Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K Current Report was filed by Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. on March 18, 2020, covering events that occurred on March 13, 2020. The Company is an emerging growth company incorporated in Delaware with its principal executive offices in Newark, California. Its common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol PTGX.
Key Financial Metrics
This filing does not contain financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity metrics. The report focuses exclusively on a change in the Company's independent registered public accounting firm.
Material Changes
- Dismissal of Auditor: On March 13, 2020, the Audit Committee dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately.
- Engagement of New Auditor: On March 13, 2020, the Company approved the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as the new independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately.
- Audit History: PwC's reports for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2019, did not contain adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications. There were no disagreements or reportable events between the Company and PwC regarding accounting principles, practices, or audit scope during the relevant periods.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing does not provide financial guidance, outlook, or management commentary on business operations. It confirms that no consultations regarding accounting principles or audit opinions were held with EY prior to their engagement. The Company has filed PwC's letter (Exhibit 16.1) stating whether they agree with the disclosures made in this report.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the reasons for the change in auditors by reviewing the full text of PwC's letter filed as Exhibit 16.1.
- Confirm the effective date of the new engagement with Ernst & Young LLP.
- Review subsequent filings (e.g., 10-K or 10-Q) to assess the impact of the auditor change on future financial reporting timelines.