0001193125-24-201317 | 6-K | XBRL Viewer

Share Capital and Share Premium - Summary of Movement in the Share Capital (Detail) £ in Thousands, shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024 GBP (£) shares	Jun. 30, 2023 GBP (£)
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Beginning balance, Shares \| shares	52,860
Beginning balance	£ 14,887	£ 38,502
Exercise of share options \| shares	60
Exercise of share options		(5)
Issue of share capital \| shares	3,740
Ending balance, Shares \| shares	56,660
Ending balance	£ 3,800	27,382
Share Capital [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Beginning balance	2,114	2,095
Exercise of share options	2	1
Issue of share capital	150
Ending balance	2,266	2,097
Share Premium [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Beginning balance	141,306	141,108
Exercise of share options	1
Issue of share capital	1,297
Ending balance	£ 142,604	£ 141,116

- Definition

The amount of residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all its liabilities.

+ References + Details

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents


	June 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(in thousands)
	£		£

Cash and cash equivalents		11,639		17,225

Material Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
Material Accounting Policies	Jun. 30, 2024
Disclosure Of Summary Of Material Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Material accounting policies	2. Material accounting policies Basis of preparation The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, “ Interim Financial Reporting” (“IAS 34”). The material accounting policies and methods of computation applied in the preparation of the financial statements are consistent with those applied in the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. No new standards, amendments or interpretations have had an impact on the financial statements for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024. The financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group at June 30, 2024. The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is also the Company’s functional currency. All values are rounded to the nearest thousand, except where otherwise indicated. The financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Going concern The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis that it is a going concern. The Company has not generated any revenues from operations to date and does not expect to in the foreseeable future. As such, the Company has incurred recurring losses, has an accumulated deficit totaling £219.4 million and cash flows used in operating activities of £7.1 million as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company had £11.6 million of cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2024. In reviewing the going concern assessment the Company’s board of directors have considered a going concern period of 12-months from the issuance of these financial statements. Based on our current operating plan, our cash and cash equivalents on hand will not be sufficient to fund our anticipated operations for the entirety of the going concern assessment period. As the Company intends to continue to progress its research and development activities, there will be a requirement to seek additional capital within the going concern period to fund operations, which the Company may obtain from additional equity financings, debt financings or other sources. If the Company is unable to obtain additional capital, the Company will be required to delay or reduce its research and development programs which could negatively impact its ability to generate future sustainable operating revenues and profits. As a result of these matters, there is uncertainty related to the ability of the Company to raise sufficient additional capital within the going concern period, prior to its cash balances being exhausted. These events or conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that the Company may be unable to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Judgements and estimates The accounting estimates and judgements made by management in applying the Group’s accounting policies that have the most material effect on the amounts included within these financial statements were the same as those that applied to the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Share Capital and Share Premium - Summary of Share Capital and Share Premium (Parenthetical) (Detail) - £ / shares	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Ordinary shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Par value per share	£ 0.04	£ 0.04

Income Tax - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Income Tax - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Percentage of losses surrendered for R&D tax credit	33.35%
U.K. [member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Percentage of losses surrendered for R&D tax credit		26.97%

Income Tax - Schedule of Major Components of Income Tax Assets (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Current income tax receivable
Current income tax receivable	£ 3,662	£ 5,123
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax asset	168	143
U.K. [member]
Current income tax receivable
Current income tax receivable	3,660	5,121
U.S. [member]
Current income tax receivable
Current income tax receivable	2	2
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax asset	£ 168	£ 143

General Information	6 Months Ended
General Information	Jun. 30, 2024
Disclosure Of General Information About Financial Statements [Abstract]
General information	1. General information NuCana plc (“NuCana” or the “Company”) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of new medicines to treat patients with cancer. NuCana is harnessing the power of phosphoramidate chemistry to generate new medicines called ProTides. These compounds have the potential to improve cancer treatment by enhancing the efficacy and safety of several current standards of care. The Company has had American Depository Shares (“ADSs”) registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and has been listed on Nasdaq since October 2, 2017. From November 9, 2023 the Company transferred its listing to The Nasdaq Capital Market. On April 16, 2024, the Company effected a ratio change of its ADSs to its ordinary shares from one ADS representing one ordinary share, to one ADS representing 25 ordinary shares. The Company is incorporated in England and Wales and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company’s registered office is located at 77/78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6AF, United Kingdom and its principal place of business is located at 3 Lochside Way, Edinburgh, EH12 9DT, United Kingdom. The Company has three wholly owned subsidiaries, NuCana, Inc., NuCana Limited and NuCana BioMed Trustee Company Limited (together referred to as the “Group”). The financial information presented in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements does not constitute the Group’s statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006. The Group’s statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been reported on by the Company’s auditor, and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified and (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report. However, the report of the auditor did include a material uncertainty related to going concern disclosure.

Share Based Payments - Summary of Principal Assumptions used for Valuation of Share Options (Detail) - 2023 Share Options [member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024 GBP (£) shares yr $ / shares
Grant Date March 13 2024 One [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Volatility	104.73%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free investment rate	3.92%
Fair value of option at grant date \| £	£ 220
Fair value of share at grant date	£ 0.3
Exercise price at date of grant	£ 0.3
Lapse date	Mar. 13, 2034
Expected option life (years) \| yr	4.5
Number of options granted \| shares	1,946,480
Grant Date March 13 2024 One [Member] \| Vesting Dates One [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2025
Grant Date March 13 2024 One [Member] \| Vesting Dates Two [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2026
Grant Date March 13 2024 One [Member] \| Vesting Dates Three [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2027
Grant Date March 13 2024 One [Member] \| Vesting Dates Four [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2028
Grant Date March 13 2024 Two [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Volatility	110.40%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free investment rate	4.06%
Fair value of option at grant date \| £	£ 200
Fair value of share at grant date	£ 0.3
Exercise price at date of grant	£ 0.3
Lapse date	Mar. 13, 2034
Expected option life (years) \| yr	3
Number of options granted \| shares	234,375
Grant Date March 13 2024 Two [Member] \| Vesting Dates One [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2025
Grant Date March 13 2024 Three [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Volatility	111.25%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free investment rate	4.03%
Fair value of option at grant date \| £	£ 270
Fair value of share at grant date	£ 0.3
Exercise price at date of grant	£ 0.04
Lapse date	Mar. 13, 2034
Expected option life (years) \| yr	3.5
Number of options granted \| shares	842,000
Grant Date March 13 2024 Three [Member] \| Vesting Dates One [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2025
Grant Date March 13 2024 Three [Member] \| Vesting Dates Two [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2026
Grant Date March 13 2024 Three [Member] \| Vesting Dates Three [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2027
Grant Date March 13 2024 Three [Member] \| Vesting Dates Four [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2028
Grant Date March 13 2024 Four [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Volatility	111.50%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free investment rate	4.21%
Fair value of option at grant date \| £	£ 270
Fair value of share at grant date	£ 0.3
Exercise price at date of grant	£ 0.04
Expected option life (years) \| yr	2.5
Number of options granted \| shares	547,906
Grant Date March 13 2024 Four [Member] \| Vesting Dates One [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2025
Grant Date March 13 2024 Four [Member] \| Vesting Dates Two [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2026
Grant Date March 13 2024 Four [Member] \| Vesting Dates Three [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2027
Grant Date March 13 2024 Four [Member] \| Vesting Dates Four [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2028
Grant Date March 13 2024 Five [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Volatility	125.90%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free investment rate	4.27%
Fair value of option at grant date \| £	£ 270
Fair value of share at grant date	£ 0.3
Exercise price at date of grant	£ 0.04
Lapse date	Mar. 13, 2034
Expected option life (years) \| yr	2
Number of options granted \| shares	93,750
Grant Date March 13 2024 Five [Member] \| Vesting Dates One [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2025
Grant Date March 13 2024 Six [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Volatility	103.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free investment rate	4.59%
Fair value of option at grant date \| £	£ 260
Fair value of share at grant date	£ 0.3
Exercise price at date of grant	£ 0.04
Expected option life (years) \| yr	1
Number of options granted \| shares	23,438
Grant Date March 13 2024 Six [Member] \| Vesting Dates One [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 13, 2025
Grant Date March 14 2024 One [Member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Volatility	104.73%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free investment rate	3.92%
Fair value of option at grant date \| £	£ 220
Fair value of share at grant date	£ 0.3
Exercise price at date of grant	£ 0.3
Lapse date	Mar. 14, 2034
Expected option life (years) \| yr	4.5
Number of options granted \| shares	2,585,833
Grant Date March 14 2024 One [Member] \| Vesting Dates One [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 14, 2025
Grant Date March 14 2024 One [Member] \| Vesting Dates Two [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 14, 2026
Grant Date March 14 2024 One [Member] \| Vesting Dates Three [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 14, 2027
Grant Date March 14 2024 One [Member] \| Vesting Dates Four [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting dates	Mar. 14, 2028

Cover Page	6 Months Ended
Cover Page	Jun. 30, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	6-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2024
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	NUCANA PLC
Entity Central Index Key	0001709626
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Non-current assets
Intangible assets	£ 2,214	£ 2,128
Property, plant and equipment	343	521
Deferred tax asset	168	143
Total non-current assets	2,725	2,792
Current assets
Prepayments, accrued income and other receivables	2,044	2,671
Current income tax receivable	3,662	5,123
Cash and cash equivalents	11,639	17,225
Total current assets	17,345	25,019
Total assets	20,070	27,811
Capital and reserves
Share capital and share premium	144,870	143,420
Other reserves	78,373	79,173
Accumulated deficit	(219,443)	(207,706)
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company	3,800	14,887
Non-current liabilities
Provisions	58	58
Lease liabilities	154	190
Total non-current liabilities	212	248
Current liabilities
Trade payables	6,108	3,375
Payroll taxes and social security	164	155
Accrued expenditure	9,659	8,940
Lease liabilities	127	206
Total current liabilities	16,058	12,676
Total liabilities	16,270	12,924
Total equity and liabilities	£ 20,070	£ 27,811

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Ordinary Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share

4. Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share


	For the Three Months Ended June 30,						For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	£			£			£			£
Loss for the period		(6,995	)		(5,414	)		(13,833	)		(13,281	)

Basic and diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares		56,660			52,389			55,119			52,384
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share		(0.12	)		(0.10	)		(0.25	)		(0.25	)

Basic loss per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the loss for the period attributable to the equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

The potential ordinary shares issued through equity settled transactions were considered to be anti-dilutive as they would have decreased the loss per ordinary share and were therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per ordinary share.

Income Tax - Schedule of Major Components of Income Tax Credit (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Current tax:
Total current tax	£ 1,260	£ 676	£ 2,553	£ 1,663
Deferred tax:
Income tax credit	1,272	685	2,577	1,679
U.K. [member]
Current tax:
In respect of current period	1,260	882	2,532	1,870
In respect of prior period		(206)	22	(206)
U.S. [member]
Current tax:
In respect of current period			(1)	(1)
Deferred tax:
In respect of current period	£ 12	£ 9	£ 24	17
In respect of prior period				£ (1)

Share-based Payments - Additional Information (Detail) £ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024 GBP (£)	Jun. 30, 2023 GBP (£)	Jun. 30, 2024 GBP (£) shares yr Plan	Jun. 30, 2023 GBP (£) shares
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Share-based payment expense \| £	£ 0.7	£ 1.1	£ 1.3	£ 2.2
Number of equity settled share-based payment plans \| Plan			6
Maximum [member] \| Employees [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Expected option life (years)			10
Maximum [member] \| Directors [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Expected option life (years)			10
Maximum [member] \| Consultants [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Expected option life (years)			10
Long-Term Incentive Plan [member]
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Number of share options granted in share-based payment arrangement \| shares			6,273,782	2,695,639

Share-based Payments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Disclosure Of Terms And Conditions Of Sharebased Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Share-based payments

7. Share-based payments

The Company has six share-based payment plans for employees, directors and consultants. The share options granted will be settled in equity. If the Company determines, and at its discretion, an arrangement may be made under the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan to substitute the right to acquire shares with a cash alternative of equivalent value. Options granted under each of the six plans have a maximum life of

years.

As detailed in the table below, during the six months ended June 30, 2024, 6,273,782 share options were granted under the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (six months ended June 30, 2023: 2,695,639 share options granted). Options granted under this plan will vest if the option holder remains under respective contract of employment or contract of service for the agreed vesting period. The share options granted in the period will vest over a period of up to four years. Upon vesting, each option allows the holder to purchase one ordinary share at a specified option price determined at grant date. Options granted as

RSU-style

options are automatically exercised on vesting.

The fair values of options granted were determined using the Black-Scholes model that takes into account factors specific to the share incentive plan such as the assumption that the options are exercised at a point in time of up to two years after vesting. This has been incorporated into the measurement by means of actuarial modelling.


Grant date	Mar-13-2024			Mar-14-2024			Mar-13-2024			Mar-13-2024
Vesting dates		Mar-13-2025			Mar-14-2025			Mar-13-2025			Mar-13-2025
		Mar-13-2026			Mar-14-2026			—			Mar-13-2026
		Mar-13-2027			Mar-14-2027			—			Mar-13-2027
		Mar-13-2028			Mar-14-2028			—			Mar-13-2028
Volatility 1		104.73	%		104.73	%		110.40	%		111.25	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%		0	%
Risk-free investment rate 1		3.92	%		3.92	%		4.06	%		4.03	%
Fair value of option at grant date 1	£	0.22		£	0.22		£	0.20		£	0.27
Fair value of share at grant date	£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.30
Exercise price at date of grant	£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.04
Lapse date		Mar-13-2034			Mar-14-2034			Mar-13-2034			Mar-13-2034
Expected option life (years) 1		4.5			4.5			3.0			3.5
Number of options granted		1,946,480			2,585,833			234,375			842,000


Grant date	Mar-13-2024			Mar-13-2024			Mar-13-2024

Vesting dates		Mar-13-2025			Mar-13-2025			Mar-13-2025
		Mar-13-2026			—			—
		Mar-13-2027			—			—
		Mar-13-2028			—			—
Volatility 1		111.50	%		125.90	%		103.00	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%
Risk-free investment rate 1		4.21	%		4.27	%		4.59	%
Fair value of option at grant date 1	£	0.27		£	0.27		£	0.26
Fair value of share at grant date	£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.30
Exercise price at date of grant	£	0.04		£	0.04		£	0.04
Lapse date		—			Mar-13-2034			—
Expected option life (years) 1		2.5			2.0			1.0
Number of options granted		547,906			93,750			23,438

Represents the average for the options granted.

For the three months en

ded

June 30, 2024, the Company

recognized

£0.7 million of share-based payment expense in the statement of operations (three months ended June 30, 2023: £1.1 million). For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company has recognized £1.3 million of share-based payment expense in the statement of operations (six months ended June 30, 2023: £2.2 million).

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the period	£ (13,833)	£ (13,281)
Adjustments for:
Income tax credit	(2,577)	(1,679)
Amortization and depreciation	272	288
Movement in provisions	0	(1,109)
Finance income	(211)	(465)
Interest expense on lease liabilities	10	16
Share-based payments	1,292	2,195
Net foreign exchange (gains) losses	(112)	1,285
Cash flows from (used in) operations before changes in working capital	(15,159)	(12,750)
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in prepayments, accrued income and other receivables	625	1,288
Increase (decrease) in trade payables	2,734	(124)
Increase (decrease) in payroll taxes, social security and accrued expenditure	725	(4,598)
Movements in working capital	4,084	(3,434)
Cash used in operations	(11,075)	(16,184)
Net income tax received (paid)	4,015	(2)
Net cash used in operating activities	(7,060)	(16,186)
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received	218	482
Payments for property, plant and equipment	(3)	(5)
Payments for intangible assets	(176)	(291)
Net cash from investing activities	39	186
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments for lease liabilities	(127)	(84)
Proceeds from issue of share capital – exercise of share options	3	1
Proceeds from issue of share capital	1,492	11
Share issue expenses	(45)	(2)
Net cash from (used in) financing activities	1,323	(74)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(5,698)	(16,074)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	17,225	41,912
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	112	(1,194)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	£ 11,639	£ 24,644

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Ordinary Share - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Detail) - GBP (£) £ / shares in Units, £ in Thousands, shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Loss for the period	£ (6,995)	£ (5,414)	£ (13,833)	£ (13,281)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares	56,660	52,389	55,119	52,384
Basic loss per ordinary share	£ (0.12)	£ (0.1)	£ (0.25)	£ (0.25)
Diluted loss per ordinary share	£ (0.12)	£ (0.1)	£ (0.25)	£ (0.25)

- Definition

The total of income less expenses from continuing and discontinued operations, excluding the components of other comprehensive income. [Refer: Other comprehensive income]

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-Subparagraph b
-URI https://taxonomy.ifrs.org/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=12&code=ifrs-tx-2023-en-r&anchor=para_B10_b&doctype=Appendix&subtype=B
-URIDate 2023-03-23

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Name IFRS
-Number 17
-IssueDate 2023-01-01
-Paragraph 113
-Subparagraph b
-URI https://taxonomy.ifrs.org/xifrs-link?type=IFRS&num=17&code=ifrs-tx-2023-en-r&anchor=para_113_b&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2023-03-23

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2023-01-01
-Paragraph 81A
-Subparagraph a
-URI https://taxonomy.ifrs.org/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2023-en-r&anchor=para_81A_a&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2023-03-23

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2023-01-01
-Paragraph 106
-Subparagraph d
-Clause i
-URI https://taxonomy.ifrs.org/xifrs-link?type=IAS&num=1&code=ifrs-tx-2023-en-r&anchor=para_106_d_i&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2023-03-23

+ Details

Material accounting policies - Additional Information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Disclosure Of Summary Of Material Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accumulated deficit	£ (219,443)		£ (207,706)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	(7,060)	£ (16,186)
Cash and cash equivalents	£ 11,639	£ 24,644	£ 17,225	£ 41,912

Share-based Payments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Text block [abstract]

Summary of Principal Assumptions Used for Valuation of Share Options


Grant date	Mar-13-2024			Mar-14-2024			Mar-13-2024			Mar-13-2024
Vesting dates		Mar-13-2025			Mar-14-2025			Mar-13-2025			Mar-13-2025
		Mar-13-2026			Mar-14-2026			—			Mar-13-2026
		Mar-13-2027			Mar-14-2027			—			Mar-13-2027
		Mar-13-2028			Mar-14-2028			—			Mar-13-2028
Volatility 1		104.73	%		104.73	%		110.40	%		111.25	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%		0	%
Risk-free investment rate 1		3.92	%		3.92	%		4.06	%		4.03	%
Fair value of option at grant date 1	£	0.22		£	0.22		£	0.20		£	0.27
Fair value of share at grant date	£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.30
Exercise price at date of grant	£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.04
Lapse date		Mar-13-2034			Mar-14-2034			Mar-13-2034			Mar-13-2034
Expected option life (years) 1		4.5			4.5			3.0			3.5
Number of options granted		1,946,480			2,585,833			234,375			842,000


Grant date	Mar-13-2024			Mar-13-2024			Mar-13-2024

Vesting dates		Mar-13-2025			Mar-13-2025			Mar-13-2025
		Mar-13-2026			—			—
		Mar-13-2027			—			—
		Mar-13-2028			—			—
Volatility 1		111.50	%		125.90	%		103.00	%
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%
Risk-free investment rate 1		4.21	%		4.27	%		4.59	%
Fair value of option at grant date 1	£	0.27		£	0.27		£	0.26
Fair value of share at grant date	£	0.30		£	0.30		£	0.30
Exercise price at date of grant	£	0.04		£	0.04		£	0.04
Lapse date		—			Mar-13-2034			—
Expected option life (years) 1		2.5			2.0			1.0
Number of options granted		547,906			93,750			23,438

Represents the average for the options granted.

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
Intangible Assets	Jun. 30, 2024
Disclosure Of Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets	5. Intangible assets Intangible assets comprise patents with a carrying value of £2.2 million as of June 30, 2024 (as of December 31, 2023: £2.1 million). During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company acquired intangible assets with a cost of £0.2 million in relation to patents.

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets, carrying value	£ 2,214	£ 2,128
Patents [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets, carrying value	2,200	£ 2,100
Intangible assets, acquired	£ 200

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Schedule of Detailed Information About Cash and Cash Equivalents (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	£ 11,639	£ 17,225	£ 24,644	£ 41,912

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Statement of comprehensive income [abstract]
Loss for the period	£ (6,995)	£ (5,414)	£ (13,833)	£ (13,281)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations	0	(19)	7	(38)
Other comprehensive (expense) income for the period	0	(19)	7	(38)
Total comprehensive loss for the period	(6,995)	(5,433)	(13,826)	(13,319)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	£ (6,995)	£ (5,433)	£ (13,826)	£ (13,319)

- Definition

The amount of change in equity resulting from transactions and other events, other than those changes resulting from transactions with owners in their capacity as owners.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The total of income less expenses from continuing and discontinued operations, excluding the components of other comprehensive income. [Refer: Other comprehensive income]

+ References

+ Details

Share Capital and Share Premium - Summary of Share Capital and Share Premium (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Thousands, shares in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Abstract]
Share capital	£ 2,266	£ 2,114
Share premium	142,604	141,306
Share capital and share premium	£ 144,870	£ 143,420
Ordinary shares of £0.04 each	56,660	52,860

Income Tax

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Major Components Of Tax Expense Income [Abstract]

Income tax

3. Income tax


	For the Three Months Ended June 30,					For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2024		2023			2024			2023
	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
	£		£			£			£
Current tax:
In respect of current period U.K.		1,260		882			2,532			1,870
In respect of prior period U.K.		—		(206	)		22			(206	)
In respect of current period U.S.		—		—			(1	)		(1	)

		1,260		676			2,553			1,663
Deferred tax:
In respect of current period U.S.		12		9			24			17
In respect of prior period U.S.		—		—			—			(1	)

Income tax credit		1,272		685			2,577			1,679

The income tax credit recognized primarily represents the U.K. research and development tax credits. In the United Kingdom, the Company is able to surrender some of its losses for a cash rebate of up to 26.97% of expenditure related to eligible research and development projects incurred on or after April 1, 2023 (33.35% prior to April 1, 2023).


	June 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(in thousands)
	£		£

Current income tax receivable
U.K. tax		3,660		5,121
U.S. tax		2		2

	3,662		5,123

Deferred tax asset
U.S. deferred tax asset		168		143

Share Capital and Share Premium (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Abstract]

Summary of Share Capital and Share Premium


	June 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(in thousands)
	£		£

Share capital		2,266		2,114
Share premium		142,604		141,306

		144,870		143,420


	Number (in thousands)
Issued share capital comprises:
Ordinary shares of £ 0.04 each		56,660	52,860

Summary of Movement in the Share Capital


	Number of shares		Share capital		Share premium
	(in thousands)
Fully paid ordinary shares:			£		£
Balance at December 31, 2023		52,860		2,114		141,306
Exercise of share options		60		2		1
Issue of share capital		3,740		150		1,297

Balance at June 30, 2024		56,660		2,266		142,604

General Information - Additional Information (Detail) - Subsidiary		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 16, 2024	Jun. 30, 2024
Disclosure Of General Information About Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of nature of entity's operations		clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of new medicines to treat patients with cancer.
Name of reporting entity		NuCana plc
Domicile of entity		United Kingdom
Country of incorporation		England and Wales
Number of subsidiaries		3
Name of subsidiary		NuCana, Inc., NuCana Limited and NuCana BioMed Trustee Company Limited
Description of change In ratio of shares	one ADS representing one ordinary share, to one ADS representing 25 ordinary shares.

Income Tax (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Major Components Of Tax Expense Income [Abstract]

Schedule of Major Components of Income Tax


	For the Three Months Ended June 30,					For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2024		2023			2024			2023
	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
	£		£			£			£
Current tax:
In respect of current period U.K.		1,260		882			2,532			1,870
In respect of prior period U.K.		—		(206	)		22			(206	)
In respect of current period U.S.		—		—			(1	)		(1	)

		1,260		676			2,553			1,663
Deferred tax:
In respect of current period U.S.		12		9			24			17
In respect of prior period U.S.		—		—			—			(1	)

Income tax credit		1,272		685			2,577			1,679


	June 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(in thousands)
	£		£

Current income tax receivable
U.K. tax		3,660		5,121
U.S. tax		2		2

	3,662		5,123

Deferred tax asset
U.S. deferred tax asset		168		143

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	Total	Share Capital [member]	Share Premium [member]	Own Share Reserve [member]	Share Option Reserve [member]	Foreign Currency Translation Reserve [member]	Capital Reserve [member]	Accumulated Deficit [member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2022	£ 38,502	£ 2,095	£ 141,108	£ (339)	£ 33,701	£ 44	£ 42,466	£ (180,573)
Loss for the period	(13,281)							(13,281)
Other comprehensive income (expense) for the period	(38)					(38)
Total comprehensive loss for the period	(13,319)					(38)		(13,281)
Share-based payments	2,195				2,195
Exercise of share options	(5)	1			(90)			84
Lapse of share options					(230)			230
Issue of share capital	11	1	10
Share issue expenses	(2)		(2)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2023	27,382	2,097	141,116	(339)	35,576	6	42,466	(193,540)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2023	14,887	2,114	141,306	(339)	37,043	3	42,466	(207,706)
Loss for the period	(13,833)							(13,833)
Other comprehensive income (expense) for the period	7					7
Total comprehensive loss for the period	(13,826)					7		(13,833)
Share-based payments	1,292				1,292
Exercise of share options		2	1		(156)			153
Lapse of share options					(1,943)			1,943
Issue of share capital	1,492	150	1,342
Share issue expenses	(45)		(45)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2024	£ 3,800	£ 2,266	£ 142,604	£ (339)	£ 36,236	£ 10	£ 42,466	£ (219,443)

- Definition

The amount of change in equity resulting from transactions and other events, other than those changes resulting from transactions with owners in their capacity as owners.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The amount of residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all its liabilities.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The total of income less expenses from continuing and discontinued operations, excluding the components of other comprehensive income. [Refer: Other comprehensive income]

+ References

+ Details

Share Capital and Share Premium

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Disclosure Of Classes Of Share Capital [Abstract]

Share capital and share premium

8. Share capital and share premium


	June 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(in thousands)
	£		£

Share capital		2,266		2,114
Share premium		142,604		141,306

		144,870		143,420


	Number (in thousands)
Issued share capital comprises:
Ordinary shares of £ 0.04 each		56,660	52,860


	Number of shares		Share capital		Share premium
	(in thousands)
Fully paid ordinary shares:			£		£
Balance at December 31, 2023		52,860		2,114		141,306
Exercise of share options		60		2		1
Issue of share capital		3,740		150		1,297

Balance at June 30, 2024		56,660		2,266		142,604

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - GBP (£) £ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Profit or loss [abstract]
Research and development expenses	£ (6,769)	£ (3,959)	£ (13,552)	£ (10,764)
Administrative expenses	(1,509)	(1,754)	(3,090)	(3,402)
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains	(74)	(564)	21	(1,259)
Operating loss	(8,352)	(6,277)	(16,621)	(15,425)
Finance income	85	178	211	465
Loss before tax	(8,267)	(6,099)	(16,410)	(14,960)
Income tax credit	1,272	685	2,577	1,679
Loss for the period	£ (6,995)	£ (5,414)	£ (13,833)	£ (13,281)
Basic loss per ordinary share	£ (0.12)	£ (0.1)	£ (0.25)	£ (0.25)
Diluted loss per ordinary share	£ (0.12)	£ (0.1)	£ (0.25)	£ (0.25)

Material Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Material Accounting Policies (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2024
Disclosure Of Summary Of Material Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of preparation	Basis of preparation The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, “ Interim Financial Reporting” (“IAS 34”). The material accounting policies and methods of computation applied in the preparation of the financial statements are consistent with those applied in the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. No new standards, amendments or interpretations have had an impact on the financial statements for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024. The financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group at June 30, 2024. The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is also the Company’s functional currency. All values are rounded to the nearest thousand, except where otherwise indicated. The financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
Going concern	Going concern The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis that it is a going concern. The Company has not generated any revenues from operations to date and does not expect to in the foreseeable future. As such, the Company has incurred recurring losses, has an accumulated deficit totaling £219.4 million and cash flows used in operating activities of £7.1 million as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company had £11.6 million of cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2024. In reviewing the going concern assessment the Company’s board of directors have considered a going concern period of 12-months from the issuance of these financial statements. Based on our current operating plan, our cash and cash equivalents on hand will not be sufficient to fund our anticipated operations for the entirety of the going concern assessment period. As the Company intends to continue to progress its research and development activities, there will be a requirement to seek additional capital within the going concern period to fund operations, which the Company may obtain from additional equity financings, debt financings or other sources. If the Company is unable to obtain additional capital, the Company will be required to delay or reduce its research and development programs which could negatively impact its ability to generate future sustainable operating revenues and profits. As a result of these matters, there is uncertainty related to the ability of the Company to raise sufficient additional capital within the going concern period, prior to its cash balances being exhausted. These events or conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that the Company may be unable to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Judgements and estimates	Judgements and estimates The accounting estimates and judgements made by management in applying the Group’s accounting policies that have the most material effect on the amounts included within these financial statements were the same as those that applied to the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Cash and cash equivalents

6. Cash and cash equivalents


	June 30, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(in thousands)
	£		£

Cash and cash equivalents		11,639		17,225

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at banks with deposit maturity terms of three months or less. Cash at banks earns interest at fixed or variable rates based on the terms agreed for each account.

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Ordinary Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share


	For the Three Months Ended June 30,						For the Six Months Ended June 30,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
	(in thousands, except per share data)
	£			£			£			£
Loss for the period		(6,995	)		(5,414	)		(13,833	)		(13,281	)

Basic and diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares		56,660			52,389			55,119			52,384
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share		(0.12	)		(0.10	)		(0.25	)		(0.25	)