GENETHERA INC - Annual Report: 2011 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM 01/01/2011 TO 12/31/2011
Commission File Number:
000-27237
GeneThera, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Nevada
|
65-0622463
|
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
|
(Internal Revenue Service
|
Incorporation or Organization)
|
Employer Identification Number)
|
7577 W. 103rd Ave. Suite 212 Westminster, CO
|
80021
|
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
|
(Zip Code)
|
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(303) 439-2085
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 per share
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
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 x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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. Yes x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, and accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨
|
Accelerated filer ¨
|
Non-accelerated filer ¨
|
Smaller reporting company x
|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x
The issuer's revenues for the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 were $0.
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 last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $23,711.
State the number of shares of the issuer’s common stock outstanding, as of the latest practicable date: 24,960,596 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of April 12, 2012.
2
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I
4 | |
Item 1A. Risk Factors
|
20 |
Item 2. Properties
|
27 |
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
|
28 |
Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders | 29 |
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
|
29 |
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
|
29 |
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
|
29 |
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
|
36 |
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
|
49 |
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
|
49 |
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
|
50 |
Item 11. Executive Compensation
|
50 |
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
|
53 |
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
|
55 |
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
|
55 |
Part IV
|
|
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
|
56 |
3
PART I.
FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Sections of this Form 10-K, including Business and Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation, contain "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should not unduly rely on these statements. Forward-looking statements involve assumptions and describe our plans, strategies, and expectations. You can generally identify a forward-looking statement by words such as may, will, should, would, could, plan, goal,
potential, expect, anticipate, estimate, believe, intend, project, and similar words and variations thereof. This report contains forward-looking statements that address, among other things,
* Our financing plans,
* Regulatory environments in which we operate or plan to operate, and
* Trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations, the impact of competition, the start-up of certain operations and acquisition opportunities.
Factors, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements ("Cautionary Statements") include, among others,
* Our ability to raise capital,
* Our ability to execute our business strategy in a very competitive environment,
* Our degree of financial leverage, risks associated with our acquiring and integrating companies into our own,
* Risks relating to rapidly developing technology, and regulatory considerations;
* Risks related to international economies,
* Risks related to market acceptance and demand for our products and services,
* The impact of competitive services and pricing, and
* Other risks referenced from time to time in our SEC filings.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or anyone acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. We do not undertake any obligations to publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect unanticipated events that may occur.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
In November 2007, GeneThera, Inc. (“we”, “us”, the “Company” or “GeneThera”) reincorporated in the State of Nevada due to the fact that a third party had acquired the Company’s prior Florida Corporate Charter and the fact that the Company was unable to regain the control of such Corporate Charter. We had a special meeting of shareholders where it was unanimously resolved for GeneThera to transfer its Charter to the State of Nevada as soon as possible in order to recognize our new incorporation on our next SEC filing. The reinstatement was completed by January 2008.
4
Our common stock currently trades on the Pink Sheets OTC “Over-The-Counter” market under the symbol GTHR. Our executive offices are located at 7577 W. 103rd Ave. Suite 212 in Westminster, CO 80021 and our telephone number is 303-439-2085.
For the fiscal year 2011 and as of now, the Company had one subsidiary, GeneThera, Inc., a Colorado corporation. In addition GeneThera holds a 50% ownership in Applied Genetics, a commercial diagnostics laboratory located in Monterrey, Mexico. On December 1, 2011, Dr. Antonio Milici, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer was appointed Interim President of Applied Genetics. Upon becoming President of the company, Dr. Milici has started a reorganization plan of the Applied Genetics operations. The goal of this reorganization plan is to initiate revenues generating operations beginning in the first quarter of 2012.
COMPANY PROFILE
GeneThera is a biotechnology company, dedicated to improving food safety by applying the latest molecular technologies to eradicate "cross over"(zoonotic) diseases such as Johne's disease, Mad Cow Disease, Chronic Wasting Disease, and E.coli. Diseases of terrestrial, avian and aquatic life animals influence a number of economic and global security issues; food for an increasing world population, access to international trade, species conservation and protection of those endangered, and economic growth in developing and re-organizing nations. Because many animal disease agents are zoonotic (transmissible between humans and animals,
causing infection in both species), their management and prevention are crucial to improving public health on a global scale. The Company focuses on developing molecular diagnostic tests, therapeutics, and vaccines in the belief that better technologies and methodology need to be implemented to help control emerging diseases in animals and in humans, and believes that, if not, these diseases in animals will likely continue to cause serious and growing problems in terms of economics, human health and biodiversity.
GeneThera has developed proprietary diagnostic assays for use in the agricultural and veterinary markets. Specific assays for Chronic Wasting Disease (among elk and deer) and Mad Cow Disease (among cattle) have been developed and are available currently on a limited basis. E. coli (predominantly cattle) and Johne's disease (predominantly dairy cattle and bison) diagnostics are in development. GeneThera is making a pivotal shift from a Research and Development organization into a product marketing and revenue generating entity. The Company’s previous strategy that we had maintained from inception to July 2008 had been one of research only. We focused all our energies,
talent, and resources to the incubation and growth of new ideas in the realm of genetically engineered disease detection and vaccination. We feel that with recent announcements the Company is positioned to move from a developmental stage to a product oriented stage company.
5
GeneThera provides genetics-based diagnostic and is currently working on vaccine solutions to meet the growing demands of today's veterinary industry and tomorrow's agriculture and healthcare industries. The Company is organized and operated both to continually apply its scientific research to more effective management of diseases and, in so doing, realize the commercial potential of molecular biotechnology.
The Company believes it will require significant additional funding in order to achieve its business plan. Over the next 12 months, in order to have the capability of achieving its business plan, the Company will require at least $5,000,000 in additional funding. There are no guarantees that the Company will be able to secure such financing, and if the financing is secured, there are no guarantees whether the Company can fully achieve the goals laid out in its business plan.
Johne’s Disease
GeneThera’s focus includes the diagnosis and treatment of Johne’s disease.
Johne’s disease is a worldwide problem of domestic animals primarily including dairy cattle, sheep and goats. A significant public health concern is associated with Johne's disease (JD), which results from an infection with bacteria called Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. This organism grows very slowly, causes a gradually worsening disease condition, and is highly resistant to the infected animal's immune defenses. Therefore, infected animals harbor the organism for years before they test positive or develop disease signs.
Major Factors related to Johne's disease:
|
·
|
Worldwide Infection.
|
|
·
|
Reduction in milk production to 25%+.
|
|
·
|
High culling rate which increases costs.
|
|
·
|
JD affects trade and hinders exports.
|
|
·
|
Link between JD and Crohn’s disease.
|
|
·
|
Reduction in quality wool production in sheep.
|
|
·
|
Highest at risk animals are young calves or pre-born.
|
|
·
|
Bacterium can survive in contaminated soil for over 1 year.
|
|
·
|
Spread in herds can occur by fecal contamination, colostrum, milk, and transplacental.
|
|
·
|
Calves can become infected by suckling on “dirty” teats.
|
|
·
|
For every one “clinical stage” in a herd there are 15-20 silently infected plus additional 6-8 carriers.
|
Stages I: Silent, subclinical, non-detectable infection. Typically this stage occurs in all calves, heifers, and young stock less than two years of age and many adult animals exposed to small doses of disease-causing organisms. Infected animals at this early stage are rarely detected with currently available diagnostic tests, including fecal culture or serologic tests (ELISA). This stage progresses slowly over many months or years to stage
II.
6
Stage II: Subclinical infection. Typically this stage occurs in older heifers or adults. Animals at this stage appear healthy but are shedding adequate numbers of MAP organisms in their manure to be detected on fecal culture. Blood tests will detect some, but not all animals at this stage. Blood test (ELISA) positive animals should be confirmed positive by fecal culture.
Stage III: Clinical JD. Categorized as any animal with advanced infection the onset which is often associated with a period of stress such as recent calving. Cattle at this stage have intermittent, watery pea-soup manure. Animals lose weight and gradually drop in milk production but continue to have a good appetite. Some animals appear to recover but often relapse in the next stress period. Most of these animals are shedding billions of organisms and are positive on culture. Most are positive on serologic tests (ELISA & AGID). Clinical signs often last several weeks to months before the animals are sent to slaughter in a thin, emaciated
condition. In the final and terminal aspects of stage III of the fatal disease, animals become emaciated with fluid diarrhea and develop “bottle jaw”. The carcass may not pass meat inspection for human consumption in the later phases of stage III.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease (also known as Crohn-Leśniowski Disease, or "Charlotte Forditis" morbus Leśniowski-Crohn, granulomatous and regional enteritis) is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from anus to mouth, causing a wide variety of symptoms. It primarily causes abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting, or weight loss, but may also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis and inflammation of the eye.
Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation; it is classified as a type of inflammatory bowel disease. There has been evidence of a genetic link to Crohn's disease, putting individuals with siblings afflicted with the disease at higher risk. It is understood to have a large environmental component as evidenced by the higher number of cases in western industrialized nations. Males and females are equally affected. Smokers are three times more likely to develop Crohn's disease than non-smokers. Crohn's disease affects between 400,000 and 600,000 people in North America. Prevalence estimates for Northern Europe
have ranged from 27–48 per 100,000. Crohn's disease tends to present initially in the teens and twenties, with another peak incidence in the fifties to seventies, although the disease can occur at any age.
Similar to Johne’s disease in cattle, no known pharmaceutical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease currently exists for humans. Furthermore, new discoveries of MAP have been found in human patients and we believe that individuals that are genetically predisposed could possibly be contracting the disease through digestion of Johne’s disease - infected milk.
7
BUSINESS MODEL
GeneThera has developed proprietary diagnostic assays for use in the agricultural and veterinary markets. Specific assays for Chronic Wasting Disease (among elk and deer) and Mad Cow Disease (among cattle) have been developed and are available currently on a limited basis. E. coli (predominantly cattle) and Johne's disease (predominantly dairy cattle and bison) diagnostics are in development. GeneThera is making a pivotal shift from a Research and Development organization into a product marketing and revenue generating entity. The Company’s previous strategy that we had maintained from inception to July, 2008 had been one of research only. We focused all our energies,
talent, and resources to the incubation and growth of new ideas in the realm of genetically engineered disease detection and vaccination. We feel that with recent announcements the Company is positioned to move from a developmental stage to a product oriented stage company.
GeneThera provides genetics-based diagnostic and is currently working on vaccine solutions to meet the growing demands of today's veterinary industry and tomorrow's agriculture and healthcare industries. The Company is organized and operated both to continually apply its scientific research to more effective management of diseases and, in so doing, realize the commercial potential of molecular biotechnology.
GeneThera animal disease assay development business is based on its Integrated Technology Platform (ITP) that combines a proprietary diagnostic solution called Gene Expression Assay (GES) with PURIVAXTM, its system for analyzing large-scale DNA sequencing. The first part of this platform is the ongoing development of molecular diagnostic assays solutions using real time Fluorogenic Polymerase Chain Reaction (F-PCR) technology to detect the presence of infectious disease from the blood of live animals. The second part of the ITP is the development of therapeutic vaccines using RNA interference
technology. Interference RNA technology is a new technique that is based on the use of short RNA sequences complementary to a specific target gene. Once the RNA sequence binds to the gene, the gene is deactivated or “silenced” and no longer able to produce the specific protein. It also allows for the efficient, effective, and continuous testing, management and treatment of animal populations. These facts distinguish the technology from any alternative testing and management methodology available to agriculture today -- all of which require the destruction of individual animals and even entire herds. Our testing and data analysis processes also allow us not only to separate infected from clean animals, but also to gain knowledge vital to development of preventative vaccines.
Each individual assay utilizes the proprietary Field Collection System (FCS) for the collection and transportation of blood samples to GeneThera laboratory. This system consists of two (2) tubes. A 5 milliliter (ml) red cap tube containing 1ml anticoagulant solution and a 10 ml white cap tube. One (1) ml of blood is collected from the animal and added to the red cap tube. Ten (10ml) of milk is collected into the white cap tube. The FCS allows GeneThera to maintain the integrity of each sample by the addition of specific reagents to test tubes contained in the system. GeneThera FCS is designed to be an easy-to-use method of gathering blood samples from harvested
or domesticated animals. It ensures consistency of samples as well as increased assurance of each sample's integrity.
8
To date, GeneThera has successfully developed the ability to detect Chronic Wasting Disease, a disease affecting elk and deer in North America. The release of commercialized Field Collection Systems and laboratory diagnostic testing occurred in October of 2003 as a marketing trial. GeneThera has also successfully developed an assay for the detection of Mad Cow Disease, a disease recently found in the United States, but which has been in Europe for many years. The Field Collection Systems are available for purchase from the Company. Chronic Wasting Disease and Mad Cow Disease are both in the family of diseases called Transmissible Spongiform
Encephalopathy (TSE). Diagnostic assays for E.coli O157:H7 and Johne's disease are in the final stages of development.
The Company, through GeneThera, is also developing vaccines for Chronic Wasting Disease and E.coli O157:H7. The Company will need the approval of the USDA before the vaccines can be manufactured or sold. The approval process for animal vaccines is time-consuming and expensive. We anticipate that such approval, if it is obtained, may require more than $5 million and may require more than two years for each vaccine for which approval is sought. Currently we do not have the capital necessary to seek approval of any of our candidate vaccines, and we cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to raise the capital necessary for such approval on terms
that are acceptable to us, if at all. In addition, even if we are successful in raising the capital necessary to seek approval of any vaccine, there are no assurances that such an approval will be granted, or if granted, whether we will be able to produce and sell such vaccines following such an approval in commercial quantities or to make a profit from such production and sales.
Our recent developments include the progress we are making in regards to our Johne's disease validation trials scheduled to begin in collaboration with the Universidad National Autonoma de Mexico, a prominent state university in Mexico City. Our joint venture with Nutricion Avanzada, created a new company Applied Genetics. Applied Genetics is the marketing arm of GeneThera for the Mexican marketing of our Johne's disease testing service and subsequent Vaccine, (which is currently under development), has been in contact with several major ranchers throughout Mexico, and the overwhelming response from the ranchers has been an outcry for help in detecting and eliminating Johne's disease which is
running rampant in their herds. Government approval and recommendation is expected to occur quickly once the validation trials are complete. The validation trials should be complete within 3-4 months from start. We will be conducting paid testing on a limited basis during the validation trials.
We recently signed an agreement with STC.UNM (the technology development arm of The University of New Mexico) in connection with the genetic vaccine they developed and patented for E.coli 0157:h7. The vaccine acts on a genetic level to inhibit the growth and shedding of the deadly E.coli 0157:h7 bacteria from cattle. The vaccine has already passed initial animal trials and is now set to enter the clinical trial phase. We are currently seeking partnerships for the completion of the clinical trials and subsequent taking of the finished vaccine to market. Due to the specific genetic makeup of the vaccine, we expect the clinical trials to be
completed within 9-12 months from the date they start. This is 3 to 5 times faster than a standard vaccine might take.
Since February 17, 2009, GeneThera no longer has a business relationship with The Goldsmith Group LLC. The Company believes that such entity and other third parties may have publicly disseminated negative statements and comments regarding the Company and its operations and has therefore ceased its relationship with such entity.
GeneThera’s majority owned subsidiary, Applied Genetics, based in Monterrey Mexico is the Company’s commercial molecular diagnostic laboratory. Applied Genetics’ focus is to test milk, feces, and blood samples from dairy cows, sheep and goats, exclusively in Mexico, employing GeneThera proprietary technology.
9
INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM (ITP)
GeneThera’s Integrated Technology Platform (ITP) is the foundation for “fast-track” rDNA vaccine development. We are currently working on the development of a recombinant DNA vaccine for Johne’s disease. Johnne’s disease is a chronic debilitating infectious disease of ruminants, characterized by weight loss and, particularly in cattle, by profuse diarrhea. The casual agent is a bacterium, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. Infected animals may show no sign of the disease until years after the initial infection. Johne’s is a slow, progressive disease with worldwide distribution.
The vaccine development is in the “in vitro” or pre-clinical stage. We expect to initiate experimental animal studies for Johne’s disease in the next 12 months. ITP combines the following technologies: 1) gene expression technology or “GES” 2) viral DNA purification technology or PURIVAX™ technology; 3) genetically engineered Adenovirus (rAD) and recombinant Adeno Associate Virus (rAAV) systems (vectors). This integrated technology platform yields fast-track vaccine development. Leveraging its ITP, GeneThera believes that it can develop a prototype vaccine within 12 months versus the current standard of 18 to 24. We estimate that the
cost to bring these vaccines to market is $2-5 million. There is no assurance that we will be able to raise the capital necessary to bring a vaccine to market and if the capital is raised, that we will be able to comply with the government regulations involved in bringing such a product to market. The GES applied modular unit system utilizes robotics and is based on nucleic acid extraction in conjunction with F-PCR technology to develop gene expression assays. Using GES assays, vaccine efficacy can be measured quickly because it will be unnecessary to wait for the antibody response to measure how well the vaccine is working. F-PCR will allow effective quantification of the precise number of viral or bacterial genetic particles before, during and after vaccine injection(s). We anticipate that the more effective the vaccine is, the stronger the decrease of the infectious
disease particles will be.
GES SYSTEM
GES is a proprietary assay development system. To date, the system has been used to develop our TSE and Johne’s disease molecular assay. GES is a gene expression system to be used in our laboratory and will be marketed for commercial sale under the trade name HERDCHECK. The core of GES is Fluorogenic Polymerase Chain Reaction technology (F-PCR). GeneThera approaches the technical problems related to the use of conventional PCR in molecular diagnostics via our modular unit concept. Specifically, the modular unit consists of an Automated Nucleic Acid Workstation (ANAW) and a Sequence Detection System (SDS) that are integrated, allowing an operator to perform the
entire procedure of DNA extraction and F-PCR analysis within a closed computerized system. This system results in minimal intervention and non post-PCR manipulation. GES is a molecular genetic base system that utilizes Fluorogenic Polymerase Chain Reaction (F-PCR). Fluorogenic PCR (F-PCR) is a technology based on sequence specific hybridization between a nucleic acid target and a fluorogenic probe, a short sequence of DNA chemically treated to generate light at a specific wavelength, complementary to the target sequence. The probe consists of an oligonucleotide, a short synthetic DNA molecule, with two fluorescent molecules (a reporter and quencher dye) attached to both ends of the oligonucleotide. Due to the unique design of the Fluorogenic probe, the activity of the Taq Polymerase enzyme allows direct detection of PCR products by the release of the fluorogenic
reporter during PCR. The reporter and the quencher dye are linked at the end of the probe. When the probe is intact, the proximity of the reporter dye to the quencher dye results in a suppression of the reporter fluorescence. During PCR, if the target of interest is present, the probe specifically anneals between the forward and the reverse primer site. The nuclease activity of the Taq DNA Polymerase cleaves the probe between the reporter and the quencher only if the region binds to the target. If the probe is not bound then no cleavage occurs. After cleavage, the shortened probe dissociates from the target and the polymerization of the DNA strand continues. This process occurs in every cycle and does not interfere with the exponential accumulation of the product. The cleavage of the oligonucleotide between the reporter and the quencher dye results in
an increase of fluorescence of the reporter that is directly proportional to the amount of the product accumulated. The specificity of this 5’ nuclease assay results from the requirement of sequence complementary between probe and template in order for cleavage to occur. Thus, the fluorogenic signal is generated only if the target sequence of the probe is generated by PCR. No signal is generated by non-specific amplification.
10
To perform GES, specific laboratory equipment is needed. This involves some substantial initial costs to set up the laboratory operations. We have performed this substantial set up and are fully operational to perform GES. We currently have all the specific equipment necessary to further development. However, the use of F-PCR represents a great advantage over other available systems because of its greater sensitivity, speed, and accuracy.
The Automated Nucleic Acid Workstation is a highly flexible robotic system that extracts and purifies acids from a variety of complex samples, preparing them for F-PCR analysis. Data management system software includes a database to manage all run phases and record sample processing.
The Sequence Detection System detects the fluorescent signal generated by the cleavage of the reporter dye during each PCR cycle. This process confers specificity without the need of post-PCR hybridization. Most importantly, the SDS offers the advantage of monitoring real-time increases in fluorescence during PCR processing. Specifically, monitoring real-time progress of the PCR completely changes the approach to PCR-based quantitation of DNA and RNA, most particularly, in improving the precision in both detection and quantitation of DNA and RNA targets.
11
GeneThera currently faces limited competition in the use of F-PCR technology and the modular unit concept for commercial testing of either infectious disease in animals or food pathogen contamination. Currently, most labs utilize conventional microbiology, immunological or conventional PCR methods for either veterinary diseases or food pathogen contamination detection. Specific to microbiology and immunological techniques, the drawbacks of these approaches are:
1. The antibodies-based culture media used to detect the presence of infectious diseases has a low level of sensitivity; and
2. High background due to non-specific binding of antibodies and/or culture contamination; sample preparation and storage creates artifacts; and long, cumbersome protocols necessary to perform these tests.
A major technical limitation of conventional PCR is the risk of contaminating a specimen with the products of previously amplified sequences. Known as cross-contamination, this phenomenon represents a constant challenge to any lab using conventional PCR. Managing these challenges is cumbersome and difficult to streamline. Fluorogenic PCR (F-PCR) attempts to overcome these drawbacks by making it possible for PCR to efficiently test large numbers of samples even when major laboratory facilities are not readily available. A novel methodology, F-PCR allows quantitative and qualitative detection of specific nucleic acid sequences in a sensitive, accurate, and rapid
fashion.
PURIVAX™ TECHNOLOGY
GeneThera has developed a large-scale process for highly purified and high viral titer (viral concentration) Adenovirus and AAV genetically engineered viruses. This technology enables GeneThera to develop Adenovirus and AAV-based recombinant DNA vaccines for veterinary diseases and food pathogens. GeneThera’s PURIVAX™ is a purification system that dramatically improves biological purity and viral titer of recombinant Adenovirus and AAV vectors. PURIVAX™ is intended to completely eliminate toxic side effects associated with Adenoviruses and AAV vectors, thereby making it possible to develop highly immunogenic and safe recombinant DNA vaccines. Importantly,
recombinant DNA (rDNA) vaccine technology represents a powerful tool for an innovative vaccine design process known as “genetic immunization.”
Recombinant Adenovirus (rAD) and AAV (rAAV) vectors are the ideal candidates for a gene delivery system. These viruses can efficiently deliver genetic material to both dividing and non-dividing cells, thereby overcoming some of the obstacles encountered with first generation retroviral vectors.
Equally important, rAD and rAAV are engineered virus genomes that contain no viral gene. One of the key features for rAD and rAAV is their ability to infect a large variety of cells. However, two technical challenges had to be overcome to fully utilize rAD and rAAV in the development of rDNA vaccines:
1. Lack of large scale purification system; and
2. Low viral titer.
12
Traditional technologies and first generation chromatography processes are limited both in terms of purity and yield. And, due to the limitation of these purification technologies, adequate viral titers cannot be achieved. We believe that the result is that there is currently no efficient system to deliver immunogenic genetic sequences into cells.
This is the significance of GeneThera’s PURIVAX™, rAD and rAAV system for rDNA vaccine development. Succinctly stated, it is designed to be able to achieve both high purity and high viral titer (up to 10e16 viral particles/eulate) based on its propriety multi-resin anion exchange chromatography system. GeneThera believes that biological contaminants such as endogenous retrovirus, bacterial, mycoplasma, non-specific nucleic acids, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and endotoxins are eliminated during the purification process.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
GeneThera provides a comprehensive Johne’s solution that allows diagnosing, treating and managing herds at risk or already infected with Johne’s disease.
Our proprietary Integrated Product Development Platform (IPDP) is design to prevent the spread of Johne’s disease to healthy animals and at the same time allow to better control the disease in those herds where the disease is already present.
More importantly we believe that the GeneThera platform can prevent the spread of the Mycobacterium into the food chain. An important part of this strategy is GeneThera’s ability to detect the presence of a low number of infected particles in milk tested for the presence of the Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis. Therefore, our IPDP not only is able to detect Johne’s infected animals, but can also prevent potential human infections.
HERD GUARD
Herd Guard™ is our comprehensive Johne’s management solution that includes a diagnostic (HerdCheck™), a therapeutic (HerdSafe™), and a management system (HerdSoft™) to eradicate or mitigate Johne’s disease.
HERDCHECK™ (Molecular Test)
HerdCheck is our diagnostic product. Samples are collected using a Field Collection System with includes specific collection tubes and ship to a GeneThera laboratory for processing.
The major features of the testing system are:
|
High throughput system.
|
|
Capable of more than 20,000 tests per month.
|
|
Highly defined and structured testing system.
|
|
Proprietary Real Time PCR technology.
|
13
HERDSAFE™ (Genetic Therapy)
HerdSafe is our therapeutic product. HerdSafe is the large-scale purification and recombinant based DNA vaccine using Adenovirus and AVV genetically engineered viruses. (PURIVAX™)
HERDSOFT™ (Software Management)
HerdSoft™ is our comprehensive Johne’s disease management solution which is a web-based product connected to our data center. The management system will deliver results, collect data and incorporate environmental analysis to guide the client on therapy and management of their herd to control Johne’s disease in their facility.
DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE
HerdCheck
GeneThera has developed a molecular system for the detection of Johne’s disease in milk, blood and feces of dairy cows infected with the Mycobacterium paratuberculosis sub. Avium. (MAP). Samples from milk obtaining from supermarket shelves were either “spiked’ with different concentrations of MAP or ‘naturally processed. The bacterial DNA was isolated using both, manual and robotic- based DNA extraction procedures and analyzed using The Real Time PCR technology. Using this methodology we can detect between two (2) and twenty (20) bacterial particles from 10 ml of milk. We believe that our test will be very useful for early detection of MAP both in milk samples and
infected cows.
We are currently evaluating several robotic systems for DNA extraction. We believe that we can further increase the sensitivity of the molecular assay by using robotic driven DNA extraction methods.
GeneThera set up a molecular diagnostic laboratory in Monterrey Mexico, which will be operated by Applied Genetics, our majority owned subsidiary. The laboratory is scheduled to initiate commercial activity in the first part of 2012.
HerdSoft
To date we have developed a prototype computer program to track samples that will be received and processed in our commercial laboratory in Mexico. This program will initially be used to tack samples that will be sent out and received to our laboratory. We are presently working on improving the system in order to track samples during the different phases of DNA extraction procedures. In addition we are developing a data base system to store an analyze data collected during sample analysis.
14
HerdSafe
We are currently developing a vaccine for Johne’s disease. GeneThera approach for developing this vaccine is based on the use of PURIVAX technology, genetically engineered Adenoviral and AVV, and silencing RNA technology (iRNA). To date we have modified the Adenovirus by inserting a gene of the MAP bacterium responsible for triggering the infection in blood cell.
However at the present time we do not have the financial resources to implement further development work; therefore, we will need to raise substantial funding to continue the development of the Johne’s vaccine.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS
We anticipate that research and development (R&D) will be the source for both assay development and vaccine design/development. If we are able to develop assays for different diseases, we intend to formalize the procedure into a commercial application through a series of laboratories to be owned and operated by GeneThera. To date, we have introduced our diagnostic solution for Chronic Wasting Disease and Mad Cow Disease on a very limited basis. We anticipate that R&D will be ongoing during the life of the Company, as this is the source for new products to be introduced to the market. Our plan is to seek new innovations in the biotechnology field. We
cannot assure you that we will be successful in developing or validating any new assays or, if we are successful in developing and validating any such assays, that we can successfully commercialize them or earn profits from sales of those assays. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that we will be able to design, develop, or successfully commercialize any vaccines as a result of our research and development efforts.
It is GeneThera’s intention to continue with the research and development and validation of the molecular tests and DNA vaccines. Future plans comprises in initiating validation procedures for Johne’s disease molecular test. These validation protocols will be performed in Mexico. At the present time, we do not plan to initiate any validation protocol in the United States.
In parallel, we will continue R&D phases for both the Johne’s disease vaccine. We plan initiating an experimental animal protocol to determine the safety of our vaccines. We estimate that the experimental animal protocol may take up to a year. We project to initiate the experimental animal’s studies within 12-24 months.
R&D SERVICES
Molecular, Cellular, Viral Biology Research and Consulting Services. We provide independent research services to scientists in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and the biotechnology industry. Primarily, GeneThera expertise focuses on technology relevant to animal and human immunotherapy. These services are backed by the cumulative experiences of greater than 50 years of research and development in both government and industry by GeneThera senior scientists. GeneThera intends to develop a commercial-scale implementation of Adenovector Purification Process to support R&D material production.
Furthermore, GeneThera intends to evaluate and test commercially available expression vectors and incorporate them into its vector repertoire. These technologies are well established within the repertoire of GeneThera scientific staff. We cannot provide any assurance, however, that we will be able to successfully offer these services or that, if offered, we can provide them profitably.
15
Research & Development Services:
Molecular Biology:
Synthetic cDNA Construction
Prokaryotic Expression Vector Construction & Development
E. coli Expression Strain Evaluation
Pilot Scale Fermentation
Mammalian Expression Vector Construction & Development
Baculovirus Expression
Protein Isolation
Protein Engineering: Complement Determining Region Conjugated Proteins
Monoclonal Antibody Production Chimerization & Humanization
Vector design for Prokaryotic Expression of Antibody Fragments (Fab) and Single Chain Antibody (ScFv)
Pilot Scale-up Development
Process Purification & Characterization
Assay Development & Quality Control Pharmaceutical Dosage and Formulation
Gene Therapy Testing Services. GeneThera offers GLP (Good Laboratory Procedure) testing programs for somatic cell, viral and naked DNA-based gene therapies. Our scientists have over nine years of experience in providing fully integrated bio-safety testing programs for the cell and gene therapy fields. To date, the Company has not generated any revenues with regard to these services, and there is no assurance that we will generate any revenues from such services.
Replication-Competent Viral Vector Testing. Sensitive in vitro cell culture assays are used to detect replication-competent retroviruses or adenoviruses. GeneThera can work with clients to provide custom replication-competent virus detection assays for the particular vector construct.
Complete Somatic Cell and Viral Vector Packaging and Producer Cell Line Characterization. GeneThera offers all of the assays mandated by regulatory authorities worldwide for the bio-safety analysis and characterization of cells and cell lines used in gene therapy products.
Vector Stock Characterization. Custom purity and potency testing is available for gene therapy viral vector stocks.
Vector Purification Process Validation for Viral Clearance. Most biopharmaceuticals require viral clearance studies to validate the removal of potential contaminants, such as those from bovine components or from helper viruses (adenovirus in AAV production). GeneThera can provide custom design and performance of viral studies for various vector purification processes.
16
Custom Bio-safety Testing Programs for Somatic Cell, Ex Vivo Cell, and Tissue Therapies. GeneThera can guide our clients through the unique process of designing and implementing a bio-safety testing program that meets the needs of each specific project.
GeneThera is currently seeking contracts for these services and is in the final negotiation stage with a publicly traded company to perform these services on an annual basis. There is no assurance that any contracts will be signed or that the Company will generate significant revenues or profits from any such contracts.
MARKETING STRATEGY
GeneThera’s goal is to focus on the international markets, primarily South America, for the commercialization of its animal testing platform. The company has no plans to offer any veterinary services in the United States.
We have established our first molecular diagnostic laboratory in Mexico. It is our intention to set up a network of laboratories in Northern, Central and Southern Mexico, funding permitting.
Our marketing approach is to align ourselves with both, the private sector and government agencies.
Applied Genetics, a majority owned subsidiary of GeneThera is a molecular diagnostic company located in Monterrey Mexico. Applied Genetics focuses on the commercialization of molecular testing for Johne's disease. The company is located in a 2500 sq feet laboratory facility in San Pedro Garza. We are closely working with the largest Mexican University, the National University of Mexico, on validating Johne’s disease molecular testing. The goal of this validation study is to obtain Mexican Government approval of the Johne’s molecular test.
● Applied Genetics laboratory is outfitted with state of the art technology to ensure the validity of results.
● Sample collection, delivery procedure sets, and laboratory procedures are stringently implemented.
Applied Genetics employs GeneThera HERDCHECK™ proprietary technology for the molecular testing of Johne’s disease
Samples are collected using a field collection system (FCS), which includes specific collection tubes, and ship to Applied Genetics laboratory. The major features of the testing system are:
· High throughput system.
· Highly defined and structured testing system.
· Proprietary Real Time PCR technology.
17
SALES AND MARKETING
We are finalizing a marketing agreement with Nutricion Avanzada S.A. Nutricion Avanzada is the largest Mexican distributor of animal feed and has an extensive distribution network. Under the preliminary terms of the agreement Nutricion Avanzada will have 1) exclusive rights to market, sell and distribute GeneThera FCS
in Mexico; 2) will purchase product from GeneThera and resell it to third parties; 3) will purchase the product at a 30% discounted rate; 4) will cover expenses related to market, se and distribute the product. This agreement will have an initial one-year term renewable upon mutual agreement. We believe that this agreement will give us substantial market penetration and enable to avoid expending significant funds to developed a sales and marketing organization.
COMMERCIAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
In the event that we are able to develop assays for the detection of diseases in animals, we intend to establish a series of diagnostic testing laboratories geographically proximate to the primary sources of individual diseases and/or according to specific available operating efficiencies. The specific number of labs to be built and operated will be based on assay demand (demand facilitated by the number of specific disease assays GeneThera develops), our ability to obtain the capital to build the labs, and our ability to successfully manage them from our principal office. As of the date of this filing, we are in negotiations to establish one diagnostic testing laboratory
outside of our Colorado facility.
LICENSING
Through our licensing division, we intend to manage the marketing and sale of the vaccines developed by our R&D. As GeneThera does not intend to be a vaccine manufacturer, we plan to use our licensing division to license the technology related to any vaccines that may be developed and to manage the revenue potential available from the successful development and validation of specific vaccines. We cannot provide any assurance that we will develop any vaccines or that, if they are developed, we will be able to license them successfully or that any such license will produce significant revenues.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We do not own any patents on any of our technology and have not filed any applications for patents in any country. We cannot give any assurance that we will be able to file any patent applications or that, if we file one or more applications for patents, any patents will issue or that, if issued, the claims granted in any such patents will afford us adequate protection against competitors with similar technology.
We also depend upon the skills, knowledge, and experience of our scientific and technical personnel, none of which is patentable. To help protect our proprietary know-how which is not patentable, and for inventions for which patents may be difficult to endorse, we rely on trade secret protection to protect our interests.
18
COMPETITION
We face competition from many companies, universities, and research institutions in the United States and abroad. Virtually all of our competitors have substantially greater resources, experience in product commercialization, and obtaining regulatory approvals for their products, operating experience, research and development, marketing capabilities, and manufacturing capabilities that we do. We will face competition from companies marketing existing products or developing new products for diseases targeted by our technologies. The development of new products for those diseases for which we are attempting to develop products could render our product candidates noncompetitive
and obsolete.
Our current competitors include primarily, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Academic and government institutions are also carrying out a significant amount of research in the field of veterinary health, particularly in the field of Johne’s disease. We anticipate that these institutions will become more aggressive in pursuing patent protection and negotiating licensing arrangements to collect royalties for use of technology that they have developed and to market commercial products similar to those that we seek to develop, either on their own or in collaboration with competitors. Any resulting increase in the cost or decrease in the availability of technology or product candidates from
these institutions may affect our business.
Competition with respect to our veterinary technologies and potential products is and will be based, among other things, on effectiveness, safety, reliability, availability, price, and patent protection. Another important factor will be the timing of market introduction of products that we may develop and for which we may receive regulatory approval. Accordingly, the speed with which we can develop products, complete the required animal studies or trials and approval processes and ultimately supply commercial quantities of the products to the market is expected to be an important competitive factor. Our competitive position will also depend upon our ability to attract and retain qualified
personnel, to obtain patent protection or otherwise develop propriety products or processes, and to secure sufficient capital resources for the often-substantial period between technological conception and commercial sales.
Several attempts have been made to develop technologies that compete with F-PCR. To our knowledge none of these technologies have resulted to date in any product available on the market. The field of biotechnology is very dynamic. The possibility that more advanced technologies could be developed into products that may compete with ours is very strong. However, it is very difficult to predict the length of time necessary for this scenario to take place.
19
MANUFACTURING
We do not manufacture any products in Mexico. We rely on Nutricion Avanzada facilities in Apodaca, Mexico for manufacturing and assembling of our Field Collection System. We do not intend to establish a manufacturing facility to manufacture any products that we may develop in Mexico. We do not intent to manufacture, sell, and distribute any diagnostic or therapeutic product in the United States in the foreseeable future.
PRODUCT LIABILITY
The testing, manufacturing, and marketing of the Company’s proposed products involves an inherent risk of product liability attributable to unwanted and potentially serious health effects in animals that may receive any vaccines that we may develop and market. To the extent we elect to test, manufacture, or market veterinary vaccines and other products, we will bear the risk of product liability directly. We do not currently have product liability insurance. There is no guarantee that we can obtain product liability insurance at a reasonable cost, or at all, or that the amount of such insurance will be adequate to cover any liability that we may be exposed to. In
the absence of such insurance, one or more product liability lawsuits against us can be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business and could result in our ceasing operations.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
Our unique approach to the testing for various animal diseases allows us to begin commercialization of its diagnostic tests without the need for a long and enduring approval process from the USDA. However it is our intention not to seek, in the foreseeable future, any approval either from the USDA or the FDA for any of the products we develop both, diagnostic or therapeutic. It is our intention to perform any validation or clinical trials of our product abroad and primarily in Mexico where our commercial operation is located. SAGARPA is the Mexican Government Agency that regulates and approves animal tests and vaccines; we have
initiated the formal approval process for our HerdCheck molecular system. SAGARPA will require a validation study to be performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system. Validation studies will be performed according to SAGARPA guidelines. We have submitted an application outlining a protocol for animal studies. Validation studies will be conducted in collaboration with The Center of Training, Research, and Expansion of High Plateau Animal Production of the School of Veterinary Medicine (C.E.I.E.P.A.A) of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). UNAM is a federal institution credited with SAGARPA. We expect the validation study to be completed within a 12-month period.
ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS
We encounter various risks related to our business and our industry. While the Company is optimistic about its long term prospects, the following risk factors should be considered in evaluating its outlook.
20
There is a substantial doubt about GeneThera’s ability to continue as an on-going concern.
GeneThera has had negligible revenues since inception, had a negative working capital deficit and an accumulated deficit of $3,062,584 and $20,555,008, respectively as of December 31, 2011, and had a net loss of $1,121,884 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Because of these circumstances, GeneThera will require additional working capital to develop business operations. There is no assurance that GeneThera will reach a level of revenues adequate to generate sufficient cash flow from operation or obtain additional financing necessary to support GeneThera’s operating expense requirements. If financing is available, it may involve issuing securities senior to our common stock. In
addition, in the event we do not raise additional capital from conventional sources, such as our existing investors or commercial banks, there is every likelihood that our growth will be restricted and we may be forced to scale back or curtail implementing our business plan.
If a Loss of Key Personnel Will Occur This Event Could Adversely Affect the Company.
The Company depends to a large part on the efforts and continued employment of Antonio Milici, M.D., Ph.D., our President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of Mr. Milici will have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations (if any) and financial condition of the Company. In addition, the loss of Mr. Milici may force the Company to seek a replacement who may have less experience, fewer contacts, or less understanding of the business. Further, we may be unable to find a suitable replacement for Mr. Milici, which could force the Company to curtail its operations and/or cause any investment in the Company to become
worthless. The Company does not have an employment agreement with Mr. Milici.
If the Company fails to attract and retain additional highly skilled personnel, operations will suffer.
Finding qualified personnel in the biotechnology industry is very challenging. Smaller biotechnology companies are always at a disadvantage because of its limited financial resources. The Company has been unable at this time to hire any additional qualified personnel. If the Company is unable to hire additional personnel this may result in a substantial delay of its R&D and commercial operations.
If the Company fails to attract significant additional capital, the Company may be unable to continue developing its products.
From the beginning of its operation, GeneThera has obtained limited funding to implement its business strategy. The Company believes it will require significant additional funding in order to achieve its business plan. Over the next 12 months, in order to have the capability of achieving its business plan, the Company will require at least $5,000,000 in additional funding. There are no guarantees that the Company will be able to secure such financing, and if the financing is secured, there are no guarantees whether the Company can fully achieve the goals laid out in its business plan. If financing is available, it may involve issuing securities senior to our common
stock. In addition, in the event we do not raise additional capital from conventional sources, such as our existing investors or commercial banks, there is every likelihood that our growth will be restricted and we may be forced to scale back or curtail implementing our business plan.
21
Rapid growth may place significant demands on our resources.
We expect significant expansion of our operations, funding permitting, moving forward. Our anticipated future growth will place a significant demand on our managerial, operational and financial resources due to:
* The need to manage relationships with various strategic partners and other third parties.
* Difficulties in hiring and retaining skilled personnel necessary to support our business.
* The need to train and manage a growing employee base.
* Pressures for the continued development of our financial and information management systems.
If we have not made adequate allowances for the costs and risks associated with this expansion or if our systems, procedures, or controls are not adequate to support our operations, our business could be harmed.
The Company may not be able to comply with Government regulations.
The Company is subject to or affected by laws and regulations that govern, for example: the vaccination of animals for certain diseases. The failure to comply with these laws and regulations, or to obtain applicable governmental approvals, could result in the imposition of penalties, cause delays in, or make impossible, the marketing of our products and services.
The Company may be unable to compete against other more establish biotech of pharmaceutical companies.
The Company operates in a very competitive and difficult area. Biotechnology business is notoriously difficult and risky. The Company competes with other more established and better funded companies in the United States and overseas that are involved in the development of similar products. Several of these companies have significantly greater financial resources as well as greater production and marketing capabilities. The field of Biotechnology requires extensive research and development. Better funded competitors may be able to develop and market superior or less expensive products which will make the Company’s products
less valuable or unmarketable.
22
The Company has limited Government Regulatory Experience.
The Company has never successfully undertaken a clinical trial for animal testing. Our experience in this area is limited. The Company has never obtained regulatory approvals for any of its products. As such, the Company may be unable to ever successfully undertake a clinical trial of its products, and may be forced to curtail or abandon its current business plan.
The Company has a history of operating losses.
We have generated no revenues to date from our operations. Historically we have had net operating losses each year since our inception. Additionally even if we are able to commercialize our technology or any products it is not certain that will result in revenues or profitability.
The Company relies on third parties for sale, distribution and manufacturing.
We do not have any “in house” sale, distribution or manufacturing capabilities. The success of our operations depends entirely by the ability of our marketing partner Nutricion Avanzada to sell our tests and products to the dairy and cattle industry.
The Company has a limited operating history on which investors may evaluate our operation and prospects for profitable operations
If we continue to suffer losses as we have in the past, investors may not receive any return on their investments. Our prospects must be consider speculative in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stages of development. A substantial risk is involved in investing in the company because we have fewer resources than established companies.
The company depends on new and rapidly evolving technologies
We are engaged in activities in the biotechnology field, which is characterized by extensive research effort and rapid technological progress. If we fail to anticipate or respond adequately to technological developments, our ability to operate profitably could suffer. We can not assure that research and discoveries by other biotechnology, agriculture, pharmaceutical or other companies will not render our technologies or products uneconomical or result in products superior to those we develop, depend on new and evolving technologies. If these technologies do not produce satisfactory results our business maybe harmed.
23
Over the last year we have narrowed our potential product development to focus on the molecular testing of Johne’s disease.
Due to the increase cost of R&D and the very challenging economic environment we have decided to concentrate our efforts in the development of a commercial platform for the diagnostic of Johne’s disease. As a result, the success of the company depends entirely on being able to commercialize our product. If we are unable to achieve this goal, the Company’s operations could greatly suffer and any investment in the Company could be lost.
The Company may not obtain foreign regulatory approval to market any of our products.
If we fail to obtain regulatory approval of any of our products, we will not be permitted to market our products and may be forced to cease operations.
Our technology is not protected by patents.
Our technology and know-out is not patented. We rely on trade secrets to protect our intellectual property. We cannot assure, however, that these trade secrets will provide meaningful protection for our intellectual property. Furthermore, in absence of patent protection, competitors who independently develop substantially equivalent technology may harm our business.
The Company may not be able to raise the required capital to conduct our operations and develop and commercialize our products.
We require substantial additional resources in order to conduct our operations and develop and commercialize our products and run our facilities. We will need significant additional funds or a collaborative partner, or both, finance research and development activities of our potential products. Accordingly we are continuing to pursue additional sources of financing. Additional financing through strategic collaborations, public or private equity financing sources may not be available on accepted terms. Additionally equity financing could result in significant dilution to our shareholders. Further, if additional funds are obtained
through arrangements with collaborative partners, these arrangements may require us to relinquish rights to some of our technologies, or products that we would otherwise seek to develop and commercialize on our own. If sufficient capital is not available, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate one or more of our programs or potential products any of which could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition or business prospect
24
We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, increased costs and risks as a result of being a public company.
As a public company, we are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or SOX, as well as rules and regulations implemented by the SEC. Changes in the laws and regulations affecting public companies, including the provisions of SOX and rules adopted by the SEC, have resulted in, and will continue to result in, increased costs to us as we respond to these requirements. Given the risks inherent in the design and operation of internal controls over financial reporting, the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting is uncertain. If our internal controls are not designed or operating effectively, we may not be able to issue an evaluation of our internal control over
financial reporting as required or we or our independent registered public accounting firm may determine that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective. In addition, our registered public accounting firm may either disclaim an opinion as it relates to management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls or may issue an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Investors may lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could cause the market price of our common stock to decline and which could affect our ability to run our business as we otherwise would like to. New rules could also make it more difficult or more costly for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept reduced
policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the coverage that is the same or similar to our current coverage. The impact of these events could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our Board of Directors, our board committees, and as executive officers. We cannot predict or estimate the total amount of the costs we may incur or the timing of such costs to comply with these rules and regulations.
Compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will continue to strain our limited financial and management resources.
We incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses in connection with our status as a fully reporting public company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and new rules subsequently implemented by the SEC have imposed various new requirements on public companies, including requiring changes in corporate governance practices. As such, our management and other personnel need to devote a substantial amount of time to these new compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations have increased our legal and financial compliance costs and made some activities more time-consuming and costly. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal
controls for financial reporting and disclosure of controls and procedures. Our testing may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. Our compliance with Section 404 requires that we incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management efforts. We may need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm identifies deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our stock could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory
authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.
25
Investors May Face Significant Restrictions On The Resale Of Our Common Stock Due To Federal Regulations Of Penny Stocks.
Our common stock will be subject to the requirements of Rule 15g-9, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act as long as the price of our common stock is below $5.00 per share. Under such rule, broker-dealers who recommend low-priced securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors must satisfy special sales practice requirements, including a requirement that they make an individualized written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's consent prior to the transaction. The Securities Enforcement Remedies and Penny Stock Reform Act of 1990, also requires additional disclosure
in connection with any trades involving a stock defined as a penny stock. Generally, the Commission defines a penny stock as any equity security not traded on an exchange or quoted on NASDAQ that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. The required penny stock disclosures include the delivery, prior to any transaction, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with it. Such requirements could severely limit the market liquidity of the securities and the ability of purchasers to sell their securities in the secondary market.
In addition, various state securities laws impose restrictions on transferring "penny stocks" and as a result, investors in the common stock may have their ability to sell their shares of the common stock impaired.
Shareholders May Be Diluted Significantly Through Our Efforts To Obtain Financing And Satisfy Obligations Through The Issuance Of Additional Shares Of Our Common Stock.
We have no committed source of financing. Wherever possible, our Board of Directors will attempt to use non-cash consideration to satisfy obligations. In many instances, we believe that the non-cash consideration will consist of restricted shares of our common stock. Our Board of Directors has authority, without action or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of the authorized but unissued shares of common stock. In addition, if a trading market develops for our common stock, we may attempt to raise capital by selling shares of our common stock, possibly at a discount to market. These actions will result in dilution of the
ownership interests of existing shareholders, may further dilute common stock book value, and that dilution may be material. Such issuances may also serve to enhance existing management’s ability to maintain control of the Company because the shares may be issued to parties or entities committed to supporting existing management.
The market price of our common stock historically has been volatile.
The market price of our common stock historically has fluctuated significantly based on, but not limited to, such factors as general stock market trends, announcements of developments related to our business, actual or anticipated variations in our operating results, and our ability or inability to generate new revenues.
26
Our common stock is traded on the OTC Pink market under the symbol “GTHR.” In recent years, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price fluctuations that have oftentimes been unrelated to the operating performance of the affected companies. Similarly, the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly based upon factors unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rates or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We currently have a sporadic, illiquid, volatile market for our common stock, and the market for our common stock may remain sporadic, illiquid, and volatile in the future.
We currently have a highly sporadic, illiquid and volatile market for our common stock, which market is anticipated to remain sporadic, illiquid and volatile in the future and will likely be subject to wide fluctuations in response to several factors, including, but not limited to:
|
·
|
actual or anticipated variations in our results of operations;
|
|
·
|
our ability or inability to generate revenues;
|
|
·
|
the number of shares in our public float;
|
|
·
|
increased competition; and
|
|
·
|
conditions and trends in the market for our services.
|
Furthermore, because our common stock is traded on the OTC Pink market, our stock price may be impacted by factors that are unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rates or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Shareholders and potential investors in our common stock should exercise caution before making an investment in our Company, and should not rely on the publicly quoted or traded stock prices in determining our common stock value, but should instead determine the value of our common stock based on
the information contained in our public reports, industry information, and those business valuation methods commonly used to value private companies.
ITEM 2: DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
We lease approximately 9,600 square feet for our biotechnology laboratory located at 7577 W. 103rd Ave. in Westminster, Colorado 80021. The lease terminates January 31, 2014. The rent is $7,000 per month for the first 14 months, $10,970 per month for months 15 through 26 and $12,584 per month for the remainder of the lease. We sub-lease 700 square feet of office space to GTI Corporate Transfer Agents, LLC, a related party, located in Suite 209. The lease is on a three-year basis and the rent is $1,000 per month until January 31, 2014. We do not own any real estate property. If we are able to
develop assays for different diseases, we intend to formalize the procedure into a commercial application through a series of laboratories to be owned and operated by GeneThera. Currently, we do not have the funds to purchase or construct any such laboratories and do not have commitment from any party to provide the funds for a laboratory.
27
Applied Genetics, our Mexico subsidiary leases approximately 2,500 square feet of office and laboratory space located at 1007 Avenida Lazaro Cardenas, San Pedro Garza, in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The lease terminates in June 2016. The rent is $4,300 per month.
ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On June 6, 2006, the Internal Revenue Service filed a Federal Tax Lien at the Jefferson County Recorder in the State of Colorado in the amount of $29,321. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
On June 29, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service filed a Federal Tax Lien at the Jefferson County Recorder in the State of Colorado the amount of $1,983. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
On June 6, 2008, Mark A. Shoemaker filed a Civil Judgment at the LA County/Recorder of Deeds Court in the amount of $37,721. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
In June 2009, James Tufts filed a complaint at the Small Claims Court in Jefferson County CO in the amount of $4,000 plus expenses from a London trip. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
On June 26, 2009, Enterprise Leasing Company of Denver filed a Civil Judgment at the Jefferson County District Court in the State of Colorado in the amount of $78,178. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
On August 17, 2010, Banc of America Leasing filed a Civil Judgment at the Oakland County District in Troy, Michigan in the amount of $24,002. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
On September 23, 2010, Liberty Acquisitions filed a Civil Judgment at the Jefferson County Court in the State of Colorado in the amount of $3,300. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
On February 10, 2009, Centennial Credit Corporation filed a Civil Judgment at the Jefferson County Court in the amount of $967. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
On August 29, 2011, GeneThera had a court hearing concerning a litigation filed by The Park III related to unpaid rent according to our lease agreement. The District Court of Boulder entered a judgment against the Company in the amount of $77,000. The Company has not satisfied the judgment.
28
ITEM 4:
|
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
|
None
ITEM 5:
|
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
|
Our common stock currently trades on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol GTHR under Pink Sheets. The following sets forth the rank of high and low bid quotations for the periods indicated as reported by Nasdaq. Such quotations reflect prices between dealers, without retail markup, markdown or commission, and may not represent actual transactions.
Year
|
Quarter
|
High
|
Low
|
|||||||
2011
|
Fourth
|
$ | 0.07 | $ | 0.008 | |||||
Third
|
0.03 | 0.003 | ||||||||
Second
|
0.01 | 0.005 | ||||||||
First
|
0.01 | 0.003 | ||||||||
2010
|
Fourth
|
$ | 0.02 | $ | 0.003 | |||||
Third
|
0.02 | 0.004 | ||||||||
Second
|
0.02 | 0.01 | ||||||||
First
|
0.03 | 0.01 |
ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable for smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 7:
|
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FIANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULT OF OPERATIONS
|
FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Sections of this Form 10-K, including the Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation, contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You
should not unduly rely on these statements. Forward-looking statements involve assumptions and describe our plans, strategies, and expectations. You can generally identify a forward-looking statement by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “plans,” “goal,” “potential,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intent,” “project,” and similar words and variations thereof. This report contains forward-looking statements that address, among other things,
29
* Our financing plans
* Regulatory environments in which we operate or plan to operate
* Trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations
* The impact of competition, the start-up of certain operations and acquisition opportunities.
Factors, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements (“Cautionary Statements”) include, among others,
* Our ability to raise capital
* Our ability to execute our business strategy in a very competitive environment
* Our degree of financial leverage
* Risks associated with our acquiring and integrating companies into our own
* Risks relating to rapidly developing technology
* Regulatory considerations
* Risks related to international economies
* Risks related to market acceptance and demand for our products and services
* The impact of competitive services and pricing
* Other risks referenced from time to time in our SEC filings
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or anyone acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. We do not undertake any obligations to publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect unanticipated events that may occur.
You should read the following discussion of our results and plan of operation in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Statements in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation that are not statements of historical or current objective fact are “forward-looking statements.”
OVERVIEW
We have developed proprietary diagnostic assays for use in the agricultural and veterinary markets. Specific assays for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) (among elk and deer) and Mad Cow Disease (among cattle) have been developed and are available currently on a limited basis. E. coli (predominantly cattle) and Johne’s disease (predominantly cattle and bison) diagnostics are in development. We are also working on vaccine solutions to meet the growing demands of today’s veterinary industry and tomorrow’s agriculture and healthcare industries. The Company is organized and operated both to continually apply its scientific research to more effective management
of diseases and, in so doing, realize the commercial potential of molecular biotechnology.
30
We have not generated significant operating revenues and, as of December 31, 2011. Our ability to generate substantial operating revenue will depend on our ability to develop and obtain approval for molecular assays and developing therapeutic vaccines for the detection and prevention of food contaminating pathogens, veterinary diseases, and diseases affecting human health.
Our independent auditors have expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern in their report on our consolidated financial statements for 2011. For 2011 and 2010, our operating losses were $1,121,884 and $483,531, respectively. Our current liabilities exceeded current assets by $3,062,584 and $2,614,277 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Although, we completed an equity financing with gross proceeds of approximately $1.1 million in 2005, we will require significant additional funding in order to achieve our business plan. Over the next 12 months, in order to have the capability of achieving our business plan, we believe that we will require at least $5,000,000 in additional funding. We will attempt to raise these funds by both means of one or more private offerings of debt or equity securities and revenues generated by our Project in Mexico. At this time, we have commitments for additional capital funds. This amount may exceed an additional $1,000,000 depending on cost involved in the further development and commercialization of our products. In such event,
we may need immediate additional funding. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors including, but not limited to, the timing of further development of assays to detect the presence of infectious disease from the blood of live animals, our hiring of additional personnel, the applications for, and receipt of, regulatory approvals for any veterinary vaccines that we may develop, and other factors. Our ability to raise capital will increase our ability to implement our business plan.
Over the next 12 months, we expect significant purchases and/or sales of plant or equipment and significant changes in the number of our employees for any off-balance sheet arrangements that will have current and future effect on our financial condition.
We also expect to spend a significant amount of our capital on research and development activities for commercialization relating to development and vaccine design/development. When we are able to develop assays for different diseases, we intend to formalize the procedure into a commercial application through a series of laboratories to be owned and operated by GeneThera. To date, we have introduced our diagnostic solution for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Mad Cow Disease on a very limited basis. We anticipate that significant funds will be spent on research and development throughout the life of the Company, as this is the source for new products to be introduced to the
market. Our plan is to seek new innovations in the biotechnology field. We may be successful in developing or validating any new assays and, when we are successful in developing and validating any such assays, we may be able to successfully commercialize them or earn profits from sales of those assays. Furthermore, we may be able to design, develop, or successfully commercialize vaccines as a result of our research and development efforts.
31
Subsequent Events
On January 3, 2012 GeneThera acquired an additional 40% ownership in Applied Genetics. Following the acquisition GeneThera holds a majority ownership of 90% of the Applied Genetics Class A stocks.
On February 1, 2012 Applied Genetics/GeneThera entered into a Sales and Marketing Agreement with Nutricion Avanzada. Under the terms of this agreement GeneThera grants Nutricion Avanzada exclusive rights in Mexico to buy directly from Applied Genetics and resell, to third parties GeneThera’s FCS.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has an outstanding loan payable to Antonio Milici, its President and shareholder amounting to $645,419 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This outstanding loan to the Company is unsecured and non-interest bearing.
At December 31, 2011, the Company has $3,765 receivable from Setna Holding, LLC, a related party. The Company has an outstanding loan payable to Setna Holding, LLC, a related party amounting to $31,513 as of December 31, 2010. This outstanding loan to the Company is unsecured and non-interest bearing.
GTI Corporate Transfer Agents, LLC is the Company’s transfer agent. Ms. Michelle Torres became the Board Member of GTI Corporate Transfer Agents, LLC with a one-third ownership and/or interest. Ms. Tannya Irizarry has a one-third ownership and/or interest; the remaining one-third ownership belongs to Ms. Krystle Rundle.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010
For 2011, the Company has a net loss of $1,121,884 or net loss per share of $0.05, and $0 of revenue as compared with a net loss of $483,531, or $0.02 per share, and revenue of $0 for 2010.
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses increased to $774,552 for 2011 compared to $162,855 for 2010. The increase was largely due to $488,066 of stock compensation expense incurred in 2011.
32
Consulting Expenses: Consulting expenses decreased to $23,084 for 2011 compared to $25,550 for 2010.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense: Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased to $4,363 for 2011 compared to $8,559 for 2010.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We had a cash balance of $1,436 as of December 31, 2011 and a cash balance of $7 as of December 31, 2010. Our current cash balance is not sufficient to fund our business objectives and we will need significant additional capital over the next 12-18 months in order to fund our planned operations. We may be unable to secure any additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, if at all.
Since we completed the reverse merger with Hand Brand Distribution, Inc., we have financed our operations, in large part, by private placements of our common and preferred stock and promissory notes convertible into our common stock. We have raised an aggregate of approximately $2.7 million through such sales, including the sale of approximately $1.1 million of our preferred stock in January 2005.
We will require significant additional funding in order to achieve our business plan. Specifically, we intend to spend significant funds on validating and testing our products, seeking necessary regulatory approvals and focusing on international expansion. Over the next 12 month, in order to have the capability of achieving our business plan, we believe that we will require at least $5,000,000. We will attempt to raise these funds by means of one or more private offerings of debt or equity securities or both. We may not be able to secure the financing that we believe is necessary to implement our strategic objectives and, even if additional financing is secured, we may
not achieve our strategic objectives. As of the date of this Report, we do not have any firm commitments from any investors for any additional funding.
Our longer-term working capital and capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors, including revenue and profit generation, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, the timing and cost of obtaining regulatory approvals, the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights, competing technological and market developments, collaborative arrangements. Additional capital will be required in order to attain such goals. Such additional funds may not become available on acceptable terms and we cannot give any assurance that any additional funding that we do obtain will be sufficient to meet our needs in the long
term.
33
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In December 2001, the SEC requested that all registrants discuss their most “critical accounting policies” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition or Plan of Operation. The SEC indicated that a “critical account policy” is one which is both important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in this
Report.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
The Company does not expect the adoption of any recently issued accounting pronouncements to have a significant effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2011, we had a total of two full-time employees who devoted substantial effort on our behalf. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit. We entered into an employment agreement with Antonio Milici, M.D., Ph.D., to serve as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer through January 7, 2012. In consideration for his services, Dr. Milici will receive a base salary of $144,000 per annual plus bonuses as may be determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion. As part of his employment agreement, Dr. Milici is subject to non-disclosure and non-competition obligations and has transferred to the Company all
of his interests in any idea, concept, technique, invention or written work. We also entered into an employment agreement with Tannya L. Irizarry to serve as our Chief Administrative Officer through January 7, 2012. Ms. Irizarry’s base salary is $135,000 per annum. The above salaries have been accrued to be paid in common stock shares from the Company. There are no employee issues at this time.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
We anticipate that R&D will be the source for both assay development and vaccine design/development. If we are able to develop assays for different diseases, we intend to formalize the procedure into a commercial application through a series of laboratories to be owned and operated by us. To date, we have introduced our diagnostic solution for Chronic Wasting Disease and Mad Cow Disease on a very limited basis. We anticipate that R&D will be ongoing during the life of the Company, as this is the source for new products to be introduced to the market. Our plan is to seek new innovations in the biotechnology field. We cannot assure you that we will be
successful in developing or validating any new assays or, if we are successful in developing and validating any such assays, that we can successfully commercialize them or earn profits from sales of those assays. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that we will be able to design, develop, or successfully commercialize any vaccines as a result of our research and development efforts.
34
COMMERCIAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
In the event that we are able to develop assays for the detection of diseases in animals, we intend to establish a series of diagnostic testing laboratories geographically proximate to the primary sources of individual diseases and/or according to specific available operating efficiencies. The specific number of labs to be built and operated will be based on assay demand (demand facilitated by the number of specific disease assays GeneThera develops), our ability to obtain the capital to build the labs, and our ability to successfully manage them from our principal office.
PROPERTIES
We lease approximately 9,600 square feet for our biotechnology laboratory located at 7577 W. 103rd Ave. in Westminster, Colorado 80021. The lease terminates January 31, 2014. The rent is $7,000 per month for the first 14 months, $10,970 per month for months 15 through 26 and $12,584 per month for the remainder of the lease. We sub-lease 700 square feet of office space to GTI Corporate Transfer Agents, LLC, a related party, located in Suite 209. The lease is $1,000 per month until January 31, 2014. If we are able to develop assays for different diseases, we intend to formalize the procedure into a
commercial application through a series of laboratories to be owned and operated by GeneThera. Currently, we do not have the funds to purchase or construct any such laboratories and do not have a commitment from any party to provide the funds for a laboratory.
35
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENT
GENETHERA, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
36
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
GeneThera, Inc.
Westminster, Colorado
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GeneThera, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of GeneThera, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has no revenues, no historical profitability, and has limited available funds that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
Houston, Texas
April 12, 2012
37
GeneThera, Inc. - Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011
|
December 31, 2010
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||
Current assets
|
||||||||
Cash
|
$ | 1,436 | $ | 7 | ||||
Receivable-related party
|
3,765 | - | ||||||
Prepaid expenses
|
- | 2,656 | ||||||
Total current assets
|
5,201 | 2,663 | ||||||
Property and equipment
|
||||||||
Office and laboratory equipment and leasehold improvements
|
766,851 | 729,078 | ||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation
|
(729,237 | ) | (724,874 | ) | ||||
Total property and equipment, net
|
37,614 | 4,204 | ||||||
Other assets
|
7,000 | 7,000 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS
|
$ | 49,815 | $ | 13,867 | ||||
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
|
||||||||
Current liabilities
|
||||||||
Accounts payable
|
$ | 656,703 | $ | 608,333 | ||||
Accounts payable-related party
|
361 | 31,513 | ||||||
Accrued expenses
|
1,447,282 | 1,292,975 | ||||||
Notes payable
|
10,800 | 10,800 | ||||||
Convertible notes payable
|
307,220 | 27,900 | ||||||
Loan from shareholder
|
645,419 | 645,419 | ||||||
Total liabilities
|
3,067,785 | 2,616,940 | ||||||
Stockholders' deficit:
|
||||||||
Series A preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, 20,000,000
|
||||||||
shares authorized, 4,600 shares and 4,600 shares issued and outstanding
|
||||||||
as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively
|
5 | 5 | ||||||
Series B preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, 30,000,000
|
||||||||
shares authorized, 15,410,000 and 6,320,000 shares issued and outstanding
|
||||||||
as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively
|
15,410 | 6,320 | ||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 300,000,000
|
||||||||
shares authorized, 23,710,596 and 21,865,913 shares issued and
|
||||||||
outstanding as of December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively
|
23,710 | 21,866 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital
|
17,480,582 | 16,822,944 | ||||||
Deficit accumulated during the development stage
|
(20,555,008 | ) | (19,454,208 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders' deficit of Genethera, Inc.
|
(3,035,301 | ) | (2,603,073 | ) | ||||
Non-controlling interest
|
17,331 | - | ||||||
Total stockholders’ deficit
|
(3,017,970 | ) | (2,603,073 | ) | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
|
$ | 49,815 | $ | 13,867 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated audited financial statements.
38
GeneThera, Inc. - Consolidated Statements of Operations
Year Ended
|
||||||||
December 31,
|
||||||||
2011
|
2010
|
|||||||
Expenses
|
||||||||
Consulting
|
$ | 23,084 | $ | 25,550 | ||||
General and administrative expenses
|
774,552 | 162,855 | ||||||
Payroll expenses
|
279,000 | 279,000 | ||||||
Depreciation
|
4,363 | 8,559 | ||||||
Laboratory expenses
|
33,387 | 6,940 | ||||||
Total operating expenses
|
1,114,386 | 482,904 | ||||||
Loss from operations
|
1,114,386 | 482,904 | ||||||
Other expenses
|
||||||||
Interest expense
|
6,634 | 627 | ||||||
Foreign exchange loss
|
864 | - | ||||||
Total other expense
|
7,498 | 627 | ||||||
Net loss
|
$ | $ 1,121,884 | $ | $ 483,531 | ||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
|
$ | 21,084 | $ | - | ||||
Net loss attributable to Genethera, Inc.
|
$ | 1,100,800 | $ | 483,531 | ||||
Loss per common share - Basic and diluted
|
$ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding -
|
||||||||
Basic and diluted
|
24,411,933 | 22,380,127 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated audited financial statements.
39
GENETHERA, Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS DEFICIT
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
Additional
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series A Preferred Stock
|
Series B Preferred Stock
|
Common Stock
|
Paid-in
|
Accumulated
|
Non-controlling
|
Stockholders'
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Capital
|
Deficit
|
Interest
|
Deficit
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
4,600 | $ | 5 | 6,320,000 | $ | 6,320 | 21,147,547 | $ | 21,148 | $ | 16,798,112 | $ | (18,970,677 | )- | $ | - | $ | (2,145,092 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for consulting services
|
- | - | - | - | 1,150,000 | 1,150 | 24,400 | - | - | 25,550 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares cancelled
|
- | - | - | - | (431,634 | ) | (432 | ) | 432 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | (483,531 | ) | - | (483,531 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2010
|
4,600 | $ | 5 | 6,320,000 | $ | 6,320 | 21,865,913 | $ | 21,866 | $ | 16,822,944 | $ | (19,454,208 | ) | $ | - | $ | (2,603,073 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for consulting services
|
- | - | - | - | 1,283,001 | 1,283 | 32,283 | - | - | 33,566 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock for cash
|
- | - | - | - | 1,600,000 | 1,600 | 27,210 | - | - | 28,810 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for note conversion
|
- | - | - | - | 2,467,200 | 2,467 | 174,229 | - | - | 176,696 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued to officers
|
- | - | 9,090,000 | 9,090 | - | - | 445,410 | - | - | 454,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares repurchased
|
- | - | - | - | (3,505,518 | ) | (3,506 | ) | (21,494 | ) | - | - | (25,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contributions by non-controlling interest
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 38,415 | 38,415 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1,100,800 | ) | (21,084 | ) | (1,121,884 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011
|
4,600 | $ | 5 | 15,410,000 | $ | 15,410 | 23,710,596 | $ | 23,710 | $ | 17,480,582 | $ | (20,555,008 | ) | $ | 17,331 | $ | (3,017,970 | ) |
See accompanying notes to consolidated audited financial statements.
40
GeneThera, Inc. - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Year Ended
|
||||||||
December 31,
|
||||||||
2011
|
2010
|
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities
|
||||||||
Net loss
|
$ | (1,121,884 | ) | $ | (483,531 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
|
||||||||
used in operating activities:
|
||||||||
Stock-based compensation
|
488,066 | 25,550 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
4,363 | 8,559 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||
Prepaid expenses
|
2,656 | (914 | ) | |||||
Other assets
|
(7,000 | ) | ||||||
Receivable due from related party
|
(3,765 | ) | - | |||||
Accounts payable - related parties
|
(31,152 | ) | 20,943 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
269,326 | 404,253 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities
|
(392,390 | ) | (32,140 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities
|
||||||||
Cash paid for purchase of property and equipment
|
(37,773 | ) | - | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(37,773 | ) | - | |||||
Cash flows from financing activities
|
||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of stock
|
28,810 | 34,700 | ||||||
Capital contribution by non-controlling interest
|
38,415 | |||||||
Proceeds from convertible notes
|
364,367 | - | ||||||
Payments for loans payable
|
- | (2,560 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
431,592 | 32,140 | ||||||
Net increase in cash
|
1,429 | - | ||||||
Cash at the beginning of the year
|
7 | 7 | ||||||
Cash at the end of the year
|
$ | 1,436 | $ | 7 | ||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
|
||||||||
Cash paid for interest
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
Cash paid for income taxes
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
|
||||||||
Shares repurchased
|
$ | 25,000 | $ | - | ||||
Conversion of convertible notes payable to common stock
|
$ | 176,696 | $ | - |
See accompanying notes to consolidated audited financial statements.
41
GENETHERA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011
Organization and nature of operations
The consolidated financial statements include GeneThera, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary GeneThera, Inc. (Colorado) (collectively “GeneThera” or the “Company”). In addition, the Company has a 50% ownership in Applied Genetics S.A. de C.V. (“Applied Genetics”), a Mexico Company which was formed on September 28, 2007, but which had no business activities until 2011.
GeneThera, Inc., formerly Hand Brand Distribution, Inc., was incorporated in November 1995 in Florida. On February 25, 2002, GeneThera, Inc. acquired 100% of GeneThera, Inc. (Colorado) for 16,611,900 common shares. For accounting purposes, the acquisition has been treated as a reverse merger and as a recapitalization of GeneThera, Inc. (Colorado).
GeneThera is a biotechnology company that develops molecular assays for the detection of food contaminating pathogens, veterinary diseases and genetically modified organisms.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its controlled subsidiary and our subsidiary which we own 50% of and are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany transactions are eliminated.
In accordance with ASC 810, the company consolidates variable interest an entity (VIEs) for which it is the primary beneficiary. The company has evaluated the provisions of ASC 810 and determined that it applies to its interest in Applied Genetics. VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to operate without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or are entities whose equity holders do not have adequate decision making authority. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that (a) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that significantly impacts its economic
performance and (b) has the obligation to absorb the losses or the rights to receive the benefits that could be significant to the VIE.
According to the requirements of ASC 810, we have evaluated our relationships with Applied Genetics. We have concluded that Applied Genetics is a VIE, and the company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Accordingly, we adopted the provisions of ASC 810 and consolidated Applied Genetics into our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment consists primarily of office and laboratory equipment and leasehold improvements and is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives ranging from five to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or lease terms.
42
Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets to determine whether events or changes in circumstances occurred that indicate the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The assessment of possible impairment is based on the ability to recover the carrying value of the asset from the expected future cash flows of the related operations. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value. The measurement of impairment requires management to make estimates of these cash flows related to long-lived assets, as well as other fair value
determinations.
Revenue recognition
Research and development contracts are on a pre-paid basis in order to reflect milestones during research investigation. Revenues are recognized when services are completed. There were no revenues during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for under FASB ASC Topic No. 718 – Compensation – Stock Compensation. The guidance requires recognition in the financial statements of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period). The guidance also requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The Company accounts for non-employee share-based awards in accordance with guidance related
to equity instruments that are issued to other than employees for acquisition, or in conjunction with selling, goods or services.
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interests are recorded for the entities that we consolidate but are not wholly owned by the Company. Non-controlling interest recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements is comprised of Genethera’s share of Applied Genetics of which the Company owns 50% at December 31, 2011.
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic No. 740 - Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period
that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.
43
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
Basic and diluted net loss per share calculations are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 260 – Earnings per Share, and are calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share calculations includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents in years with net income. Basic and diluted loss per share is the same due to the absence of common stock equivalents.
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying value of cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value due to the short term nature of these accounts.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
The Company does not expect the adoption of any recently issued accounting pronouncements to have a significant effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
44
Note 2- Going Concern
As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has an accumulated deficit of $20,555,008 and negative working capital of $3,062,584 as of December 31, 2011. This raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on its ability to raise additional capital and implement its business plan. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
Management believes that actions presently being taken to obtain additional funding and implement its strategic plans provide the opportunity for the Company to continue as a going concern.
Note 3 – Property and equipment
Property and equipment at December 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:
2011
|
2010
|
|||||||
Office equipment and software
|
$ | 94,759 | $ | 85,994 | ||||
Laboratory equipment
|
643,084 | 643,084 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements
|
29,008 | - | ||||||
Total
|
766,851 | 729,078 | ||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation
|
(729,237 | ) | (724,874 | ) | ||||
Property and equipment, net
|
$ | 37,614 | $ | 4,204 |
Note 4 – Accrued expenses
The following is the breakdown of the Company’s accrued expenses as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
2011
|
2010
|
|||||||
Accrued officer salaries
|
$ | 1,425,307 | $ | 1,277,641 | ||||
Accrued interest
|
21,975 | 15,334 | ||||||
Total accrued expenses
|
$ | 1,447,282 | $ | 1,292,975 |
45
Note 5 – Related party transactions
The Company has an outstanding loan payable to Antonio Milici, its President and shareholder amounting to $645,419 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This outstanding loan to the Company is unsecured and non-interest bearing.
At December 31, 2011, the Company has $3,765 receivable from Setna Holding, LLC, a related party. The Company has an outstanding loan payable to Setna Holding, LLC, a related party amounting to $31,513 as of December 31, 2010. This outstanding loan to the Company is unsecured and non-interest bearing.
The Company issued 6,400,000 Series B Preferred shares to CEO during 2011; these shares were issued as restitution for the CEO converting 1,000,000 Preferred shares (“Series B”) into 10,000,000 common shares in 2009. The 6,400,000 Preferred shares (“Series B”) are convertible into common shares (see note 7). The Preferred shares were valued using a price of $0.05, which is 10 times the stock price of $0.005, the Company’s stock price on the date of issuance. The Company recorded a total of $320,000 in restitution expense.
The Company issued 2,690,000 Series B Preferred shares to CFO during 2011; these shares were issued for compensation. The Preferred shares (“Series B”) are convertible into common shares (see note 7). The Preferred shares were valued using a price of $0.05, which is 10 times the stock price of $0.005, the Company’s stock price on the date of issuance. The Company recorded a total of $134,500 in compensation expense.
Note 6 – Convertible notes payable
During 2011 and 2010, the Company received $392,267 in total from a single investor, plus $10,800 issued to other investors. These amounts are repayable on demand with 8% interest. $85,048 has been converted into common shares, leaving a balance of $318,020 principal and $7,247 accrued interest.
On September 8, 2011, the investor referred to above agreed to invest a total of $1,000,000 on or before September 30, 2012, and if so shall receive 24,000,000 common shares as additional compensation. The $392,267 has been invested in convertible notes to date and the additional ‘bonus’ shares have not been issued.
Note 7- Shareholders’ equity
Convertible preferred stock rights
Preferred Stock (‘Series A’) shall be convertible into Common Stock any time at the holder’s sole discretion in part or in whole by dividing the Purchase Price per Share by 110% of the Market Value on the Closing Date. ‘Market Value’ on any given date shall be defined as the average of the lowest three intra-day trading prices of the Company’s common stock during the 15 immediately preceding trading days.
Preferred Stock (“Series B”) shall be convertible into ten common shares at any time and holders are entitled to 20 common share votes per such preferred share.
46
The Company analyzed Preferred Stock (“Series A and B”) for embedded conversion option for derivative accounting consideration under ASC 815-15 “Derivatives and Hedging “ and determined that the conversion options should be classified as equity.
Because it is theoretically possible that full conversion of all convertible preferred and convertible notes would exceed the authorized number of common shares, the CEO and majority shareholder has agreed not to convert enough preferred shares to cause such an event. This avoids derivatives valuation.
Common stock
For the year ended December 31, 2011
On August 23, 2011, the Company increased its authorized shares to 300,000,000 of common stock.
During 2011, the Company issued 1,600,000 shares valued at $28,810 for cash.
During 2011, the Company issued 2,467,200 shares for conversion of promissory notes totaling $176,696.
During 2011, the Company issued 1,283,001 shares valued at $33,566 for services.
During 2011, the Company issued 9,090,000 Series B preferred shares to the CEO and CFO valued at $454,500.
During 2011, the Company cancelled 3,005,518 shares for non-performance of related services previously accrued. The holder disputes this and has not returned the shares.
500,000 shares were issued for $25,000. The Company has cancelled these shares and accrued a liability for the $25,000 refund due.
For the year ended December 31, 2010
The Company issued 1,150,000 shares valued at $25,550 for consulting services.
During 2010, the Company cancelled 431,634 shares of its common stock in relation to prior years’ issuances for common stock for services.
2004 Equity Incentive Plan
The Company’s 2004 Senior Executive Officer Option Plan provides for the grant of equity incentives to senior employees of the Company. A maximum of 3,000,000 common shares are available for issuance under the 2004 Plan.
47
Note 8 – Commitments and contingencies
Operating leases
On November 30, 2010, the Company signed a 38-month lease agreement commencing on December 1, 2010. The office space is located in Westminster, Colorado. The space is approximately 9,681 square feet intended specifically for a biotechnology company’s use. The base rent was free during the first and second months; $7,000 per month during the next 12 months; $10,970 during the following 12 succeeding months; and $12,584 during the last 12 months, for a total guaranteed base rent of $366,648 during the 38-month lease term. This lease expires on January 31, 2014 and required a security deposit of $7,000.
During 2011, the Company signed a 62 month lease commencing on June 13, 2011 for 3,100 square feet of space in Monterrey, Mexico. The base rent was free during the first and second months and approximately $3,000 per month thereafter.
Years ended December 31
|
Operating Leases
|
|||
2012
|
$ | 163,670 | ||
2013
|
185,394 | |||
2014
|
48,584 | |||
2015
|
36,000 | |||
Thereafter
|
36,000 | |||
Total minimum lease payments
|
$ | 469,648 |
Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $127,994 and $54,187, respectively.
Employment agreements
On January 8, 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its chief executive officer and scientific officer for a five year term and providing for compensation of $12,000 per month. On the same date, the Company also entered into an employment agreement with its chief administrative and financial officer for a five year term and providing for compensation of $11,250 per month. Both employment contracts expire on January 7, 2012.
Legal contingencies
The Company is involved in claims arising during the ordinary course of business resulting from disputes with vendors and shareholders over various contracts and agreements.
Note 9 – Income taxes
The Company has no current or deferred income tax due to its operating losses.
The Company has a federal net operating loss carryforward at December 31, 2011 and 2010 of approximately $8,000,000 and $6,900,000, respectively, subject to Section 382 annual limitations prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, that are available to offset future taxable income through 2029. Net deferred taxes are $2,600,000 and $2,400,000 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. A 100% valuation allowance has been recorded to offset the net deferred taxes due to uncertainty of the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income.
48
Note 10 – Subsequent events
On January 3, 2012, the Company obtained an additional 40% of Applied Genetics shares in addition to the 50% shares already owned by the Company at no additional cost to the Company.
On February 1, 2012, Applied Genetics, a majority owned subsidiary of GeneThera, Inc., entered into a sales and marketing agreement with Nutrición Avanzada. According to the terms of the agreement, GeneThera, Inc., through its subsidiary Applied Genetics, grants Nutrición Avanzada the exclusive right to purchase, market, and distribute GeneThera Field Collection System product in Mexico. Applied Genetics will pay Nutrición Avanzada a 30% commission of the total price of each product. The initial terms of the agreement is for a period of one year.
ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (The “Exchange Act”), we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures within the 90 days prior to the filing date of this report. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Consulting Chief Financial Officer, and Controller. We concluded that our internal controls are ineffective as the company has limited segregation of duties. We will continue to improve the effectiveness of our internal controls.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
49
PART III
ITEM 10: DIRETORS, OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16 (A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following persons are currently serving as the Company’s executive officers and directors.
Name
|
Age
|
Positions
|
Dr. Tony Milici
|
56
|
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer
|
Tannya Irizarry
|
52
|
Chief Financial Officer (Interim)
|
Shawn T. Donahue
|
49
|
Board Director
|
Avel Kolesnikov
|
22
|
Board Director
|
50
Dr. Antonio Milici founded GeneThera, Inc. in 1998 and has served as its Chairman and CEO since inception. Prior to founding GeneThera, Dr. Milici served as CEO and President of Genetrans, Inc., a genetic diagnostic company from 1993 to 1998. Dr. Milici was also an assistant professor in the department of Molecular Pathology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Tannya L. Irizarry has served as Chief Administrative Officer since 1999. She is now serving as Chief Financial Officer (Interim). Ms. Irizarry has over 20 years of experience in medical technology and biotechnology industries. Ms. Irizarry worked at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the department of Neuro-Oncology with Dr. William S. Fields and the Office of Education with Dr. James Bowen; she also worked at the Medical College of Georgia and subsequently, at the St. Joseph Hospital in the biotechnology division. Ms. Irizarry was the Vice President of Genetrans, Inc. from 1994 to 1998. Ms. Irizarry relocated to Colorado in order to manage GeneThera, Inc. at the request of
Dr. Milici.
Shawn T. Donahue, age 49, has served as director of the Company since October 2010.
Mr. Donahue serves on both the Compensation and Audit (chair) committees of the Company. Mr. Donahue owns and operates a private environmentally friendly synthetic oil distribution company in the Northeast since 2007, in addition to being an active investor specializing in biotech and computer related companies for over 22 years. He has been in senior level technical sales, engineering, new products and manufacturing
positions while at Digital Equipment Corp. for over 11 years. He studied Accounting at the University of Lowell and believes learning should be a life-long endeavor, hopefully rewarding to all involved!
Avel Kolesnikov, age 22, has served as director of the Company since November 2010.
Mr. Kolesnikov is a gold and precious metal commodity broker. He holds an associate degree from The Florida Institute of Precious Metal. He has been involved in the jewelry business for several years both as retailer and wholesaler. Avel has worked extensively with precious stones and has improved laser techniques for stone cutting and jewelry crafting. Although, Mr. Kolesnikov might be new in the area of biotechnology, he has consulted for several years with high tech instrument companies. Avel’s experience in business development is definitely an asset to GeneThera
Each Director is elected at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders and holds office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and/or until the successors are elected and qualified. At present, the Company’s bylaws provide for not less than three or more than seven Directors. Currently, we have one Director Position. In December 2011, after Shawn T. Donahue learned from our securities lawyer that he could not sell his free trading shares in the open market and/or not remove the restricted legend from his restricted shares after six month of ownership as a Board Member, Mr. Donahue opted to resign. The Chairman of the Board has not made a decision to accept his resignation.
The COB requested for Mr. Donahue to participate in a 36-month lock-up agreement of his shares just like the rest of the Board of Directors has done due to his status as an affiliate with full knowledge of the Company’s business. The bylaws permit the Board of Directors to fill any vacancy and such Director may serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor is elected and qualified. No successor has been elected for Mr. Donahue’s position. The Officers are elected by the Board of Directors and their terms of office are, except to the extent governed by employment contracts, at the discretion of the Board and its Chairman. The officers of the Company devote full time to the business of the Company.
51
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our Executive Officers, Directors and 10% Shareholders to file reports regarding initial ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive Officers, Directors, and 10% Shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Our information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) is based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us by our Executive Officers, Directors and 10% Shareholders. These forms include (i) Form 3, which is the Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities, (ii) Form 4, which is a Statement of Changes in
Beneficial Ownership, and (iii) Form 5, which is an Annual Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership.
The Company has recently adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Ethics can be obtained by calling the Company at 303-439-2085.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth certain summary information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, concerning the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to those persons serving as executive officers during 2011, that served as our Chief Executive Officer or earned compensation in excess of $100,000 (the “Names Executive Officers”). No other executive officer of the Company had a total annual salary and bonus for 2011 that exceeded $100,000. Antonio Milici, M.D., Ph.D., and Tannya L. Irizarry were the only executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2011. The following table summarizes compensation earned in each of the last three fiscal years by the named
officers.
The following table also summarizes the annual and long-term compensation paid to Dr. Tony Milici, our chief executive officer. Except for Dr. Milici, no other executive officer received annual remuneration in excess of $100,000 during 2010 or 2011. This summary compensation table shows certain compensation information for services rendered in all capacities during each of the last two completed fiscal years.
Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Stock Awards
|
Option Awards
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
|
Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
|
All Other Compensation
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Tony Milici
|
2009
|
$ | 144,000 | $ | 144,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer
|
2010
|
$ | 144,000 | $ | 144,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011
|
$ | 144,000 | $ | 144,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tannya Irizarry
|
2009
|
$ | 90,000 | 45,000 | $ | 135,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer
|
2010
|
$ | 90,000 | 45,000 | $ | 135,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011
|
$ | 90,000 | 45,000 | $ | 135,000 |
No other officer or director received in excess of $100,000 for the years ending December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
52
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
On January 23, 2002, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Antonio Milici, M.D., Ph.D., to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of the Company through January 7, 2012. Unless either party gives notice to terminate the agreement at least thirty days prior to expiration of the agreement, the agreement will automatically be extended for an additional two year period. In consideration for his services, Dr. Milici receives a base salary of $144,000 per annum throughout the term of the agreement plus bonuses as may be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors in its discretion or if the Company achieves net income in excess of
$2,000,000 per year. As part of his employment agreement, Dr. Milici has agreed not to compete with the Company, solicit any of its customers or solicit any of its employees for a period of two years after the term of the agreement. Dr. Milici is also subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Company and has agreed to transfer to the Company all of his interests in any idea, concept, technique, inventory or written work developed by him during the term of his employment agreement. The Company also provides a company vehicle and gas allowance for him and his scientific consultants. No director received compensation for his services to the Company.
ITEM 12:
|
SECURITY OWNERSHIP AND CERTAIN BENIFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS
|
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the beneficial ownership of our outstanding classes of stock as of December 31, 2011 by each person known by us to be (i) the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) each current director and nominee, (iii) each of the executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of the December 31, 2011 fiscal year and (iv) all of our directors and current executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, all persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to their shares of common stock except to the extent that authority is
shared by spouses under applicable law. The calculation of percentage ownership for each listed beneficial owner is based upon the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding on December 31, 2011, plus shares of common stock subject to options, warrants and conversion rights held by such person on December 31, 2011, and exercisable or convertible within 60 days thereafter. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person or entity named below is c/o GeneThera, Inc., 7577 W. 103rd Ave. Ste 212, Westminster, CO 80021.
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned (1)
|
Percent of Class
|
Five Percent Shareholders:
|
||
Shawn T. Dohahue
|
1,627,557
|
0.07%
|
Avel Kolesnikov
|
200,000
|
0.01%
|
Directors and Executive Officers:
|
||
Dr. Antonio Milici
|
-
|
|
Tannya L. Irizarry
|
-
|
|
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
|
1,827,557
|
0.08%
|
|
(1)
|
This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal shareholders and Schedules 13D and 13G filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this Table and subject to community property laws where applicable, the Company believes that each of the shareholders named in this Table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Applicable percentages are based on 23,710,596 shares of common stock outstanding on December 31, 2011, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC.
|
53
SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
Common Stock Beneficially
Owned (2)
|
Voting Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned (2)
|
|||
Name of Beneficial Owner (1)
|
Number
|
Percent
|
Number
|
%
|
Antonio Milici
|
0
|
0.00%
|
11,220,000
|
73%
|
Tannya L. Irizarry (3)
|
0
|
0.00%
|
4,190,000
|
27%
|
All Directors and Officers as a Group (2 persons)
|
0
|
0.00%
|
15,4100,000
|
100%
|
|
(1)
|
This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors, and principal shareholders and documents filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated and subject to community property laws, if applicable, the Company believes that each of the shareholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned.
|
|
(2)
|
Applicable percentages are based on 23,710,596 shares of common stock outstanding and on 15,410,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding on December 31, 2011, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC. Although the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into approximately 7.2 million shares of our common stock (assuming all shares were converted as of the date of this prospectus), this Table does not give effect to the Series A Preferred Stock because these shares have no voting rights and their convertibility by the holder is currently being contested by the Company.
|
|
(3)
|
Ms. Irizarry is married to Dr. Antonio Milici. Therefore, she has a beneficial interest in his shares.
|
ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK FINANCING
ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES AUDIT FEES
The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by our principal accountant for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the registrant’s Form 10-K was as follows:
2010 $15,000
2011 $18,000
AUDIT-RELATED FEES
None
TAX FEES
None
ALL OTHER FEES
None
The Company’s audit committee, which consists of all directors, approved the services described above.
55
ITEM 15:
|
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS
|
The following documents are filed herewith or have been included as exhibits to previous filings with the SEC and are incorporated herein by this reference:
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
3.1
|
Articles of Incorporation of GeneThera, Inc., as amended in the State of Nevada. (6)
|
3.2
|
Bylaws, as amended. (2)
|
3.3
|
State of Incorporation in the State of Nevada
|
10.1
|
Form of Common Stock Purchase Agreement among GeneThera, Inc. and various original holders of the common stock of GeneThera, Inc. (1)
|
10.2
|
Form of Letter Agreement between GeneThera, Inc. and various original holders of the Common Stock of GeneThera, Inc. (2)
|
10.3
|
Employment Agreement dated as of January 23, 2002 between Antonio Milici, MD, Ph.D. and GeneThera, Inc. (2)
|
10.4
|
Letter of Intent dated November 6, 2003 between Oncology Sciences Corporation and GeneThera, Inc. (3)
|
10.5
|
Research Consulting Agreement between Xpention Genetics, Inc. and GeneThera, Inc.
|
10.6
|
Placement Agent Agreement dated as of May 31, 2004 between Invest Line Securities, LLC and GeneThera, Inc. (4)
|
10.7
|
Letter Agreement dated November 22, 2003 between NVO Solutions, Inc. and GeneThera, Inc. (4)
|
10.8
|
Resolution Agreement dated August 2004 by and among John Taggart, Family Health News, Inc., and GeneThera, Inc. 4)
|
10.9
|
GeneThera, Inc. 2004 Employee, Director, and Consultant Stock Option Plan (6)
|
56
10.10
|
GeneThera, Inc. 2004 Senior Executive Officer Option Plan. (6)
|
10.11
|
Subscription Agreement dated as of January 18, 2005 by and between GeneThera, Inc., Mercator Advisory Group, LLC, Mercator Momentum Fund, LP, Mercator Momentum Fund III, LP, and Monarch Pointe Fund, Ltd. (5)
|
10.12
|
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 18, 2005 by and between GeneThera, Inc., Mercator Advisory Group, LLC, Mercator Momentum Fund, LP, Mercator Momentum Fund III, LP, and Monarch Pointe Fund, Ltd. (5)
|
10.13
|
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Mercator Advisory Group, LLC. (5)
|
10.14
|
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Mercator Momentum Fund, LP. (5)
|
10.15
|
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Mercator Momentum Fund III, LP. (5)
|
10.16
|
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Monarch Pointe Fund, Ltd. (5)
|
10.17
|
Industrial Multi-Tenant Lease dated December 4, 2001 between Youngfield Plaza LLC and GeneThera, Inc. (4)
|
10.18
|
Amendment to Industrial Multi-Tenant Lease dated December 12, 2004 between Youngfield Plaza LLC and GeneThera, Inc. (6)
|
10.19
|
Strategic Alliance Agreement dated November 1, 2004 between G. Gekko Enterprises and GeneThera, Inc. (6)
|
10.20
|
Securities Purchase Agreement dated November 8, 2004 between G. Gekko Enterprises and GeneThera, Inc. (6)
|
10.21
|
Letter Agreement dated March 1, 2005 between 0711005 B.C. Ltd and GeneThera, Inc. (6)
|
10.22
|
Mutual Release and Settlement Agreement dated March 1, 2005 between J.P. Turner & Company, L.L.C. and GeneThera, Inc. (6)
|
21.1
|
List of Subsidiaries. (6)
|
57
31.1
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act
|
31.2
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
|
31.2
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act
|
32.2
|
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350)
|
99.1
|
Curriculum Vitae. (4)
|
101 INS
|
XBRL Instance Document*
|
101 SCH
|
XBRL Schema Document*
|
101 CAL
|
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document*
|
101 LAB
|
XBRL Labels Linkbase Document*
|
101 PRE
|
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document*
|
101 DEF
|
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document*
|
(1)
|
Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Commission on March 5, 2002.
|
(2)
|
Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Commission on June 4, 2002.
|
(3)
|
Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Commission on April 14, 2004.
|
(4)
|
Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-118937) and amendments thereto, declares effective December 1, 2004.
|
(5)
|
Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Commission on January 19, 2005.
|
(6)
|
Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-123138) filed on March 4, 2005.
|
* The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.
58
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 12th day of April, 2012.
GeneThera, Inc.
By: /s/ Antonio Milici
Antonio Milici, MD, PhD
President
By: /s/ Tannya L. Irizarry
Tannya L. Irizarry
Chief Financial Officer (Interim)
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatue
|
Title
|
Date
|
||
/s/ Antonio Milici
|
President, Director
|
4/12/2012
|
||
Antonio Milici, M.D., PhD.
|
||||
/s/ Tannya L. Irizarry
|
Chief Financial Officer (Interim)
|
4/12/2012
|
||
Tannya L Irizarry
|
59