GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
| ☒ | Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019
| ☐ | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 001-31791
GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.
| Nevada | 04-3562325 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
| 4960 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 240, Norcross, GA | 30071 | |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(678) 620-3186
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class |
Trading Symbol |
Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value Per Share | GALT | The NASDAQ Capital Market | ||
| Units, each consisting of two shares of Common Stock and one Warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock | The NASDAQ Capital Market | |||
| Common Stock Purchase Warrants | The NASDAQ Capital Market |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☒ | |||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ | |||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of June 30, 2019 was $166 million.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of February 21, 2020 was 57,031,027.
Table of Contents
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019
| PAGE | ||||||
| PART 1 | ||||||
| ITEM 1. | 1 | |||||
| ITEM 1A. | 19 | |||||
| ITEM 1B. | 34 | |||||
| ITEM 2. | 34 | |||||
| ITEM 3. | 34 | |||||
| ITEM 4. | 34 | |||||
| PART II | ||||||
| ITEM 5. | 35 | |||||
| ITEM 6. | 35 | |||||
| ITEM 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
35 | ||||
| ITEM 7A. | 41 | |||||
| ITEM 8. | 41 | |||||
| ITEM 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
41 | ||||
| ITEM 9A. | 41 | |||||
| ITEM 9B. | 42 | |||||
| PART III | ||||||
| ITEM 10. | 43 | |||||
| ITEM 11. | 48 | |||||
| ITEM 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
59 | ||||
| ITEM 13. | Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence |
61 | ||||
| ITEM 14. | 63 | |||||
| PART IV | ||||||
| ITEM 15. | 64 | |||||
| SIGNATURES | 69 | |||||
Table of Contents
| Item 1. | Business |
Overview
We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in drug research and development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease, severe skin disease, and cancer. Our drug candidates are based on our method of targeting galectin proteins, which are key mediators of biologic and pathologic functions. We use naturally occurring, readily-available plant products as starting material in manufacturing processes to create proprietary, patented complex carbohydrates with specific molecular weights and other pharmaceutical properties. These complex carbohydrate molecules are appropriately formulated into acceptable pharmaceutical formulations. Using these unique carbohydrate-based candidate compounds that largely bind and inhibit galectin proteins, particularly galectin-3, we are undertaking the focused pursuit of therapies for indications where galectins have a demonstrated role in the pathogenesis of a given disease. We focus on diseases with serious, life-threatening consequences to patients and those where current treatment options are limited. Our strategy is to establish and implement clinical development programs that add value to our business in the shortest period of time possible consistent with the natural history of the disease and to seek strategic partners when a program becomes advanced and requires significant additional resources.
Our lead galectin-3 inhibitor is belapectin (GR-MD-02), which has been demonstrated in preclinical models to reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. GR-MD-02 has the potential to treat many diseases due to galectin-3’s involvement in multiple key biological pathways such as fibrosis, immune cell function and immunity, cell differentiation, cell growth, and apoptosis (cell death). The importance of galectin-3 in the fibrotic process is supported by experimental evidence. Animals with the gene responsible for galectin-3 “knocked-out” can no longer develop fibrosis in response to experimental stimuli compared to animals with an intact galectin-3 gene. Galectin Therapeutics Inc. is using its galectin-3 inhibitor to treat advanced liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis in NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) patients. We have completed two Phase 1 clinical studies, a Phase 2 clinical study in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis (NASH-FX) and a second Phase 2B clinical trial in NASH patients with well compensated cirrhosis (NASH-CX). We announced, in December 2017 top line results from our NASH-CX trial and results of an End of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in May 2018 that provided direction on potentially acceptable end points for a Phase 3 trial. The latter was confirmed in a Type C meeting with FDA in February 2019. Thereafter, the Company with its external NASH consultants designed a Phase 3 study that was sent to various contract research organizations (CROs) for their input on feasibility, timing costs and other important considerations. At the request of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the trial protocol and answers to questions raised by FDA at the February meeting was submitted as a Type C (Written Response Only) request to FDA on July 17, 2019; this response sought FDA feedback and agreement with regards to the proposed clinical program. Further details on results of the NASH-CX trial were published in the journal Gastroenterology in December 2019.
Comments from FDA were received in late October 2019 and have been incorporated into the final version of the clinical trial protocol by the Company in conjunction with its hepatology consultants and medical and other experts at Covance, its chosen CRO Further information is described below under “NASH-RX Trial”. This modified trial design was discussed with FDA in a meeting on November 14, 2019 at which FDA indicated the design was reasonable (subject to a review of the protocol). The Company together with its advisors and Covance has modified the protocol and associated statistical analysis plans in conformance with the feedback received from FDA. In addition, the Company has been working to complete the various additional information requested by FDA. Design aspects of the study were presented in greater detail in the presentation following our Annual Meeting on December 4, 2019.
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We endeavor to leverage our scientific and product development expertise as well as established relationships with outside sources to achieve cost-effective and efficient drug development. These outside sources, amongst others, provide us with expertise in preclinical models, pharmaceutical development, toxicology, clinical trial operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, sophisticated physical and chemical characterization, and commercial development. We also have established several collaborative scientific discovery programs with leading experts in carbohydrate chemistry and characterization. These discovery programs are generally aimed at the targeted development of new carbohydrate molecules that bind galectin proteins and offer alternative options to larger market segments in our primary disease indications. We also have established through Galectin Sciences LLC, a discovery program aimed at the targeted development of small molecules (generally, non-carbohydrate) that bind galectin proteins and may afford options for alternative means of drug delivery (e.g., oral) and as a result expand the potential uses of our galectin-3 inhibitor compounds. Initial results of the efforts at Galectin Sciences LLC were presented by Dr. E. Zomer at the AFDD meeting in Boston in Fall, 2019. We are also pursuing a development pathway to clinical enhancement and commercialization for our lead compounds in immuno-oncology for cancer therapy. However, our clinical development efforts are primarily focused on liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease. All of our proposed products are presently in development, including pre-clinical and clinical trials.
We were founded in July 2000 as Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation. On April 25, 2001, DTR-Med Pharma Corp. (“DTR”), which was incorporated in Nevada on January 26, 2001, entered into a stock exchange agreement with Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc., whereby DTR acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. On May 10, 2001, DTR changed its name to “Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” and on June 7, 2001, the Massachusetts corporation was merged into the Nevada corporation. On May 26, 2011, Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. changed its name to “Galectin Therapeutics Inc.” In October, 2012, we moved our headquarters to a suburb of Atlanta, GA to be closer to a center of discovery collaboration while maintaining a laboratory operation in the Boston area.
Our Drug Development Programs
Galectins are a class of proteins that are made by many cells in the body, but predominantly in cells of the immune system. As a group, these proteins are able to bind to sugar molecules that are part of other proteins, glycoproteins, in and on the cells of our body. Galectin proteins act as a kind of molecular glue, bringing together molecules that have sugars on them. Galectin proteins, in particular galectin-3, are known to be markedly increased in a number of important diseases including inflammatory diseases, scarring of organs (e.g. liver, lung, kidney, and heart) and cancers of many kinds. The increase in galectin protein promotes the disease and is detrimental to the patient. Published data substantiating the importance of galectin-3 in the fibrotic process arises from gene knockout experiments in animal studies. Mice genetically altered to eliminate the galectin-3 gene, and thus unable to produce galectin-3, are incapable of developing liver fibrosis in response to toxic insult to the liver and in fatty liver disease as well as development of fibrosis in other tissues.
We have one new proprietary chemical entity (NCE) in development, GR-MD-02, which has shown promise in preclinical and early clinical studies in treatment of fibrosis, severe skin disease, and in cancer therapy. Currently we are focusing on development of GR-MD-02 intended to be used in the treatment of liver fibrosis associated with fatty liver disease (NASH) and more specifically in NASH cirrhosis. We have also leveraged our relationships with well-known investigators to demonstrate clinical effects of GR-MD-02 in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, severe atopic dermatitis, and in cancer therapy in combination with immune-system modifying agent(s). GR-MD-02 is a proprietary, patented compound derived from natural, readily available, plant-based starting materials, which, following chemical processing, exhibits the properties of binding to and inhibiting galectin-3 proteins. A second NCE, GM-CT-01 is a proprietary, patented compound that is made from a completely different starting source plant material and also binds and inhibits galectin proteins. Previously in clinical development for cancer indications, GM-CT-01 compound has been explored in limited other preclinical studies.
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Our product pipeline is shown below:
| Indication | Drug | Status | ||
| Fibrosis |
||||
| NASH with Advanced Fibrosis: NASH-CX trial and NASH-FX trial |
GR-MD-02 | IND submitted January 2013. Results from the Phase 1 clinical trial were reported in 2014, with final results reported in January 2015. End of Phase 1 meeting held with FDA in 2014. Two Phase 2 clinical trials were designed.
The NASH FX trial was designed for patients with advanced fibrosis but not cirrhosis. Its principal purpose was to evaluate various imaging modalities. The NASH FX trial top line data was reported in September 2016 | ||
|
The NASH CX trial, was designed for patients with well compensated cirrhosis. The NASH CX trial top line data was reported in December 2017. End of Phase 2 (EOP2) meeting held with FDA in May 2018.
| ||||
| NASH – RX | Based on recent FDA feedback, the NASH-RX trial is being designed as an adaptive Phase 2b/3 trial for NASH patients with well compensated cirrhosis. An interim efficacy analysis will be incorporated to confirm previous Phase 2 data, confirm an optimal dose and reaffirm efficacy, and the end of study endpoints will include development of varices and a composite clinical endpoint including progression to varices requiring treatment (large varices or varices with a red wale). Comments from FDA were received in late October 2019, refined in a teleconference with FDA on November 14, 2019 and have been incorporated into a revised protocol and associated documents by the Company in conjunction with its hepatology consultants and medical and other experts at Covance, its chosen CRO. A separate hepatic impairment trial will be conducted in parallel to potentially allow inclusion of more advanced cirrhotic patients (Child Turcotte Pugh or CTP Class B) in the NASH-RX trial. Further information is described under “NASH-RX Trial” below.
| |||
| Lung Fibrosis | GR-MD-02 | In pre-clinical development | ||
| Kidney Fibrosis | GR-MD-02 | In pre-clinical development |
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| Indication | Drug | Status | ||
| Cardiac and Vascular Fibrosis | GR-MD-02 and GM-CT-01 | In pre-clinical development | ||
| Cancer Immunotherapy |
||||
| Melanoma, Head,Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) |
GR-MD-02 | Investigator IND submitted in December 2013. Phase 1B study in process. A second Phase 1B study began in Q-1 2016. Investigator IND for that study submitted in September 2015. Early data was reported in | ||
| February 2017 and studies with the 3rd cohort were reported in September 2018. Continuation of trial is ongoing to expand the dataset of melanoma and HNSCC patients at the 4 mg/Kg dose to determine if a possible Phase 2 trial is warranted. | ||||
| Psoriasis |
||||
| Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis Severe Atopic Dermatitis |
GR-MD-02 | IND submitted March 2015. A phase 2a trial in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis patients began in January 2016. Interim data on the first four patients were positive and were reported in May 2016. Further positive data was reported in September 2016. Investigator initiated IND submitted for treatment of three patients with severe atopic dermatitis, with positive preliminary data presented in February 2017. Further studies are dependent on finding a suitable strategic partner. |
Fibrosis. GR-MD-02 (belapectin) is our lead product candidate for treatment of fibrotic disease. Our preclinical data show that GR-MD-02 has a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis as shown in several relevant animal models. In addition, in NASH animal models, GR-MD-02 has been shown to reduce liver fat, inflammation, and ballooning degeneration or death of liver cells. Therefore, we chose GR-MD-02 as the lead candidate in a development program targeted initially at fibrotic liver disease associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, or fatty liver disease). In January 2013, an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) was submitted to the FDA with the goal of initiating a Phase 1 study in patients with NASH and advanced liver fibrosis to evaluate the human safety of GR-MD-02 and pharmacodynamics biomarkers of disease. On March 1, 2013, the FDA indicated we could proceed with a US Phase 1 clinical trial for GR-MD-02 with a development program aimed at obtaining support for a proposed indication of GR-MD-02 for treatment of NASH with advanced fibrosis. The Phase 1 trial was completed and demonstrated that GR-MD-02 up to 8 mg/kg, i.v. was safe and well tolerated. The human pharmacokinetic data defined a drug dose for use in the planned Phase 2 trials based on extrapolation from efficacy data in NASH animal models of liver fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. Additionally, there was evidence of a pharmacodynamic effect of GR-MD-02 at the 8 mg/kg dose with a decrease in alpha 2 macroglobulin, a serum marker of fibrotic activity, and a reduction in liver stiffness as determined by FibroScan®. An “End of Phase 1 Meeting” was held with FDA which, amongst other items, provided guidance on the primary endpoint for the Phase 2 clinical trial, the NASH-CX trial.
Additionally, an open label drug-drug interaction study was completed in healthy volunteers during the second quarter of 2015 with GR-MD-02 and it showed that with 8 mg/kg dose of GR-MD-02 and 2 mg/kg dose of midazolam there was no drug-drug interaction and no serious adverse events or drug-related adverse events were observed. This study was required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the primary objective was to determine if single or multiple intravenous (IV) doses of GR-MD-02 affect the
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pharmacokinetics (PK) of midazolam. The secondary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of GR-MD-02 when administered concomitantly with midazolam. The lack of a drug interaction in this study enabled the Company to expand the number of patients eligible for its Phase 2 clinical trial. In addition, should GR-MD-02 be approved for marketing, the success of this study supports a broader patient population for the drug label.
Our Phase 2 program in fibrotic disease consisted of two separate human clinical trials. The primary clinical trial was the Phase 2b NASH-CX study for one year for patients with NASH with well compensated cirrhosis, which began enrolling in June 2015. This study was the primary focus of our program and is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group Phase 2b trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GR-MD-02 for treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in NASH patients with well compensated cirrhosis. A smaller, exploratory NASH-FX trial was conducted to explore potential use of various non-invasive imaging techniques in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis but not cirrhosis.
NASH-FX Trial: The NASH-FX trial, a Phase 2a pilot trial NASH-FX for patients with NASH advanced fibrosis that explored use of three non-invasive imaging technologies, is now complete. It was a short, single site, four-month trial in 30 NASH patients with advanced fibrosis, but not cirrhosis, randomized 1:1 to either 9 bi-weekly doses of 8 mg/kg of GR-MD-02 or placebo. The trial did not meet its primary biomarker endpoint as measured using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (LiverMultiScan(R), Perspectum Diagnostics). The trial also did not meet secondary endpoints that measure liver stiffness as a surrogate for fibrosis using, magnetic resonance-elastography and FibroScan® score. We, and many experts in the field, now believe that a four-month treatment period may not be sufficient to show efficacy results in established liver fibrosis. This small study was not powered for the secondary endpoints and thus, not surprisingly, did not meet the secondary endpoints. In the trial, GR-MD-02 was found to be safe and well tolerated among the patient population with no serious adverse events. Although there was no apparent improvement in the three non-invasive tests for assessment of liver fibrosis in the four-month NASH-FX trial, the principal investigator of the NASH-FX trial has stated that the inhibition of galectin-3 with GR-MD-02 remains promising for the treatment of NASH fibrosis. Of note is that GR-MD-02 has demonstrated an improved clinical effect in moderate-to-severe psoriasis, suggesting the compound has activity in humans in an immune-mediated inflammatory human disease that can occur in association with NASH. We believe our drug candidate provides a promising new approach for the therapy of fibrotic diseases, and liver fibrosis in particular. Fibrosis is the formation of excess connective tissue (collagen and other proteins plus cellular elements such as myofibroblasts) in response to damage, inflammation or repair. When the fibrotic tissue becomes confluent, it obliterates the cellular architecture, leading to scarring and dysfunction of the underlying organ. Given galectin-3’s broad biological functionality, it has been demonstrated to be involved in cancer, inflammation and fibrosis, heart disease, and renal disease. We have further demonstrated the broad applicability of the actions of our galectin-3 inhibitor’s biological effect in ameliorating fibrosis involving lung, kidney, blood vessels, and cardiac tissues in a wide variety of animal models.
NASH-CX Trial: The NASH-CX trial was a larger well-designed multi-center clinical trial that explored use of GR-MD-02 for the treatment of liver fibrosis and resultant portal hypertension in patients with well-compensated NASH cirrhosis. Enrollment in this trial was completed in September 2016, and a total of 162 patients at 36 sites in the United States were randomized to receive either 2 mg/kg of GR-MD-02, 8 mg/kg of GR-MD-02 or placebo, with approximately 54 patients in each group. The primary endpoint was a reduction in change in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Patients received an infusion every other week for one year, total of 26 infusions, and were evaluated to determine the change in HVPG as compared with placebo. HVPG was also correlated with secondary endpoints of fibrosis on liver biopsy as well as with measurement of liver stiffness (FibroScan(R)) and assessment of liver metabolism (13C-methacetin breath test, Exalenz), which are non-invasive measures of the liver that may be used in future studies. Top line data readout was reported in December 2017 demonstrating positive efficacy data and safety and clinically meaningful results in the NASH patients with well compensated cirrhosis without esophageal varices (stage 1 cirrhosis).
In the total patient population, the primary endpoint HVPG showed a trend toward benefit with GR-MD-02 treatment, but the difference from placebo was not statistically significant. The mean change in HVPG of placebo
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from baseline to week 54 was 0.3 mm Hg. The mean change in HVPG from baseline was -0.37 and -0.42 for the 2 mg/kg dose and 8 mg/kg dose of GR-MD-02, respectively.
In those NASH cirrhosis patients without varices at baseline (about 50% of the total population), there was a statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg dose of GR-MD-02 on the absolute change in HVPG (-1.08 mm Hg, p<0.01). The effect of the 8 mg/Kg dose of GR-MD-02 on absolute or percent change in HVPG from baseline to week 54 was not significant. The population of patients without varices at baseline were further subdivided into those with mild portal hypertension (HVPG greater or equal to 6 mm Hg and less than 10 mm Hg). In patients with mild portal hypertension (MPH), both doses of GR-MD-02 demonstrated a statistically significant effect on change in HVPG. The mean change in HVPG in the MPH group were +1.8 mm Hg for placebo and -0.3 and -0.4 mm Hg in the 2 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg dose groups, respectively. In patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (HVPG greater than 10 Mm Hg) with no varices at baseline, there was a statistically significant effect of 2 mg/kg of GR-MD-02 on the change in HVPG.
A responder analysis was performed on those patients without varices at baseline. Analysis was performed looking at two groups: those with an equal to or greater than 2 mm Hg decrease in HVPG from baseline or those with an equal to or greater than 2 mm Hg and a greater than or equal to 20% decrease in HVPG from baseline. In both cases, the change observed in the GR-MD-02 2 mg/kg group was statistically significant (p<0.01) while that of the 8 mg/kg group was not.
In terms of cirrhosis complications over the 54-week treatment period, in patients without varices there were statistically significantly fewer new varices that developed in the treatment groups vs placebo. We believe this may represent a useful measure of clinical outcome.
The major conclusions, to date from the NASH-CX trial results are that: i) GR-MD-02 had a statistically significant and clinically meaningful effect in improving HVPG vs placebo in patients with NASH cirrhosis who did not have esophageal varices at baseline. This effect was seen regardless of the patient’s baseline portal hypertension. Furthermore, we believe that patients with esophageal varices may have masked benefits in the total patient population. ii) There was an important drug effect of GR-MD-02 in the total patient population on liver biopsy with a statistically significant improvement in hepatocyte ballooning (ie cell death), (iii) There was a statistically significant reduction (p=0.02) in the development of new esophageal varices in drug-treated patients compared to placebo. We believe that this is a clinically relevant endpoint related to patient outcomes, (iv) While there was a drug effect in both the 2 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg dosage groups on liver biopsy and in the mild portal hypertension group, there was a consistently greater and statistically significant effect of the 2 mg/kg dose of GR-MD-02, (v) GR-MD-02 appears to be safe and well tolerated in this one year clinical trial and (vi) We believe this is the first large, randomized clinical trial of any drug to demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in portal hypertension or liver biopsy in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis without esophageal varices.
Further information and details on the NASH-CX results summarized above is available in public presentations posted to our website and filed with the SEC and in a peer reviewed publication in Gastroenterology.
NASH-RX Trial: The NASH-RX Trial was initially designed as a Phase 3 trial of GR-MD-02 in NASH cirrhosis patients based on FDA feedback from a February 2019 meeting between the Company and the FDA. The trial design is being refined as a result of further input received from the FDA in late October 2019 and ongoing input from the FDA. The late October 2019 comments received from FDA in response to our July submission were evaluated and incorporated by the Company in conjunction with its external hepatology experts and medical and other experts at Covance. FDA suggested that we affirm NASH-CX efficacy and dose selection. In conjunction with KOLs and Covance, we developed a response including an adaptively-designed Phase 2b/3 trial with an interim efficacy analysis and accelerated review with proposed surrogate endpoint. The FDA also made additional constructive comments and suggestions mostly of an operational nature.
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The Company together with its co-PIs and FDA had a follow up telephone conference on November 14, 2019 seeking clarifications during which the Company proposed a new study design to address FDA comments received in the Agency’s October response. In this teleconference, FDA indicated the new design was more reasonable (subject to review of the protocol), and FDA indicated that they were still supportive of the surrogate end-point concepts originally proposed. The revised study design was disclosed in the Company’s presentation following its Annual Meeting on December 4, 2019.
Based on updated feedback, the Company has redesigned the trial protocol in conjunction with its Co-PIs, biostatical experts and other experts at Covance. We will continue to seek approval in a manner consistent with the data derived from the results of the Phase 2b NASH-CX trial. The pathway pursued will be based on the assessment of that data and in a manner that seeks to address FDA’s comments and suggestions.
Currently, as a result of the Agency’s feedback and after consultation with external experts, the Company plans to conduct an adaptive-designed trial that confirms dose selection and data observed in the NASH-CX trial and where, in a seamless fashion with pre-planned adaptations, an interim efficacy analysis informs the larger Phase 3 trial component. The adaptive design being considered allows pre-planned adjustments of the trial that may include, optimization of dose selection, confirmation of efficacy and proof of concept observed in the NASH-CX trial, optimized sizing and statistical powering of the Phase 3 component, and possible inclusion of more advanced cirrhotic patients. We believe that these adaptations taken together should optimize conduct of the NASH-RX trial giving GR-MD-02 (belapectin) the best opportunity to show a positive therapeutic effect. If the results of the NASH-RX trial are compelling, there could be the potential for accelerated FDA approval and/or partnership opportunity with a large pharmaceutical company.
In the Phase 3 component of this trial, the primary endpoint would be development of varices. The secondary endpoints will likely be a composite clinical outcomes endpoint, including varices requiring treatment (development of large varices or varices with a red wale), decompensating events, all-cause mortality, MELD score increase as defined earlier and liver transplant. Patient selection would be based on clinical signs of portal hypertension, amongst others, including presence or absence of varices, platelet count, spleen size and evidence of collaterals by imaging. Subject to additional assessments to assure appropriate study sizing and other operational considerations, these changes are believed to be relatively straight-forward modifications of the protocols submitted to the Agency in July 2019, and we believe the changes will increase the likelihood of success of the Phase 3 component of the study. These current plans are subject to modification after the revised protocol is submitted to FDA. The final study design will be announced in conjunction with finalization and following submission of the protocol to FDA.
As developed, the NASH-RX adaptively designed study has certain features potentially improving likelihood of showing drug effects. These include, but are not limited to: clarity and reaffirmation of efficacy and safety demonstrated in the NASH-CX Phase 2b trial; inclusion of sample size re-estimation (SSR) after approximately 50% of the patients have completed one year of treatment; the SSR is designed to assure the rate of varices development is as expected and allowing adjustments in sample size if needed; appropriate selection of dose – e.g., a single dose for the Phase 3 component simplifying the overall trial and allowing adjustment to randomization ratio; Hepatic Impairment study may allow inclusion of CTP-B patients that are believed to have a much higher rate of varices progression and bleeding and other decompensating events; reduced frequency of EGDs and elimination of biopsies (other than to confirm a definitive diagnosis of NASH cirrhosis at screening), elimination of the HVPG subgroup, and revision to the randomization ratio (e.g., proving a greater chance of a patient being on active drug rather than placebo) may make it easier to enroll the trial and retain patients for the course of the trial. These positive features may be offset by robust sizing (e.g. 126 patients per group completers treated for 18 months) and a difficulty in frequently monitoring patients for varices progression.
The Interim Analysis (IA) for efficacy and safety after all patients have completed 18 months of treatment will be conducted by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC). This will provide preplanned adaptations and trends relative to interim efficacy and safety and the results of this interim analysis will be
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disclosed. Patients will continue on their assigned therapy until the IA is completed. If the IA feedback from the DMC is positive, patients are expected to continue in the trial (at the dose selected from the IA) adding patients with another year exposure to the drug treatment group for the Phase 3 component and increasing the likelihood of showing drug effect as patient cirrhosis progresses for a longer period of time. Adaptation to size and power calculations based on the IA reaffirming efficacy and safety will allow better estimates of Phase 3 cohort sizing and statistical power estimations which could be readjusted following the IA. The IA could also lead the DMC to stop the trial due to lack of sufficient efficacy, and other factors.
The focus and goal of the therapeutic program is to stop the progression of and reverse fibrosis and/or portal hypertension in the liver and thereby improve liver function and prevent the development of varices and clinical complications of fibrosis/cirrhosis and liver-related mortality in patients. Based on the results of the NASH-CX trial and subject to confirmation in later stage clinical trials, we believe that this goal is achievable in a significant portion of the NASH cirrhosis patient population i.e. those NASH cirrhosis patients with clinical signs of portal hypertension.
The key milestones and associated target dates for the NASH-RX trial will be announced as elements of design of the trial are finalized based on the recent FDA feedback. However, we currently expect the first patient to be enrolled in the second quarter of 2020. This represents a delay from our original target dates due to the need to redesign the trial and protocol pursuant to FDA questions.
Covance has already begun extensive work on site and vendor startup activities. We are also including a NASH-specific site network to accelerate site startup and patient enrollment for this trial. A startup agreement has been executed with Covance that allowed them to start work on protocol development, statistical analysis plans, support us in addressing some of FDAs questions, and engage vendors for various activities in support of the NASH-RX trial.
Covance has also identified more than 125 clinical trial sites in 11 countries interested in the trial, and many sites have been qualified by pre-study visits. Various procedural manuals related to conduct and evaluation EGDs have been compiled, charters for various oversight committees such as the adjudication committee, and data safety monitoring board, amongst others, have been drafted, and key members of these committees have been identified. Additional activities include defining the initial structure of the electronic data capture systems and its initial build and the contracting for key patient questionnaires, organizing vendors for product labeling and distribution globally, and preparing submissions to foreign regulatory agencies.
In advance of commencing the adaptively-designed NASH-RX Phase 2b/3 trial, the Company will commence a Hepatic Impairment Study, which will run in parallel with the phase 2b/3 trial as part of the Phase 3 development program. The Company and Covance have executed the Master Services Agreement that will cover both the Phase 2b/3 trial and this additional study, and the Work Order for this Hepatic Impairment study has also been signed. The cost of the Hepatic Study is $2 million. The Hepatic Impairment Study will be conducted at up to four sites and will involve approximately 40 patients (divided amongst normal healthy volunteers, and patients with hepatic impairment categorized as Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classes A, B, and C) who each will receive a single infusion of belapectin and whose serum belapectin levels will be monitored for up to approximately two weeks to define the effects of various stages of cirrhosis on serum belapectin levels and safety. The prior trials undertaken by the Company limited trial subjects to patients who had compensated cirrhosis. Patients with compensated cirrhosis are categorized as being CTP Class A. Patients with more advanced or decompensated cirrhosis are CTP Class B or Class C. Based on the results from this hepatic impairment study, the Company may consider including patients with more advanced cirrhosis in the Phase 3 portion of its NASH-RX trial. First, however, a Hepatic Impairment Study needs to be conducted to indicate that belapectin dosing is appropriate and inform about its potential safety profile in CTP Class B and Class C patients, just as earlier trials indicated belapectin dosing and safety in CTP Class A patients. Until dosing and safety profile is further informed in CTP Class B and/or Class C patients, the NASH-RX trial will enroll only CTP Class A patients.
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Cancer Immunotherapy. We believe there is potential for galectin inhibition to play a key role in the burgeoning area of cancer immunotherapy. For example, there have been several recent approvals of drugs that enhance a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. It is our goal to use a galectin inhibitor to further enhance the immune system function to fight cancer in a way that complements other approaches to this type of therapy. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that galectin-3 is expressed at high levels in multiple types of tumors, adds to the malignant nature of the tumors, and protects the tumors from immune system attack. Our drug candidates provide a promising new therapeutic approach to enhance the activity of the immune system against cancer cells. Preclinical studies have indicated that GR-MD-02 enhances the immune response to cancer cells, increased tumor shrinkage and enhanced survival in immune competent mice with prostate, breast, melanoma and sarcoma cancers when combined with one of the immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1, or with the immune cell activator anti-OX40. These preclinical data led to the filing of two Investigator-sponsored INDs and the initiation of studies of GR-MD-02 in combination with Yervoy® (ipilimumab) and KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in Phase 1B studies of patients with metastatic melanoma. The KEYTRUDA trial has also been expanded to include patients with non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These studies are being conducted under the sponsorship of Providence Portland Medical Center’s Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (EACRI).
Data on this combination immunotherapy program was presented on February 7, 2017 at the 9th GTCBio Immunotherapeutics & Immunomonitoring Conference in San Diego, CA by Dr. William L. Redmond, Providence Cancer Center. Preclinical results in mouse models of multiple types of cancers showed important anti-tumor activity and increased survival effects of combining GR-MD-02 with different types of immune modulators, providing a case for progressing studies into human patients with cancer. Seven patients were treated in the GR-MD-02 in combination with Yervoy trial, with no safety concerns in these low dose cohorts. Due to changes in the standard of care for metastatic melanoma (i.e., approval of anti-PD-1), recruitment has been slowed significantly in this trial. Promising results were reported in the Phase 1b trial combining GR-MD-02 with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA). Cohort 1 was completed (n=6, 5 with melanoma, one head and neck) with one partial response and one mixed response in 5 melanoma patients. There was a rapid and marked tumor response after 3 doses of combined GR-MD-02 and pembrolizumab in the one partial response patient who had failed high-dose IL-2 and oncolytic virus + ipilimumab. The study is ongoing and progression to further development will be based on response rate as compared to historical response rates to pembrolizumab alone. In September 2018 we announced additional preliminary clinical data from cohort 3 of this investigator-initiated trial. When aggregated with cohorts previously reported, the data shows a 50% objective response rate in advanced melanoma with GR-MD-02 in combination with KEYTRUDA, and a significant decrease in the frequency of suppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells following treatment in the responding patients (on day 85 post-treatment). Fourteen advanced melanoma patients across three dose cohorts now have Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Disease Control Rate (DCR) data. Six patients completed in cohort 3 (8 mg/Kg) have now been added to the three patients completed in cohort 2 (4 mg/Kg) and five patients completed in cohort 1 (2 mg/Kg). Cohorts 1 and 3 each had two patients with an objective response. All three patients in cohort 2 had an objective response. In addition to the fourteen advanced melanoma patients, six patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled in this trial with a 33% ORR and 67% DCR. These data, taken together with the observed favorable safety and tolerability of the combination, in the view of the principal investigator, provide compelling rationale to move forward. Given that all three melanoma patients were responders at the 4 mg/Kg dose, the investigators plan to continue the trial with the expansion of the 4 mg/Kg cohort to include additional advanced melanoma patients and additional head and neck cancer patients. The expansion cohort is targeted to include 22 patients and is planned to have continued GR-MD-02 dosing as long as pembrolizumab is administered. This study, as noted on wwww.clinicaltrials.gov, employs a 3+3 phase I design with dose escalation of GR-MD-02 in conjunction with the standard therapeutic dose of pembrolizumab in patients with advanced melanoma who have had progression after ipilimumab and/or BRAF targeted therapy when a BRAF mutation is present, non-small cell lung cancer patients with disease progression after targeted therapy, or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with disease progression after at least one platinum-containing regimen. In addition to monitoring for toxicity and clinical response, blood and tumor samples will be obtained to assess immunologic
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measures relevant to galectin biology and pembrolizumab T-cell checkpoint inhibition. Assuming these additional data are positive, the next logical step could be a Phase II trial.
Severe skin diseases. During our Phase 1 NASH fibrosis trial with GR-MD-02, a clinical effect on plaque psoriasis was observed in a NASH patient who also had this disease. This patient had marked improvement in her psoriasis, with improvement beginning after the third infusion. She reported that her psoriasis was “completely gone” and her skin was “normal” after the fourth infusion. Her skin remained normal for 17 months after the final infusion of study drug. The patient is convinced that the improvement in her psoriasis is related to the study drug.
This serendipitous finding, combined with galectin-3 protein being markedly upregulated in the capillary epithelia (small blood vessels) of the psoriatic dermis (plaque lesions), led to a phase 2a trial in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. GR-MD-02 inhibition of galectin-3 may attenuate capillary changes in the psoriatic dermis and inflammatory recruitment, perhaps explaining the improvements observed in the NASH fibrosis trial patient. In this open-label, unblinded trial (no placebo, all patients knowingly receive active drug), 5 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were administered GR-MD-02 every two weeks for 24 weeks. In May 2016, we reported positive results on the first four patients after 12 weeks of therapy. Based on these results, we modified the trial to include 24 weeks of therapy. In August 2016, we reported on four patients after 24 weeks of therapy and one patient after 12 weeks of therapy. The four patients who received 24 weeks of therapy experienced an average of 48% improvement in their plaque psoriasis. At this time, the average response in all five patients remains at 50% with one patient having an 82% improvement. However, there are existing drugs on the market in this disease that produce 75% and higher improvements in 60-90% of patients. While we are encouraged that this study has demonstrated clinically meaningful results in a human disease with GR-MD-02, the next steps would entail a controlled, does-ranging clinical trial, which we do not expect to conduct absent a strategic partnership.
We believe the mechanism of action for GR-MD-02 is based upon interaction with, and inhibition of, galectin proteins, particularly galectin-3, which are expressed at high levels in certain pathological states including inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. While GR-MD-02 is capable of binding to multiple galectin proteins, we believe that it has the greatest affinity for galectin-3, the most prominent galectin implicated in pathological processes. Blocking galectin in cancer and liver fibrosis has specific salutary effects on the disease process, as discussed below.
Liver Fibrosis: New Approach for a Significant Unmet Medical Need
When an internal organ is exposed to chronic disease one of the responses is that scar tissue is laid down in the organ (this process is called fibrosis). The longer the disease affects the organ, the more fibrous tissue is deposited, and this ultimately results in the failure of the organ. This chronic fibrosis of organs may occur in the liver, lung, kidney, and heart, as well as others and, as a result, fibrosis of organs has been estimated to account for as much as 45% of all mortality in the United States. Scientific findings during the last few years indicate that the galectin-3 protein is critically important in this fibrotic process in multiple organs.
In the liver, fibrosis is the end result of multiple inflammatory conditions and infections. Progressive liver fibrosis leads to cirrhosis, which results in reduction of liver function, multiple medical complications and ultimately death. It is estimated that one to two million patients have cirrhosis in the United States with close to 50,000 losing their lives yearly. Only a fraction of patients’ lives, approximately 6,200 per year, are saved by liver transplantation at a cost of at least $350,000 per transplantation with significant additional costs of care and medications after the transplant. One condition in particular that frequently leads to cirrhosis is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, a liver disease characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver with associated inflammation and fibrosis, which can lead to end-stage cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 9 to 15 million Americans are affected by NASH, and other sources suggest it may be as many as 30 million people have NASH, and forecasts that the number of Americans affected by this
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disease is growing due to obesity and diabetes, with the potential to become the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and liver transplantation in the future. Liver transplantation is currently the only therapeutic approach to NASH or other forms of liver fibrosis because, to the best of our knowledge, there are no drug therapies on the market. Organ transplantation is a difficult, risky and costly procedure, and organ availability is scarce. There is also the risk of developing cirrhosis in the transplanted liver from the same disease that damaged the patient’s original liver. Therefore, there is a great need for other therapeutic options. All diseases that affect the liver (viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and fatty liver as examples) lead to the development of scarring of the liver.
The primary focus of the Company is to use galectin inhibitors to block galectin-3 and treat organ scarring or fibrosis in the liver. There are no approved therapies for treatment of liver fibrosis. We believe that our drug candidates have the potential to treat NASH and other forms of liver fibrosis. Scientific evidence suggests that galectin-3 is essential for the development of liver fibrosis in animals. Published data show that mice lacking the galectin-3 gene, and thus unable to produce galectin-3, are essentially incapable of developing liver fibrosis in response to toxic insult to the liver and in fatty liver disease. Moreover, mice that do not have the galectin-3 gene are resistant to lung and kidney fibrosis. These published data show that galectin-3 is a critical protein for the development of organ fibrosis. Our drugs, based on experiments in well characterized animal models, are also potentially useful in scarring or fibrosis of other organs such as lung and kidney which expands the possibilities for future therapeutic indications.
We have evaluated the ability of GR-MD-02 to block galectin-3 in animal models of liver fibrosis, the conclusions of which yielded positive results. Our pre-clinical data show that GR-MD-02 may have a therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis as shown in several relevant animal models. Therefore, we chose GR-MD-02 as the lead candidate in a development program targeted initially at fibrotic liver disease associated with NASH.
We evaluated GR-MD-02 in pre-clinical toxicology and pharmacology studies during 2013, and filed an IND with the FDA in January 2013, for initiating human studies in patients with NASH. In February 2013, we entered into an agreement with CTI Clinical Trial Services to assist with the design, development and conduct of one or more clinical research studies, specifically for services with respect to our Phase 1 clinical trials to evaluate safety of GR-MD-02 in patients with NASH. The FDA notified us in March 2013 that we may proceed with a Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with NASH, and we began enrolling patients in the Phase 1 clinical trial in the third quarter of 2013. In August 2013, GR-MD-02 was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for NASH with hepatic fibrosis, commonly known as fatty liver disease with advanced fibrosis. In January 2014, we completed the enrollment of the first cohort of patients in the Phase 1 trial with no serious adverse events being reported. We reported initial safety and tolerability results from the first cohort of patients on June 30, 2014. The second cohort of this Phase 1 trial began, and enrollment was completed in April 2014. In July 2014, we reported the results from the second cohort of patients. Enrollment of the third cohort of Phase 1 began in July 2014, with interim results presented in November 2014 with the final report on cohort 3 presented in January 2015. The results of the Phase 1 study demonstrate that (i) GR-MD-02 was safe and well tolerated by patients with advanced NASH liver fibrosis after IV administration of four doses of 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg and 8mg/kg lean body weight, (ii) Pharmacokinetics in patients with advanced fibrosis, but not cirrhosis, revealed drug exposure in humans at the 8 mg/kg dose that was equivalent to the upper range of the targeted therapeutic dose determined from effective doses in NASH animal models, (iii) Disease Serum Marker Effect showed there was a statistically significant, dose-dependent reduction in FibroTest® scores due to a statistically significant reduction in alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M) serum levels, and (iv) Liver Stiffness Effect, as measured by FibroScan® showed that there was a signal of reduced liver stiffness in patients receiving GR-MD-02. The reduction seen in A2M does not necessarily mean fibrosis got better in this short study but does suggest changes in the fibrogenic process that might lead to an improvement in fibrosis with longer-term therapy. These Phase 1 results in NASH patients with advanced fibrosis, in addition to completion of further toxicology and drug-drug interaction studies provided a firm foundation for entry into a Phase 2 development program (described above). Top line results of our Phase 2b in compensated NASH cirrhosis patients was reported in December 2017 and is more fully described above as well in our SEC filings; the Phase 2b study results provide the foundation for entry into an adaptively-designed Phase 3 program which is designed in conjunction with our KOLs and feedback obtained from FDA during 2019.
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GR-MD-02 is a proprietary, patented galactoarabino-rhamnogalacturonan polysaccharide polymer that is comprised predominantly of galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, and smaller amounts of other sugars. Structural studies have shown that GR-MD-02 binds to galectin-1 and to galectin-3 with binding affinity to galectin-3 being significantly greater than binding to galectin-1. With respect to GR-MD-02, we currently have, as of December 31, 2019, 22 granted U.S. patents, and 66 foreign granted patents. These patents, which are more fully described below, include a composition of matter patent, and methods of use including manufacture, use patient in patients with NASH, in patients with liver fibrosis, and in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Additional patent applications are pending with respect to, amongst other uses, cancer immunotherapy, lung fibrotic disease, and inflammatory disease associated with increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase. Patents have also been granted with respect to liver fibrosis, NASH, and liver fibrosis in combination with other therapeutic agents. Compounds for subcutaneous administration and oral delivery are currently under pre-clinical development.
Galectin Inhibition in Cancer Therapy
We believe the potential exists for galectin inhibition to play an important role in cancer therapy. Galectin proteins, particularly galectin-1 and galectin-3, have been shown to be highly expressed in the majority of cancers and have multiple roles in promoting cancer progression, including tumor cell invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and tumor evasion of the immune system.
The role of galectins in cancer immunotherapy can be understood through the “Galectin Effect”, a recent discovery of how tumors avoid the body’s own immune system, i.e., the tumors secrete galectin proteins that block the body’s efforts to fight tumors. Our current program to block the “Galectin Effect” is based on the research of Dr. Pierre van der Bruggen (of the Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research in Brussels, Belgium), demonstrating that galectin-3, which is produced by the vast majority of human cancers, binds to and blocks the actions of tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes, the major immune cell in the body’s defense against cancers. In addition, Dr. William L. Redmond of Providence Portland Medical Center’s Earl A. Chiles Research Institute (EACRI) has shown that our galectin inhibitors can enhance the anti-tumor immunogenic effect of other immunotherapies based on targeting lymphocyte checkpoints such as CTLA4. Based on these results, we believe that the body’s immune cells may be unable to attack and kill tumor cells in the presence of galectins. Using this approach, the mechanism of action for our drugs seeks to block galectins and, in turn, restore the ability of the T-lymphocytes to kill tumor cells.
The preclinical study found that GR-MD-02 increased tumor shrinkage and enhanced survival in immune competent mice with prostate or breast cancers when combined with one of the immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1. These findings suggest a role for GR-MD-02 in cancer immunotherapy. These preclinical observations by Dr Redmond provided scientific rationale for proceeding and lead to the filing by Providence Portland Medical Center of an Investigator-sponsored IND to conduct a Phase 1B study to determine if GR-MD-02 enhances the probability of melanoma response with ipilimumab by inducing proliferation, activation and memory function of CD8+ T cells in human patients. The company has licensed the underlying invention from Providence Portland Medical Center. This study represents a novel approach for patients with metastatic melanoma. The IND was approved by FDA in February 2014. This study is being conducted under the sponsorship of Providence Portland Medical Center’s Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (EACRI) and is being supported by the Company.
The study employs a dose escalation of GR-MD-02 in conjunction with the standard therapeutic dose of ipilimumab in patients with advanced melanoma for whom ipilimumab would be considered standard of care. In addition to monitoring for toxicity and clinical response by irRECIST criteria on imaging tests, blood samples will be obtained to assess immunologic measures relevant to galectin biology and ipilimumab T-cell check-point inhibition. Galectin Therapeutics is providing its proprietary compound GR-MD-02 to EACRI researchers, as well as supplying researchers with supporting analysis of the pharmacokinetics of GR-MD-02 and the right to reference the Company’s open IND on GR-MD-02. To date the first two dosing groups have been completed
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without serious adverse events that were determined to be related to GR-MD-02. The third dosing group is no longer enrolling due to the availability of newer agents such as the anti-PD1 agents.
Similar to the agreement set forth for the ipilimumab (Yervoy®) Phase 1B study, Providence Portland Medical Center submitted an IND in September 2015 to conduct a Phase 1B study of GR-MD-02 and pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) in patients with metastatic melanoma. The combination of GR-MD-02 and an anti-PD1 (pembrolizumab) has been shown to enhance T-cell activation, memory, and effector function, and promote better antitumor responses in multiple mouse studies. The study will test the hypothesis that galectin-3 antagonism using GR-MD-02 with enhance the probability of melanoma response using pembrolizumab in patients by inducing proliferation, activation and memory function of CD8+ T cells that recognize melanoma antigens. Similar to the ipilimumab study, the study employs a dose escalation of GR-MD-02 in conjunction with the standard therapeutic dose of pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic melanoma who have had progression of their melanoma after ipilimumab and/or BRAF targeted therapy when a BRAF mutation is present. In addition to monitoring for toxicity and clinical response, blood and tumor samples will be obtained to assess immunologic measures relevant to galectin biology and pembrolizumab T-cell checkpoint inhibition. Top line results of the combination of the 3 dosing cohorts was reported in September 2018 and is more fully described above as well in our SEC filings and press releases. These data, taken together with the observed favorable safety and tolerability of the combination, in the view of the principal investigator, provide compelling rationale to move forward. Given that all three melanoma patients were responders at the 4 mg/Kg dose, the investigators plan to continue the trial with the expansion of the 4 mg/Kg cohort to include additional advanced melanoma patients and additional head and neck cancer patients. Further details on the study is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov. If these additional results should continue to be encouraging, the next step in development could entail a controlled randomized Phase 2 clinical trial.
Patents and Proprietary Rights
Our development and commercial viability, and ultimately our competitiveness, depend on our ability to develop and maintain the proprietary aspects of our technology and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of others. We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law and contract restrictions to protect the proprietary aspects of our technologies. We seek to limit disclosure of our intellectual property by requiring employees, consultants, and any third parties with access to our proprietary information to execute confidentiality agreements and by restricting access to that information.
In August 2015, we received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for patent application number 13/726,900, titled “Galactose-pronged polysaccharides in a formulation for antifibrotic therapies.” This patent extends coverage of the Company’s pectin-derived compounds (including broad molecular weight ranges and other sources of pectin) to include treatment of chronic kidney disease associated with the development of fibrosis, established kidney fibrosis, chronic lung disease associated with the development of fibrosis and established lung fibrosis. Claims in this patent include administering pectin-derived compound parenterally to a patient having at least one of the four aforementioned diseases where the established fibrosis or progression of the fibrosis or cirrhosis is inhibited or slowed down. Additional specific claims encompass deriving the compound from citrus pectin, apple pectin, soybean hull pectin or sugar beet pectin with a molecular weight between 2 kDa and 400kDa. Also covered is the step of administering the modified galacto-rhamnogalacturonan compound in an admixture with a therapeutic agent, where the agent is an antifibrotic compound.
In August 2014, we received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for patent application number 13/573,442 titled “Composition of Novel Carbohydrate Drug for Treatment of Human Diseases.” The patent covers composition and chemical structural claims for compounds that includes the Company’s lead galectin inhibitor compound GR-MD-02 and will expire in December 2031. Claims include multiple routes of administration, including intravenous, subcutaneous and oral. The application also covers therapeutic formulations for use in the treatment of NASH (fatty liver disease), cancer and fibrotic, inflammatory
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and autoimmune disorders in which galectin proteins are involved, at least in part, in the pathogenesis. Additional specific claims encompass liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, lung fibrosis or heart fibrosis. The patent, assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,871,925, was issued October 28, 2014.
In May 2014, we received notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for patent application number 13/998,197 titled “Galactose-Pronged Carbohydrate Compounds for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy and Associated Disorders.” The patent covers both composition claim for and uses of the Company’s carbohydrate-based galectin inhibitor compound GR-MD-02 in patients with diabetic nephropathy, a type of progressive kidney disease that occurs in individuals with diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy is the major cause for chronic renal failure in the United States. The patent, assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,828,971, was issued September 9, 2014.
In February 2014, we received notice of issuance that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued patent number 8,658,787 to the Company for its application titled “Galacto-rhamnogalacturonate compositions for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.” The patent covers the Company’s carbohydrate-based galectin inhibitor compound GR-MD-02 for use in patients with fatty liver disease with or without fibrosis or cirrhosis, providing patent protection through 2031. The major claims are for methods of obtaining galectin inhibitor compounds, obtaining a composition for parenteral or enteral administration in an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier and administering to a subject having at least one of the following: fatty liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, non-alcoholic hepatitis with liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with cirrhosis, or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The use covers reversing or slowing the progression of disease activity or medical consequences of the disease. Applications are pending in multiple countries to extend patent protection globally.
In January 2014, we received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for Patent Application Number 13/550,962 titled “Galactose-Pronged Polysaccharides in a Formulation for Anti-fibrotic Therapies.” The patent covers both composition claim for and uses of the Company’s carbohydrate-based galectin inhibitor compound GR-MD-02 for use in patients with liver fibrosis in combination with other potential therapeutic agents. The patent covers use of GR-MD-02 with agents directed at multiple targets, some of which are currently in clinical development for fibrotic disorders including monoclonal antibodies to connective tissue growth factor, integrins, and TGF-ß1. The patent, assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,722,645, was issued May 13, 2014.
In July 2012, we received a notice of issuance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the U.S. Patent number 8,236,780 issued on August 7, 2013 titled “Galactose-prolonged polysaccharides in a formulation for antifibrotic therapies”. This methods patent covers key methods of derivation and use for our carbohydrate-based galectin inhibitor compound for use in patients with chronic liver disease associated with the development of fibrosis, established liver fibrosis or end-stage scarring, or cirrhosis. The major claim is for a method of obtaining a galacto-rhamnogalacturan compound from an apple pectin, obtaining a composition for parenteral administration the galacto-rhamnogalacturonan compound in an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier and administering to a subject having at least one of the following: chronic liver disease associated with the development of fibrosis, established liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. The use covers inhibiting or slowing the progression of fibrosis. GR-MD-02 is covered by this patent and it provides opportunities for development of additional compounds in the class.
As of December 31, 2019, Galectin Therapeutics Inc. held 22 granted U.S. patents, 66 foreign granted, 3 Foreign patent applications allowed, 14 Foreign patent applications pending, and 2 U.S. patent applications pending. Many of our patents and patent applications cover composition of matter for complex carbohydrate drugs and/or methods of use for reducing toxicity and enhancing chemotherapeutic drugs by co-administering a polysaccharide with a chemotherapeutic agent or for use in treatment of fibrosis. The scheduled expiration dates of our United States patents span from 2020 to 2033 before considering any potential extensions. We have corresponding patent applications pending in various territories where we see potential for commercial interest. Additionally, we have patent applications in other areas to utilize our carbohydrate-based compounds to treat
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disease other than cancer. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property”. Our competitive position, in part, is contingent upon protection of our intellectual property. Galectin Sciences LLC has 1 granted international patent, 3 US patent application pending, and 29 foreign applications pending; 2 PCT International applications are pending.
Research
Our primary focus is on the design and testing of agents that target galectins in various in vitro and in vivo systems and that demonstrate efficacy in treatment of experimentally induced fibrosis or enhance immune system responsiveness in various tissues and in live animal models. We contract with independent laboratories and other facilities to conduct our research, which is designed, evaluated and managed by our scientists. While we conduct in house research related to our compounds at SBH laboratories in Massachusetts, we do not anticipate building additional in-house research or development facilities or hiring staff other than for purposes of designing and managing our out-sourced research.
As we develop products eligible for clinical trials, we contract with independent parties to assist in the design of the clinical trial protocols, arrange for and monitor the clinical trials, collect data and analyze data. In addition, certain clinical trials for our products may be conducted by government-sponsored agencies and will be dependent on governmental participation and funding. Our dependence on independent parties and clinical sites involves risks including reduced control over the timing and other aspects of our clinical trials.
In September 2014, the Company established a collaborative research program with Dr. William Redmond’s laboratory located at the Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon. This program focuses on combination immunotherapy plus galectin inhibition to augment tumor immunogenicity.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, our expenditures for research and development were $7.5 million and $6.5 million, respectively. We expense all research and development costs as they are incurred.
In January 2014 we created, with SBH Sciences, Inc. (Natick, Ma), Galectin Sciences, LLC, a collaborative joint venture to research and develop small organic molecule inhibitors of galectin-3 for oral administration.
Using computer molecular modeling techniques coupled with in vitro screening of a variety of compound libraries, SBH Sciences had identified several small organic molecules with promising galectin-3 inhibitory activity in vitro. Galectin Sciences LLC will further develop these unique organic molecule inhibitors of galectin-3 as drug candidates as well as develop additional candidates. Subject to availability of funding, Galectin Sciences LLC will build on the scientific body of knowledge amassed by SBH Sciences, coupled with Galectin Therapeutics’ knowledge and expertise of galectins’ pathological role and mechanism of action in inflammation, fibrosis and many cancers. The long-term goal of this effort is to identify and develop drug candidates that are highly specific galectin inhibitors which may be formulated for oral administration. The intermediate term goal is the development of small molecule inhibitors of galectin-3 which exhibit activity in in vivo preclinical disease models of fibrosis and cancer in which galectins play a key role. Several patent applications have been filed to protect the various series of compounds discovered by these efforts.
Because, increased levels of galectin proteins have been implicated in a very large number of inflammatory, fibrotic and neoplastic diseases; the discovery and development of orally active galectin inhibitors would be a major step towards expanded treatment approaches for these disorders. This early drug discovery effort may lead to drugs that would expand our pipeline as follow on compounds to our first in class galectin inhibitors, GR-MD-02 and GM-CT-01. These efforts have identified several potential compounds which are continuing to be explored to identify lead molecules that may be identified for clinical development.
Manufacturing and Marketing
We are a development stage Company at this time and do not intend to establish internal facilities for the manufacture of our products for clinical or commercial production. To have our products manufactured, we have
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developed and will continue to develop relationships with third-parties that have established pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and expertise. We are not a party to any long-term agreement with any of our suppliers and, accordingly, we have our products manufactured on a purchase-order basis from one of two primary well-known and established pharmaceutical suppliers that meet FDA requirements.
Because our products are in the development stage, we have not created a sales and marketing staff to commercialize pharmaceutical products. If we develop products eligible for commercial sale, we will need to develop a sales and marketing capability or rely on third parties such as licensees, collaborators, joint venture partners or independent distributors to market and sell those products. Our dependence on third-party manufacturers, analytical testing and other laboratories and marketers will involve risks relating to our reduced control, and other risks including those discussed in “Risk Factors — Risks Related to our Company — There are risks associated with reliance on our third parties for manufacturing, marketing, sales, managed care and distribution infrastructure channels.”
Competition
Many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are developing new technologies for the treatment of cancer, fibrotic diseases and other diseases. Technologies such as monoclonal antibodies could be competitive with our galectin therapeutic platforms. Other companies are trying to improve the therapeutic profile of widely used protein-based drugs. While these companies may broaden the market for our products they may also provide competitive alternatives to our products. We expect increased competition in the area of galectins will be fueled by a nearly exponential increase in the publication rate of research papers on galectins.
See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Company — We face intense competition in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries” for additional discussion related to our current and potential competition.
Government Regulation
The research, development, testing, manufacture, labeling, promotion, advertising, distribution, and marketing, among other things, of our products are extensively regulated by governmental authorities in the United States and other countries. The FDA regulates drugs under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and its implementing regulations. Failure to comply with the applicable U.S. requirements may subject us to administrative or judicial sanctions, such as FDA refusal to approve pending New Drug Applications (“NDAs”), warning letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, and/or criminal prosecution.
Drug Approval Process
Drugs may not be marketed in the U.S. until the FDA has approved them. The steps required before a drug may be marketed in the U.S. include:
| 1. | Pre-clinical laboratory tests, animal studies, and formulation studies, |
| 2. | Submission to the FDA of an IND for human clinical testing, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin, |
| 3. | Adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the drug for each indication, |
| 4. | Submission to the FDA of a NDA, |
| 5. | Satisfactory completion of an FDA inspection of the manufacturing facility or facilities, at which the drug is produced to assess compliance with current good manufacturing procedures (“cGMP”) established by the FDA, |
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| 6. | FDA review and approval of the NDA, and |
| 7. | FDA review and approval of a trademark used in connection with a pharmaceutical. |
Pre-clinical tests include laboratory evaluation of product chemistry, toxicity, and formulation, as well as numerous in vitro and in vivo animal studies. The results of the pre-clinical tests, together with manufacturing information and analytical data, are submitted to the FDA as part of an IND, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin and the Company must resolve any outstanding FDA concerns or questions before clinical trials can proceed. There is no certainty that submission of an IND will result in the FDA allowing clinical trials to begin.
Clinical trials involve the administration of the investigational drug to human subjects under the supervision of qualified investigators and constant oversight by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities. Clinical trials are conducted under protocols detailing the objectives of the study, the parameters to be used in monitoring safety, and the effectiveness criteria to be evaluated. Each protocol must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND.
Clinical trials typically are conducted in three sequential phases, but the phases may overlap or be combined. Each trial must be reviewed and approved by an independent Institutional Review Board (“IRB”), before it can begin. Study subjects must sign an informed consent form before participating in a clinical trial. Phase 1 usually involves the initial introduction of the investigational drug into patients to evaluate its safety, dosage tolerance, pharmacodynamics, and, if possible, to gain an early indication of its effectiveness. Phase 2 usually involves trials in a limited patient population to (i) evaluate dosage tolerance and appropriate dosage; (ii) identify possible adverse effects and safety risks; and (iii) evaluate preliminarily the efficacy of the drug for specific indications. Phase 3 trials usually further evaluate clinical efficacy and test further for safety by using the drug in its final form in an expanded patient population. There is no assurance that these trials will be completed within a specified period of time, if at all.
Assuming successful completion of the required clinical testing, the results of the pre-clinical studies and of the clinical studies, together with other detailed information, including information on the manufacture and composition of the drug, are submitted to the FDA in an NDA requesting approval to market the product for one or more indications. Before approving an NDA, the FDA usually will inspect the facilities at which the drug is manufactured and will not approve the product unless compliance with cGMP is satisfactory. If the FDA evaluates the NDA and the manufacturing facilities as acceptable, the FDA will generally issue an approval letter. If the FDA evaluates the NDA submission or the manufacturing facilities as not acceptable, the FDA will generally outline the deficiencies in the submission and often will request additional testing or information. Even if an applicant submits the requested additional information, the FDA ultimately may decide that the NDA does not satisfy the regulatory criteria for approval. The testing and approval process require substantial time, effort, and financial resources, and there is no assurance that any approval will be granted on a timely basis, if at all. After approval, certain changes to the approved product, such as adding new indications, manufacturing changes, or additional labeling claims are subject to further FDA review and approval.
See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Products — We will need regulatory approvals to commercialize our products” for additional discussion of regulatory risks related to our drug development program.
FDA Priority Review
FDA procedures provide for priority review of an NDA submitted for drugs that, compared to currently marketed products, offer a significant improvement in the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of a disease. NDAs that are granted priority review are acted upon more quickly than NDAs given standard review. If we were to seek priority review, there can be no guarantee that the FDA will grant priority review status, that priority review status will affect the time of review, or that the FDA will approve the NDA submitted for any of our product candidates, whether or not priority review status is granted.
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Post-Approval Requirements
If FDA approval of one or more of our products is obtained, we will be required to comply with a number of post-approval requirements. For example, holders of an approved NDA are required to report certain adverse reactions to the FDA and to comply with certain requirements concerning advertising and promotional labeling for their products. Also, quality control and manufacturing procedures must continue to conform to current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMP”) after approval, and the FDA periodically inspects manufacturing facilities to assess compliance with cGMP. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in the area of production and quality control to maintain cGMP compliance. In addition, discovery of problems with a product after approval may result in restrictions on a product, manufacturer, or holder of an approved NDA, including withdrawal of the product from the market. Also, new government requirements may be established that could delay or prevent regulatory approval of our products under development.
Regulation Outside the United States
Before our products can be marketed outside of the United States, they are subject to regulatory approval similar to that required in the United States, although the requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials, product licensing, pricing and reimbursement vary widely from country to country. No action can be taken to market any product in a country until an appropriate application has been approved by the regulatory authorities in that country. The current approval process varies from country to country, and the time spent in gaining approval varies from that required for FDA approval. In certain countries, the sales price of a product must also be approved. The pricing review period often begins after market approval is granted. No assurance can be given that even if a product is approved by a regulatory authority, satisfactory prices will be approved for such product.
Environmental Regulation
Pharmaceutical research and development involves the controlled use of hazardous materials. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies must comply with laws and regulations governing the use, generation, manufacture, storage, air emission, effluent discharge, handling and disposal of certain materials, biological specimens and wastes. We do not anticipate building in-house research, development or manufacturing facilities, and, accordingly, do not expect to have to comply directly with environmental regulation. However, our contractors and others conducting research, development or manufacturing activities for us may be required to incur significant compliance cost, and this could in turn could increase our expense or delay our completion of research or manufacturing programs.
Employees
As of March 2, 2020, we currently have seven full-time employees, four of whom are involved primarily in management of our pre-clinical research and development and clinical trials and three who were involved primarily in management and administration of our Company. As announced, Dr. Pol F. Boudes, MD joined us as Chief Medical Officer on March 2, 2020. We also utilize contractors and consultants who provide product development, manufacture, analytical testing, clinical trial expertise, and clinical trial support.
Available Information
The Company is required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s website is www.galectintherapeutics.com. The information contained on, or hyperlinked from, our website is not a part of, nor is it incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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| Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information before deciding to invest in our common stock. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also adversely affect our business. We have attempted to identify below the major factors that could cause differences between actual and planned or expected results, but we cannot assure you that we have identified all of those factors.
If any of the following risks actually happen, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. In this case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Company
We have incurred net losses to date and must raise additional capital in order to continue to operate after September 30, 2021.
We have incurred net losses in each year of operation since our inception in July 2000 and have no revenues. Our accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2019 was $216.4 million. We had $47.5 million of unrestricted cash as of December 31, 2019. In December 2018, the Company announced an extension of its $10 million unsecured line of credit facility with stockholder and director, Richard E. Uihlein. The Company believes there is sufficient cash, including availability of the line of credit, to fund currently planned operations at least through September 30, 2021. We will require more cash to fund our operations after September 30, 2021 and believe we will be able to obtain additional financing. The currently planned operations include costs related to a planned adaptively designed Phase 2b/3 clinical trial. While the costs of the trial and general overhead during and through the interim efficacy analysis of the first stage of the trial are currently estimated to be approximately $125 million, the costs and timing of such trial are not yet finalized. The Company has not made commitments for such trial that cannot be covered with available cash, but we will require additional funding in order to complete the trial. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining such new financing or, if available, that such financing will be on terms favorable to us.
We may raise capital through public or private equity financings, partnerships, debt financings, bank borrowings, or other sources. Additional funding may not be available on favorable terms or at all. Our most recent significant financing, a rights offering closing in 2019 in which the Company raised $44.9 million, was led by our Chairman, Richard E. Uihlein, who invested $20 million in the offering. Concurrent with the rights offering, Mr. Uihlein exercised 500,000 common stock warrants for cash proceeds to the Company of $2.5 million. There is no assurance as to the level of future investments to be made in the Company by Mr. Uihlein. If adequate funds are not otherwise available, we may need to significantly curtail operations. To obtain additional funding, we may need to enter into arrangements that require us to relinquish rights to certain technologies, products and/or potential markets. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity, or securities convertible into equity, our equity holders may experience dilution of their proportionate ownership of the Company.
We are a development stage company and have not yet generated any revenue.
We are a development stage company and have not generated any revenues to date. There is no assurance that we will obtain FDA approval of GR-MD-02 or any other of our products in development and, even if we do so, that we will generate revenue sufficient to become profitable. Our failure to generate revenue and profit would likely lead to loss of your investment.
Our ability to generate revenue from product sales and achieve profitability will depend upon our ability to successfully commercialize products, including any of our current product candidates, or other product
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candidates that we may in-license or acquire in the future. Even if we are able to successfully achieve regulatory approval for these product candidates, we do not know when any of these products will generate revenue from product sales for us, if at all. Our ability to generate revenue from product sales from our current or future product candidates also depends on a number of additional factors, including our ability to:
| • | successfully complete development activities, including the necessary clinical trials; |
| • | complete and submit new drug applications, or NDAs, to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and obtain regulatory approval for indications for which there is a commercial market; |
| • | complete and submit applications to, and obtain regulatory approval from, foreign regulatory authorities; |
| • | successfully complete all required regulatory agency inspections; |
| • | set a commercially viable price for our products; |
| • | obtain commercial quantities of our products at acceptable cost levels; |
| • | find suitable distribution partners to help us market, sell and distribute our approved products in other markets; and |
| • | obtain coverage and adequate reimbursement from third parties, including government and private payers. |
In addition, because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with product development, including that our product candidates may not advance through development or achieve the endpoints of applicable clinical trials, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of increased expenses, or when or if we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability. Even if we are able to complete the development and regulatory process for any product candidates, we anticipate incurring significant costs associated with commercializing these products.
If we are unable to generate revenues from the sale of our products, we may not become profitable and may need to obtain additional funding to continue operations. If we fail to become profitable or are unable to sustain profitability on a continuing basis, then we may be unable to continue our operations at planned levels and be forced to reduce our operations.
We are dependent on the success of our lead product candidate, GR-MD-02, and we cannot be certain that these product candidates will receive regulatory approval or be successfully commercialized.
We currently have no products for sale, and we cannot guarantee that we will ever have any drug products approved for sale. We and our product candidates are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and comparable regulatory authorities in other countries governing, among other things, research, testing, clinical trials, manufacturing, labeling, promotion, selling, adverse event reporting and recordkeeping. We are not permitted to market any of our product candidates in or outside the United States until we receive approval of a new drug application for a product candidate from the FDA or the equivalent approval from a foreign regulatory authority. Obtaining FDA approval is a lengthy, expensive and uncertain process.
Before obtaining regulatory approval for the sale of any drug candidate, we must conduct extensive pre-clinical studies and clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our product candidates in humans.
To obtain FDA approval, we will need to conduct one or more Phase 3 clinical trial for GR-MD-02; however, we cannot assure you that we will be able to finance Phase 3 trials. Additionally, we cannot assure you that future our trials will yield successful results, that they will lead to the generation of revenue, or that we will obtain regulatory approval in other countries.
Pre-clinical studies and clinical trials are expensive, time-consuming and ultimately may not be successful. The results of pre-clinical and initial clinical testing of these products may not necessarily indicate the results that will
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be obtained from later or more extensive testing. Also, it is possible to suffer significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials, even after obtaining promising results in earlier trials. For example, although there was positive data from our NASH-CX Phase 2 trial for GR-MD-02, which we believe will allow us to conduct a Phase 3 trial, it did not meet its primary endpoint. Similarly, our Phase 2a pilot trial NASH-FX for patients with advanced fibrosis, which explored three non-invasive imaging technologies, did not meet its primary endpoint. We may engage others to conduct our clinical trials, including clinical research organizations and, possibly, government-sponsored agencies. Additional clinical trials may not start or be completed as we forecast and may not achieve the desired results. The time required to obtain FDA and other approvals is unpredictable but often can take years following the commencement of clinical trials, depending upon the complexity of the drug candidate.
Even if we receive regulatory approval, we may be unable to commercialize our product candidates.
Even if GR-MD-02 and other future product candidates achieve positive results in clinical trials, we may be unable to commercialize them. The availability of government and third-party payer reimbursement, and pricing, especially compared to competitor products, could affect our ability to commercialize our product candidates. Our general inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and, if obtained, to commercialize our products would substantially impair our viability.
There are risks associated with our reliance on third parties to design trial protocols, arrange for and monitor the clinical trials, and collect and analyze data.
As we develop products eligible for clinical trials, we will contract with independent parties to assist us in the design of the trial protocols, arrange for and monitor the clinical trials, collect data and analyze data. In addition, certain clinical trials for our products may be conducted by government-sponsored agencies and will be dependent on governmental participation and funding. Additionally, GR-MD-02 is being studied by Providence Portland Medical Center in Investigator-sponsored INDs to conduct a Phase 1B studies to determine if GR-MD-02 enhances the probability of melanoma response with ipilimumab and pembrolizumab by inducing proliferation, activation and memory function of CD8+ T cells in human patients. This study represents a novel approach for patients with metastatic melanoma. As with our Phase 2 trial, to undertake Phase 3 trials for GR-MD-02, we have contracted with a third party, Covance, for assistance with the design and conduct of the trial. We cannot be certain that the terms of any such agreement will be favorable to the company.
Our dependence on independent parties and clinical sites involves risks including reduced control over the timing and other aspects of our clinical trials.
There are risks associated with our reliance on third parties for manufacturing, marketing, sales, managed care and distribution infrastructure and channels.
We do not have, and do not now intend to develop, facilities for the manufacture of any of our products for clinical or commercial production. At this time, we are not a party to any long-term agreement with any of our suppliers, and accordingly, we have our products manufactured on a purchase-order basis from one of two primary suppliers. We are developing relationships with manufacturers and will enter into collaborative arrangements with licensees or have others manufacture our products on a contract basis. We expect to depend on such collaborators to supply us with products manufactured in compliance with standards imposed by the FDA and foreign regulators.
We have limited experience in marketing, sales or distribution, and we do not intend to develop a sales and marketing infrastructure to commercialize our pharmaceutical products. If we develop commercial products, we will need to rely on licensees, collaborators, joint venture partners or independent distributors to market and sell those products. Thus, we expect that we will be required to enter into agreements with commercial partners to engage in sales, marketing and distribution efforts around our products in development. We may be unable to establish or maintain third-party relationships on a commercially reasonable basis, if at all. In addition, these
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third parties may have similar or more established relationships with our competitors. If we do not enter into relationships with third parties for the sales and marketing of our proposed products, we will need to develop our own sales and marketing capabilities.
Even if engaged, these distributors may:
| • | fail to satisfy financial or contractual obligations to us; |
| • | fail to adequately market our products; |
| • | cease operations with little or no notice to us; or |
| • | offer, design, manufacture or promote competing formulations or products. |
If we fail to develop sales, managed care, marketing and distribution channels, we would experience delays in generating sales and incur increased costs, which would harm our financial results.
We are exposed to product liability, pre-clinical and clinical liability risks, which could place a financial burden upon us, should we be sued, because we do not currently have product liability insurance beyond our general insurance coverage.
Our business exposes us to potential product liability and other liability risks that are inherent in the testing, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical formulations and products; accordingly, claims may be asserted against us. In addition, the use in our clinical trials of pharmaceutical formulations and products that our potential collaborators may develop and the subsequent sale of such formulations or products by us or our potential collaborators may cause us to assume a portion of or all of the product liability risks. A successful liability claim or series of claims brought against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because we do not currently have any FDA-approved products or formulations, we do not currently have any product liability insurance covering commercialized products. We may not be able to obtain or maintain adequate product liability insurance on acceptable terms, if at all, or such insurance may not provide adequate coverage against our potential liabilities. Furthermore, our current and potential partners with whom we have collaborative agreements or our future licensees may not be willing to indemnify us against these types of liabilities and may not, themselves, be sufficiently insured or have sufficient liquidity to satisfy any product liability claims. Claims or losses in excess of any product liability insurance coverage that may be obtained by us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face intense competition in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are intensely competitive. We face direct competition from U.S. and foreign companies focusing on pharmaceutical products, which are rapidly evolving. Our competitors include major multinational pharmaceutical and chemical companies, specialized biotechnology firms and universities and other research institutions. Many of these competitors possess greater financial and other resources, larger research and development staffs and more effective marketing and manufacturing organizations than we possess. In addition, academic and government institutions are increasingly likely to enter into exclusive licensing agreements with commercial enterprises, including our competitors, to market commercial products based on technology developed at such institutions. Our competitors may succeed in developing or licensing technologies and products that are more effective or succeed in obtaining FDA or other regulatory approvals for product candidates before we do. Acquisitions of, or investments in, competing pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies by large corporations could increase such competitors’ financial, marketing, manufacturing and other resources.
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The market for our proposed products is rapidly changing and competitive, and new drugs and new treatments which may be developed by others could impair our ability to maintain and grow our business and remain competitive.
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are subject to rapid and substantial technological change. Developments by others may render our proposed products noncompetitive or obsolete, or we may be unable to keep pace with technological developments or other market factors. Technological competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, governmental entities and others diversifying into the field is intense and is expected to increase.
As a pre-revenue company engaged in the development of drug technologies, our resources are limited and we may experience technical challenges inherent in such technologies. Competitors have developed or are in the process of developing technologies that are, or in the future may be, the basis for competition. Some of these technologies may have an entirely different approach or means of accomplishing similar therapeutic effects compared to our proposed products. Our competitors may develop drugs that are safer, more effective and less costly than our proposed products and, therefore, present a serious competitive threat to us.
The potential widespread acceptance of therapies that are alternatives to ours may limit market acceptance of our proposed products, even if commercialized. Some of our targeted diseases and conditions may also be treated by other medications. These treatments may be widely accepted in medical communities and have a longer history of use. The established use of these competitive drugs may limit the potential for our technologies, formulations and products to receive widespread acceptance even if commercialized.
Our lack of operating experience may cause us difficulty in managing our growth.
We have limited experience in manufacturing or procuring products in commercial quantities, conducting other later-stage phases of the regulatory approval process, selling pharmaceutical products, and negotiating, establishing and maintaining strategic relationships. Although we may engage consultants to assist us, any additional growth may require us to expand our management, operational and financial systems and controls. If we are unable to do so, our business and financial condition would be materially harmed. If rapid growth occurs, it may strain our managerial, operational and financial resources.
We depend on key individuals to develop our products and core technologies and pursue collaborative relationships.
We are highly dependent on our current base of employees and external hepatology consultants. These individuals, among other things, design and lead our pre-clinical and clinical studies, as well as our U.S. and European regulatory processes. The loss of any personnel or failure to attract or retain other key personnel and consultants could prevent us from developing our products and core technologies and pursuing collaborative relationships.
We may fail to comply with our reporting and other requirements under federal securities laws.
As a publicly traded company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports. Our failure to prepare and disclose this information in a timely manner could subject us to penalties under federal securities laws, expose us to lawsuits and restrict our ability to access financing. We may be required to implement additional and expensive finance and accounting systems, procedures and controls as we grow our business and organization to satisfy new reporting requirements, which will increase our costs and require additional management resources.
Our long-term success is dependent not only upon the success of our trials but also upon us being able to capitalize upon potential positive results of our trials, which is not assured.
To conduct Phase 3 clinical trials or other clinical trials we will need sufficient cash resources to conduct those undertakings. We will also need to obtain sufficient dosages of GR-MD-02 for such trials. Manufacturing of
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GR-MD-02 is performed by third parties on a contract basis and production is ongoing to generate what we believe are sufficient quantities of GR-MD-02 for planned Phase 3 clinical trials. Manufacturing could become delayed due to circumstances beyond our control which could delay any planned Phase 3 clinical trials. Further because of limited resources, we have curtailed most of our expenditures in research focused on the development of an oral galectin inhibitor to replace our current drug candidate that is delivered via infusion.
We have previously been a defendant in a shareholder derivative action, and any possible future such lawsuits may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We and certain of our officers and directors have previously been defendants in a state court shareholder derivative action that concluded in our favor. In addition, there is the potential for other future shareholder litigation and for governmental investigations and/or enforcement actions. Similar lawsuits in the future may divert our attention from our ordinary business operations, and we may incur significant expenses associated with their defense (including, without limitation, substantial attorneys’ fees and other fees of professional advisors and potential obligations to indemnify current and former officers and directors who are or may become parties to such actions). If similar lawsuits do arise in the future, we may be required to pay material damages and fines, consent to injunctions on future conduct and/or suffer other penalties, remedies or sanctions. Accordingly, the ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and ability to meet our debt obligations and, consequently, could negatively impact the trading price of our common stock. Any existing or future shareholder lawsuits and any future governmental investigations and/or enforcement actions could adversely impact our reputation, our relationships with our customers and our ability to generate revenue.
Risks Related to the Regulation of our Products
We will need regulatory approvals to commercialize our products.
We are required to obtain approval (i) from the FDA in order to sell our products in the U.S. and (ii) from foreign regulatory authorities in order to sell our products in other countries. The FDA’s review and approval process is lengthy, expensive and uncertain. Extensive pre-clinical and clinical data and supporting information must be submitted to the FDA for each indication for each product candidate in order to secure FDA approval. Before receiving FDA clearance to market our proposed products, we will have to demonstrate that our products are safe on the patient population and effective for the diseases that are to be treated. Clinical trials, manufacturing and marketing of drugs are subject to the rigorous testing and approval process of the FDA and equivalent foreign regulatory authorities. FDA may change, at any time, its requirements for approval of new drugs based on information and data received from others and ourselves potentially resulting in product approval delays or non-approvals. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other federal, state and foreign statutes and regulations govern and influence the testing, manufacture, labeling, advertising, distribution and promotion of drugs and medical devices. As a result, regulatory approvals can take several years to acquire and may further require the expenditure of substantial financial, managerial and other resources. The FDA could reject an application or, in the alternative, require us to conduct additional clinical or other studies as part of the regulatory review process. Delays in obtaining or failure to obtain FDA approvals would delay or prevent the commercialization of our product candidates, which would prevent, defer or decrease our receipt of revenues. In addition, should we receive initial regulatory approval, our product candidates will be subject to extensive and rigorous ongoing domestic and foreign government regulation.
Even if we obtain regulatory approvals, our marketed drugs will be subject to ongoing regulatory review. If we fail to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, we could lose our approvals to market drugs, in which case our business would be materially adversely affected.
Following regulatory approval in the United States of any drugs we may develop, we will remain subject to continuing regulatory review, including the review of adverse drug experiences and clinical results that are
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reported after our drug products are made available to patients. This would include results from any post marketing tests or vigilance required as a condition of approval. The manufacturer and manufacturing facilities we use to make any of our drug products will also be subject to periodic review and inspection by the FDA. The discovery of any new or previously unknown problems with the product, manufacturer or facility may result in restrictions on the drug, manufacturer or facility, including withdrawal of the drug from the market. We would continue to be subject to the FDA requirements governing the labeling, packaging, storage, advertising, promotion, recordkeeping, and submission of safety and other post-market information for all of our product candidates, even those that the FDA had approved. If we fail to comply with applicable continuing regulatory requirements, we may be subject to fines, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approval, product recalls and seizures, operating restrictions and other adverse consequences.
The drug development process to obtain FDA approval is very costly and time consuming, and if we cannot complete our clinical trials in a cost-effective manner, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Costs and timing of clinical trials may vary significantly over the life of a project owing to the following non-exclusive reasons:
| • | the duration of the clinical trials; |
| • | the number of sites included in the trials; |
| • | the countries in which the trial is conducted; |
| • | the length of time required and ability to enroll eligible patients; |
| • | the number of patients that participate in the trials; |
| • | the number of doses that patients receive; |
| • | the drop-out or discontinuation rates of patients; |
| • | per patient trial costs; |
| • | third party contractors failing to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner; |
| • | our drug product candidates having different chemical and pharmacological properties in humans than in lab testing; |
| • | the need to suspend or terminate our clinical trials; |
| • | insufficient or inadequate supply or quality of drug product candidates or other necessary materials to conduct our trials; |
| • | potential additional safety monitoring, or other conditions required by FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities regarding the scope or design of our clinical trials, or other studies requested by regulatory agencies; |
| • | problems engaging IRBs to oversee trials or in obtaining and maintaining IRB approval of studies; |
| • | the duration of patient follow-up; |
| • | the efficacy and safety profile of the product candidate; |
| • | the costs and timing of obtaining regulatory approvals; and |
| • | the costs involved in enforcing or defending patent claims or other intellectual property rights. |
Each of the above factors and other unanticipated factors beyond our control could prevent us from gaining approval for our drugs in a cost-effective and timely manner, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.
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If users of our proposed products are unable to obtain adequate reimbursement from third-party payers, market acceptance of our proposed products may be limited, and we may not achieve revenues or profits.
The continuing efforts of governments, insurance companies, health maintenance organizations and other payers of healthcare costs to contain or reduce costs of health care may affect our future revenues and profitability as well as the future revenues and profitability of our potential customers, suppliers and collaborative partners in addition to the availability of capital. Our ability to commercialize our proposed products will depend in large part on the extent to which appropriate reimbursement levels for the cost of our proposed formulations, products and related treatments are obtained by the health care providers of these products and treatments. It is possible that the adoption new health care reform legislation or legislation to replace the current health care reimbursement system could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Data obtained from clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future results, may be negative or inconclusive, and are susceptible to varying interpretations, which could delay, limit or prevent regulatory clearances.
Data already obtained, or in the future obtained, from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials do not necessarily predict the results that will be obtained from later pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Moreover, pre-clinical and clinical data may be negative or inconclusive. In addition, data is susceptible to varying interpretations. Negative or inconclusive data, or data interpreted in various ways, could delay, limit or prevent regulatory approval. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials, even after they obtained promising results in earlier trials. Despite the results reported in some of our earlier clinical trials for GR-MD-02, our clinical trials may not demonstrate sufficient levels of safety and efficacy necessary to obtain the requisite regulatory approvals for our drugs, and thus, our proposed drugs may not be approved for marketing. If later-stage clinical trials do not produce favorable results, our ability to achieve regulatory approval for any of our product candidates may be adversely impacted. The failure to adequately demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of a proposed formulation or product under development could delay or prevent regulatory clearance of the potential drug. The resulting delays in commercialization could materially harm our business.
Our product candidates may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their regulatory approval, limit the commercial profile of an approved label, or result in significant negative consequences following any marketing approval.
Undesirable side effects caused by our product candidates could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other comparable foreign regulatory authority. Although we are not currently aware of any undesirable side effects caused by our product candidates, it is possible that they may be identified in the clinical trial process.
As a result of undesirable side effects or safety or toxicity issues that we may experience in our clinical trials, we may not receive approval to market any product candidates, which could prevent us from ever generating revenues or achieving profitability. Results of our trials could reveal an unacceptably high severity and prevalence of side effects. In such an event, our trials could be suspended or terminated, and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities could order us to cease further development or deny approval of our product candidates for any or all targeted indications. These side effects could affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled subjects to complete the trial or result in potential product liability claims.
Additionally, if any of our product candidates receives marketing approval, and we or others later identify undesirable side effects caused by such product, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result, including:
| • | we may be forced to suspend marketing of such product; |
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| • | regulatory authorities may withdraw their approvals of such product; |
| • | regulatory authorities may require additional warnings on the label that could diminish the usage or otherwise limit the commercial success of such products; |
| • | we may be required to conduct post-market studies; |
| • | we could be sued and held liable for harm caused to subjects or patients; and |
| • | our reputation may suffer. |
Any of these events could prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of the particular product candidate, if approved.
We will need to obtain FDA approval of any proposed product brand names, and any failure or delay associated with such approval may adversely impact our business.
A pharmaceutical product cannot be marketed in the U.S. or other countries until it has completed rigorous and extensive regulatory review processes, including approval of a brand name. Any brand names we intend to use for our product candidates will require approval from the FDA regardless of whether we have secured a formal trademark registration from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or the PTO. The FDA typically conducts a review of proposed product brand names, including an evaluation of potential for confusion with other product names. The FDA may also object to a product brand name if it believes the name inappropriately implies medical claims. If the FDA objects to any of our proposed product brand names, we may be required to adopt an alternative brand name for our product candidates. If we adopt an alternative brand name, we would lose the benefit of our existing trademark applications for such product candidate and may be required to expend significant additional resources in an effort to identify a suitable product brand name that would qualify under applicable trademark laws, not infringe the existing rights of third parties and be acceptable to the FDA. We may be unable to build a successful brand identity for a new trademark in a timely manner or at all, which would limit our ability to commercialize our product candidates.
Failure to obtain regulatory approval in international jurisdictions would prevent our product candidates from being marketed abroad.
In order to market and sell our products in the European Union and many other jurisdictions, we must obtain separate marketing approvals and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedure varies among countries and can involve additional testing. The time required to obtain approval may differ substantially from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory approval process outside the United States generally includes all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. In addition, in many countries outside the United States, it is required that the product be approved for reimbursement before the product can be approved for sale in that country. We may not obtain approvals from regulatory authorities outside the United States on a timely basis, if at all. Approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions, and approval by one regulatory authority outside the United States does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions or by the FDA. We may not be able to file for marketing approvals and may not receive necessary approvals to commercialize our products in any market. If we are unable to obtain approval of any of our product candidates by regulatory authorities in the European Union or other countries, the commercial prospects of that product candidate may be significantly diminished, and our business prospects could decline.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
Our competitive position is contingent upon the protection of our intellectual property.
Development and protection of our intellectual property are critical to our business. All of our intellectual property, patented or otherwise, has been invented and/or developed by employees or former employees of the
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Company. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to obtain patent protection for our products or processes in the U.S. and other countries, protect trade secrets and prevent others from infringing on our proprietary rights. We will only be able to protect our product candidates from unauthorized making, using, selling, offering to sell or importation by third parties to the extent that we have rights under valid and enforceable patents or trade secrets that cover these activities. If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, competitors may be able to practice our technologies.
The patent positions of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies can be highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions for which important legal principles remain unresolved. No consistent policy regarding the breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology patents has emerged to date in the United States. The biotechnology patent situation outside the United States is even more uncertain. Changes in either the patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws in the United States and other countries may diminish the value of our intellectual property. Accordingly, we cannot predict the breadth of claims that may be allowed in our pending patent applications or enforced in our issued patents or in third-party patents.
The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain because legal means afford only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or keep our competitive advantage. For example:
| • | others may be able to make compounds that are competitive with our product candidates but are not covered by the claims of our patents; |
| • | we might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by our pending patent applications; |
| • | we might not have been the first to file patent applications for these inventions; |
| • | it is possible that our pending patent applications will not result in issued patents; |
| • | we may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable; or |
| • | the patents of others may have an adverse effect on our business. |
We also may rely on trade secrets to protect our technology, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. Although we require our scientific and technical employees and consultants to enter into broad assignment of inventions agreements, and all of our employees, consultants and corporate partners with access to proprietary information to enter into confidentiality agreements, these agreements may not be honored. Enforcing a claim that a third party illegally obtained, and is using, our trade secrets is expensive and time consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States are sometimes less willing to protect trade secrets. Moreover, our competitors may independently develop equivalent knowledge, methods and know-how.
We may incur substantial costs as a result of litigation or other proceedings relating to patent and other intellectual property rights and we may be unable to protect our rights to, or use of, our technology.
Some or all of our patent applications may not issue as patents, or the claims of any issued patents may not afford meaningful protection for our technologies or products. In addition, patents issued to us or our licensors, if any, may be challenged and subsequently narrowed, invalidated or circumvented. Patent litigation is widespread in the biotechnology industry and could harm our business. Litigation might be necessary to protect our patent position or to determine the scope and validity of third-party proprietary rights.
If we choose to go to court to stop someone else from using the inventions claimed in our patents, that individual or company would have the right to ask the court to rule that such patents are invalid and/or should not be enforced against that third party. These lawsuits are expensive, and we may not have the required resources to pursue such litigation or to protect our patent rights. In addition, there is a risk that the court will decide that these patents are not valid and that we do not have the right to stop the other party from using the inventions. There is also the risk that, even if the validity of these patents is upheld, the court will refuse to stop the other party on the ground that such other party’s activities do not infringe our rights in these patents.
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Furthermore, a third party may claim that we are using inventions covered by the third party’s patent rights and may go to court to stop us from engaging in our normal operations and activities, including making or selling our product candidates. These lawsuits are costly and could affect our results of operations and divert the attention of managerial and technical personnel. There is a risk that a court would decide that we are infringing the third party’s patents and would order us to stop the activities covered by the patents. In addition, there is a risk that a court will order us to pay the other party treble damages for having violated the other party’s patents. The biotechnology industry has produced a proliferation of patents, and it is not always clear to industry participants, including us, which patents cover various types of products or methods of use. The coverage of patents is subject to interpretation by the courts, and the interpretation is not always uniform. If we are sued for patent infringement, we would need to demonstrate that our products or methods of use either do not infringe the claims of the relevant patent and/or that the patent claims are invalid, and we may not be able to do this. Proving invalidity in the U.S., in particular, is difficult since it requires a showing of clear and convincing evidence to overcome the presumption of validity enjoyed by issued patents.
Because some patent applications in the United States may be maintained in secrecy until the patents are issued, patent applications in the United States and many foreign jurisdictions are typically not published until eighteen months after filing, and publications in the scientific literature often lag behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that others have not filed patent applications for technology covered by our issued patents or our pending applications or that we were the first to invent the technology. Our competitors may have filed, and may in the future file, patent applications covering technology similar to ours. Any such patent application may have priority over our patent applications and could further require us to obtain rights to issued patents covering such technologies. If another party has filed a United States patent application on inventions similar to ours, we may have to participate in an interference or other proceeding in the PTO or a court to determine priority of invention in the United States. The costs of these proceedings could be substantial, and it is possible that such efforts would be unsuccessful, resulting in a loss of our United States patent position with respect to such inventions.
Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially greater resources. In addition, any uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our operations.
Obtaining and maintaining our patent protection depends upon compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.
The PTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other provisions during the patent process. There are situations in which noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, competitors might be able to enter the market earlier than would otherwise have been the case.
Our failure to secure trademark registration could adversely affect our ability to market our product candidates and our business.
Our trademark applications in the United States, when filed, and any other jurisdictions where we may file may not be allowed for registration, and our registered trademarks may not be maintained or enforced. During trademark registration proceedings, we may receive rejections. Although we are given an opportunity to respond to those rejections, we may be unable to overcome such rejections. In addition, in the PTO and in comparable agencies in many foreign jurisdictions, third parties are given an opportunity to oppose pending trademark applications and to seek to cancel registered trademarks. Opposition or cancellation proceedings may be filed against our applications and/or registrations, and our applications and/or registrations may not survive such proceedings. Failure to secure such trademark registrations in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions could adversely affect our ability to market our product candidates and our business.
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Confidentiality agreements with employees and others may not adequately prevent disclosure of our trade secrets and other proprietary information and may not adequately protect our intellectual property, which could impede our ability to compete.
Because we operate in the highly technical field of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development, we rely in part on trade secret protection in order to protect our proprietary trade secrets and unpatented know-how. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect, and we cannot be certain that others will not develop the same or similar technologies on their own. We have taken steps, including entering into confidentiality agreements with all of our employees, consultants and corporate partners to protect our trade secrets and unpatented know-how. These agreements generally require that the other party keep confidential and not disclose to third parties all confidential information developed by the party or made known to the party by us during the course of the party’s relationship with us. We also typically obtain agreements from these parties which provide that inventions conceived by the party in the course of rendering services to us will be our exclusive property. However, these agreements may not be honored and may not effectively assign intellectual property rights to us. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally obtained and is using our trade secrets or know-how is difficult, expensive and time consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets or know-how. The failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could adversely affect our competitive position.
We may be subject to claims that our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their former employers.
As is common in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, we employ individuals who were previously employed at other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although no claims against us are currently pending, we may be subject to claims that these employees or we have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock may be volatile and adversely affected by several factors. This could subject us to securities class action litigation and our stockholders could incur substantial losses.
The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly in response to various factors and events, including but not limited to:
| • | the results of our pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, including interim results, as well as those of our competitors; |
| • | regulatory actions with respect to our products or our competitors’ products; |
| • | our ability to integrate operations, technology, products and services; |
| • | our ability to execute our business plan; |
| • | operating results below expectations; |
| • | our issuance of additional securities, including debt or equity or a combination thereof, which may be necessary to fund our operating expenses and the cost of our clinical trials; |
| • | announcements of technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors; |
| • | the success of competitive products; |
| • | loss of any strategic relationship; |
| • | industry developments, including, without limitation, changes in healthcare policies or practices or third-party reimbursement policies; |
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| • | regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries; |
| • | the level of expenses related to any of our product candidates or clinical development programs; |
| • | disputes or other developments related to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters, and our ability to obtain patent protection for our technologies; |
| • | economic and other external factors; |
| • | period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results; |
| • | sales of our common stock by us, our insiders or our other stockholders; |
| • | whether an active trading market in our common stock develops and is maintained; and |
| • | engagement and retention of senior management needed for our clinical trials. |
In addition, the market price for securities of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies historically has been highly volatile, and the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may cause the market price of our common stock to decline substantially.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company, including us, following a decline in the market price of its securities. This risk is especially relevant for us because biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies have experienced significant stock price volatility in recent years. As described above, we have recently defended a consolidated federal securities class action lawsuit and a consolidated shareholder derivative actions, and we may become involved in additional instances of this type of litigation in the future. Litigation often is expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business.
Additionally, fluctuations in the trading price or liquidity of our common stock may materially and adversely affect, among other things, the interest of investors to purchase our common stock on the open market and, generally, our ability to raise capital.
Our board of directors has the power to designate, without stockholder approval, additional series of preferred capital, the shares of which could be senior to our common stock and be entitled to conversion or voting rights that adversely affect the holders of our common stock.
Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of capital stock including 20,000,000 authorized undesignated shares (all have been designated as of December 31, 2019), and empowers our board of directors to
prescribe, by resolution and without stockholder approval, a class or series of undesignated shares, including the number of shares in the class or series and the voting powers, designations, rights, preferences, restrictions and the relative rights in each such class or series. Accordingly, we may designate and issue additional shares or series of preferred stock that would rank senior to the shares of common stock as to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, winding-up, or dissolution.
Nevada law and our charter documents could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us and discourage a takeover, which could depress the trading price of our common stock.
Nevada corporate law and our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control of our Company or changes in our management that our stockholders may deem advantageous. For example, holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors, meaning that stockholders owning a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock will be able to elect all of our directors. In addition, because we have more than 200 stockholders of record, we are subject to the “business combinations” provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes, or NRS. These provisions
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could prohibit or delay a merger or other takeover or change in control attempt and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire our Company even though such a transaction may be in our stockholders’ best interest and offer our stockholders the opportunity to sell their stock at a price above the prevailing market price.
We may issue additional common stock, which might dilute the net tangible book value per share of our common stock.
Our board of directors has the authority, without action or vote of our stockholders, to issue all or a part of our authorized but unissued shares. Such stock issuances could be made at a price that reflects a discount to, or a premium from, the then-current market price of our common stock. In addition, in order to raise capital, we may need to issue securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for a significant amount of our common stock. We are currently contemplating additional capital raising transactions within the next twelve months, which would likely result in issuances of additional shares which would be dilutive to current shareholders. These issuances would dilute the percentage ownership interest, which would have the effect of reducing your influence on matters on which our stockholders vote, and might dilute the net tangible book value per share of our common stock. You may incur additional dilution if holders of stock options, whether currently outstanding or subsequently granted, exercise their options, or if the holders of warrants, whether currently outstanding or subsequently granted, exercise their warrants to purchase shares of our common stock.
A sale of a substantial number of shares of the common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Finance transactions resulting in a large amount of newly issued shares that become readily tradable, or other events that cause current stockholders to sell shares, could place downward pressure on the trading price of our stock. Some of our shareholders have registration rights to facilitate sales of large blocks of our common stock. We have filed a shelf registration statement to allow registered sales by us of up to $100 million. We may consider additional or other capital raising transactions within the next twelve months, which would likely result in issuances of additional shares that would be dilutive to current shareholders. In addition, the lack of a robust resale market may require a stockholder who desires to sell a large number of shares of common stock to sell the shares in increments over time to mitigate any adverse impact of the sales on the market price of our stock.
If our stockholders sell, or the market perceives that our stockholders intend to sell for various reasons substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, the market price of our common stock could fall. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate. We may become involved in securities class action litigation that could divert management’s attention and harm our business.
We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock in the past and do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on our earnings, financial condition and other business and economic factors affecting us at such time as the board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment will only occur if the market price of our common stock price appreciates.
At times, our shares of common stock and warrants have been thinly traded, so you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or even at all if you need to sell your shares to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares.
We cannot predict the extent to which an active public market for our common stock will develop or be sustained. Our common stock is currently traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market and experiences periods when
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it could be considered “thinly-traded.” This situation may be attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company that is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as we became more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days, weeks or months when trading activity in our shares is minimal, as compared to a seasoned issuer that has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. We cannot give you any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common stock will be sustained, or that current trading levels will be sustained or not diminish.
Concentration of ownership by our principal stockholders may limit your ability to influence the outcome of director elections and other transactions requiring stockholder approval.
A significant percentage of our outstanding stock is held by a limited number of investors, including Richard E. Uihlein. Mr. Uihlein, the chairman of our board of directors, who beneficially owns approximately 13.9% of our outstanding common stock as of February 20, 2020 (which does not include any shares issuable upon exercise of options and warrants) and the 10X Fund, LP , which now owns 11.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company as of February 21, 2020 (which does not include any shares issuable upon exercise of options and warrants). Mr. Uihlein is also an investor in the 10X Fund as a limited partner but is not deemed to be a beneficial owner of, or have a reportable interest in, any shares owned by 10X Fund. As a result of their ownership of shares of common stock, Mr. Uihlein and 10X Fund have and will have significant influence over corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including the following actions:
| • | to elect or defeat the election of our directors; |
| • | to amend or prevent amendment of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws; |
| • | to effect or prevent a merger, sale of assets or other corporate transaction; and |
| • | to control the outcome of any other matter submitted to our stockholders for vote. |
Such persons’ stock ownership may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company, which in turn could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.
Richard E. Uihlein’s and 10X Fund’s significant ownership positions may deter or prevent efforts by other companies to acquire us, which could prevent our stockholders from realizing a control premium.
As a result of Mr. Uihlein’s and 10X Fund’s significant ownership and Mr. Uihlein’s position as chairman of the board of directors, other companies may be less inclined to pursue an acquisition of us or we may not have the opportunity to be acquired in a transaction that stockholders might otherwise deem favorable, including transactions in which our stockholders might realize a substantial premium for their shares.
Richard E. Uilhlein and/or 10X Fund could sell or transfer a substantial number of shares of our common stock, which could depress the price of our securities or result in a change in control of our company.
Although Mr. Uihlein has held common stock of the Company since 2012 and has not sold any of the shares of common stock that he has acquired during this time period, and although 10X Fund has been a long-time investor in the Company, neither Mr. Uihlein nor 10X Fund are subject to any contractual restrictions with us on their ability to sell or transfer our common stock on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and these sales or transfers could create substantial declines in the price of our securities or, if these sales or transfers were made to a single buyer or group of buyers, could contribute to a transfer of control of our company to a third party. Sales by Mr. Uihlein or 10X Fund of a substantial number of shares, or the expectation of such sales, could cause a significant reduction in the market price of our common stock.
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| Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
| Item 2. | Properties |
We lease 3,610 square feet for our executive offices located at 4960 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, GA. We also lease on a month-to-month basis approximately 300 square feet in Natick, MA, for use by research and development employee and which is collocated with one of our research and development service vendors. We believe these spaces are suitable for our present operations.
| Item 3. | Legal Proceedings |
From time to time, the Company is exposed to litigation relating to its operations. The Company is not currently engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material, adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not applicable.
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| Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Our common stock began trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol GALT effective March 23, 2012.
Holders of Common Stock
As of February 21, 2020, there were 141 shareholders of record of our common stock. Because shares of our common stock are held by depositaries, brokers and other nominees, the number of beneficial holders of our shares is substantially larger than the number of record holders. Based on information available to us, we believe there are approximately 13,800 non-objecting beneficial owners of our shares of our common stock in addition to the record holders.
Dividends
As we have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on our earnings, financial condition and other business and economic factors affecting us at such time as the board of directors may consider relevant.
| Item 6. | Selected Financial Data |
Not applicable.
| Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements as defined under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created therein for forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our anticipated operating results, research and development, clinical trials, regulatory proceedings, and financial resources, and can be identified by use of words such as, for example, “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding: plans and expectations regarding clinical trials; plans and expectations regarding regulatory approvals; our strategy and expectations for clinical development and commercialization of our products; potential strategic partnerships; expectations regarding the effectiveness of our products; plans for research and development and related costs; statements about accounting assumptions and estimates; expectations regarding liquidity and the sufficiency of cash to fund currently planned operations through at least September 30, 2021; our commitments and contingencies; and our market risk exposure. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which Galectin Therapeutics operates, and management’s beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties are related to and include, without limitation,
| • | our early stage of development, |
| • | we have incurred significant operating losses since our inception and cannot assure you that we will generate revenue or profit, |
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| • | our dependence on additional outside capital, |
| • | we may be unable to enter into strategic partnerships for the development, commercialization, manufacturing and distribution of our proposed product candidates, |
| • | uncertainties related to any litigation, including shareholder class actions and derivative lawsuits filed, |
| • | uncertainties related to our technology and clinical trials, including expected dates of availability of clinical data, |
| • | we may be unable to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of our developmental product candidates in human trials, |
| • | we may be unable to improve upon, protect and/or enforce our intellectual property, |
| • | we are subject to extensive and costly regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by foreign regulatory authorities, which must approve our product candidates in development and could restrict the sales and marketing and pricing of such products, |
| • | competition and stock price volatility in the biotechnology industry, |
| • | limited trading volume for our stock, concentration of ownership of our stock, and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in our SEC reports, and |
We caution investors that actual results or business conditions may differ materially from those projected or suggested in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, those described above and in the Risk Factors section of this annual report on Form 10-K. We cannot assure you that we have identified all the factors that create uncertainties. Moreover, new risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all risks on our business or the extent to which any risk, or combination of risks, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revision of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Results of Operations from the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Research and Development Expense
| Year ended December 31, |
2019 as Compared to 2018 | |||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2018 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development |
$ | 7,467 | $ | 6,471 | $ | 996 | 15 | % | ||||||||
We generally categorize research and development expenses as either direct external expenses, comprised of amounts paid to third party vendors for services, or all other research and development expenses, comprised of employee payroll and general overhead allocable to research and development. We consider a clinical program to have begun upon acceptance by the FDA, or similar agency outside of the United States, to commence a clinical trial in humans, at which time we begin tracking expenditures by the product candidate. Clinical program expenses comprise payments to vendors related to preparation for, and conduct of, all phases of the clinical trial, including costs for drug manufacture, patient dosing and monitoring, data collection and management, oversight of the trials and reports of results. Pre-clinical expenses comprise all research and development amounts incurred before human trials begin, including payments to vendors for services related to product experiments and discovery, toxicology, pharmacology, metabolism and efficacy studies, as well as manufacturing process development for a drug candidate. We have two product candidates, GR-MD-02 and GM-CT-01; however only GR-MD-02 is in active development.
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Our research and development expenses were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Direct external expenses: |
||||||||
| Clinical programs |
$ | 4,826 | $ | 2,296 | ||||
| Pre-clinical activities |
394 | 208 | ||||||
| Other research and development expenses: |
||||||||
| Payroll and other including stock-based compensation |
2,247 | 3,967 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| $ | 7,467 | $ | 6,471 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Clinical programs expenses increased in the year ended December 31, 2019 over the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily due to costs related to our the NASH-RX clinical trial planning and site start-up and qualification processes globally and preparations and some preclinical activities incurred in support of the planned clinical program such as development and reproductive toxicity studies, clinical supplies and other supportive activities. Other research and development expense decreased in the year ended December 31, 2019 over the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily due to a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1,626,000.
General and Administrative Expense
| Year ended December 31, |
2019 as Compared to 2018 | |||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2018 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except %) | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative |
$ | 5,971 | $ | 7,131 | $ | (1,160 | ) | (16 | )% | |||||||
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries including stock-based compensation, legal and accounting fees, insurance, investor relations, business development and other office related expenses. The primary reasons for the decrease for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the same period for 2018, are due to decreased non-cash stock-based compensation of $1,136,000.
Other Income and Expense
During the year ended December 31, 2019, other income and expense consisted of $231,000 of interest income offset by amortization of the warrants issued with a line of credit entered into in December 2017 of $87,000 which is classified as interest expense.
Results of Operations from the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Research and Development Expense
| Year ended December 31, |
2018 as Compared to 2017 | |||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development |
$ | 6,471 | $ | 11,721 | $ | (5,250 | ) | (45 | )% | |||||||
We generally categorize research and development expenses as either direct external expenses, comprised of amounts paid to third party vendors for services, or all other research and development expenses, comprised of employee payroll and general overhead allocable to research and development. We consider a clinical program to
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have begun upon acceptance by the FDA, or similar agency outside of the United States, to commence a clinical trial in humans, at which time we begin tracking expenditures by the product candidate. Clinical program expenses comprise payments to vendors related to preparation for, and conduct of, all phases of the clinical trial, including costs for drug manufacture, patient dosing and monitoring, data collection and management, oversight of the trials and reports of results. Pre-clinical expenses comprise all research and development amounts incurred before human trials begin, including payments to vendors for services related to product experiments and discovery, toxicology, pharmacology, metabolism and efficacy studies, as well as manufacturing process development for a drug candidate. We have two product candidates, GR-MD-02 and GM-CT-01; however only GR-MD-02 is in active development.
Our research and development expenses were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Direct external expenses: |
||||||||
| Clinical programs |
$ | 2,296 | $ | 9,362 | ||||
| Pre-clinical activities |
208 | 194 | ||||||
| Other research and development expenses: |
||||||||
| Payroll and other including stock-based compensation |
3,967 | 2,165 | ||||||
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|
|
|
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| $ | 6,471 | $ | 11,721 | |||||
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Clinical programs expenses decreased primarily due to costs related to our Phase 2 clinical trials during the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. Because we completed our NASH-CX Phase 2 trial in 2017, we expected our clinical activities costs to decrease in 2018 absent additional clinical trials commencing. Other research and development expenses increased during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to non-cash stock-based compensation expense.
General and Administrative Expense
| Year ended December 31, |
2018 as Compared to 2017 | |||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except %) | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative |
$ | 7,131 | $ | 4,526 | $ | 2,605 | 58 | % | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries including stock-based compensation, legal and accounting fees, insurance, investor relations, business development and other office related expenses. The primary reasons for the increase for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the same period for 2017, are due to increased non-cash stock-based compensation of $1,922,000 and increased investor relations/business development expenses of $540,000.
Other Income and Expense
During the year ended December 31, 2018, other income and expense consisted of $38,000 of interest income offset by amortization of the warrants issued with a line of credit entered into in December 2017 of $336,000 which is classified as interest expense.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As described above in the Overview and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are in the development stage and have not generated any revenues to date. Since our inception on July 10, 2000, we have
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financed our operations from proceeds of public and private offerings of debt and equity. As of December 31, 2019, we raised a net total of $197.4 million from these offerings. At December 31, 2019, the Company had $47.5 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents available to fund future operations. In December 2018, the Company announced the extension of its $10 million unsecured line of credit facility with stockholder and director, Richard E. Uihlein. The Company has not drawn under the line of credit. The Company believes there is sufficient cash, including availability of the line of credit, to fund currently planned operations at least through September 30, 2021. We will require more cash to fund our operations after September 30, 2021 and believe we will be able to obtain additional financing. The currently planned operations include costs related to a planned adaptively designed Phase 2b/3 clinical trial. While the costs of the trial and general overhead during the first stage of the Phase 3 trial are currently estimated to be approximately $125 million, the costs and timing of such trial are not yet finalized. The Company has not made commitments for such trial that cannot be covered with available cash, but we will require additional funding in order to complete the trial. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining such new financing or, if available, that such financing will be on terms favorable to us.
2019 compared to 2018
Net cash used in operations increased by $669,000 to $10,848,000 for 2019, as compared to $10,179,000 for 2018. Cash operating expenses decreased principally due to increased research and development activities primarily related to our Phase 3 clinical programs.
There were no equipment purchases or other investing activities in 2018 or 2017.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $50,075,000 during 2019 as compared to $15,379,000 during 2018, due primarily to the transactions described below.
In 2019, we completed an issuance of common stock and warrants in stockholder rights offering generating $44,889,000 in proceeds and additionally, received $2,930,000 from issuances of common stock through the At the Market issuances, and received $2,650,000 from exercise of common stock options and warrants. In 2019, we also paid cash dividends of $394,000 on Series A and C preferred stock. In 2018, we completed sales of common stock through At the Market issuances totaling $5,603,000. Additionally, in 2018, we received proceeds totaling $6,003,000 and $3,773,000 from the exercise of common stock warrants and options, respectively.
2018 compared to 2017
Net cash used in operations decreased by $5,713,000 to $10,179,000 for 2018, as compared to $15,892,000 for 2017. Cash operating expenses decreased principally due to decreased research and development activities primarily related to our Phase 2 clinical programs.
There were no equipment purchases or other investing activities in 2018 or 2017.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $15,379,000 during 2018 as compared to $3,583,000 during 2017, due primarily to the transactions described below.
In 2018, we completed sales of common stock through At the Market issuances totaling $5,603,000. Additionally, in 2018, we received proceeds totaling $6,003,000 and $3,773,000 from the exercise of common stock warrants and options, respectively. In 2017, we completed a private placement of common stock with warrants totaling $200,000 and sales of common stock through At the Market issuances totaling $3,383,000.
Operating leases
Effective December 31, 2018, the Company entered into an amendment to its operating lease for office space in Norcross, GA for a term of thirty-eight months, beginning on January 1, 2019 and ending February 28, 2022 at
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a rate of approximately $3,800 per month. The amended lease provided for free rent for the first two months of the lease and continues the security deposit of $6,000. In addition to base rental payments included in the contractual obligations table above, the Company is responsible for our pro-rata share of the operating expenses for the building.
In October 2012, the Company entered into an operating lease for office and lab space for research and development activities in Natick, MA. The lease is for a period of one year, beginning on October 1, 2012, for a rate of $15,000 for the term, payable in equal monthly increments. This lease was continued on a month to month basis from October 1, 2013.
Other. We have engaged outside vendors for certain services associated with our clinical trials. These services are generally available from several providers and, accordingly, our arrangements are typically cancellable on 30 days notice.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not created, and are not a party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating parts of our business that are not consolidated into our financial statements. We do not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into our financial statements that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or the availability of capital resources.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table summarizes contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2019:
| Payments due by period (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations |
Total | Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
3-5 years |
More than 5 years |
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| Operating Leases |
$ | 103 | $ | 47 | $ | 56 | ||||||||||||||
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| Total |
$ | 103 | $ | 47 | $ | 56 | ||||||||||||||
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. Certain of our accounting policies, however, are critical to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations and require the application of significant judgment by our management, which subjects them to an inherent degree of uncertainty. In applying our accounting policies, our management uses its best judgment to determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in the determination of certain estimates. Our more significant estimates include stock option and warrant liability valuations and performance vesting features of certain of these instruments, accrued liabilities, deferred income taxes and cash flows. These estimates are based on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, our observance of trends in the industry, information available from other outside sources, and on various other factors that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. We believe that the critical accounting policies discussed below involve more complex management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates necessary in determining the related asset, liability, revenue and expense amounts.
Accrued Expenses. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate accrued expenses. This process involves identifying services that third parties have performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred on these services as of each balance sheet date in our consolidated financial statements. Examples of estimated accrued expenses include professional service fees, such as those arising from the services of attorneys and accountants and accrued
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payroll expenses. In connection with these service fees, our estimates are most affected by our understanding of the status and timing of services provided relative to the actual services incurred by the service providers. In the event that we do not identify certain costs that have been incurred or we under- or over-estimate the level of services or costs of such services, our reported expenses for a reporting period could be understated or overstated. The date on which certain services commence, the level of services performed on or before a given date, and the cost of services are often subject to our judgment. We make these judgments based upon the facts and circumstances known to us in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
Research and Development Expenses. Costs associated with research and development are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses include, among other costs, salaries and other personnel-related costs, and costs incurred by outside laboratories and other accredited facilities in connection with clinical trials and preclinical studies.
Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the service period, which generally represents the vesting period. For awards that have performance-based vesting conditions the Company recognizes the expense over the estimated period that the awards are expected to be earned. The Company generally uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant date fair value of stock options. The expense recognized over the service period is required to include an estimate of the awards that will be forfeited. Stock options issued to non-employees are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC Subtopic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-employees, which requires valuing the stock options using an option pricing model (the Company uses Black-Scholes) and measuring such stock options to their current fair value when they vest.
| Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
Due to the nature of our operations, assets and absence of debt, we are not exposed to any significant market risks at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
The financial statements required by this item are attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on Page F-1.
| Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
None.
| Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures |
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019. Our management has concluded, based on their evaluation, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2019 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, internal control over financial
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reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by a company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It includes those policies and procedures that:
a) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
b) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of a company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the board of directors of the Company; and
c) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management has used the criteria established in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), or COSO, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management has selected the COSO 2013 framework for its evaluation as it is a control framework recognized by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, that is free from bias, permits reasonably consistent qualitative and quantitative measurement of the Company’s internal controls, is sufficiently complete so that relevant controls are not omitted, and is relevant to an evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting. Management conducted an evaluation of internal controls based on the COSO 2013 framework. The evaluation included a full scale, documented risk assessment, based on the principles described in the framework, and included identification of key controls. Management completed documentation of its testing to verify the effectiveness of the key controls. Based on the evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
| Item 9B. | Other Information |
None.
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| Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
Each of our directors is elected annually and holds office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified or until the earlier of his or her death, resignation or removal. Our board of directors currently consists of nine members, all of whom were elected at our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The following table sets for the certain biographical information about our directors as of February 21, 2020, and the qualifications, experiences and skills considered in determining that each such person should serve as a director.
| Name |
Age |
Position |
Director Since | |||
| Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D (2)(3) |
76 | Director | 2009 | |||
| James C. Czirr |
66 | Director | 2009 | |||
| Kary Eldred (1) |
46 | Director | 2018 | |||
| Kevin D. Freeman (1)(3) |
58 | Director | 2011 | |||
| Joel Lewis (1) (2) (3) |
50 | Director | 2017 | |||
| Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D. (2) |
78 | Director | 2014 | |||
| Marc Rubin, M.D. (3) |
65 | Director | 2011 | |||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
70 | Director | 2019 | |||
| Richard E. Uihlein, Chairman |
74 | Director | 2017 |
| (1) | Member of audit committee |
| (2) | Member of compensation committee |
| (3) | Member of nominating and corporate governance committee |
Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D., a director since February 2009, began his career at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, New Jersey. Since January 1, 2012, Dr. Amelio has provided consulting and advisory services through GFA, LLC, a California limited liability company. He was a Senior Partner of Sienna Ventures (a privately held venture capital firm in Sausalito, California) from April 2001 until the fund closed per plan on December 31, 2011. Dr. Amelio was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jazz Technologies, Inc. (now a wholly owned subsidiary of Tower Semiconductor Ltd., an independent specialty wafer foundry) from August 2005 until his retirement in September 2008 (when he was named Chairman Emeritus). Dr. Amelio was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Beneventure Capital, LLC (a full-service venture capital firm in San Francisco, California) from 1999 to 2005 and was Principal of Aircraft Ventures, LLC (a consulting firm in Newport Beach, California) from April 1997 to December 2004. Dr. Amelio was elected a Director of AT&T in February 2001 and had previously served as an Advisory Director of AT&T (then known as SBC Communications Inc.) from April 1997 to February 2001. He served as a Director of Pacific Telesis Group from 1995 until the company was acquired by AT&T in 1997. Prior to 1997, he served as Chairman, President and CEO of National Semiconductor (1991-1996) and Apple Computer (1996-1997). We believe Dr. Amelio’s qualifications to sit on our Board of Directors include his executive leadership and management experience, as well as his extensive experience with global companies, his financial expertise and his years of experience providing strategic advisory services to organizations.
James C. Czirr, is being nominated by 10X Fund L.P., pursuant to contractual rights set forth in certain warrants to purchase Common Stock that 10X Fund L.P. holds. Mr. Czirr has served as a director since February 2009, served as Chairman of the Board from February 2009 until January 2016 and Executive Chairman from February 2010 until January 2016, is a co-founder of 10X Fund, L.P. and is a managing member of 10X Capital Management LLC, the general partner of 10X Fund, L.P. Mr. Czirr was a co-founder of Galectin Therapeutics in July 2000. Mr. Czirr was instrumental in the early stage development of Safe Science Inc., a developer of anti-cancer drugs; served from 2005 to 2008 as Chief Executive Officer of Minerva Biotechnologies Corporation, a developer of nano particle bio chips to determine the cause of solid tumors; and was a consultant to Metalline
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Mining Company Inc., now known as Silver Bull Resources, Inc., (AMEX: SVBL), a mineral exploration company seeking to become a low cost producer of zinc. Mr. Czirr received a B.B.A. degree from the University of Michigan. We believe that Mr. Czirr is best situated to sit on our Board because he is the director who was a co-founder of the Company and is familiar with our business and industry.
Kary Eldred, is a director since 2018 and Chief Investment Officer for the Living Stones Foundation since July 2015 and has been an active private equity investor for many years. In these capacities, he serves and has served on a number of corporate boards of companies with potential for and driving toward initial public offerings and is currently serving as a board member in Buy It Installed (since 2017), Babywise and Wise King Media (since 2015). Kary Eldred also served on the board and audit committee of GCT Semiconductor. From January 2011 through October 2014, Mr. Eldred was CEO & Chairman of Altadona, S.A. a software integration company based in Europe and prior to that was a principal in Parakletos Ventures, an institutional venture capital firm with several investments in companies that went on to be acquired or become publicly listed on different exchanges around the world including the NASDAQ, KOSDAQ and the GEM market. Mr. Eldred has an Executive MBA from IE Business School and a BA in Foreign Service from Baylor University. We believe that Mr. Eldred’s qualifications to sit on our board include his experience serving on boards of several companies and experience in venture capital and private equity investing.
Kevin D. Freeman, a director since May 2011, holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is Chief Executive Officer of Cross Consulting and Services, LLC, an investment advisory and consulting firm founded in 2004. He is also author of a New York Times best-selling book about the stock market and economy and the host of a television program (Economic War Room with Kevin Freeman) that airs on BlazeTV. Formerly he was Chairman of Separate Account Solutions, Inc. and held several offices at Franklin Templeton Investment Services from 1991 to 2000. He holds a B.S. in business administration from University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma. We believe Mr. Freeman’s qualifications to sit on our Board of Directors includes his extensive financial expertise and his years of experience providing financial advisory services.
Joel Lewis, a director since 2017, is the Managing Director of Shareholder Services at Uline, Inc. (a distributor of shipping, packaging and industrial supplies), a position he has held since 2007. Mr. Lewis is a financial executive with over 25 years of experience started his career in public accounting in 1992. Prior to his employment with Uline Inc., Mr. Lewis served as a Tax and Accounting Manager for Century America LLC from 2001 to 2006 and a Tax Manager for Deloitte & Touche from 1998 to 2001. After spending a decade in public accounting where he specialized in both financial reporting and taxation, Mr. Lewis migrated to privately held companies focusing on high net worth family businesses. Mr. Lewis has a wide range of expertise including working in a variety of industries and disciplines including taxation, restructuring, acquisition and private equity ventures. Mr. Lewis is a registered CPA in the state of Illinois. He holds a B.S. in Accountancy from the University of Illinois and a Masters in Taxation from DePaul University. We believe that Mr. Lewis’ qualifications to sit on our Board include his business and financial expertise and his service as a board observer on our Board during 2017.
Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., a director since September 2014, served on the board of directors of Amgen Inc. for 27 years and of Rohm & Haas Company for 22 years. He currently serves on the boards of Oncofusion Therapeutics and MedsynBio LLC of Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Omenn is the Harold T. Shapiro Distinguished University Professor of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, Internal Medicine, Human Genetics, and Public Health and Director of the university-wide Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan. Dr. Omenn served as executive vice president for medical affairs and as chief executive officer of the University of Michigan Health System from 1997 to 2002. Prior, he was dean of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine and professor of medicine and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at the University of Washington and Member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Earlier he was Associate Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and of the Office of Management and Budget. He is the author of 600 research papers and scientific reviews and author/editor of 18 books. Dr. Omenn received his B.A. summa cum laude from Princeton University, M.D. magna cum laude
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from Harvard Medical School, and Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Washington. We believe Dr. Omenn’s qualifications to sit on our Board of Directors include his extensive executive leadership and management experience in the medical industry and his continuing cutting-edge research.
Marc Rubin, M.D, a director since October 2011 and Chairman of the Board from January 2016 through May 2018, is Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (TTNP: OTC BB) and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2007 to January 2009. Until February 2007, Dr. Rubin served as Head of Global Research and Development for Bayer Schering Pharma, as well as a member of the Executive Committee of Bayer Healthcare and the Board of Management of Bayer Schering Pharma. Prior to the merger of Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Schering AG in June 2006, Dr. Rubin was a member of the Executive Board of Schering AG since joining the company in October 2003, as well as Chairman of Schering Berlin Inc. and President of Berlex Pharmaceuticals, a division of Schering AG. From 1990 until August 2003, Dr. Rubin was employed by GlaxoSmithKline where he held positions of responsibility in global clinical and commercial development overseeing programs in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. From 2001 through 2003 at GlaxoSmithKline, he was Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Pharmacology & Discovery Medicine. Dr. Rubin holds an M.D. from Cornell University Medical College and is board certified in internal medicine with subspecialties in medical oncology and infectious diseases. Dr. Rubin is a member of the Board of Directors of Curis Inc. (Nasdaq: CRIS) and formerly served on the Board of Directors of Medarex, Inc., now a subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. We believe Dr. Rubin’s qualifications to sit on our Board of Directors include his extensive executive leadership and management experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
Harold Shlevin, Ph.D., a director since 2019, became our President and Chief Executive Officer on June 14, 2018 after previously serving as our Chief Operating Officer and Secretary from October 1, 2012. Dr. Shlevin previously had been employed at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Advanced Technology Development Center as Principle and Manager of bioscience commercialization efforts since November 2009, where he has assisted faculty in identifying technology worthy of commercialization, catalyzed formation of new start-up bioscience companies, and mentored new company management. From October 2008 to November 2009, he served as Head of Operations and Commercial Development for Altea Therapeutics Corporation, an advanced drug delivery company focused on the delivery of therapeutic levels of water-soluble biotherapeutics and small drugs through the skin. At Altea, he was responsible for pharmaceutical research and development, clinical research, regulatory affairs, engineering, clinical and commercial manufacturing, quality assurance, information technology, facility operations and finance. From July 2006 to September 2008, Dr. Shlevin served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tikvah Therapeutics, Inc., a start-up pharmaceutical enterprise focused on later-stage development of neuroscience therapeutics. From May 2000 to January 2006, he served as President and CEO of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US). In January 2006, he was promoted to a global senior Vice President role within Solvay Pharmaceuticals, SA and member of the Board of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, SA. Previously, Dr. Shlevin served on the Board of Directors of Cardiome Pharma Corporation (NASDAQ: CRME), now known as Correvio Pharma Corp. (NASDAQ: CORV) from 2004 to June 2016. He was Chair of the Compensation Committee and member of the Corporate Governance Committee and Audit Committees. We believe Dr. Shlevin’s qualifications to sit on our Board of Directors include his extensive executive leadership and management experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
Richard E. Uihlein, a director since 2017 and Chairman since May 2018, co-founded Uline, Inc. (a leading distributor of shipping, packaging and industrial supplies) in 1980, and has served as its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since its founding. Prior to founding Uline Inc., Mr. Uihlein was employed at General Bindings Corp., Northbrook, IL from 1967 to 1980. Mr. Uihlein graduated from Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. with a BA degree in history in 1967. We believe Mr. Uihlein’s qualifications to sit on our Board includes his extensive executive leadership and management experience.
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Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Ethics is publicly available on our website at www.galectintherapeutics.com. Amendments to the Code of Ethics and any grant of a waiver from a provision of the Code of Ethics requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules will be disclosed on our website.
Director Nominations
No material changes have been made to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our board of directors.
Audit Committee
The members of this committee are Joel Lewis (chair), Kary Eldred and Kevin D. Freeman. The Audit Committee is responsible for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and reporting practices of Galectin Therapeutics. More specifically, it assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to (i) the quality and integrity of our financial statements, reports and related information provided to stockholders, regulators and others, (ii) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, (iv) the internal control over financial reporting that management and the Board have established, and (v) the audit, accounting and financial reporting processes generally. The Committee is also responsible for review and approval of related-party transactions. The Board has determined that Mr. Lewis is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC rules. The Audit Committee has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from, and receive appropriate funding from the Company for, outside legal, accounting or other advisors as it deems necessary to carry out its duties.
Risk Management
The Board has an active role, as a whole and also at the committee level, in overseeing management of our risks. The Board regularly reviews information regarding our credit, liquidity and operations, as well as the risks associated with each. The Compensation Committee of our Board is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements. The Audit Committee of our Board oversees management of financial risks. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board manages risks associated with the independence of the Board members and potential conflicts of interest. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire Board of Directors is regularly informed through committee reports about such risks.
We believe that any risks arising from our policies and programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Our programs reflect sound risk management practices including:
| • | Use of multiple compensation vehicles that provide a balance of long- and short-term incentives with fixed and variable components; and |
| • | Equity incentive awards that generally vest over several years, so while the potential compensation payable for equity incentive awards is tied directly to appreciation of our stock price, taking excessive risk for a short term gain is discouraged because it would not maximize the value of equity incentive awards over the long-term. |
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Harold Shlevin, Ph.D., see above under directors.
Jack W. Callicutt, age 52, became our Chief Financial Officer on July 1, 2013. From August 2012 through June 2013, Mr. Callicutt was the Chief Financial Officer of REACH Health, Inc., a telemedicine technology
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company headquartered in Alpharetta, GA. From April 2010 through August 2012, Mr. Callicutt was the Chief Financial Officer of Vystar Corporation, a publicly traded company that holds proprietary technology to remove antigenic proteins from natural rubber latex. Prior to that Mr. Callicutt was Chief Financial Officer of IVOX, Inc., Tikvah Therapeutics and Corautus Genetics, a publicly traded biotechnology company which was developing gene therapy for treatment of cardiovascular disease. Mr. Callicutt previously spent more than fourteen years in public accounting, most recently as a senior manager at Deloitte, where he specialized in technology companies from 1989 to 2003. Mr. Callicutt is a Certified Public Accountant and graduated with honors from Delta State University with a B.B.A. in accounting and computer information systems.
SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES
The following employees are not executive officers of the Company but make significant contributions to the Company.
J. Rex Horton, age 50, became the Company’s Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance in January 2013. Mr. Horton most recently was Director of Regulatory Affairs at Chelsea Therapeutics, where he successfully led the organization through its first NDA filing and favorable FDA Advisory Committee Meeting. In past leadership roles at Solvay Pharmaceuticals and Abbott Laboratories, he led approval efforts for key products including Androgel® Stickpack, Creon® Capsules and Luvox® CR Capsules. He has also provided chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) regulatory leadership and support of INDs and NDAs, including Estrogel® and Androgel® Pump. Mr. Horton was a member of the executive leadership team that successfully implemented solutions to significant regulatory issues encountered by Solvay in its interactions with the FDA. Mr. Horton earned his Bachelor’s degree in industrial/manufacturing & systems engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS), Drug Information Association (DIA) and American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).
Eliezer Zomer, Ph.D., age 73, has been our Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Product Development since the Company’s inception in 2000. Prior to joining our Company, Dr. Zomer had been the founder of Alicon Biological Control, where he served from November 2000 to July 2002. From December 1998 to July 2000, Dr. Zomer served as Vice President of Product Development at SafeScience, Inc. and Vice President of Research and Development at Charm Sciences, Inc. from June 1987 to November 1998. Dr. Zomer received a B. Sc. degree in industrial microbiology from the University of Tel Aviv in 1972, a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts in 1978 and undertook a post-doctoral study at the National Institute of Health.
Adam E. Allgood, Pharm.D., R.Ph, age 55, became our Executive Director of Clinical Development on June 29, 2015. Dr. Allgood was most recently associate director of global pharmaceutical regulatory affairs at UCB Inc., a multinational biopharmaceutical company, from October 2011 to May 2015. His prior positions include leadership roles at Abbott Laboratories from February 2009 to September 2011 in regulatory affairs and Solvay Pharmaceuticals from January 1988 to January 2009 in clinical development and medical affairs, spanning a variety of therapeutic areas including gastroenterology, immunology, rheumatology, neurology, and women’s health. Dr. Allgood earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree summa cum laude from Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Atlanta and is a Registered Pharmacist (R.Ph.). He is a member of the American Pharmacists Association (APHA), and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). None of the directors, executive officers and key employees share any familial relationship.
None of the directors, executive officers and significant employees share any familial relationship.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of our common stock, to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership of such securities with the SEC. All reports were timely filed during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
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| Item 11. | Executive Compensation |
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Compensation Committee is responsible for creating and reviewing the compensation of the Company’s executive officers, as well as overseeing the Company’s compensation and benefit plans and policies and administering the Company’s equity incentive plans. The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) describes our 2019 executive compensation program and explains the Company’s compensation philosophy, policies, and practices, focusing primarily on the compensation of our named executive officers, or NEOs. This CD&A is intended to be read in conjunction with the tables that follow, which provide detailed historical compensation information for our following NEOs:
| Name |
Title | |
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
Chief Executive Officer and President | |
| Jack W. Callicutt |
Chief Financial Officer |
Compensation Philosophy
The Company believes in providing a competitive total compensation package to its executives through a combination of base salary, annual performance bonuses, and long-term equity awards. The executive compensation program is designed to achieve the following objectives:
| • | provide competitive compensation that will help attract, retain and reward qualified executives; |
| • | align executives’ interests with our success by making a portion of the executive’s compensation dependent upon corporate performance; and |
| • | align executives’ interests with the interests of stockholders by including long-term equity incentives. |
The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s executive compensation program should include annual and long-term components, including cash and equity-based compensation, and should reward consistent performance that meets or exceeds expectations. The Compensation Committee evaluates both performance and compensation to make sure that the compensation provided to executives remains competitive relative to compensation paid by companies of similar size and stage of development operating in the life sciences industry and taking into account the Company’s relative performance and its own strategic objectives.
Executive Compensation Review and Design
The Company has historically conducted a review of the aggregate level of its executive compensation, as well as the mix of elements used to compensate its NEOs. The Company has based this review primarily on the experience of the members of the Compensation Committee and our Board, many of whom sit on the boards of directors of, or have previously advised, numerous companies, including companies in the life sciences industry.
At our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders approximately 86% of our outstanding common stock voting on the matter voted in favor of the compensation of our NEOs, as disclosed in the proxy materials for the 2019 annual meeting. At our 2019 annual meeting, the holders of approximately 78% of our outstanding common stock voting on the matter voted in favor of holding the stockholder advisory vote every three years. As a result of such vote, our Board decided to hold the “Say-on-Pay” advisory vote every three years. Accordingly, the Company’s next “Say-on-Pay” advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs will be held at our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.
In 2014 and 2015, the Compensation Committee undertook a review of our compensation policies and practices and retained the compensation consulting firm of Barney & Barney LLC to provide compensation information and analysis with respect to the life science and healthcare industry and with respect to our peer
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companies within the industry. Barney & Barney LLC reviewed information from industry and other sources, surveys and databases, including publicly-available compensation information of other companies with which we compete, to gauge the competitiveness of our compensation programs. Barney & Barney LLC then reported its findings to the Compensation Committee, with recommendations to bring the Company’s executive compensation closer to the 50th percentile of the total compensation of our competitor companies. These findings continued to inform the Compensation Committee’s decisions on compensation in subsequent years, including 2019.
The Compensation Committee plans to use a compensation consultant in the future and to take into account publicly-available data relating to the compensation practices and policies of other companies within and outside our industry. For 2020 and future years, the Compensation Committee intends to benchmark its executive compensation program to target at least the 50th percentile of the total compensation programs of our competitor companies; however, adjusted as deemed to be in the best interest of the Company to assure retention of key employees as the Phase 3 clinical trial is designed and commenced.
Elements of Executive Compensation
The compensation program for the Company’s NEOs consists principally of three components:
| • | base salary; |
| • | performance and retention bonuses; |
| • | long-term compensation in the form of equity-based awards. |
Base Salary
Base salary is the only fixed-pay component in our executive compensation program. Base salaries for the NEOs are initially established through arm’s-length negotiation at the time the NEO is hired, taking into account such NEO’s qualifications, experience, prior salary, the scope of his or her responsibilities, and known competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions within the industry. Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted from time to time to realign salaries with market levels after taking into account individual responsibilities, performance, and experience. In making decisions regarding salary increases, the Company may also draw upon the experience of members of the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors, many of whom sit on the boards of directors of, or have previously advised, numerous companies, including companies in the life sciences industry. The Compensation Committee has not previously applied specific formulas to determine increases. This strategy is consistent with the Company’s intent of offering base salaries that are cost-effective while remaining competitive.
In June 2018 after the resignation of Dr. Traber from his position as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Medical Officer, the Compensation Committee reviewed the base salaries of our NEOs, taking into account the considerations described above. As a result, as a result of his election as Chief Executive Officer and President, Dr. Shlevin’s base salary was adjusted to $500,000 effective June 6, 2018. As a result of his election to Secretary, Mr. Calllicutt’s base salary was adjusted to $285,000.
| Name |
2019 Base Salary | 2018 Base Salary | ||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
$ | 500,000 | $ | 500,000 | ||||
| Jack W. Callicutt |
$ | 285,000 | $ | 285,000 | ||||
For 2019, the Compensation Committee made no adjustments to the base salaries of our NEO’s.
Performance Bonuses
In addition to the payment of base salaries, the Company believes that annual performance bonuses can play an important role in providing appropriate incentives to its NEOs to achieve the Company’s strategic objectives.
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In prior years, performance bonuses were awarded based on the Company’s Employee Short-Term and Long-Term Incentive Program (the “Program”), which was adopted for executives and employees of the Company. The Program is a performance-based program and was adopted in recognition of the importance of aligning executive and employee interests with that of our stockholders. Our Program is designed to reward the efforts of our executives and employees and to be competitive in attracting and retaining them. There are two elements of the Program: (1) a short-term incentive in the form of cash bonuses and (2) a long-term incentive in the form of stock option grants. The cash bonus incentive is targeted to be up to 30% to 50% of the NEO’s base salary as of the end of the applicable year. Half of each NEO’s annual performance bonus is based upon achievement of the Company’s documented performance objectives for the year and the other half is based upon achievement of individual performance objectives set for the year. The 2019 performance bonuses were paid in January 2020.
| Name |
Performance Bonus Amount |
Awarded Amount As % of Base Salary |
||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
$ | 215,625 | 43 | % | ||||
| Jack W. Callicutt |
$ | 90,950 | 32 | % | ||||
In 2018, the Board approved potential cash incentive bonuses (the “Transaction Bonuses”) applicable only to employees who were employed by the Company on January 1, 2018, including Harold H. Shlevin and Jack W. Callicutt. The potential Transaction Bonuses are payable in connection with a Transaction (as defined below). A “Transaction” is (i) any licensing, development, partnership, or similar arrangements relating to any of the Company’s drug candidates (a “Partnership Transaction”) or (ii) the acquisition of the Company or any of its material assets (an “Acquisition Transaction”). The amounts payable pursuant to the Transaction Bonuses will be equal to 10% of the recipient’s base salary for each $50 million payable to the Company or the Company’s shareholders, as applicable, pursuant to the Transaction to the extent paid in cash or marketable securities, up to a maximum payment of 300% of base salary. If Transaction is a Partnership Transaction and payments to the Company are deferred or otherwise made over time, the amount of the Transaction Bonuses will be based on the Board’s reasonable estimate of the value of the Transaction. To be entitled to receive a Transaction Bonus, if the Transaction is an Acquisition Transaction, an individual must be employed by the Company on the date the Transaction is consummated, or, if the Transaction is a Partnership Transaction, an individual must be employed by the Company on the date that the definitive transaction agreement(s) are executed. No Transaction Bonuses were earned in 2019.
Additionally, the Board also approved retention bonuses payable to certain employees of the Company, including Dr. Shlevin and Mr. Callicutt, equal to 25% of such employee’s base salary (the “Retention Bonuses”) if such employees remained employed by the Company on each of June 30, 2019, December 31, 2019, June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and based upon the annualized salary level in effect on such date.
| Name |
Retention Bonus Amount |
Awarded Amount As % of Base Salary |
||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
$ | 250,000 | 50 | % | ||||
| Jack W. Callicutt |
$ | 142,500 | 50 | % | ||||
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
The Company believes that by providing its NEOs the opportunity to increase their ownership of Company stock, the interests of its NEOs will be more closely-aligned with the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and it will encourage long-term performance. The stock awards enable the NEOs to participate in the appreciation in the value of the Company’s stock, while personally participating in the risks of business setbacks.
Under the long-term incentive portion of the Program, the NEOs are granted options based upon achievement of the Company performance and individual performance objectives and rank in the Company. All option grants under the Program have been made under the 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan.
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On January 16, 2019, the NEOs were awarded the options noted below based on 2018 performance. Of the options, 25% vest on each of June 30, 2019, December 31, 2019, June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The exercise price of the options is set at the closing price of our stock as of the grant date.
| Name |
Grant Date | Number of Securities Underlying Options |
Exercise Price | |||||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
1/16/2019 | 70,000 | $ | 4.72 | ||||||||
| Jack W. Callicutt |
1/16/2019 | 50,000 | $ | 4.72 | ||||||||
Material Terms of Employment Contracts of Named Executive Officers
Set forth below are descriptions of the principal terms of the employment agreements for each of our NEOs. Each employment agreement provides for post-termination restrictive covenants and payments due upon termination of employment or change in control of the Company, which is provided in further detail under the section entitled “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”
Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer
We entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Dr. Shlevin on December 11, 2014. The agreement provides for an initial term from December 11, 2014 through December 31, 2015, and automatically renews for additional one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated by either party. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, Dr. Shlevin received a base salary of $230,000 per year beginning in 2015 and received an annual performance bonus based on attainment of one or more pre-established individual and/or Company performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. Effective March 31, 2015, Dr. Shlevin’s annual base salary was increased to $250,000 and was increased again to $260,000 in February 2016. Dr. Shlevin’s target performance bonus opportunity in a given year may not be less than 30% of his base salary in such year.
On June 8, 2018, we entered into a first amendment to the employment agreement with Dr. Shlevin in recognition of his appointment as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. In accordance with the amendment, Dr. Shlevin will receive a base salary of $500,000, was granted 35,000 stock options as noted above, and his target bonus opportunity was increased to 50% of his base salary.
Jack W. Callicutt, Chief Financial Officer
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Callicutt dated July 1, 2013 (the “Callicutt Employment Agreement”), in conjunction with Mr. Callicutt’s appointment as our Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the terms of the Callicutt Employment Agreement, Mr. Callicutt received an initial base salary of $175,000 and was eligible to receive a performance bonus equal to 20% of his base salary. Effective March 31, 2015, Mr. Callicutt’s annual base salary was increased to $240,000, and his annual base salary was increased again to $260,000 in February 2016. In June 2018, Mr. Callicutt’s annual base salary increased to $285,000. He also received a signing bonus of $10,000. In addition to his cash compensation, the Company awarded Mr. Callicutt a grant of options to purchase 200,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on July 1, 2013, with 25,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2013, 50,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2014, 50,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2015 and 75,000 shares vesting on December 31, 2016. The options were granted pursuant to the 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan and expire ten years after the date of grant.
On August 11, 2017, we entered into an amendment to the Callicutt Employment Agreement with Mr. Callicutt (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, (i) Mr. Callicutt’s target bonus opportunity was increased to 30% of his base salary and (ii) an error in the severance provision of the Callicutt Employment Agreement was corrected. Prior to the Amendment, the Callicutt Employment Agreement did not provide for any severance if Mr. Callicutt’s employment was terminated by the Company “without cause,” or by Mr. Callicutt for “good reason” after the date that was 24 months after the Commencement Date.
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Employee Benefits & Perquisites
From time to time, the Company has provided the NEOs with employee benefits and perquisites that our Board believes are reasonable. Our NEOs are eligible to participate in the same broad-based employee benefit plans that are offered to our other employees, such as health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance and a 401(k) plan. These benefits are provided as part of the basic conditions of employment for all of our employees, and therefore providing them to our NEOs does not represent a significant incremental cost to us. The Company does not view employee benefits and perquisites as a significant element of its comprehensive compensation structure, but does believe they can be useful in attracting, motivating, and retaining the executive talent for which the Company competes. The Company believes that these additional benefits may assist the NEOs in performing their duties and provide time efficiencies for the NEOs in appropriate circumstances, and the Company may consider providing additional employee benefits and perquisites in the future. All future practices regarding employee benefits and perquisites will be approved and subject to periodic review by the Compensation Committee.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The following report is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to the SEC’s proxy rules or the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and the report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any prior or subsequent filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
| COMPENSATION COMMITTEE |
| Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman |
| Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D. |
| Joel Lewis |
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes the compensation paid to our NEOs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
| Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) (1) |
Option Awards ($) (2) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D., |
2019 | 500,000 | 465,625 | 268,196 | 72,686 | (3) | 1,306,507 | |||||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer & President |
2018 | 395,833 | 375,000 | 891,113 | 68,869 | (4) | 1,730,815 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | 260,000 | 91,163 | — | 53,992 | (5) | 405,155 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Jack W. Callicutt, |
2019 | 285,000 | 233,450 | 191,568 | 68,105 | (6) | 778,123 | |||||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer |
2018 | 275,278 | 213,750 | 715,319 | 62,150 | (7) | 1,266,497 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | 260,000 | 91,163 | — | 54,848 | (8) | 406,011 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Retention Bonuses for 2019 were paid in July 2019 and January 2020, Performance Bonuses for 2019 were paid in January 2020. Bonuses for 2018 were paid in January 2019. Bonuses for 2017 were paid in February 2018. |
| (2) | Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of option awards made during 2019, 2018 and 2017 computed in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC, as modified of supplemented. Fair |
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| value was calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model. For a description of the assumptions used to determine these amounts, see Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K (or Form 10-K/A, as applicable) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. |
| (3) | Includes $61,486 for health and other insurance and $11,200 for 401(k) plan contributions. |
| (4) | Includes $60,634 for health and other insurance and $8,235 for 401(k) plan contributions. |
| (5) | Includes $45,927 for health and other insurance and $8,065 for 401(k) plan contributions. |
| (6) | Includes $56,905 for health and other insurance and $11,200 for 401(k) plan contributions. |
| (7) | Includes $51,910 for health and other insurance and $10,240 for 401(k) plan contributions. |
| (8) | Includes $46,765 for health and other insurance and $8,083 for 401(k) plan contributions. |
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN 2019
| Name |
Grant Date |
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) |
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
01/16/2019 | (1) | 70,000 | $ | 4.72 | $ | 268,196 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jack W. Callicutt |
01/16/2019 | (1) | 50,000 | $ | 4.72 | $ | 191,568 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Grants of stock options under our 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan in accordance with the Program. |
| (2) | Represents the grant date fair value of option awards based upon the Black Scholes valuation model made in 2018. For a description of the assumptions used to determine these amounts, see footnote 7 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. |
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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END 2019
The following table sets forth information regarding all outstanding equity awards held by the NEOs at December 31, 2019. The exercise price of the options is set at the closing price of our stock at the date prior to or as of the date of grant. Outstanding options have been approved by our Compensation Committee and our Board.
| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
38,000 | (1) | — | 13.38 | 01/21/2024 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90,000 | (2) | — | 5.87 | 01/15/2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90,000 | (3) | — | 4.16 | 05/22/2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 35,000 | (3) | — | 6.17 | 06/08/2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 35,000 | (4) | 35,000 | (4) | 4.72 | 01/16/2029 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jack W. Callicutt |
26,000 | (1) | — | 13.38 | 01/21/2024 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8,706 | (5) | — | 1.37 | 01/20/2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90,000 | (2) | — | 5.87 | 01/15/2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90,000 | (3) | — | 4.16 | 05/22/2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25,000 | (4) | 25,000 | (4) | 4.72 | 01/16/2029 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | 25% of the options vested on January 21, 2014, the grant date with the remainder vested ratably on a monthly basis over a three-year period. |
| (2) | 25% of the options vested on January 15, 2018 (grant date), 25% vested on June 30, 2018, and 50% vested on December 31, 2018. |
| (3) | 25% of the options vested on June 30, 2018, 25% vested on September 30, 2018, and 50% vested on December 31, 2018. |
| (4) | 25% of the options vested on June 30, 2019, 25% vested on December 31, 2019, 25% vest on June 30, 2020, and 25% vest on December 31, 2020. |
| (5) | 25% of the options vested on January 29, 2015, the grant date with the remainder vested ratably on a monthly basis over a three-year period. |
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Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table in 2019
The following table sets forth the number of shares and value realized by the named executive officers during 2019 on the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock (or restricted stock units).
| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||
| Name |
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) (1) |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) (2) |
||||||||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D |
8,706 | 22,113 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Jack W. Callicutt |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| (1) | The value realized on the exercise of options was calculated by multiplying the number of options exercised on the applicable exercise date by the difference between the closing market price of the shares on such date and the exercise price of the options. |
| (2) | The value realized on the vesting of restricted stock (or restricted stock units) was calculated by multiplying the number of shares vesting on the applicable vesting date by the closing market price of the shares on such date. |
Pension Benefits
None of our NEOs are covered by a pension plan or similar benefit plan that provides for payment or other benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
None of our NEOs are covered by a deferred contribution or other plan that provides for the deferral of compensation on a basis that is not tax-qualified.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
This section describes the limited benefits that would be provided to our NEOs under our executive compensation plans upon a change of control of the Company or following termination of employment (provided, in some cases further described below, the termination must be a “separation from service” as defined in Code Section 409A). We also provide a table below showing the potential benefits payable to each of our NEOs upon a change of control of the Company or following termination of employment as of December 31, 2019.
2009 Incentive Compensation Plan
Under our 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan, the options we have granted will become immediately vested and exercisable upon a change of control. Upon termination of employment for cause, all outstanding options immediately terminate. Options remain exercisable for one year following termination due to the executive’s death or disability or retirement, or for twelve months after termination for any other reason other than for cause.
Under the 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan, change of control is defined as:
| (1) | the acquisition of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of either the value of then outstanding equity securities of the Company or the combined voting power of our securities, except for any acquisition directly from us, any acquisition by us or any person that owns a controlling interest in the Company, or any acquisition by any of our employee benefit plans; |
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| (2) | during any period of three (3) consecutive years, a majority of the Board is no longer comprised of individuals who, as of the beginning of that period, constituted our Board and individuals whose nomination for election was approved by the Board; |
| (3) | a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or equity of another entity by the Company, in each case unless (i) substantially all of the owners, respectively, of our outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of our securities immediately before the transaction beneficially own more than 50% of, respectively, the common stock and the combined voting power of the securities of the resulting corporation, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to the transaction, (ii) no person owns 50% of, respectively, the common stock and the combined voting power of the securities of the resulting corporation, unless such ownership existed prior to the transaction and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the resulting entity were members of the Board of Directors of the Company at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such transaction ; or |
| (4) | approval by the stockholders of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company. |
“Disability” is defined as a permanent and total disability (within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)), as determined by a medical doctor satisfactory to the Compensation Committee.
“Cause” means the failure by the executive to perform, in a reasonable manner, his or her duties as assigned by the Company, (ii) any violation or breach by the executive of his or her employment, consulting or other similar agreement with the Company, if any, (iii) any violation or breach by the executive of any non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disclosure and/or other similar agreement with the Company, (iv) any act by the executive of dishonesty or bad faith with respect to the Company, (v) use of alcohol, drugs or other similar substances in a manner that adversely affects the executive’s work performance, or (vi) the commission by the executive of any act, misdemeanor, or crime reflecting unfavorably upon the executive or the Company.
Employment Agreements with our Named Executive Officers
Harold H. Shlevin, PhD
Dr. Shlevin’s employment agreement provides that he shall receive severance equal to nine months of his then base salary paid in a lump sum, medical coverage for the remaining portion of the term of his agreement and a lump sum payment of a portion of the performance bonus for the then-current year based on the number of days elapsed in the year if his employment is terminated (i) by the Company “without cause,” (ii) by Dr. Shlevin for “good reason,” or (iii) following a “change of control” (as defined in his agreement). If his employment is terminated “for cause”, subject to “cure rights” in certain instances, he is not entitled to severance. If the agreement is terminated within 12 months after a change of control by the Company “without cause,” or by Dr. Shlevin for “good reason,” Dr. Shlevin is entitled to receive severance equal to 24 months’ salary paid in a lump sum, medical coverage for the remaining portion of the term of his agreement and immediate vesting of all unvested options.
The agreement provides that during its term Dr. Shlevin shall not engage in any business competitive with the Company. Following termination of employment, Dr. Shlevin shall not, for 18 months (i) solicit customers or employees of the Company or (ii) render services to any “competing business” (as defined in the agreement). The agreement also contains provisions binding on Dr. Shlevin with respect to protection of our confidential information.
Jack W. Callicutt
Under the Callicutt Employment Agreement, as amended by the Amendment (as such terms are defined on pg. 24 above), if Mr. Callicutt’s employment is terminated by the Company “without cause,” or by Mr. Callicutt
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for “good reason,” (as such terms are defined in the Callicutt Employment Agreement, as amended) he shall receive severance equal to: 3 months’ base salary if such termination occurred within 12 months of July 1, 2013 (the “Commencement Date”); 6 months’ base salary if such termination occurred between 12 and 18 months after the Commencement Date; 9 months’ base salary if such termination occurs after 18 months after the Commencement Date, plus, in each case, a portion of the performance bonus for the then-current year based on the number of days elapsed in the year. If Mr. Callicutt’s employment is terminated “for cause”, subject to “cure rights” in certain instances, he is not entitled to severance. If the Callicutt Employment Agreement, as amended, is terminated within 12 months after a change of control by the Company “without cause,” or by Mr. Callicutt for “good reason,” Mr. Callicutt shall receive severance equal to 12 months’ base salary, a portion of the performance bonus for the then-current year based on the number of days elapsed in the year and immediate vesting of all unvested options.
The Callicutt Employment Agreement, as amended, provides that during its term, Mr. Callicutt shall not engage in any business competitive with the Company. Following termination of employment, Mr. Callicutt shall not, for 18 months (i) solicit customers or employees of the Company or (ii) render services to any “competing business” (as defined in the agreement). The Callicutt Employment Agreement also contains provisions binding on Mr. Callicutt with respect to protection of our confidential information.
The following table sets forth the potential benefits payable to our NEOs pursuant to the arrangements described above, assuming termination of employment or a change of control had occurred on December 31, 2019.
| Benefit/Plan/Program |
Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
Jack W. Callicutt |
||||||
| Options (1) |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||
| Employment Agreement Change of Control Severance (2) |
$ | 500,000 | $ | 285,000 | ||||
| Employment Agreement Termination Severance (3) |
$ | 375,000 | $ | 213,750 | ||||
| Total value upon a change of control (4) |
$ | 500,000 | $ | 285,000 | ||||
| Total value upon termination of employment due to death or disability (5) |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||
| (1) | Amounts represent the potential value of unvested stock options held by the NEOs under the 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan that would have vested upon a change of control or upon termination of employment by reason of death or disability on December 31, 2019, based on a price of $2.67 per share, the closing price of our Common Stock on December 31, 2019. |
| (2) | Represents the amount of the severance and bonus payments that would have been payable to each participant upon a change of control on December 31, 2019. |
| (3) | Represents the amount of the severance and bonus payments that would have been payable to each participant upon a termination of employment by the Company without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason”. |
| (4) | Reflects the sum of (1) the value of accelerated vesting of options; (2) the value of shares of Common Stock received upon partial vesting of unvested performance shares; and (3) severance and bonus payments that would have been payable to each participant upon a change of control, in each case as of December 31, 2019. |
| (5) | Reflects the amounts payable under the executive’s employment agreement as a result of termination of employment due to death or disability as of December 31, 2019. |
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table details the total compensation earned by our non-employee directors during the year ended December 31, 2019.
| Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Restricted Stock Awards ($) (4) |
Option Awards ($) (2) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) (3) |
Total ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D. |
47,000 | — | 134,098 | — | — | 181,098 | ||||||||||||||||||
| James C. Czirr |
38,500 | — | 95,784 | — | — | 134,284 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Kevin D. Freeman |
46,000 | — | 153,255 | — | — | 199,255 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Kary Eldred |
42,500 | — | 95,784 | — | — | 138,284 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Joel Lewis |
— | 55,000 | 134,098 | — | — | 189,098 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D. |
45,000 | — | 134,098 | — | — | 179,098 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Marc Rubin, M.D. |
38,500 | — | 95,784 | — | — | 134,284 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Stephen Shulman (1) |
35,675 | — | 95,784 | — | — | 131,459 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Richard Uihlein |
— | 35,000 | 153,255 | — | — | 188,255 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Mr. Shulman was not nominated for reelection to the board and his service ended on December 4, 2019. |
| (2) | Represents the grant date fair value of option awards based upon the Black Scholes valuation model made in 2019. Options were granted on January 16, 2019 and will vest in full on January 16, 2020. For a description of the assumptions used to determine these amounts, see Note 7 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. |
| (3) | Excludes travel expense reimbursements. |
| (4) | Mr. Lewis and Mr. Uihlein elected to receive restricted stock in lieu of cash retainer for their service. The restricted shares vested in full on December 14, 2018. |
| Name |
Number of Shares Subject to Option Awards Held as of December 31, 2019 |
|||
| Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D. |
35,000 | |||
| James C. Czirr |
725,125 | |||
| Kary Eldred |
71,875 | |||
| Kevin D. Freeman |
134,839 | |||
| Joel Lewis |
97,250 | |||
| Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D. |
138,750 | |||
| Marc Rubin, M.D. |
74,565 | |||
| Stephen Shulman |
71,875 | |||
| Richard Uihlein |
86,875 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| TOTAL |
1,436,154 | |||
|
|
|
|||
For a more detailed description of the assumptions used for purposes of determining grant date fair value, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Stock-Based Compensation” included herein the Form 10-K for the 2019 fiscal year.
We also reimburse our directors for reasonable travel and other related expenses.
Pursuant to the Company’s cash compensation program for directors non-employee directors of the Company will receive an annual cash retainer of $35,000. Each Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee member will receive an additional cash retainer of $3,500; each Compensation Committee member will receive an additional cash retainer of $5,000; and each Audit Committee member will receive an additional cash retainer of $7,500. In addition to the annual fee and committee membership retainers, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairman will receive an annual cash retainer of $3,500; the Compensation
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Committee Chairman will receive an annual cash retainer of $5,000; and the Audit Committee Chairman will receive an annual cash retainer of $7,500. Additionally, in December 2016, the Board approved cash retainers of $3,500 to be paid to each member of the Board’s investor relation/public relations committee.
On January 16, 2019, stock option grants were made to non-employee directors which vest 100% on January 16, 2020. The Chairman was granted 40,000 stock options, the chairs of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee were each granted 35,000 stock options and remaining non-employee directors were each granted 25,000 stock options.
| Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
The following table sets forth, as of February 21, 2020, certain information concerning the beneficial ownership of our common stock and Series A Preferred Stock by (i) each person known by us to own beneficially five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of each class, (ii) each of our directors and named executive officers, and (iii) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. The table also sets forth, in its final column, the combined voting power of the voting securities on all matters presented to the stockholders for their approval at the Annual Meeting, except for such separate class votes as are required by law.
The number of shares beneficially owned by each 5% stockholder, director or executive officer is determined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under those rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares that the individual or entity has the right to acquire within 60 days after February 21, 2020 through the exercise of any stock option, warrant or other right, or the conversion of any security. Unless otherwise indicated, each person or entity has sole voting and investment power (or shares such power with his or her spouse) with respect to the shares set forth in the following table. The inclusion in the table below of any shares deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of those shares.
| Name and Address (1) |
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (2) |
Percent of Common Stock (3) |
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned |
Percent of Series A Preferred Stock (4) |
||||||||||||
| 5% Stockholders |
||||||||||||||||
| James C. Czirr |
13,617,451 | (5) | 21.4 | % | 100,000 | 7.3 | % | |||||||||
| 10X Fund, L.P. (8) |
12,108,043 | (6) | 19.3 | % | — | — | ||||||||||
| David Smith (9) |
— | — | 175,000 | 12.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Early Equities LLC (9) |
— | — | 100,000 | (7) | 7.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Richard E. Uihlein (11) |
11,151,981 | (12) | 18.9 | % | — | — | ||||||||||
| Directors and Named Executive Officers |
||||||||||||||||
| James C. Czirr |
13,617,451 | (5) | 21.4 | % | 100,000 | 7.3 | % | |||||||||
| Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D. |
159,614 | * | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Kevin Freeman |
886,009 | (10) | 1.5 | % | — | — | ||||||||||
| Joel Lewis |
199,566 | * | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D. |
218,496 | * | 50,000 | 3.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Marc Rubin, M.D. |
88,146 | * | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Richard E. Uihlein |
11,151,981 | (12) | 18.9 | % | — | — | ||||||||||
| Kary Eldred |
881,575 | (13) | 1.5 | % | — | — | ||||||||||
| Harold H. Shlevin, Ph.D. |
296,706 | * | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Jack W. Callicutt |
243,905 | * | — | — | ||||||||||||
| All executive officers and directors as a group (11 persons) |
27,743,449 | (14) | 40.7 | % | 150,000 | 10.9 | % | |||||||||
| * | Less than 1%. |
| (1) | Except as otherwise indicated, the address for each named person is c/o Galectin Therapeutics Inc., 4960 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 240, Norcross, GA 30071. |
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| (2) | Includes the following number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options granted to our named executive officers and directors that are exercisable within 60 days after February 21, 2020. |
| Directors, Nominees and Named Executive Officers |
Options Exercisable Within 60 Days |
|||
| James C. Czirr |
725,125 | |||
| Gilbert F. Amelio, Ph.D. |
35,000 | |||
| Marc Rubin, M.D. |
74,565 | |||
| Gilbert S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D |
138,750 | |||
| Kevin Freeman |
134,839 | |||
| Kary Eldred |
71,875 | |||
| Joel Lewis. |
89,250 | |||
| Richard E. Uihlein. |
21.362 | |||
| Harold Shlevin, Ph.D. |
288,000 | |||
| Jack Callicutt |
239,706 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| All executive officers and directors as a group |
1,818,472 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| (3) | For each named person and group included in this table, percentage ownership of our common stock is calculated by dividing the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of (i) 57,031,027 shares of our common stock outstanding as of February 21, 2020 and (ii) the number of shares of our common stock that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days after February 21, 2020. |
| (4) | Based on 1,327,500 shares of Series A preferred stock outstanding as of February 21, 2020. |
| (5) | Includes (i) 12,108,043 shares of common stock and stock held by 10X Fund, L.P., as to which Mr. Czirr, in his capacity as a managing member of 10X Capital Management Fund, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and general partner of 10X Fund (referred to herein as 10X Management) has shared voting and investment power, and disclaims beneficial ownership, which shares consist of: 5,732,253 common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants; shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of warrants; and common shares issued as stock dividends paid on the Series B preferred stock which is net of shares sold or distributed to 10X Fund, L.P.; and (ii) 1,509,408 shares of common stock owned directly by Mr. Czirr, consisting of 767,616 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Czirr, 725,125 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested stock options owned by Mr. Czirr, and 16,667 shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A preferred stock owned by Mr. Czirr. |
| (6) | Includes 5,732,253 common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants; shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of warrants; and common shares issued as stock dividends paid on the Series B preferred stock which is net of shares sold or distributed to 10X Fund limited partners, as to which Mr. Czirr, in his capacity as a managing member of 10X Capital Management Fund, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and general partner of 10X Fund, has voting and investment power, and disclaims beneficial ownership, of these securities. |
| (7) | Mr. Smith is the manager of Early Equities LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company, and may be deemed to have voting and investment control over, but disclaims beneficial ownership of, the shares of Series A preferred stock. |
| (8) | Contact: c/o 10X Capital Management, LLC at Investment Law Group attn: Bob Mottern 545 Dutch Valley Road NE, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30324. |
| (9) | Contact: c/o David Smith 34 Shorehaven Road E., Norwalk, CT 06855. |
| (10) | Includes 622,269 shares of the Company’s common stock managed by Cross Consulting and Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, d/b/a Freeman Global Investment Counsel. Mr. Freeman, in his capacity as CEO of Freeman Global Investment Counsel, has voting and investment control over, but disclaims beneficial ownership of, these shares. |
| (11) | Contact: c/o Uline Corporation, 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 |
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| (12) | Includes (i) 7,910,901 shares of common stock, (ii) 3,136,384 common shares issuable upon the exercise of common stock purchase warrants, (iii) 21,362 common shares issuable upon the exercise of common stock options, and (iv) 83,334 common shares issuable upon conversion of Series C preferred non-voting stock. |
| (13) | Includes 44,915 shares of common stock, 16,869 common stock purchase warrants, and 71,875 common stock options personally owned by Mr. Eldred and 431,527 shares of common stock and 311,964 common stock purchase warrants owned by two private foundations over which Mr. Eldred shares management control, and 4,425 shares of Common Stock held in a trust for a minor child; however, Mr. Eldred disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares and warrants owned by such private foundations and trust. |
| (14) | Includes 5,732,253 common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and common shares acquired upon exercise of warrants or issued as stock dividends on the Series B preferred stock net of shares sold or distributed to 10X Fund limited partners, as to which Mr. Czirr has voting and investment control but are counted one time for purposes of this total. For additional information about the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by Mr. Czirr, see note 5. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2019 about the securities issued, or authorized for future issuance, under our equity compensation plans, consisting of our 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, our 2003 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan, our 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan and our 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan at December 31, 2019.
| Plan Category |
Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options |
Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
|||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
2,505,256 | $ | 4.45 | 4,000,000 | ||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (1) |
500,000 | $ | 7.02 | — | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total |
3,005,256 | $ | 4.88 | 4,000,000 | ||||||||
| (1) | Represents grants by our Board for stock options granted to employees and consultants that are outside of the stockholder approved compensation plans. The shares underlying these grants are not registered upon exercise and have six month holding restrictions under Rule 144 of the SEC. |
| Item 13. | Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Except as set forth below, since the beginning of fiscal year 2019, we did not participate in any transactions in which any of the Company Nominees, Series B Directors or Series B Nominees, executive officers, any beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock, nor any of their immediate family members, had a direct or indirect material interest.
Our Audit Committee Charter requires that members of the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent directors, conduct an appropriate review of, and be responsible for the oversight of, all related party transactions on an ongoing basis. Except as set forth below, there were no related party transactions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
On December 19, 2017, the Company entered into a $10 million Line of Credit arrangement with Richard E. Uihlein, a director and shareholder.
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Originally, borrowings may be made by the Company through December 31, 2018. Borrowings bear interest at the Applicable Federal Rate for short term loans published by the Internal Revenue Service (2.7% in January 2019). All borrowings and interest are due on December 31, 2019 but may be prepaid without penalty. In connection with the Line of Credit agreement, the Company issued to Mr. Uihlein warrants to purchase 1 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $5 per share. Half of the warrants vested at closing of the Line of Credit and the other half vest ratably with borrowings under the agreement. As of the date of this Annual Report, there have been no borrowings under the Line of Credit.
On December 20, 2018, the Line of Credit arrangement was extended for one year for both borrowings and maturity. Further, on January 15, 2019, the Line of Credit arrangement was extended for an additional two years for both borrowings and maturity. After the second amendment to the Line of Credit arrangement, borrowings may be made through December 31, 2021 with repayment due on December 31, 2022. There was no additional consideration or benefits provided to Mr. Uihlein for any of the extensions of the Line of Credit.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our executive officers or directors serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.
Board Determination of Director Independence
Our board of directors has reviewed the materiality of any relationship that each of our directors has with the Company, either directly or indirectly. Based upon this review, our board has determined that all of our directors other than Mr. Czirr and Dr. Shlevin are “independent directors” as defined by The NASDAQ Stock Market. Our board of directors also determined that Drs. Amelio, Rubin, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Freeman, who comprise our nominating and governance committee, all satisfy the independence standards for such committees established by the SEC and the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, as applicable. With respect to our audit committee, our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Lewis, Freeman and Eldred satisfy the independence standards for such committee established by Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, the SEC and the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, as applicable. Furthermore, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with concurrence by the Board, has determined that Mr. Lewis is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC rules. With respect to our compensation committee, our board of directors has determined that Drs. Omenn, Amelio and Mr. Lewis satisfy the independence standards for such committee established by Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act, the SEC and the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, as applicable.
In making such determinations, the board of directors considered the relationships that each such non-employee director or director nominee has with our company and all other facts and circumstances the board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director. In considering the independence of our directors, our board of directors considered the association of each such non-employee director has with us and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining independence.
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| Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
The Board of Directors has appointed Cherry Bekaert LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.
FEES PAID TO CHERRY BEKAERT LLP
| Fiscal Year 2019 |
Fiscal Year 2018 |
|||||||
| Audit Fees (1) |
$ | 161,000 | $ | 155,000 | ||||
| Audit-Related Fees (2) |
22,000 | 23,300 | ||||||
| Tax Fees |
16,400 | 16,400 | ||||||
| All Other Fees |
— | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total Fees |
$ | 199,400 | $ | 191,700 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| (1) | Audit Fees. These are fees for professional services for the audit of our annual financial statements dated December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting for the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for fiscal years then ended, and review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each fiscal quarter during the 2019 and 2018 fiscal years. |
| (2) | Audit-Related Fees. These are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, including financial disclosures made in our equity finance documentation and registration statements filed with the SEC that incorporate financial statements and the auditors’ report thereon and reviewed with our Audit Committee on financial accounting/reporting standards. |
The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-core audit services to Galectin Therapeutics by Cherry Bekaert LLP is compatible with maintaining independence.
Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures which set forth the manner in which the Committee will review and approve all services to be provided by the independent auditor before the auditor is retained to provide such services. The policy requires Audit Committee pre-approval of the terms and fees of the annual audit services engagement, as well as any changes in terms and fees resulting from changes in audit scope or other items. The Audit Committee also pre-approves, on an annual basis, other audit services, and audit-related and tax services set forth in the policy, subject to estimated fee levels, on a project basis and aggregate annual basis, which have been pre-approved by the Committee.
All other services performed by the auditor that are not prohibited non-audit services under SEC or other regulatory authority rules must be separately pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Amounts in excess of pre-approved limits for audit services, audit-related services and tax services require separate pre-approval of the Audit Committee.
Our Chief Financial Officer reports quarterly to the Audit Committee on the status of pre-approved services, including projected fees. All of the services reflected in the above table were approved by the Audit Committee.
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| Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules
The Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this report.
2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
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| * | Filed herewith. |
| # | Furnished herewith and not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
| *** | Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. has requested confidential treatment with respect to portions of this exhibit. Those portions have been omitted from the exhibit and filed separately with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. |
| † | Executive Compensation Arrangement pursuant to 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K |
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on March 16, 2020.
| GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC. | ||
| By: | /S/ Harold H. Shlevin | |
| Name: Harold H. Shlevin, PhD. Title: Chief Executive Officer and President | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
| /S/ HAROLD H. SHLEVIN, PhD. Harold H. Shlevin. |
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (principal executive officer) |
March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ JACK W. CALLICUTT Jack W. Callicutt |
Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) |
March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ RICHARD E. UIHLEIN Richard E. Uihlein |
Director and Chairman of the Board | March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ MARC RUBIN Marc Rubin |
Director | March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ GILBERT F. AMELIO Gilbert F. Amelio |
Director | March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ JAMES C. CZIRR James C. Czirr |
Director | March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ KEVIN D. FREEMAN Kevin D. Freeman |
Director | March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ JOEL LEWIS Joel Lewis |
Director | March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ GILBERT S. OMENN Gilbert S. Omenn |
Director | March 16, 2020 | ||
| /S/ KARY ELDRED Kary Eldred |
Director | March 16, 2020 | ||
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Galectin Therapeutics Inc. and subsidiaries
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report of Internal Control over Financial Reporting included in Item 9A — Controls and Procedures in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
F-1
Table of Contents
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ CHERRY BEKAERT LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
Atlanta, Georgia
March 16, 2020
F-2
Table of Contents
GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| ASSETS |
||||||||
| Current assets: |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 47,480 | $ | 8,253 | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
729 | 579 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total current assets |
48,209 | 8,832 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Property and equipment, net |
— | — | ||||||
| Other |
258 | 174 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total assets |
$ | 48,467 | $ | 9,006 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY |
||||||||
| Current liabilities: |
||||||||
| Accounts payable |
$ | 1,661 | $ | 297 | ||||
| Accrued expenses |
1,093 | 1,512 | ||||||
| Accrued dividends payable |
66 | 299 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total current liabilities |
2,820 | 2,108 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Other liabilities |
52 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total liabilities |
2,872 | 2,108 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) |
||||||||
| Series C 6% super dividend redeemable convertible preferred stock; 1,000 shares authorized, 176 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, redemption value: $8,652,000, liquidation value: $1,786,000 at December 31, 2019 |
1,723 | 1,723 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: |
||||||||
| Undesignated stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 20,000,000 shares designated at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively |
— | — | ||||||
| Series A 12% convertible preferred stock; 1,742,500 shares authorized, 1,327,500 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, liquidation value $1,327,500 at December 31, 2019 |
537 | 537 | ||||||
| Series B-1 12% convertible preferred stock; 900,000 shares authorized, 0 and 900,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018 |
— | 1,761 | ||||||
| Series B-2 12% convertible preferred stock; 2,100,000 shares authorized, 0 and 2,100,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, |
— | 3,697 | ||||||
| Series B-3 8% convertible preferred stock; 2,508,000 shares authorized, 0 and 2,508,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018 |
— | 1,224 | ||||||
| Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 56,894,642 and 41,190,905 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively |
56 | 41 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital |
259,673 | 194,130 | ||||||
| Retained deficit |
(216,394 | ) | (196,215 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stockholders’ equity |
43,872 | 5,175 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity |
$ | 48,467 | $ | 9,006 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Table of Contents
GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| (in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||
| Research and development |
$ | 7,467 | $ | 6,471 | ||||
| General and administrative |
5,971 | 7,131 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total operating expenses |
13,438 | 13,602 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total operating loss |
(13,438 | ) | (13,602 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Other income (expense): |
||||||||
| Interest income |
231 | 38 | ||||||
| Interest expense |
(87 | ) | (336 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total other income (expense) |
144 | (298 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss |
$ | (13,294 | ) | $ | (13,900 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Preferred stock dividends |
(263 | ) | (1,147 | ) | ||||
| Warrant modification (Note 5) |
(6,622 | ) | — | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss applicable to common stockholders |
$ | (20,179 | ) | $ | (15,047 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Basic and diluted net loss per share |
$ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.38 | ) | ||
| Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share |
52,238 | 39,414 | ||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Table of Contents
GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
(amounts in thousands except share data)
| Series C Super Dividend Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock |
||||||||
| Number of Shares |
Amount | |||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2018 |
176 | $ | 1,723 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Balance at December 31, 2018 |
176 | $ | 1,723 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 |
176 | $ | 1,723 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Table of Contents
GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) — (Continued)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
(amounts in thousands except share data)
| Series A 12% Convertible Preferred Stock |
Series B-1 12% Convertible Preferred Stock |
Series B-2 12% Convertible Preferred Stock |
Series B-3 8% Convertible Preferred Stock |
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares |
Amount | Number of Shares |
Amount | Number of Shares |
Amount | Number of Shares |
Amount | Number of Shares |
Amount | Additional Paid-In Capital |
Retained Deficit |
Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2018 |
1,377,500 | $ | 557 | 900,000 | $ | 1,761 | 2,100,000 | $ | 3,697 | 2,508,000 | $ | 1,224 | 35,789,388 | $ | 36 | $ | 173,363 | $ | (181,168 | ) | $ | (530 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series A 12% convertible preferred stock dividend |
27,126 | 146 | (146 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series B-1 12% convertible preferred stock dividend |
27,835 | 155 | (210 | ) | (55 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series B-2 12% convertible preferred stock dividend |
64,948 | 363 | (490 | ) | (127 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series B-3 8% convertible preferred stock dividend |
25,769 | 144 | (194 | ) | (50 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series C super dividend redeemable convertible preferred stock dividend |
20,394 | 107 | (107 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock |
669,714 | 1 | 5,602 | 5,603 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for warrant exercises |
2,455,595 | 2 | 6,001 | 6,003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for services |
2,883 | 12 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises |
2,098,829 | 2 | 3,771 | 3,773 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock from Series A conversion |
(50,000 | ) | (20 | ) | 8,424 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
4,445 | 4,445 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
(13,900 | ) | (13,900 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2018 |
1,327,500 | $ | 537 | 900,000 | $ | 1,761 | 2,100,000 | $ | 3,697 | 2,508,000 | $ | 1,224 | 41,190,905 | $ | 41 | $ | 194,130 | $ | (196,215 | ) | $ | 5,175 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series A 12% convertible preferred stock dividend |
13,275 | 49 | (129 | ) | (80 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series B-1 12% convertible preferred stock dividend |
(6 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series B-2 12% convertible preferred stock dividend |
(15 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series B-3 8% convertible preferred stock dividend |
(9 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series C super dividend redeemable convertible preferred stock dividend |
14,280 | 53 | (104 | ) | (51 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock |
11,150,620 | 10 | 47,809 | 47,819 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred to common |
(900,000 | ) | (1,767 | ) | (2,100,000 | ) | (3,697 | ) | (2,508,000 | ) | (1,224 | ) | 3,789,346 | 4 | 6,678 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for warrant exercises |
585,223 | 1 | 2,499 | 2,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises |
150,993 | 150 | 150 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrant modification (Note 5) |
6,622 | (6,622 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
1,683 | 1,683 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
(13,294 | ) | (13,294 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 |
1,327,500 | $ | 537 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 56,894,642 | $ | 56 | $ | 259,673 | $ | (216,394 | ) | $ | 43,872 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Table of Contents
GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (13,294 | ) | $ | (13,900 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operating activities: |
||||||||
| Amortization of right to use asset |
35 | — | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
1,683 | 4,445 | ||||||
| Issuance of common stock for services |
— | 12 | ||||||
| Non-cash interest expense |
87 | 336 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets |
(356 | ) | 19 | |||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
997 | (1,091 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash from operating activities |
(10,848 | ) | (10,179 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
| Net cash from investing activities |
— | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
| Net proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants |
50,469 | 15,379 | ||||||
| Payment of preferred stock dividends |
(394 | ) | — | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash from financing activities |
50,075 | 15,379 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
39,227 | 5,200 | ||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
8,253 | 3,053 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD |
$ | 47,480 | $ | 8,253 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
| Payment of preferred stock dividends in common stock |
$ | 102 | $ | 915 | ||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Table of Contents
GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| 1. | Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation |
Galectin Therapeutics Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that is applying its leadership in galectin science and drug development to create new therapies for fibrotic disease and cancer. These candidates are based on the Company’s targeting of galectin proteins which are key mediators of biologic and pathologic function. These compounds also may have application for drugs to treat other diseases and chronic health conditions.
The Company was founded in July 2000, was incorporated in the State of Nevada in January 2001 under the name “Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,” and changed its name to “Galectin Therapeutics Inc.” on May 26, 2011.
The Company has operated at a loss since its inception and has had no revenues. The Company anticipates that losses will continue for the foreseeable future. At December 31, 2019, the Company had $47,480,000 of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents available to fund future operations. The Company believes there is sufficient cash, including availability of the line of credit (see Note 8), to fund currently planned operations at least through September 30, 2021. We will require more cash to fund our operations after September 30, 2021 and believe we will be able to obtain additional financing. The currently planned operations include costs related to a planned adaptively designed Phase 2b/3 clinical trial. While the costs of the trial and general overhead during the first stage of the trial are currently estimated to be approximately $125 million, the costs and timing of such trial is not yet finalized. These costs will require additional funding. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining such new financing or, if available, that such financing will be on terms favorable to us. If we are unsuccessful in raising additional capital to fund operations before September 30, 2021, we may be required to cease operations.
The Company is subject to a number of risks similar to those of clinical stage companies, including dependence on key individuals, uncertainty of product development and generation of revenues, dependence on outside sources of capital, risks associated with clinical trials of products, dependence on third-party collaborators for research operations, need for regulatory approval of products, risks associated with protection of intellectual property, and competition with larger, better-capitalized companies. Successful completion of the Company’s development program and, ultimately, the attainment of profitable operations is dependent upon future events, including obtaining adequate financing to fulfill its development activities and achieving a level of revenues adequate to support the Company’s cost structure. There are no assurances that the Company will be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all, or successfully market its products.
| 2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).
Basis of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and Galectin Therapeutics Security Corp., its wholly-owned subsidiary, which was incorporated in Delaware on December 23, 2003 and Galectin Sciences LLC (see Note 11). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management’s estimates and judgments include assumptions used in stock option and warrant liability valuations, useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, accrued liabilities, deferred income taxes and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
F-8
Table of Contents
Fair Value Measurements. The Company has certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize observable data such as quoted prices in active markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. The estimated value of accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates their carrying value due to their short-term nature. There were no Level 2 or 3 assets or liabilities at December 31, 2019 or 2018.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the time of acquisition to be cash equivalents. The Company had no cash equivalents at December 31, 2019 or 2018.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets. Prepaid expenses and other assets consist principally of prepaid insurance and deferred financing costs (see Note 8).
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, and are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets of generally three years for computers and office equipment, five years for furniture and fixtures and the shorter of the useful life or life of the lease for leasehold improvements.
Security Deposit. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had a security deposit of $6,000 for leased office space included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets.
Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews all long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held or used is measured by comparison of the carrying value of the asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.
Accrued Expenses. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate accrued expenses. This process involves identifying services that third parties have performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred on these services as of each balance sheet date in our consolidated financial statements. Examples of estimated accrued expenses include professional service fees, such as those arising from the services of attorneys and accountants and accrued payroll expenses. In connection with these service fees, our estimates are most affected by our understanding of the status and timing of services provided relative to the actual services incurred by the service providers. In the event that we do not identify certain costs that have been incurred or we under- or over-estimate the level of services or costs of such services, our reported expenses for a reporting period could be understated or overstated. The date on which certain services commence, the level of services performed on or before a given date, and the cost of services are often subject to our judgment. We make these judgments based upon the facts and circumstances known to us in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
Warrants. The Company has issued common stock warrants in connection with the execution of certain equity and debt financings. The fair value of warrants is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using assumptions regarding volatility of our common share price, remaining life of the warrant, and risk-free interest rates at each period end. There were no warrant liabilities as of December 31, 2019 or 2018.
Research and Development Expenses. Costs associated with research and development are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses include, among other costs, salaries and other personnel-related costs, and costs incurred by outside laboratories and other accredited facilities in connection with clinical trials and preclinical studies.
F-9
Table of Contents
Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the accounting rules that requires an asset and liability approach to accounting for income taxes based upon the future expected values of the related assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and for tax loss and credit carry forwards and are measured using the expected tax rates estimated to be in effect when such basis differences reverse. Valuation allowances are established, if necessary, to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that will, more likely than not, be realized.
Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and certificates of deposit. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and certificates of deposit with well-capitalized financial institutions. At times, those amounts may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has no significant concentrations of credit risk.
Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the service period, which generally represents the vesting period. For awards that have performance-based vesting conditions the Company recognizes the expense over the estimated period that the awards are expected to be earned. The Company generally uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant date fair value of stock options. The expense recognized over the service period is required to include an estimate of the awards that will be forfeited. Stock options issued to non-employees are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC Subtopic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-employees, which requires valuing the stock options using an option pricing model (the Company uses Black-Scholes) and measuring such stock options to their current fair value when they vest.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), amended by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. The new guidance requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months and provide additional disclosures. The ASU requires adoption using a modified retrospective transition approach with either 1) periods prior to the adoption date being recast or 2) a cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date with prior periods not recast. We adopted this standard using a modified retrospective transition approach on January 1, 2019 however we only have one lease related to our office space and it was amended effective January 1, 2019. Therefore, no cumulative-effect adjustment approach was required. See Note 10 for the financial position impact and additional disclosures.
| 3. | Property and Equipment |
Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31:
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Leasehold improvements |
$ | 2 | $ | 2 | ||||
| Computer and office equipment |
13 | 13 | ||||||
| Furniture and fixtures |
59 | 59 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
74 | 74 | ||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(74 | ) | (74 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Property and equipment — net |
$ | — | $ | — | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $0 and $0, respectively.
F-10
Table of Contents
| 4. | Accrued Expenses |
Accrued expenses consist of the following at December 31:
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Legal and accounting fees |
$ | 81 | $ | 45 | ||||
| Accrued compensation |
973 | 1,294 | ||||||
| Lease liability |
39 | — | ||||||
| Accrued research and development costs and other |
— | 173 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
$ | 1,093 | $ | 1,512 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| 5. | Stockholders’ Equity |
At December 31, 2019, the Company had 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 undesignated shares authorized. As of December 31, 2019, 1,742,500 shares have been designated for Series A 12% Convertible Preferred Stock, 900,000 shares have been designated for Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, 2,100,000 shares have been designated for Series B-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,000 shares have been designated for Series C Super Dividend Convertible Preferred Stock, 2,508,000 shares have been designated for Series B-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, 12,748,500 have been designated as common stock and no shares remain undesignated.
At Market Issuances of Common Stock
On May 19, 2017, the Company entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “2017 At Market Agreement”) with a sales agent under which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $30.0 million from time to time through the sales agent. Sales of the Company’s common stock through the sales agent, if any, will be made by any method that is deemed an “at the market” offering as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company will pay to the sales agent a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of any shares of common stock sold through the sales agent under the 2017 At Market Agreement. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company issued 662,459 and 669,714 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $2,930,000 and $5,603,000, respectively, under the 2017 At Market Agreement.
Rights Offering
On May 23, 2019, the Company completed an offering of common stock and warrants to its shareholders of record as of April 29, 2019. In the offering, the Company received approximately $44.9 million for the issuance of 10,488,161 shares of common stock and warrants which may be exercised for 2,622,154 shares of common stock. The warrants may be exercised at $7.00 per share of common stock and expire on May 23, 2026. The warrants were valued at approximately $8.2 million as of the issuance, using the closing price of $4.01, a life of 7 years, a volatility of 101% and a risk-free interest rate of 2.33%. Based upon the Company’s analysis of the criteria contained in ASC Topic 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity” the Company has determined that warrants issued in connection with this financing transaction were not derivative liabilities and therefore, were recorded as additional paid-in capital.
Other
In 2017, the Company entered an agreement with a vendor whereby the Company will issue common stock to the vendor in lieu of paying in cash in amount up to $100,000 for the year. In 2018, the Company issued 2,883 shares of common stock and 290 warrants to purchase shares of common stock at $5.00 per share pursuant to this agreement and the value of such shares and warrants, totaling approximately $12,000, respectively, has been recorded as research and development expense.
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Table of Contents
Series A 12% Convertible Preferred Stock — February 4, 2008 Private Placement
On February 4, 2008, the Company closed a private placement begun in October 2007 of its Series A 12% Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A”) and related warrants. In this transaction, the Company sold units of securities at $6.00 per unit, each unit comprised of (i) one share of Series A Preferred, (ii) a warrant to purchase one share of common stock for $9.00, and (iii) a warrant to purchase one share of common stock for $12.00. Each share of the Series A is entitled to dividends at the rate of 12% per annum payable at the Company’s option in cash or shares of common stock valued at the higher of $6.00 per share or 100% of the value weighted average price of the Company’s share price for the 20 consecutive trading days prior to the applicable dividend payment date. Dividends are payable semi-annually on March 30 and September 30. The dividend paid on the initial dividend payment date is calculated from the date the Company deposited each subscription advance.
The shares of Series A are entitled to vote as a class with the Company’s common stock and each share of Series A is convertible at any time to one-sixth of a share of common stock, subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, stock split or combination, reclassification or similar event. The Company has the right to require conversion if the closing price of the common stock exceeds $18.00 for 15 consecutive trading days and a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A is then in effect. Each warrant is exercisable solely for cash beginning August 3, 2008 and expired on February 4, 2012. The exercise price of each warrant is adjustable in the event of a stock split or stock combination, capital reorganization, merger or similar event.
In 2018, 50,000 shares of Series A were converted into 8,424 shares of common stock which included 90 shares relating to the prorated dividend prior conversion. There were no shares of Series A converted into shares of common stock in 2017. Prior to 2016, a total of 360,000 shares of Series A had been converted into 60,888 shares of common stock.
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
On February 12, 2009, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “10X Agreement”) pursuant to which it agreed to issue and sell to 10X Fund LP, at two or more closings, up to: (i) 3,000,000 shares its Series B-1 and B-2 convertible preferred stock with an aggregate stated value of $6.0 million and convertible into 2,000,000 shares of common stock at December 31, 2011 and (ii) warrants to purchase 6,000,000 shares of common stock.
Through a series of closings from February 2009 through May 2010, the Company issued and sold, pursuant to the 10X Agreement, a total of (i) 900,000 shares of Series B-1 convertible preferred stock (“Series B-1 convertible preferred stock” or “Series B-1”) and related common stock warrants for 1,800,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 2,100,000 shares of Series B-2 convertible preferred stock (“Series B-2 convertible preferred stock” or “Series B-2”) and related warrants for 4,200,000 shares of common stock for total net proceeds of $5,483,000.
On September 22, 2016, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “B-3 Agreement”) pursuant to which it agreed to issue and sell to 10X Fund LP: (i) 1,500,000 shares its Series B-3 convertible preferred stock (“Series B-3 preferred stock” or “Series B-3”) with an aggregate stated value and proceeds of $1.5 million and convertible into 892,349 shares of common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 669,262 shares of common stock. Also, pursuant to agreements signed on September 22, 2016 with 10X Fund LP, the Company issued 875,000 warrants to purchase common stock in exchange in exchange for the 10X Fund LP agreeing not to sell any shares of common or preferred stock in the Company for 18 months, except in limited circumstances. Additionally, as previously agreed to by the 10X Fund LP, the sole holder of the Company’s Series B-1, Series B-2 and Series B-3 preferred stock (collectively, with the Series B-1 and Series B-2, the “Series B”), in the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B preferred stock we removed the ability of the holders of the Series B to cause a redemption of their shares of Series B. Accordingly, the Company accounted for the removal of this redemption feature as a modification and reclassified the Series B-1 and Series B-2 preferred stock into permanent equity at September 30, 2016 and forward.
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On December 23, 2016, the Company and 10X Fund LP amended the B-3 Agreement whereby the Company agreed to issue and sell to 10X Fund LP an additional (i) 1,008,000 shares of its B-3 preferred stock with an aggregate stated value and proceeds of $1.0 million and convertible into 896,997 shares of common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 924,780 shares of common stock.
On January 11, 2019, 10X Fund L.P., converted all of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock of Galectin Therapeutics. Pursuant to the terms of the conversion, as of January 11, 2019, 10X Fund L.P. converted 5,508,000 shares of its Series B-1, B-2 and B-3 Convertible Preferred Stock into 3,789,346 shares of Common Stock of Galectin Therapeutics. All special voting rights and protective provisions that previously benefited the Series B Preferred Stock were extinguished by the conversion to Common Stock.
In connection with the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Company extended by five years the exercise date of warrants for 3,579,642 shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in connection with sale of the Series B-1 and Series B-2 Preferred Stock. Before the extension, the warrants had various expiration dates in 2019 and 2020. The warrant amendments give 10X Fund the right to nominate one director to the Company’s board of directors. Previously, under the now extinguished voting rights of the Series B Preferred, 10X Fund had the right to name two directors and nominate an additional three directors.
The Company has accounted for the modified terms of the warrants pursuant to ASC 718, Stock Compensation, whereby the Company has recognized a charge for the change in fair value of the warrants immediately before and immediately after the modification. In January 2019, the Company recognized a one-time non-cash charge of $6,622,000 related to the extension of the 3,579,642 warrants. The following assumptions were used to value the extension of the warrants immediately before and immediately after the modification: a) immediately before the modification — an expected life range of 0.09 to 1.33 years, volatility of 98%, risk free interest rate range of 2.4% to 2.59% and zero dividends and; b) immediately following the modification — an expected life range of 5.09 to 6.33 years, volatility range of 106%, risk free interest rate range of 2.56% to 2.6% and zero dividends.
Certain terms of the Series B prior to the conversion into common stock on January 11, 2019 were as follows:
Dividends. Holders of the Series B were entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 12% for Series B-1 and B-2 and 8% for Series B-3 per annum (compounding monthly) payable quarterly which may, at the Company’s option, be paid in cash or common stock. Pursuant to an agreement with the holder of all shares of Series B, on January 26, 2011, the Company amended and restated the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations for the Series B-1 and Series B-2, to provide that dividends are payable in cash or shares of Common Stock valued at 100% of the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for the 20 consecutive trading days prior to the dividend payment date on and after September 30, 2011. If the Company did not pay any dividend on the Series B, dividends would accrue at the rate of 15% per annum (compounding monthly).
Other Restrictions. So long as any shares of the Series B remain outstanding, the Company may not, without the approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of Series B outstanding, among other things, (i) change the size of the Company’s Board of Directors; (ii) amend or repeal the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or file any articles of amendment designating the preferences, limitations and relative rights of any series of preferred stock, that would alter or change the preferences, rights, privileges or powers of, or restriction provided for the benefit of the Series B; (iii) create or increase the authorized amount of any additional class or series of shares of stock that is equal to or senior to Series B; (iv) increase or decrease the authorized number of shares of the Series B; (v) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value any shares of any class of capital stock; (vi) merge or consolidate the Company into or with any other corporation or sell, assign, lease, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or those of any subsidiary; (vii) voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up the Company or the Company’s business; (viii) pay or declare dividends on any capital stock other than the Preferred Stock, unless the Series B share ratably in such dividend and all accrued dividends payable with
F-13
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respect to the Series B have been paid prior to the payment or declaration of such dividend; (ix) acquire an equitable interest in, or the assets or business of any other entity in any form of transaction; (x) create or commit us to enter into a joint venture, licensing agreement or exclusive marketing or other distribution agreement with respect to the Company’s products, other than in the ordinary course of business; (xi) permit the Company or any subsidiary to sell or issue any security of such subsidiary to any person or entity other than the Company; (xii) enter into, create, incur, assume or guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed money of any kind (other than indebtedness existing on the initial closing date and approved by Series B shareholders); (xiii) enter into, create, incur or assume any liens of any kind (other than certain permitted liens); (xiv) issue any common stock or common stock equivalents; (xv) increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued pursuant to options, warrants or rights to employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors above the number of shares that were authorized for issuance under our 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, 2003 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan and 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan as of September 9, 2016.
Series C 6% Super Dividend Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
On December 29, 2010, the Company designated and authorized the sale and issuance of up to 1,000 shares of Series C Super Dividend Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series C”) with a par value of $0.01 and a stated value equal to $10,000 (the “Stated Value”).
On December 30, 2010, the Company sold and issued 212 shares of Series C at a price of $10,000 per share for gross proceeds of $2,120,000. The Company incurred $47,000 of cash transaction costs resulting in net cash proceeds of $2,073,000. In addition, the Company issued 500 warrants exercisable at $7.20 to a placement agent which had a de minimis value. Additionally, in January 2011, the Company sold and issued 13 shares of Series C at a price of $10,000 per share for gross proceeds of $130,000.
The terms of the Series C are as follows:
Conversion Rights. Each holder of Series C may convert all, but not less than all, of his Series C shares plus accrued and unpaid dividends into Common Stock at the price of $6.00 per share of Common Stock (“Conversion Price”), such that approximately 1,667 shares of Common Stock will be issued per each converted share of Series C (accrued and unpaid dividends will be issued as additional shares). At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the 176 outstanding shares of Series C were convertible into a total of approximately 293,340 shares of Common Stock.
Subject to the continuing obligation to pay post conversion dividends, the Company may convert all, but not less than all, of the Series C (plus all accrued and unpaid dividends) into Common Stock, at the Conversion Price, upon such time that the closing price of the Common Stock is no less than $18.00 per share for 15 consecutive trading days.
Dividends. Holders of Series C shall be entitled to receive cumulative non-compounding dividends at the rate per share of Series C equal to the greater of (i) 6% per annum of the Stated Value (also defined as the “Floor”) or (ii) 2.5% of net sales until the total dividends paid is equal to the initial investment and 1.25% of net sales thereafter. The maximum amount each Series C shareholder will receive in dividend payments is equal to $100,000 (the “Maximum Payout”). For purposes of this dividend calculation, net sales shall mean gross revenues actually received by the Company, from the sale or licensing of the product DAVANAT® (GM-CT-01), less chargebacks, returns, expenses attributable to product recalls, duties, customs, sales tax, freight, insurance, shipping expenses, allowances and other customary deductions.
The dividend shall be payable in arrears semiannually on March 31 and September 30, beginning with the first such date after the original issue date; provided, however, that all dividends and all other distributions shall cease, and no further dividends or other distributions shall be paid, in respect of each share of Series C from and after such time that the Maximum Payout has been paid in respect of such share of Series C. Such dividends shall be payable at the Company’s option either in cash or in duly authorized, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock valued at the higher of (i) $3.00 per share or (ii) the average of the Common Stock trading price for the ten (10) consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is immediately prior to the dividend payment date.
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Table of Contents
Series C Post Conversion Dividend Right. In the event that any share of Series C is converted into Common Stock before the Maximum Payout is paid in respect of such converted share of Series C, then the holder shall have the right to continue to receive dividends in respect of such converted share of Series C equal to the remaining payout (the “Series C Preferred Stock Post Conversion Dividend Right”) which shall be equal to the Maximum Payout less the cumulative dividends received through the conversion date. One share of Series C Preferred Stock Post Conversion Dividend Right shall be issued for each such converted share of Series C. The holder of each Series C Preferred Stock Post Conversion Dividend Right shall receive the remaining payout on an equal basis and in conjunction with the then outstanding shares of Series C and all the other then outstanding Series C Post Conversion Dividend Rights, in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as applicable to the payment of dividends on each share of Series C, except that for purposes of calculating the dividend the Floor shall not apply. The Series C Preferred Stock Post Conversion Dividend Right shall have no stated value, liquidation preference or right to any dividends or distributions other than the remaining payout. The Series C Preferred Stock Post Conversion Right is subject to redemption in the same manner as outstanding Series C shares.
At the date of issuance, the Series C have an embedded dividend right to continue to receive dividend payments after conversion to common stock (the Series C Post Conversion Dividend Right) which requires bifurcation. The value of this post conversion dividend right on the date of issuance was determined to be de minimis due to the fact that the payment of a dividend stream other than the 6% dividend and conversion of Series C prior to the Company achieving sales of GM-CT-01 was deemed improbable at that time. Upon a conversion of the Series C, the Company will be required to record a liability and the related expense during the period of conversion.
In July 2011, 5 shares of Series C were converted into 8,334 shares of common stock and 5 Series C Post Conversion Dividend Rights (Dividend Rights) were issued. In 2013, 24 shares of Series C were converted into 40,193 shares of common stock and 24 Dividend Rights were issued. In 2014, 20 shares of Series C were converted into 33,756 shares of common stock and 20 Dividend Rights were issued. Per the terms of the Series C, these Dividend Rights shall continue to participate in dividends, however the Floor shall not apply. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, these Dividend Rights were determined to have a de minimis value, as the payment of a dividend is considered improbable at this time. The Company will continue to evaluate and assess the Series C Post Conversion Dividend Right for each reporting period.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the holders of Series C will receive $10,000 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, payable prior and in preference to any distributions to the holders of Common Stock but after and subordinate to the Series A 12% Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A”), Series B-1 and Series B-2, subject to the Maximum Payout.
Redemption. Upon a sale of the Company, the Company shall redeem all of the then outstanding shares of Series C and Series C Preferred Stock Post Conversion Rights within thirty (30) days after the transaction constituting the sale of the Company is closed and such closing is fully funded. The price to redeem a share of Series C and each redeemed Series C Preferred Stock Post Conversion Redemption Right shall be equal to (i) (A) the applicable return on investment (“ROI”) percentage, multiplied by (B) $10,000, minus (ii) the cumulative dividends received through the redemption date. The redemption price shall be payable at the Company’s option either in cash or in shares of common stock valued at the higher of (i) $3.00 per share or (ii) the average market price for the ten consecutive trading days ending immediately prior to the date of redemption. The ROI Percentage shall mean the percentage that applies as of the redemption date, as follows:
ROI Percentage
| 200% | before the second anniversary of the date of issuance; | |
| 250% | on or after the second anniversary of the date of issuance, but before the third anniversary of the date of issuance; |
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Table of Contents
| 300% | on or after the third anniversary of the date of issuance, but before the fourth anniversary of the date of issuance; | |
| 350% | on or after the fourth anniversary of the date of issuance, but before the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance; | |
| 400% | on or after the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance, but before the sixth anniversary of the date of issuance; | |
| 450% | on or after the sixth anniversary of the date of issuance, but before the seventh anniversary of the date of issuance; | |
| 500% | on or after the seventh anniversary of the date of issuance, but before the eighth anniversary of the date of issuance; and | |
| 550% | on or after the eighth anniversary of the date of issuance, but before the ninth anniversary of the date of issuance. |
Due to the redemption feature, the Company has presented the Series C outside of permanent equity, in the mezzanine of the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018. At December 31, 2019, the Series C redemption value was $8,652,000.
Voting Rights. The Series C shares have no voting rights.
| 6. | Warrants |
Warrant activity is summarized as follows:
| Outstanding at December 31, 2017 |
13,229,778 | |||
| Issued |
290 | |||
| Exercised |
(2,583,042 | ) | ||
| Canceled |
— | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2018 |
10,647,026 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Issued |
2,622,154 | |||
| Exercised |
(730,976 | ) | ||
| Canceled |
— | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2019 |
12,538,204 | |||
|
|
|
The following table summarizes information with regard to outstanding warrants issued in connection with equity and debt financings and consultants as of December 31, 2019.
| Issued in Connection With |
Number Issued |
Exercise Price |
Exercisable Date | Expiration Date | ||||||||||||
| February 12, 2009 Series B-1 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
1,200,000 | $ | 3.00 | February 12, 2009 | February 12, 2024 | |||||||||||
| May 13, 2009 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
600,000 | $ | 3.00 | May 13, 2009 | May 13, 2024 | |||||||||||
| June 30, 2009 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
333,333 | $ | 3.00 | June 30, 2009 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
| August 12, 2009 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
200,000 | $ | 3.00 | August 12, 2009 | August 12, 2024 | |||||||||||
| September 30, 2009 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
216,666 | $ | 3.00 | September 30, 2009 | September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||
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Table of Contents
| Issued in Connection With |
Number Issued |
Exercise Price |
Exercisable Date | Expiration Date | ||||||||||||
| November 4, 2009 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
106,666 | $ | 3.00 | November 4, 2009 | November 4, 2024 | |||||||||||
| December 8, 2009 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
133,143 | $ | 3.00 | December 8, 2009 | December 8, 2024 | |||||||||||
| January 29, 2010 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
216,667 | $ | 3.00 | January 29, 2010 | January 29, 2025 | |||||||||||
| March 8, 2010 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
223,334 | $ | 3.00 | March 8, 2010 | March 8, 2025 | |||||||||||
| April 30, 2010 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
204,192 | $ | 3.00 | April 30, 2010 | April 30, 2025 | |||||||||||
| May 10, 2010 Series B-2 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants — Class B |
143,166 | $ | 3.00 | May 10, 2010 | May 10, 2025 | |||||||||||
| November 25, 2015 Offering Warrants |
1,180,240 | $ | 2.50 | May 25, 2016 | May 25, 2021 | |||||||||||
| September 22, 2016 Series B-3 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants |
698,158 | $ | 3.00 | September 22, 2016 | September 22, 2023 | |||||||||||
| September 29, 2016 Series B-3 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants |
846,100 | $ | 3.00 | September 29, 2016 | September 29, 2023 | |||||||||||
| December 22, 2016 Private placement warrants |
1,466,204 | $ | 5.00 | December 22, 2016 | December 23, 2023 | |||||||||||
| December 23, 2016 Series B-3 Transaction $3.00 Investor Warrants |
924,780 | $ | 3.00 | December 23, 2016 | December 23, 2023 | |||||||||||
| December 28, 2016 Private placement warrants |
644,468 | $ | 5.00 | December 28, 2016 | December 28, 2023 | |||||||||||
| February 27, 2017 Private placement warrants |
76,776 | $ | 5.00 | February 27, 2017 | February 27, 2024 | |||||||||||
| 2018 and 2017 Warrants issued for services |
2,157 | $ | 5.00 | |
Various dates in 2018 and 2017 |
|
|
Various dates in 2025 and 2024 |
| |||||||
| December 19, 2017 Line of credit warrants |
500,000 | $ | 5.00 | December 19, 2017 | December 19, 2024 | |||||||||||
| May 23, 2019 Rights offering warrants |
2,622,154 | $ | 7.00 | May 23, 2019 | May 23, 2026 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Total outstanding warrants |
12,538,204 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| 7. | Stock-Based Compensation |
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Plans
At December 31, 2019, the Company has a stock-based compensation plan where the Company’s common stock has been made available for equity-based incentive grants as part of the Company’s compensation programs. In December 2019, the Company adopted the 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”) which provided for the issuance of up to 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the
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form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other stock-based awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants and other eligible persons. At December 31, 2019, 4,000,000 shares were available for future grant under the 2019 Plan. Also, the Company previously had the 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2009 Plan”) which, after amendments, provided for issuance of up to 6,733,334 shares of the Company’s common stock in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other stock-based awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants and other eligible persons. Provisions of the 2009 Plan stipulated that no grants could be made after February 2019; however, grants made prior to that date remain outstanding for their legal term.
In addition, the Company has awarded 1,477,379 non-plan stock option grants to employees and non-employees. These non-plan grants have vesting periods and expiration dates similar to those options granted under the Incentive Plans. At December 31, 2019, 500,000 non-plan grants were outstanding.
Stock-Based Compensation
Following is the stock-based compensation expense related to common stock options, restricted common stock and common stock warrants:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| Research and development |
$ | 318 | $ | 1,944 | ||||
| General and administrative |
1,365 | 2,501 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 1,683 | $ | 4,445 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The fair value of the options granted is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used:
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| Risk-free interest rate |
2.68 | % | 2.47 | % | ||||
| Expected life of the options |
6.0 years | 5.7 years | ||||||
| Expected volatility of the underlying stock |
103.7 | % | 103.5 | % | ||||
| Expected dividend rate |
0 | % | 0 | % | ||||
As noted above, the fair value of stock options is determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For all options granted since January 1, 2006 the Company has generally used option terms of between 5 to 10 years, generally with 5 to 6 years representing the estimated life of options granted to employees. The volatility of the common stock is estimated using historical volatility over a period equal to the expected life at the date of grant. The risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model is determined by reference to historical U.S. Treasury constant maturity rates with terms equal to the expected terms of the awards. An expected dividend yield of zero is used in the option valuation model, because the Company does not expect to pay any cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future. At December 31, 2019, the Company does not anticipate any option awards will be forfeited in the calculation of compensation expense due to the limited number of employees that receive stock option grants and the Company’s historical employee turnover.
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The following table summarizes the stock option activity in the stock-based compensation plans:
| Number of Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) |
|||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2017 |
5,155,263 | $ | 4.11 | |||||||||||||
| Granted |
1,011,875 | 5.01 | ||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled |
(1,354,330 | ) | 7.31 | |||||||||||||
| Exercised |
(2,098,829 | ) | 2.00 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2018 |
2,713,979 | $ | 4.67 | |||||||||||||
| Granted |
530,000 | 4.72 | ||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/Cancelled |
(92,730 | ) | 2.91 | |||||||||||||
| Exercised |
(150,993 | ) | 1.83 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2019 |
3,000,256 | $ | 4.88 | 6.22 | $ | 705 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Exercisable, December 31, 2019 |
2,592,756 | $ | 4.90 | 5.78 | $ | 705 | ||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax amount, net of exercise price, which would have been received by option holders if all option holders had exercised all options with an exercise price lower than the market price on December 31, 2019, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $2.86 on that date.
The weighted-average grant-date fair values of options granted during 2019 and 2018 were $3.83 and $3.98, respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were unvested options to purchase 407,500 and 54,865 shares of common stock, respectively. Total expected unrecognized compensation cost related to such unvested options is $517,000 at December 31, 2019, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.91 years.
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $594,302 and $11,076,199, respectively.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, 130,490 and 1,409,804 options became vested, respectively. The total grant date fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $491,000 and $4,519,000, respectively.
The following table summarizes additional information regarding outstanding and exercisable options under our stock-based compensation plans at December 31, 2019:
| Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise Price (Range) |
Number of Shares |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Number of Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||||||||||||
| (in years) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $0.87 – 1.00 |
190,500 | 6.95 | $ | 0.88 | 190,500 | $ | 0.88 | |||||||||||||
| $1.01 – 3.00 |
677,103 | 6.02 | 2.37 | 677,103 | 2.37 | |||||||||||||||
| $3.01 – 5.00 |
1,071,678 | 8.19 | 4.36 | 664,178 | 4.13 | |||||||||||||||
| $5.01 – 8.00 |
878,475 | 4.27 | 6.55 | 878,475 | 6.55 | |||||||||||||||
| $8.01 – 13.38 |
182,500 | 4.06 | 13.38 | 182,500 | 13.38 | |||||||||||||||
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|
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| 3,000,256 | 6.22 | $ | 4.88 | 2,592,756 | $ | 4.90 | ||||||||||||||
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F-19
Table of Contents
Restricted Stock Issuances
In January 2019, two directors elected to take restricted stock grants in lieu of cash retainers for 2019. A total of 19,068 shares of restricted stock valued at approximately $90,000 is being amortized to expense on a straight-line basis until January 16, 2020 when the stock vested in full.
In December 2017, two directors elected to take restricted stock grants in lieu of cash retainers for 2018. A total of 37,657 shares of restricted stock valued at approximately $90,000 was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis until December 14, 2018 when the stock vested in full.
| 8. | Line of Credit |
On December 19, 2017, the Company entered into a $10 million Line of Credit arrangement with Richard E. Uihlein, a director and shareholder. Originally, borrowings may be made by the Company through December 31, 2018. Borrowings bear interest at the Applicable Federal Rate for short term loans published by the Internal Revenue Service (1.6% in December 2019). All borrowings and interest are due on December 31, 2019 but may be prepaid without penalty. In connection with the Line of Credit agreement, the Company issued to Mr. Uihlein warrants to purchase 1 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $5 per share. Half of the warrants vested at closing of the Line of Credit and the other half vest ratably with borrowings under the agreement. There were no borrowings under the Line of Credit during the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018.
On December 20, 2018, the Line of Credit arrangement was extended for one year for both borrowings and maturity. At the time of the conversion of the Series B Convertible Preferred stock into common stock (See Note 5), on January 11, 2019, the Line of Credit arrangement was extended for an additional two years for both borrowings and maturity. After the second amendment to the Line of Credit arrangement, borrowings may be made through December 31, 2021 with repayment due on December 31, 2022. There was no additional consideration or benefits provided to Mr. Uihlein for any of the extensions of the Line of Credit.
The fair value of the 500,000 warrants vested at closing in December 2017 was $696,000 at the date of issuance based on the following assumptions: an expected life of 7 years, volatility of 98%, risk free interest rate of 2.05% and zero dividends. The fair value of the vested warrants was recorded in other current assets and other assets (non-current) as a deferred financing cost and were to be amortized on a straight-line basis from December 19, 2017 through December 31, 2019. The remaining unamortized balance of the deferred financing cost on December 20, 2018 was adjusted to be recorded as expense on a straight-line basis through December 31, 2020. Amortization for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 of $87,000 and $336,000, respectively, was recorded as interest expense. The fair value of warrants that vest in the future based on borrowings will be computed when those borrowings occur and amortized over the remaining period through December 31, 2022 reflecting the second extension.
| 9. | Loss Per Share |
Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and other potential common shares then outstanding. Potential common shares consist of common shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of in-the- money stock options and warrants and potential common shares related to the conversion of the preferred stock. The computation of diluted
F-20
Table of Contents
net loss per share does not assume the issuance of common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per share.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||||||
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (13,294 | ) | $ | (13,900 | ) | ||
| Preferred stock dividends |
(263 | ) | (1,147 | ) | ||||
| Warrant modification |
(6,622 | ) | — | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
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| Net loss applicable to common stockholders |
$ | (20,179 | ) | $ | (15,047 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Basic and diluted net loss per share |
$ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.38 | ) | ||
| Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share |
52,238 | 39,414 | ||||||
Dilutive shares which could exist pursuant to the exercise of outstanding stock instruments and which were not included in the calculation because their affect would have been anti-dilutive are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2019 (Shares) |
2018 (Shares) |
|||||||
| Warrants to purchase shares of common stock |
12,538,204 | 10,647,026 | ||||||
| Options to purchase shares of common stock |
3,000,256 | 2,713,979 | ||||||
| Shares of common stock issuable upon conversion preferred stock |
514,590 | 4,303,948 | ||||||
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| 16,053,050 | 17,664,953 | |||||||
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| 10. | Commitments and Contingencies |
Lease Commitments
The Company has one operating lease for its office space which was amended effective January 1, 2019 for a term of 38 months with no residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The amended lease provided for free rent for the first two months of the lease and continues the security deposit of $6,000. In addition to base rental payments included in the contractual obligations table below, the Company is responsible for our pro-rata share of the operating expenses for the building. Our lease cost for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $44,000 and is included in general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2019, the right to use lease asset consisted of $84,000 and is included in other assets. Also, at December 31, 2019, current lease liability of $39,000 is included in accrued expenses and other and noncurrent lease liability of $52,000 is in other noncurrent liabilities.
Maturity of operating lease as of December 31, 2019 in thousands:
| 2020 |
$ | 47 | ||
| 2021 |
48 | |||
| 2022 |
8 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
103 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Less imputed interest |
13 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Present value of lease liability |
$ | 90 | ||
|
|
|
The discount rate used in calculating the present value of the lease payments was 11.04%.
F-21
Table of Contents
Legal Proceedings
The Company records accruals for such contingencies to the extent that the Company concludes that their occurrence is probable and the related damages are estimable. There are no pending legal proceedings.
| 11. | Galectin Sciences LLC |
In January 2014, we created Galectin Sciences, LLC (the “LLC” or “Investee”), a collaborative joint venture co-owned by SBH Sciences, Inc. (“SBH”), to research and develop small organic molecule inhibitors of galectin-3 for oral administration. The LLC was initially capitalized with a $400,000 cash investment to fund future research and development activities, which was provided by the Company, and specific in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) contributed by SBH. The estimated fair value of the IPR&D contributed by SBH, on the date of contribution, was $400,000. Initially, the Company and SBH have a 50% equity ownership interest in the LLC, with neither party having control over the LLC. Accordingly, from inception through the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company accounted for its investment in the LLC using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s investment was initially recorded at cost with subsequent adjustments to the carrying value to recognize additional investments in or distributions from the Investee, as well as the Company’s share of the Investee’s earnings, losses and/or changes in capital. The estimated fair value of the IPR&D contributed to the LLC was immediately expensed upon contribution as there was no alternative future use available at the point of contribution. The operating agreement provides that if either party does not desire to contribute its equal share of funding required after the initial capitalization, then the other party, providing all of the funding, will have its ownership share increased in proportion to the total amount contributed from inception. In the fourth quarter of 2014, after the LLC had expended the $400,000 in cash, SBH decided not to contribute its share of the funding required. As a result, the Company contributed the $73,000 needed for the fourth quarter of 2014 expenses of the LLC and an additional $1,547,000 in total from 2015 through 2017. The Company contributed $147,000, $164,000 for the LLC expenses (recorded in research and development expenses) in 2019 and 2018, and SBH contributed $35,000 in 2019 and a total of $123,000 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s ownership percentage in the LLC was 80.8%. The Company accounts for the interest in the LLC as a consolidated, less than wholly owned subsidiary. Because the LLC’s equity is immaterial, the value of the non-controlling interest is also deemed to be immaterial. The Company’s portion of the LLC’s net loss for 2014, prior to the change in accounting discussed previously, was $400,000, which includes the Company’s proportionate share of the non-cash charge associated with the contributed IPR&D of $200,000.
| 12. | Income Taxes |
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Tax Act) was enacted. The 2017 Tax Act includes a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate tax rate from 34% to 21%, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act also provides for the implementation of a territorial tax system, a one-time transition tax on certain foreign earnings, the acceleration of depreciation for certain assets placed into service after September 27, 2017 and other prospective changes beginning in 2018, including repeal of the domestic manufacturing deduction, acceleration of tax revenue recognition, capitalization of research and development expenditures, additional limitations on executive compensation and limitations on the deductibility of interest.
Pursuant to the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Company has calculated as final its re-measurement of deferred taxes and has no uncertain tax positions. This includes a provisional amount related to the re-measurement of deferred tax assets based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21% plus the applicable state tax rate, with a corresponding change to the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017. No further adjustments were recorded in the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018.
F-22
Table of Contents
The components of the net deferred tax assets are as follows at December 31:
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| Operating loss carryforwards |
$ | 39,982 | $ | 36,417 | ||||
| Tax credit carryforwards |
910 | 1,195 | ||||||
| Other temporary differences |
5,278 | 4,678 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| 46,170 | 42,290 | |||||||
| Less valuation allowance |
(46,170 | ) | (42,290 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net deferred tax asset |
$ | — | $ | — | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The primary factors affecting the Company’s income tax rates were as follows:
| 2019 | 2018 | |||||||
| Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rates |
(21 | %) | (21 | %) | ||||
| State tax benefit |
(4.7 | %) | (4.7 | %) | ||||
| Permanent differences |
0.8 | % | 4.0 | % | ||||
| Impact of the 2017 Tax Act |
— | — | ||||||
| Other |
(4.2 | %) | 1.1 | % | ||||
| Expiring state NOL’s |
— | — | ||||||
| Changes in valuation allowance |
29.1 | % | 20.6 | % | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| 0 | % | 0 | % | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
As of December 31, 2019, the Company has federal and state net operating loss carryforwards totaling $20,938,000 which will never expire as a result of the 2017 Tax Act. As of December 31, 2019, the Company has federal and state net operating loss carryforwards totaling $136,202,000 and $116,218,000 respectively, which expire through 2037. The net operating losses include Federal and State excess benefits related to stock options of $2,120,000 that will be charged to additional paid-in capital when utilized. In addition, the Company has federal and state research and development credits of $733,000 and $176,000, respectively, which expire through 2034. Ownership changes, as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, may have limited the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income. Past and subsequent ownership changes could further affect the limitation in future years. Because of the Company’s limited operating history and its recorded losses, management has provided, in each of the last two years, a 100% valuation allowance against the Company’s net deferred tax assets.
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various states. Based on the history of net operating losses all jurisdictions and tax years are open for examination until the operating losses are utilized or the statute of limitations expires. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company does not have any significant uncertain tax positions.
F-23