  Discounts and allowances also consist of discounts provided to Medicare beneficiaries whose prescription drug costs cause them to be subject to the Medicare Part D coverage gap (i.e., the “donut hole”).  Payment of coverage gap discounts is required under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform legislation enacted in 2010.  Discounts and allowances may increase as a percentage of sales as we enter into managed care contracts in the future.

Zanaflex

We recognize product sales of Zanaflex Capsules and Zanaflex tablets using a deferred revenue recognition model where shipments to wholesalers are recorded as deferred revenue and only recognized as revenue when end-user prescriptions of the product are reported. We also recognize product sales on the transfer price of product sold for an authorized generic of Zanaflex Capsules. We recognized net revenue from the sale of Zanaflex Capsules and Zanaflex tablets of $2.2 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $3.3 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Net product revenues also include $3.4 million which represents the sale of our Zanaflex Capsules authorized generic product to Actavis for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $2.7 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013.  Generic competition has caused a significant decline in sales of Zanaflex Capsules and is expected to cause the Company’s net revenue from Zanaflex Capsules to decline further in 2014 and beyond.  The decrease in net revenues was also the result of a disproportionate increase in discounts and allowances due to the mix of customers continuing to purchase our product. These customers receive higher levels of rebates and allowances.
 
Discounts and allowances, which are included as an offset in net revenue, consist of allowances for customer credits, including estimated chargebacks, rebates, and discounts.  Adjustments are recorded for estimated chargebacks, rebates, and discounts.
 
 
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Qutenza

We began selling Qutenza in July 2013 as a result of the NeurogesX transaction. We recognize product sales of Qutenza following shipment of product to our specialty distributors. We recognized net revenue from the sale of Qutenza to these customers of $769,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, as compared to $103,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. For the foreseeable future we do not expect that sales of this product will materially contribute to our revenues.

License Revenue

We recognized $6.8 million in license revenue for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, related to the $110.0 million received from Biogen Idec in 2009 as part of our collaboration agreement. We currently estimate the recognition period to be approximately 12 years from the date of the Collaboration Agreement.

Royalty Revenues

We recognized $7.7 million and $7.1 million in royalty revenue for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively related to ex-U.S. sales of Fampyra by Biogen Idec. In 2011, the German government implemented new legislation to manage pricing related to new drug products introduced within the German market through a review of each product’s comparative efficacy. Biogen Idec launched Fampyra in Germany in August 2011. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012, the government agency completed its comparative efficacy assessment of Fampyra indicating a range of pricing below Biogen Idec’s initial launch price, which was unregulated for the first 12 months after launch consistent with German law. The Company recognized royalty revenue during a portion of 2012 based on the lowest point of the initially indicated German pricing authority range.  Biogen Idec signed the pricing agreement during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 and the Company recognized additional royalty revenue related to 2012 in the first quarter of 2013.

We also recognized $6.4 million and $6.0 million in royalty revenue for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to the authorized generic sale of Zanaflex Capsules.

Cost of Sales

We recorded cost of sales of $55.0 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $47.6 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Cost of sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 consisted primarily of $44.6 million in inventory costs related to recognized revenues.  Cost of sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 also consisted of $6.1 million in royalty fees based on net product shipments, $537,000 in amortization of intangible assets, and $330,000 in period costs related to freight, stability testing, and packaging. Cost of sales also included $3.4 million which represents the cost of Zanaflex Capsules authorized generic product sold for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014.
 
 
Cost of sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 consisted primarily of $38.7 million in inventory costs related to recognized revenues.  Cost of sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 also consisted of $5.5 million in royalty fees based on net product shipments, $469,000 in amortization of intangible assets, and $241,000 in period costs related to freight, stability testing, and packaging. Cost of sales also included $2.7 million which represents the cost of Zanaflex Capsules authorized generic product sold for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013.

Cost of License Revenue
 
We recorded cost of license revenue of $476,000 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Cost of license revenue represents the recognition of a portion of the deferred $7.7 million paid to Alkermes plc (Alkermes), formerly Elan Corporation, plc (Elan) in 2009 in connection with the $110.0 million received from Biogen Idec as a result of our collaboration agreement.
 
Research and Development
 
Research and development expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 were $47.5 million as compared to $39.6 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $7.9 million, or 20%. The increase was primarily due to increases in expenses for various research and development programs, including $1.7 million related to our life cycle management program for Ampyra, $1.6 million in preclinical expenses for the remyelinating
 
 
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antibodies program (rHIgM22), $739,000 related to our development of Plumiaz (diazepam) nasal spray, and $626,000 related to the NP-1998 development program. The increase was also due to an increase in overall research and development staff, compensation, technical operations and related expenses of $3.3 million to support the various research and development initiatives.  R&D expenses are expected to be significantly higher in 2015 based on initiation of Phase 3 clinical trials and advancement of other pipeline products.
 
Selling, General and Administrative
 
Sales and marketing expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 were $81.8 million compared to $82.9 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 1%.  The decrease was attributable to a decrease in overall marketing, selling, and distribution expenses for Ampyra of $6.9 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in overall compensation, benefits, and other selling expenses of $3.0 million and $2.0 million for pre-launch activities associated with the possible commercialization of Plumiaz (diazepam) nasal spray.
 
General and administrative expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 were $63.5 million compared to $55.6 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $7.9 million, or 14%. This increase was primarily the result of increases for staff and compensation expenses and other expenses related to supporting the growth of the organization of $8.0 million, an increase in business development expenses of $700,000, and an increase for an FDA post-approval commitment study on Zanaflex Capsules totaling $$642,000.  The increases in general and administrative expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 were partially offset by a decrease in drug safety and surveillance expenses of $2.4 million.
 
Other Expense
 
Other expense was $4.5 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.4 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $3.1 million, or 221%. The increase was due to an increase in interest expense of $3.2 million, principally related to the cash and non-cash portions of interest expense for the convertible senior notes issued in June 2014 (the Notes). Interest expense related to the Notes was $3.9 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, of which the non-cash portion was $2.2 million. We will report interest expense in future quarters of between $3.6 million and $4.3 million.
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $13.4 million and a $6.0 million, respectively, based upon our estimated tax liability for the year. The provision for income taxes is based on federal, state and Puerto Rico income taxes. The effective income tax rates for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 44% and 37%, respectively.
 
We continue to evaluate the realizability of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities on a periodic basis and will adjust such amounts in light of changing facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, future projections of taxable income, tax legislation, rulings by relevant tax authorities, the progress of ongoing tax audits and the regulatory approval of products currently under development. Any changes to the valuation allowance or deferred tax assets in the future would impact the Company's income taxes.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily through private placements and public offerings of our common stock and preferred stock, a convertible debt offering, payments received under our collaboration and licensing agreements, sales of Ampyra and Zanaflex Capsules, and, to a lesser extent, from loans, government grants and our financing arrangement with PRF.
 
We were cash flow positive in 2013 and, at September 30, 2014, we had $766.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments, compared to $367.2 million at December 31, 2013.  The Company has classified $713.1 million of available-for-sale debt securities as short-term investments at September 30, 2014, due to the Company’s intent and ability to hold these investments for a period of less than 1 year. There were no investments classified as long-term at September 30, 2014. We believe that we have sufficient cash, cash equivalents, and investments on hand, in addition to cash expected to be generated from operations, to fund our 2014 business plan, including our currently anticipated development pipeline activities in 2014.  Our cash balance sheet was reduced by approximately $490 million in October 2014 taking into
 
 
32

 
 
effect the purchase price and expenses related to the Civitas transaction, as well as the cash we acquired from the Civitas balance sheet. Our future capital requirements will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of revenue generated from sales of Ampyra, the continued progress of our research and development activities, the amount and timing of milestone or other payments payable under collaboration, license and acquisition agreements, the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights, and capital required or used for future acquisitions or to in-license new products as well as the development costs relating to those products or compounds.  To the extent our capital resources are insufficient to meet future operating requirements we will need to raise additional capital, reduce planned expenditures, or incur indebtedness to fund our operations. If we require additional financing in the future, we cannot assure you that it will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all.
 
Financing Arrangements
 
Saints Capital Notes
 
In January 1997, Elan International Services, Ltd. (EIS) loaned us an aggregate of $7.5 million pursuant to two convertible promissory notes to partly fund our research and development activities. On December 23, 2005, Elan transferred these promissory notes to funds affiliated with Saints Capital.  As of September 30, 2014, $3.3 million of these promissory notes was outstanding, which amount includes accrued interest. The fourth of seven annual payments on this note was due and paid on the four year anniversary of Ampyra approval on January 22, 2014 and will continue to be paid annually until paid in full.
 
PRF
 
On December 23, 2005, we entered into a revenue interest assignment agreement with PRF, a dedicated healthcare investment fund, pursuant to which we assigned to PRF the right to a portion of our net revenues (as defined in the agreement) from Zanaflex Capsules, Zanaflex tablets and any future Zanaflex products including the authorized generic version of Zanaflex Capsules being sold by Watson effective in February 2012. To secure our obligations to PRF, we also granted PRF a security interest in substantially all of our assets related to Zanaflex. Our agreement with PRF covers all Zanaflex net revenues generated from October 1, 2005 through and including December 31, 2015, including the authorized generic version of Zanaflex Capsules revenue, unless the agreement terminates earlier. In November 2006, we entered into an amendment to the revenue interest assignment agreement with PRF. Under the terms of the amendment, PRF paid us $5.0 million in November 2006. An additional $5.0 million was due to us if net revenues during the fiscal year 2006 equaled or exceeded $25.0 million. This milestone was met and the receivable was reflected in our December 31, 2006 financial statements. Under the terms of the amendment, we repaid PRF $5.0 million on December 1, 2009 and an additional $5.0 million on December 1, 2010 since the net revenues milestone was met.
 
Under the agreement and the amendment, PRF is entitled to the following portion of Zanaflex net revenues:
 
 
with respect to Zanaflex net revenues up to and including $30.0 million for each fiscal year during the term of the agreement, 15% of such net revenues;
 
 
with respect to Zanaflex net revenues in excess of $30.0 million but less than and including $60.0 million for each fiscal year during the term of the agreement, 6% of such net revenues; and
 
 
with respect to Zanaflex net revenues in excess of $60.0 million for each fiscal year during the term of the agreement, 1% of such net revenues.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, once PRF has received and retained payments under the agreement that are at least 2.1 times the aggregate amount PRF has paid us under the agreement, PRF will only be entitled to 1% of Zanaflex net revenues. In connection with the transaction, we recorded a liability as of September 30, 2014, referred to as the revenue interest liability, of approximately $927,000. We impute interest expense associated with this liability using the effective interest rate method and record a corresponding accrued interest liability. The effective interest rate is calculated based on the rate that would enable the debt to be repaid in full over the life of the arrangement. The interest rate on this liability may vary during the term of the agreement depending on a number of factors, including the level of Zanaflex sales. We currently estimate that the imputed interest rate associated with this liability will be approximately 5.8%. Payments made to PRF as a result of Zanaflex sales levels will reduce the accrued interest liability and the principal amount of the revenue interest liability.
 
 
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Upon the occurrence of certain events, including if we experience a change of control, undergo certain bankruptcy events, transfer any of our interests in Zanaflex (other than pursuant to a license agreement, development, commercialization, co-promotion, collaboration, partnering or similar agreement), transfer all or substantially all of our assets, or breach certain of the covenants, representations or warranties we make under the agreement, PRF may (i) require us to repurchase the rights we sold them at the “put/call price” in effect on the date such right is exercised or (ii) foreclose on the Zanaflex assets that secure our obligations to PRF. Except in the case of certain bankruptcy events, if PRF exercises its right, which we refer to as PRF’s put option, to cause us to repurchase the rights we assigned to it, PRF may not foreclose unless we fail to pay the put/call price as required. If we experience a change of control we have the right, which we refer to as our call option, to repurchase the rights we sold to PRF at the “put/call price” in effect on the date such right is exercised. The put/call price on a given date is the greater of (i) all payments made by PRF to us as of such date, less all payments received by PRF from us as of such date, and (ii) an amount that would generate an internal rate of return to PRF of 25% on all payments made by PRF to us as of such date, taking into account the amount and timing of all payments received by PRF from us as of such date. We have determined that PRF’s put option and our call option meet the criteria to be considered an embedded derivative and should be accounted for as such. As of September 30, 2014, the Company has no liability recorded related to the put/call option to reflect its current estimated fair value due to the timing and amount of current projections. This liability is revalued on an as needed basis to reflect any changes in the fair value and any gain or loss resulting from the revaluation is recorded in earnings.
 
During any period during which PRF has the right to receive 15% of Zanaflex net revenues (as defined in the agreement), then 8% of the first $30.0 million in payments from Zanaflex sales we receive from wholesalers will be distributed to PRF on a daily basis. Following the end of each fiscal quarter, if the aggregate amount actually received by PRF during such quarter exceeds the amount of net revenues PRF was entitled to receive, PRF will remit such excess to us. If the amount of net revenues PRF was entitled to receive during such quarter exceeds the aggregate amount actually received by PRF during such quarter, we will remit such excess to PRF.
 
On August 3, 2012, we received a letter from PRF alleging that we breached specified covenants and representations in the PRF agreement and purporting to exercise the put option.  The letter also includes an allegation that PRF has suffered injuries beyond what is covered by their purported exercise of the put option, although it does not specify or quantify those injuries.  We believe that the allegations are without merit and that the put option has not been validly exercised. Although the letter from PRF does not include a purported calculation of the put option price, if it were validly exercised, we estimate that the incremental cost to the Company in excess of amounts already accrued to PRF at September 30, 2014 would be no more than approximately $1.0 million.
 
Convertible Senior Notes
 
On June 17, 2014, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (the “Underwriter”) relating to the issuance by the Company of $345 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Notes”) in an underwritten public offering pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-196803) (the “Registration Statement”) and a related preliminary and final prospectus supplement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Offering”). The principal amount of Notes includes $45 million aggregate principal amount of Notes that was purchased by the Underwriter pursuant to an option granted to the Underwriter in the Underwriting Agreement, which option was exercised in full. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting the Underwriter’s discount and the offering expenses paid by the Company, were approximately $337.5 million.
 
The Notes are governed by the terms of an indenture, dated as of June 23, 2014 (the “Base Indenture”) and the first supplemental indenture, dated as of June 23, 2014 (the “Supplemental Indenture,” and together with the Base Indenture, the Indenture), each between the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of the Company’s common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, at the Company’s election, based on an initial conversion rate, subject to adjustment, of 23.4968 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $42.56 per share), only in the following circumstances and to the following extent: (1) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (2) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (3) if the Company calls any or all of the Notes for redemption, at any time

 
34

 
 
prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; (4) upon the occurrence of specified events described in the Indenture; and (5) at any time on or after December 15, 2020 through the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date.
 
The Company may not redeem the Notes prior to June 20, 2017. The Company may redeem for cash all or part of the Notes, at the Company’s option, on or after June 20, 2017 if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending within five trading days prior to the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The Company will pay 1.75% interest per annum on the principal amount of the Notes, payable semiannually in arrears in cash on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2014. The Notes will mature on June 15, 2021.
 
If the Company undergoes a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture), subject to certain conditions, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes in principal amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The fundamental change repurchase price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. If a make-whole fundamental change, as described in the Indenture, occurs and a holder elects to convert its Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change, such holder may be entitled to an increase in the conversion rate as described in the Indenture.
 
The Indenture contains customary terms and covenants and events of default. If an event of default (other than certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare 100% of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration of acceleration, such principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be due and payable immediately. Upon the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the Company, 100% of the principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the Notes will become due and payable automatically. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture provides that, to the extent the Company elects and for up to 270 days, the sole remedy for an event of default relating to certain failures by the Company to comply with certain reporting covenants in the Indenture consists exclusively of the right to receive additional interest on the Notes.
 
The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt and senior to any of the Company’s subordinated debt. The Notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing or future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company’s subsidiaries and will be effectively subordinated to the Company’s existing or future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral. The Indenture does not limit the amount of debt that the Company or its subsidiaries may incur.
 
In accounting for the issuance of the Notes, the Company separated the Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the par value of the Notes as a whole. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount, referred to as the debt discount, is amortized to interest expense over the seven-year term of the Notes using the effective interest method. The equity component is not re-measured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.
 
Our outstanding note balances as of September 30, 2014 consisted of the following:
 
 (In thousands)
 
September 30, 2014
 
Liability component:
     
Principal
 
$
345,000
 
Less: debt discount, net
 
(59,175
)
Net carrying amount
 
$
285,825
 
Equity component
 
$
61,195
 


 
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Investment Activities
 
At September 30, 2014, cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments were approximately $766.4 million, as compared to $367.2 million at December 31, 2013. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase and consist of time deposits and investments in a Treasury money market fund and US Treasury bonds. Also, we maintain cash balances with financial institutions in excess of insured limits. We do not anticipate any losses with respect to such cash balances. As of September 30, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents were $53.3 million, as compared to $48.0 million as of December 31, 2013. Our short-term investments consist of US Treasury bonds with original maturities greater than three months and less than one year. The balance of these investments was $630.9 million as of September 30, 2014, as compared to $225.9 million as of December 31, 2013. The increase in short-term investments is attributable to cash received from issuance of the convertible senior notes which was subsequently invested. The Company has also classified $82.2 million of US Treasury bonds with original maturities greater than one year as short-term investments at September 30, 2014, due to the Company’s intent and ability to hold these investments for a period of less than one year. There were no investments classified as long-term at September 30, 2014. Our long-term investments as of December 21, 2013 consisted of US Treasury bonds with original maturities greater than one year. The balance of these investments was $93.3 million as of December 31, 2013.
 
Net Cash Provided by Operations
 
Net cash provided by operations was $61.4 million for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2014, as compared to $20.1 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Cash provided by operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to a non-cash share-based compensation expense of $20.6 million, net income of $17.3 million principally resulting from an increase in net product revenues, a deferred tax provision of $13.4 million, depreciation and amortization of $5.4 million, and amortization of net premiums and discounts on investments, debt discount and debt issuance costs of $5.3 million. Cash provided by operations was partially offset by a decrease of $6.8 million in the non-current portion of deferred license revenue.
 
Cash provided by operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to a decrease in working capital items of $13.8 million attributable to a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses, prepaid items, and accounts receivable and an increase in inventory held by the company.  Cash provided by operations was also attributable to a decrease in non-current portion of deferred license revenue of $6.8 million and a gain due to the reduction of our put/call liability related to the PRF revenue interest agreement $329,000. Cash provided by operations was partially offset by non-cash share-based compensation expense of $18.0 million, depreciation and amortization of $4.6 million, net income of $10.3 million, a deferred tax provision of $6.1 million, an increase of deferred product revenue related to Zanaflex of $1.9 million, and amortization of net premiums and discounts on investments of $1.8 million.
 
Net Cash Used in Investing
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 was $400.8 million, primarily due to $580.4 million in purchases of investments, purchases of property and equipment of $2.3 million, and purchases of intangible assets of $1.6 million, partially offset by $183.5 million in proceeds from maturities and sales of investments.
 
Net Cash Provided by Financing
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 was $344.7 million, due to $337.5 million in net proceeds from the issuance of the convertible senior notes as well as $7.6 million in net proceeds from the issuance of common stock and exercise of stock options, partially offset by $452,000 in repayments to PRF.
 
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
 
A summary of our minimum contractual obligations related to our major outstanding contractual commitments is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our long-term contractual obligations include commitments and estimated purchase obligations entered into in the normal course of business. Under certain supply agreements and other agreements with manufacturers and suppliers, we are required to make payments for the manufacture and supply of our clinical and approved products. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, commitments related to the purchase of inventory increased as compared to December 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2014, we have inventory-related purchase commitments totaling approximately $35.6 million.
 
 
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In May 2014, we exercised our option to lease an additional 25,405 square feet of office space in Ardsley, New York under our current lease agreement with our landlord.   We anticipate that our rent obligation for this expansion space will commence in 2015, subject to completion of certain tenant improvements by the landlord. This increased rent will increase our total payments due under operating leases by $2.5 million in total over the 5-year periods disclosed in the contractual obligations and commitments table in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
In June 2014, we issued $345 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Notes”), which aggregate principal amount includes the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option.  The Notes bear interest at the rate of 1.75% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears in cash on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2014. The Notes are due on June 15, 2021, although they can be converted into cash and shares of our common stock prior to maturity if certain conditions are met.  If we undergo a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture for the Notes), subject to certain conditions, Notes holders may require us to repurchase, for cash, all or part of their Notes.  See Note 8 in our financial statements – “Convertible Senior Notes”. Under certain agreements, we are required to pay royalties for the use of technologies and products in our R&D activities and in the commercialization of products. The amount and timing of any of the foregoing payments are not known due to the uncertainty surrounding the successful research, development and commercialization of the products.

On September 24, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Civitas Therapeutics, a privately-held biopharmaceutical company, for $525.0 million in cash. The Company will obtain worldwide rights to CVT-301, a Phase 3 treatment candidate for OFF episodes of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The acquisition also includes rights to Civitas’ proprietary ARCUS® pulmonary delivery technology and manufacturing facility with commercial-scale capabilities based in Chelsea, MA. See Note 11 in our financial statements – “Subsequent Event”.

Under certain agreements, we are also required to pay license fees and milestones for the use of technologies and products in our R&D activities and in the commercialization of products. As of September 30, 2014, we have committed to make potential future milestone payments to third parties of up to approximately $204 million as part of our various collaborations, including licensing and development programs. Payments under these agreements generally become due and payable only upon achievement of certain developmental, regulatory or commercial milestones. Because the achievement of these milestones had not occurred as of September 30, 2014, such contingencies have not been recorded in our financial statements. Amounts related to contingent milestone payments are not considered contractual obligations as they are contingent on the successful achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones. There is uncertainty regarding the various activities and outcomes needed to reach these milestones, and they may not be achieved.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Our critical accounting policies are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2014, our critical accounting policies have not changed materially from December 31, 2013.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Our financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, grants receivable, convertible notes payable, accounts payable, and put/call liability. The estimated fair values of all of our financial instruments approximate their carrying amounts at September 30, 2014.
 
We have cash equivalents, and short-term investments at September 30, 2014, which are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and our interest income fluctuates as our interest rates change. Due to the nature of our investments in money market funds and US Treasury bonds, the carrying value of our cash equivalents and short-term investments approximate their fair value at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, we held $766.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments which had an average interest rate of approximately 0.2%.
 
We maintain an investment portfolio in accordance with our investment policy. The primary objectives of our investment policy are to preserve principal, maintain proper liquidity and to meet operating needs. Although our investments are subject to credit risk, our investment policy specifies credit quality standards for our investments and limits the amount of credit exposure from any single issue, issuer or type of investment. Our investments are also subject to interest rate risk and will decrease in value if market interest rates increase. However, due to the conservative nature of our investments and relatively short duration, interest rate risk is mitigated. We do not own derivative financial instruments. Accordingly, we do not believe that there is any material market risk exposure with respect to derivative or other financial instruments.
 
 
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Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
 
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the third quarter of 2014, the period covered by this report. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, these officers have concluded that, as of September 30, 2014, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to achieve their stated purpose.
 
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules, regulations, and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
 
Change in internal control over financial reporting
 
In connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d), our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, concluded that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Limitations on the effectiveness of controls
 
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of our disclosure control system are met. Because of inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected.
 
 
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
 
In August 2007, we received a Paragraph IV Certification Notice from Apotex Inc., advising that it had submitted an Abbreviated New Drug Application, or ANDA, to the FDA seeking marketing approval for generic versions of Zanaflex Capsules.  In response to the filing of the ANDA, in October 2007, we filed a lawsuit against Apotex in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey asserting infringement of our U.S. Patent No. 6,455,557.  In September 2011, the Court ruled against us and, following our appeal, in June 2012 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the decision.  We did not seek any further appeal of the decision.  On September 6, 2011, we filed a citizen petition with the FDA requesting that the FDA not approve Apotex’s ANDA because of public-safety concerns about Apotex’s proposed drug.  On December 2, 2011, Apotex filed suit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.  In that suit, Apotex alleged, among other claims, that we engaged in anticompetitive behavior and false advertising in connection with the development and marketing of Zanaflex Capsules, including that the citizen petition we filed with the FDA delayed FDA approval of Apotex’s generic tizanidine capsules.  On January 26, 2012, we moved to dismiss or stay Apotex’s suit.  On February 3, 2012, the FDA denied the citizen petition that we filed and approved Apotex’s ANDA for a generic version of Zanaflex Capsules.  On February 21, 2012, Apotex filed an amended complaint that incorporated the FDA action, but otherwise made allegations similar to the original complaint.  Requested judicial remedies include monetary damages, disgorgement of profits, recovery of litigation costs, and injunctive relief.  Following our filing of a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, in 2013 the Court dismissed five of the six counts in the amended complaint, including all of the antitrust claims, leaving only a claim under the Lanham Act relating to alleged product promotional activities.  In October 2014, the Court granted our motion for summary judgment against Apotex’s remaining Lanham Act claim.  The Court’s decisions dismissing all six of Apotex’s alleged claims are subject to appeal.  The Company will defend itself vigorously in the litigation if these decisions are appealed.
 
In June and July of 2014, we received eight separate Paragraph IV Certification Notices from Accord Healthcare, Inc., Actavis FL, Inc., Alkem Laboratories Ltd., Apotex, Inc., Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Roxane Laboratories, Inc., and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., advising that each of these companies had submitted an ANDA to the FDA seeking marketing approval for generic versions of Ampyra (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg.  The ANDA filers have challenged the validity of our Orange Book-listed patents for Ampyra, and they have also asserted that generic versions of their products do not infringe certain claims of these patents.  In response to the filing of these ANDAs, in July 2014, we filed lawsuits against these generic pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware asserting infringement of our U.S. Patent Nos. 5,540,938, 8,007,826, 8,354,437, 8,440,703, and 8,663,685.  Requested judicial remedies include recovery of litigation costs and injunctive relief, including a request that the effective date of any FDA approval for these generic companies to make, use, offer for sale, sell, market, distribute, or import the proposed generic products be no earlier than the dates on which the Ampyra Orange-book listed patents expire, or any later expiration of exclusivity to which we are or become entitled.  In August of 2014, Mylan filed a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, which is currently before the Court.  As a result of Mylan’s motion, we have also filed another patent infringement suit against Mylan in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia asserting the same U.S. Patents and requesting the same judicial relief as in the Delaware action.
 
Item 1 of Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31 and June 30, 2014, include prior updates to the litigation described above.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as updated in our prior Quarterly Reports during this fiscal year, all of which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. These risks are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
 

 
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Item 6.  Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 24, 2014, by and among the Registrant, Five A Acquisition Corporation, Civitas Therapeutics, Inc. and Shareholder Representative Services LLC.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2014.
10.1*
 
Letter agreement dated October 28, 2014, by and between the Registrant and Enrique Carrazana.
10.2
 
Letter Agreement dated September 11, 2014, between the Registrant and BMR-Ardsley Park LLC.
31.1
 
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2
 
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1
 
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
 
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS**
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

** In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed.”

 
40

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Ron Cohen
 
 
Date:  November 7, 2014
 
Ron Cohen, M.D.
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)


   
 
By:
/s/ Michael Rogers
 
 
Date:  November 7, 2014
 
Michael Rogers
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 
41

 

Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.1*
 
Letter agreement dated October 28, 2014, by and between the Registrant and Enrique Carrazana.
10.2
 
Letter Agreement dated September 11, 2014, between the Registrant and BMR-Ardsley Park LLC.
31.1
 
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2
 
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1
 
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
 
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS**
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
** In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed.”