NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)
3……………….
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2023
Or
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Transition Period from___ to___.
Commission File Number 001-35963
NEUBASE THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
| 46-5622433 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
| (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
350 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(412) 763-3350
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
| Trading Symbol(s) |
| Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share | NBSE | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
|
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of November 06, 2023, 3,729,206 shares of the common stock, par value $0.0001, of the registrant were outstanding.
Table of Contents
3 | ||
3 | ||
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS | 18 | |
24 | ||
24 | ||
25 | ||
25 | ||
25 | ||
26 | ||
26 | ||
26 | ||
27 | ||
28 | ||
30 |
1
Introductory Note
On April 21, 2023, the Board of Directors of NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31, effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023. As a result of the change in year end, the Company filed on June 5, 2023 a Transition Report on Form 10-QT for the period from October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The Company’s 2023 fiscal year will run from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
2
PART I.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30, |
| December 31, | |||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
| |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 12,570,359 | $ | 17,386,326 | |||
Assets held for sale | 429,140 | — | |||||
Prepaid insurance | 259,583 | 188,266 | |||||
Other prepaid expenses and current assets | 92,950 |
| 391,655 | ||||
Total current assets | 13,352,032 | 17,966,247 | |||||
| |||||||
EQUIPMENT, net | 79,665 |
| 1,934,100 | ||||
| |||||||
OTHER ASSETS |
| ||||||
Right-of-use asset, operating lease asset | 5,064,184 | 5,409,574 | |||||
Security deposit | 125,391 | 273,215 | |||||
Total other assets | 5,189,575 | 5,682,789 | |||||
|
| ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 18,621,272 | $ | 25,583,136 | |||
| |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
| ||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 258,644 | $ | 369,505 | |||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 462,186 | 1,227,656 | |||||
Warrant liabilities | 3,428,601 | — | |||||
Operating lease liabilities | 500,817 | 469,118 | |||||
Finance lease liabilities | — | 78,987 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 4,650,248 |
| 2,145,266 | ||||
Long-term operating lease liability | 4,834,348 | 5,214,074 | |||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 9,484,596 | 7,359,340 | |||||
| |||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | |||||||
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
| ||||||
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 |
| ||||||
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 3,729,206 and 1,657,768 shares issued and as of September 30, 2023 and , respectively | 373 |
| 166 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 125,610,714 |
| 125,337,022 | ||||
Accumulated deficit | (116,474,411) |
| (107,113,392) | ||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 9,136,676 |
| 18,223,796 | ||||
|
|
| |||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | 18,621,272 | $ | 25,583,136 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | 2023 |
| 2022 | |||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES |
|
|
|
| |||||||||
General and administrative | $ | 1,203,020 | $ | 2,236,325 | $ | 6,523,996 | $ | 8,934,037 | |||||
Research and development | 387,564 |
| 5,487,056 | 2,912,094 |
| 17,079,335 | |||||||
Restructuring and impairment | 1,222,592 |
| — | 1,229,319 |
| — | |||||||
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES | 2,813,176 |
| 7,723,381 | 10,665,409 |
| 26,013,372 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | (2,813,176) |
| (7,723,381) | (10,665,409) |
| (26,013,372) | |||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) |
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Interest expense | (122) |
| (2,693) | (3,206) |
| (8,828) | |||||||
Interest income | 162,924 | 106,710 | 457,349 | 147,302 | |||||||||
Loss on issuance of common stock and warrants | (660) | — | (1,312,212) | — | |||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | 810,895 |
| — | 2,241,246 |
| — | |||||||
Other income (expense), net | 19,027 | (12,524) | (78,787) | (172,736) | |||||||||
Total other income (expense), net | 992,064 |
| 91,493 | 1,304,390 |
| (34,262) | |||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
NET LOSS | $ | (1,821,112) | $ | (7,631,888) | $ | (9,361,019) | $ | (26,047,634) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE | (0.66) | (4.73) | (4.57) | (16.08) | |||||||||
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
BASIC AND DILUTED | 2,757,576 |
| 1,614,156 | 2,046,477 |
| 1,620,344 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
Additional | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-In | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Accumulated Deficit |
| Equity | |||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
| 1,657,768 | $ | 166 | $ | 125,337,022 | $ | (107,113,392) | $ | 18,223,796 | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — |
| — |
| 316,689 |
| — | 316,689 | ||||||
Exercise of stock options | 32,750 | 3 | 718 | — | 721 | |||||||||
Net loss | — |
| — |
| — |
| (4,093,113) | (4,093,113) | ||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2023 | 1,690,518 | $ | 169 | $ | 125,654,429 | $ | (111,206,505) | $ | 14,448,093 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 245,012 | — | 245,012 | |||||||||
Issuance of common stock | 187,700 | 19 | — | — | 19 | |||||||||
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares from reverse stock split | (72) | — | (9) | — | (9) | |||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | (3,446,794) | (3,446,794) | |||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2023 | 1,878,146 | $ | 188 | $ | 125,899,432 | $ | (114,653,299) | $ | 11,246,321 | |||||
Stock-based compensation benefit | — | — | (292,343) | — | (292,343) | |||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 93,234 | 9 | 2,042 |
| — | 2,051 | ||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 1,757,826 | 176 | 1,583 | — | 1,759 | |||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | (1,821,112) | (1,821,112) | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | 3,729,206 | $ | 373 | $ | 125,610,714 | $ | (116,474,411) | $ | 9,136,676 |
Additional | Total | |||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-In | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Accumulated Deficit |
| Equity | |||||
Balance as of December 31, 2021 |
| 1,638,409 | $ | 164 | $ | 123,830,758 | $ | (76,696,719) | $ | 47,134,203 | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — |
| — |
| 952,828 |
| — |
| 952,828 | |||||
Forfeiture of common stock | (25,476) | (3) | 3 | — | — | |||||||||
Net loss | — |
| — |
| — |
| (9,924,029) |
| (9,924,029) | |||||
Balance as of March 31, 2022 | 1,612,933 | $ | 161 | $ | 124,783,589 | $ | (86,620,748) | $ | 38,163,002 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 641,046 | — | 641,046 | |||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | (8,491,717) | (8,491,717) | |||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2022 | 1,612,933 | $ | 161 | $ | 125,424,635 | $ | (95,112,465) | $ | 30,312,331 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 510,612 | — | 510,612 | |||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 37,500 | 4 | 821 | — | 825 | |||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | (7,631,888) | (7,631,888) | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2022 | 1,650,433 | $ | 165 | $ | 125,936,068 | $ | (102,744,353) | $ | 23,191,880 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
| |||||
Net loss | $ | (9,361,019) | $ | (26,047,634) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities |
| ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 269,358 |
| 2,104,485 | ||||
Loss on issuance of common stock and warrants | 1,312,212 | — | |||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | (2,241,246) | — | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 509,304 | 585,812 | |||||
Loss on disposal of fixed assets | 63,830 | 3,844 | |||||
Impairment | 857,109 | — | |||||
Equity in losses on equity method investment | — | 3 | |||||
Amortization of right-of-use assets | 345,390 | 391,611 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
| ||||||
Prepaid insurance, other prepaid expenses and current assets | 227,388 |
| (338,021) | ||||
Security deposit | 147,824 | (19,600) | |||||
Accounts payable | (110,861) |
| 715,284 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (765,470) |
| (750,222) | ||||
Operating lease liability | (348,027) | (389,082) | |||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (9,094,208) |
| (23,743,520) | ||||
|
| ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
| ||||||
Purchase of laboratory and office equipment | (13,447) |
| (347,835) | ||||
Proceeds received on sale of equipment | 8,500 | — | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (4,947) |
| (347,835) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
| ||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net of issuance costs paid | 4,357,653 | — | |||||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | 1,759 | ||||||
Principal payment of finance lease liability | (78,987) | (82,868) | |||||
Payment in lieu of fractional shares from reverse stock split | (9) | — | |||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 2,772 | 826 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 4,283,188 |
| (82,042) | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (4,815,967) | (24,173,397) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 17,386,326 | 47,326,060 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 12,570,359 | $ | 23,152,663 | |||
|
| ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
| |||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||
Fair value of warrants issued | $ | 5,669,847 | $ | — | |||
Held for sale assets | $ | 429,140 | $ | — | |||
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | $ | — | $ | 164,613 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. Organization, Description of Business and Liquidity
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “NeuBase”) has historically been a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a modular peptide nucleic acid (“PNA”) antisense oligo (“PATrOL™”) platform to address genetic diseases with a single, cohesive approach. NeuBase planned to use its platform to address diseases which have a genetic source, with an initial focus on gene silencing in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (“DM1”), Huntington’s disease (“HD”), and oncology.
In October 2022, the Company announced plans to expand its focus to include the advancement of the differentiated gene editing capabilities of its platform.
In August 2023, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) had made the determination to halt further development of the Company’s programs and to conduct a comprehensive exploration of strategic alternatives focused on maximizing shareholder value. As part of this evaluation process, the Board will explore potential strategic alternatives for the Company that may include, but are not limited to, an acquisition, merger, business combination, or other transaction.
Liquidity and Going Concern
The Company has had no revenues from product sales and has incurred operating losses since inception. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $12.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, incurred a loss from operations of $10.7 million and used $9.1 million of cash in operating activities.
The Company expects to continue to incur substantial operating losses and negative cash flows from operations for the foreseeable future and may never become profitable. Accordingly, there are material risks and uncertainties that raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In August 2023, as further discussed below, the Board approved a plan to halt further development of the Company’s programs and to conduct a comprehensive exploration of strategic alternatives focused on maximizing shareholder value. This restructuring plan is expected to reduce operating expenses and extend the Company’s cash runway into the fourth quarter of calendar year 2025 based on current operating plans and estimates. Management believes it is probable that the restructuring plan will be effectively implemented within the next twelve months and that the restructuring plan, when implemented, will mitigate the conditions that gave rise to substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Because the Company has sufficient resources on hand to fund operations through at least the next twelve months from the date these consolidated financial statements were available to be issued, the substantial doubt has been alleviated. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in acquiring additional funding, that the Company’s projections of its future working capital needs will prove accurate, or that any additional funding would be sufficient to continue operations in future years.
The Company’s future liquidity and capital funding requirements will depend on numerous factors, including:
● | its ability to raise additional funds to finance its operations; |
● | its ability to negotiate and consummate any transaction arising from its exploration of strategic alternatives; |
● | its ability to maintain compliance with the listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market; |
● | litigation expenses and the extent and amount of any indemnification claims; |
● | its ability to maintain, expand and defend the scope of its intellectual property portfolio, including the amount and timing of any payments the Company may be required to make, or that it may receive, in connection with the licensing, filing, prosecution, defense and enforcement of any patents or other intellectual property rights; |
● | its ability to retain its current employees and the need and ability to hire additional management; |
● | the trading price of its common stock; and |
● | its ability to increase the number of authorized shares outstanding to facilitate future financing events. |
The Company will likely need to raise substantial additional funds through issuance of equity or debt or completion of a licensing transaction for one or more of the Company’s pipeline assets. If the Company is unable to maintain sufficient financial resources, its business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected. This could affect future development and business activities and potential future clinical studies and/or other future ventures. Failure to obtain additional equity or debt financing will have a material, adverse impact on the Company’s business operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will
7
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
be able to obtain the needed financing on acceptable terms or at all. Additionally, any equity financings will likely have a dilutive effect on the holdings of the Company’s existing stockholders.
Change in Year End
On April 21, 2023, the Board approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31, effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023. As a result of the change in year end, the Company filed on June 5, 2023 a Transition Report on Form 10-QT for the period from October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The Company’s 2023 fiscal year will run from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
Reverse Stock Split
The Company effected a
reverse stock split of its outstanding shares of common stock on June 14, 2023. The reverse stock split did not change the number of authorized shares of common stock or par value. All references in these condensed consolidated financial statements to shares, share prices, exercise prices, and other per share information in all periods have been adjusted, on a retroactive basis, to reflect the reverse stock split.2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year ended September 30, 2022 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 21, 2022. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated during the consolidation process. The Company manages its operations as a single segment for the purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods presented reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal, recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. The Company’s actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements relate to the valuation of stock-based compensation, the valuation of warrant liabilities and the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets resulting from net operating losses. These estimates and assumptions are based on current facts, historical experience and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the recording of expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources.
The Company assesses and updates estimates each period to reflect current information, such as the considerations related to the impacts that the current economic environment could have on its significant accounting estimates. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from these estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, the Company’s future results of operations will be affected.
8
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted net loss per share includes the dilutive effect, if any, from the potential exercise or conversion of securities, such as convertible debt, warrants and stock options that would result in the issuance of incremental shares of common stock. In computing the basic and diluted net loss per share applicable to common stockholders, the weighted average number of shares remains the same for both calculations due to the fact that when a net loss exists, dilutive shares are not included in the calculation as the impact is anti-dilutive.
The following potentially dilutive securities outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as they would be anti-dilutive:
As of September 30, | ||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
Common stock purchase options | 196,485 |
| 381,469 | |
Restricted stock units | 11,110 |
| — | |
Common stock purchase warrants | 4,030,989 |
| 9,000 | |
4,238,584 |
| 390,469 |
Common Stock Warrant Liabilities
The Company has issued freestanding warrants to purchase shares of its common stock in connection with its financing activities and accounts for them in accordance with applicable accounting guidance as either liabilities or as equity instruments depending on the specific terms of the warrant agreements. Warrants classified as liabilities are remeasured each period they are outstanding. Any resulting gain or loss related to the change in the fair value of the warrant liabilities is recognized in change in fair value of warrant liabilities, a component of other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company estimates the fair value of common stock warrant liabilities using the Black-Scholes Model. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:
Level 1 - defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets;
Level 2 - defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and
Level 3 - defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
9
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its warrant liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2023:
| Fair Value Measurements | |||||||||
as of September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
(Level 1) |
| (Level 2) |
| (Level 3) |
| Total | ||||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Warrant liabilities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,428,601 | $ | 3,428,601 |
The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value of the warrant liabilities as of September 30, 2023:
| As of September 30, 2023 | |
Remaining contractual term (years) |
| 1.3 - 5.3 |
Common stock price volatility |
| 343.8% |
Risk-free interest rate |
| 4.60% - 5.25% |
Expected dividend yield |
| — |
The change in fair value of the warrant liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 is as follows:
Warrant | |||
Liabilities | |||
Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | — | |
Fair value of warrants issued | 5,669,847 | ||
Change in fair value | (1,430,351) | ||
Balance as of June 30, 2023 |
| 4,239,496 | |
Change in fair value |
| (810,895) | |
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | | $ | 3,428,601 |
Assets Held for Sale
The Company classifies its long-lived assets to be sold as held for sale in the period (i) the Company has approved and committed to a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to sell the asset have been initiated, (iv) the sale of the asset is probable, (v) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (vi) it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The Company initially measures a long-lived asset that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value, less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset until the date of sale. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company stops recording depreciation and amortization expense on the long-lived asset. The Company assesses the fair value of a long-lived asset, less any costs to sell, at each reporting period and until the asset is no longer classified as held for sale.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance,” which amends disclosures to increase transparency of government assistance, including (i) the types of assistance, (ii) accounting for the assistance and (iii) the effect of the assistance on an entity’s financial statements. The standard is effective for all business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021; therefore, it will be effective beginning with the Company’s financial statements issued for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. While the adoption of this guidance will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet or statement of operations, the adoption of this guidance may require additional annual disclosures in the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, which the Company is currently in the process of assessing.
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “ASC Subtopic 820 Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions” (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 amends ASC 820 to clarify that a contractual sales restriction is not considered in
10
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
measuring an equity security at fair value and to introduce new disclosure requirements for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions that are measured at fair value. ASU 2022-03 applies to both holders and issuers of equity and equity-linked securities measured at fair value. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). This guidance introduces a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. ASU 2016-13 also provides updated guidance regarding the impairment of available-for-sale debt securities and includes additional disclosure requirements. The new guidance is effective for public business entities that meet the definition of a Smaller Reporting Company as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2023, with minimal impact upon adoption.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), to simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The FASB reduced the number of accounting models for convertible debt and convertible preferred stock instruments and made certain disclosure amendments to improve the information provided to users. In addition, the FASB amended the derivative guidance for the “own stock” scope exception and certain aspects of the EPS guidance. The Company adopted this new accounting guidance on a prospective basis on January 1, 2023, and the adoption did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
3. Other Prepaid Expenses and Current Assets
The Company’s prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
| As of September 30, |
| As of December 31, | |||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
Unaudited | Unaudited | |||||
Prepaid research and development expense | $ | — | $ | 67,027 | ||
Accounts receivable | — | 150,000 | ||||
Other prepaid expenses and other current assets |
| 92,950 |
| 174,628 | ||
Total | $ | 92,950 | $ | 391,655 |
4. Equipment and Assets Held for Sale
The Company’s equipment and assets held for sale consisted of the following, after the effects of impairment charges and held-for-sale reclassifications:
As of September 30, | As of December 31, | |||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |||
Unaudited |
| Unaudited | ||||
Laboratory equipment | $ | — | $ | 3,048,579 | ||
Office equipment | 259,979 |
| 259,978 | |||
Leasehold improvements | 31,405 | 17,958 | ||||
Total | 291,384 |
| 3,326,515 | |||
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (211,719) |
| (1,392,415) | |||
Equipment, net | $ | 79,665 | $ | 1,934,100 | ||
Assets held for sale | $ | 429,140 |
| — |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.9 million in connection with its restructuring, see Note 8. Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
11
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
5. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
The Company’s accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
As of September 30, | As of December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | | |||
| Unaudited |
| Unaudited | | |||
Accrued compensation and benefits | $ | 87,359 | $ | 171,572 | |||
Accrued consulting settlement | — |
| 225,000 | ||||
Accrued professional fees | 120,845 |
| 241,808 | ||||
Accrued research and development | — |
| 20,684 | ||||
Accrued franchise tax | 29,680 | 217,440 | |||||
Accrued restructuring | 185,095 | 316,032 | |||||
Other accrued expenses | 39,207 |
| 35,120 | ||||
Total | $ | 462,186 | $ | 1,227,656 |
6. Stockholders’ Equity
Equity Purchase Agreement
On December 28, 2022, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (the “Equity Purchase Agreement”) with Alumni Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Alumni Capital”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell, and Alumni Capital agreed to purchase, upon request of the Company in one or more transactions, a number of shares of the Company’s common stock providing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to $3,000,000 (subject to the right, but not the obligation, of the Company to increase such amount up to $10,000,000 pursuant to the terms of the Equity Purchase Agreement) (the “Maximum Investment Amount”). The Equity Purchase Agreement expires upon the earlier of the aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock meeting the Maximum Investment Amount or December 28, 2024.
Among other limitations, unless otherwise agreed upon by Alumni Capital, each individual sale of shares of common stock will be limited to a sale of shares of common stock of up to $500,000 (subject to the right of the Company and Alumni Capital to mutually agree to increase such figure to $1,000,000) and further limited to no more than the number of shares of common stock that would result in the direct or indirect beneficial ownership by Alumni Capital of more than 9.99% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock. Alumni Capital will purchase the shares of common stock under the Equity Purchase Agreement at the lowest traded price of the common stock during the three (3) business days immediately prior to the date of purchase of the shares of common stock multiplied by 95%.
Upon execution of the Equity Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 7,335 shares of common stock to Alumni Capital. The Company will issue to Alumni Capital, on December 28, 2023, shares of common stock in an amount equal to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the Investment Amount (as defined in the Equity Purchase Agreement) divided by the closing price of the common stock on the third business day prior to the date of issuance and delivery of such shares of common stock. In addition, the Company will issue to Alumni Capital, on the date of expiration of the Equity Purchase Agreement, shares of common stock in an amount equal to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the Investment Amount divided by the closing price of the common stock on the third business day prior to the date of issuance and delivery of such shares of common stock. If the Company elects to increase the Maximum Investment Amount, it shall issue to Alumni Capital Increase Commitment Shares (as defined in the Equity Purchase Agreement) (based on each increase of Investment Amount) within five (5) business days of the Company’s written notice of such election. The Company recorded the commitment shares issued and future commitment share obligation as additional paid-in capital during the three months ended December 31, 2022.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company has not sold any shares of common stock under the Equity Purchase Agreement.
Concurrent Registered Direct Offering and Private Placements
12
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
On June 28, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Registered Direct Purchase Agreement”) in connection with a registered direct offering (the “Registered Direct Offering”) and concurrent private placement with an institutional investor (the “Registered Direct Purchaser”). On June 28, 2023, the Company also entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “PIPE Purchase Agreement” and, together with the Registered Direct Purchase Agreement, the “Purchase Agreements”) and a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) in connection with a concurrent private placement (the “PIPE Private Placement”) with the same institutional investor (the “PIPE Purchaser” and, together with the Registered Direct Purchaser, the “Purchaser”).
Pursuant to the Registered Direct Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to offer and sell in the Registered Direct Offering 187,700 shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), and pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 390,997 shares of Common Stock. The Pre-Funded Warrants have an exercise price of $0.001 per share, are immediately exercisable and can be exercised at any time after their original issuance until such Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. Each share of Common Stock was sold at an offering price of $2.57 per share, and each Pre-Funded Warrant was sold at an offering price of $2.569, which is equal to the purchase price per share of Common Stock less $0.001.
Pursuant to the Registered Direct Purchase Agreement, in a concurrent private placement, the Company also agreed to issue to the Registered Direct Purchaser unregistered long-term warrants (the “RD Series A Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 578,697 shares of Common Stock and unregistered short-term warrants (the “RD Series B Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 578,697 shares of Common Stock. Each RD Series A Warrant has an exercise price of $2.32 per share, is exercisable immediately upon issuance, and will expire
following the date of issuance. Each RD Series B Warrant has an exercise price of $2.32 per share, is exercisable immediately upon issuance, and will expire 18 months following the date of issuance.Pursuant to the PIPE Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to offer and sell in the PIPE Private Placement unregistered pre-funded warrants (the “PIPE Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,366,829 shares of Common Stock, at an offering price of $2.569. The PIPE Pre-Funded Warrants have an exercise price of $0.001 per share, are immediately exercisable and can be exercised at any time after their original issuance until such PIPE Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. Pursuant to the PIPE Purchase Agreement, the Company also agreed to issue to the PIPE Purchaser unregistered long-term warrants to purchase up to 1,366,829 shares of Common Stock (the “PIPE Series A Warrants”) and unregistered short-term warrants to purchase up to 1,366,829 shares of Common Stock (the “PIPE Series B Warrants”). Each PIPE Series A Warrant has an exercise price of $2.32 per share, is exercisable immediately upon issuance, and will expire
following the date of issuance. Each PIPE Series B Warrant has an exercise price of $2.32 per share, is exercisable immediately upon issuance, and will expire 18 months following the date of issuance.The Company received aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $5.0 million from the Registered Direct Offering and PIPE Private Placement (collectively, the “Offerings”), before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated offering expenses payable by the Company.
Pursuant to an engagement letter, dated as of June 12, 2023, as amended on June 28, 2023 (as amended, the “Engagement Letter”), between the Company and H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (the “Placement Agent”), the Company agreed to pay the Placement Agent a cash fee equal to 8.0% of the gross proceeds received from the Purchaser (including a 1.0% management fee) and also agreed to issue to the Placement Agent (or its designees) warrants (the “Placement Agent Warrants”) to purchase up to 136,187 shares of Common Stock (which represents 7.0% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock, Pre-Funded Warrants and PIPE Pre-Funded Warrants sold in the Offerings) on substantially the same terms as the PIPE Series A Warrants and the PIPE Series B Warrants except that the exercise price of the Placement Agent Warrants is $3.2125 (or 125% of the offering price per share of Common Stock in the Registered Direct Offering) and an expiration date of June 28, 2028, which is the five-year anniversary of the commencement of the sales pursuant to the Offerings. The Company also agreed to pay the Placement Agent in connection with the Offerings $75,000 for non-accountable expenses and $7,389 for clearing fees. Pursuant to the Engagement Letter, the Company also agreed that, upon exercise of any of the RD Series B Warrants or the PIPE Series B Warrants, the Company will pay the Placement Agent a cash fee equal to 8.0% of the gross proceeds received from the exercise of the RD Series B Warrants or the PIPE Series B Warrants (including a 1.0% management fee) and will also issue to the Placement Agent (or its designees) additional Placement Agent Warrants to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 7.0% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise of the RD Series B Warrants or the PIPE Series B Warrants.
13
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Warrants
Below is a summary of the Company’s issued and outstanding warrants as of September 30, 2023:
Expiration date |
| Exercise Price |
| Warrants Outstanding | |
September 20, 2024 | $ | 130.00 | 3,750 | ||
December 30, 2024 | $ | 2.32 | 1,945,526 | ||
June 28, 2028 | $ | 3.21 | 136,187 | ||
January 2, 2029 | $ | 2.32 | 1,945,526 | ||
| 4,030,989 |
| |
| | |
| Weighted- | |
| | | Average | ||||
Weighted- | Remaining | ||||||
Average | Contractual | ||||||
Exercise | Life | ||||||
Warrants | Price | (in years) | |||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 | 9,006 | $ | 156.03 | ||||
Issuances: | |||||||
PIPE Series A Warrants | 1,366,829 | 2.32 | |||||
PIPE Series B Warrants | 1,366,829 | 2.32 | |||||
PIPE Pre-Funded Warrants | 1,366,829 | 0.001 | |||||
RD Series A Warrants | 578,697 | 2.32 | |||||
RD Series B Warrants | 578,697 | 2.32 | |||||
Pre-Funded Warrants | 390,997 | 0.001 | |||||
Placement Agent Warrants | 136,187 | 3.21 | |||||
Exercised: | |||||||
PIPE Pre-Funded Warrants | (1,366,829) | 0.001 | |||||
Pre-Funded Warrants | (390,997) | 0.001 | |||||
Expired: | (5,256) | 174.60 | |||||
Outstanding as of September 30, 2023 | 4,030,989 | 2.47 | 3.3 | ||||
Exercisable as of September 30, 2023 |
| 4,030,989 | $ | 2.47 |
| 3.3 |
7. Stock-Based Compensation
As of September 30, 2023, an aggregate of 366,924 shares of common stock were authorized under the Company’s 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”), subject to an “evergreen” provision that will automatically increase the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the term of the 2019 Plan. As of September 30, 2023, 155,994 shares of common stock were available for future grants under the 2019 Plan. As of September 30, 2023, an aggregate of 14,584 shares of common stock were authorized under the Company’s 2016 Consolidated Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) and 13,334 shares of common stock were available for future grants under the 2016 Plan.
The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense (benefit) in the following expense categories of its unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
2023 |
| 2022 | 2023 |
| 2022 | |||||||
General and administrative | $ | (178,915) | $ | 428,571 | $ | 302,817 | $ | 1,490,667 | ||||
Research and development |
| (113,428) |
| 82,041 |
| (33,459) |
| 613,818 | ||||
Total | $ | (292,343) | $ | 510,612 | $ | 269,358 | $ | 2,104,485 |
14
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 includes the reversal of expense previously recognized of $0.4 million for unvested stock options that were forfeited during the period in connection with the Company’s restructuring, see Note 8.
Stock Options
Below is a table summarizing the options issued and outstanding as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Weighted- | Weighted- | |||||||||
Average | Average | Total | ||||||||
|
| Exercise | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||
Price Per | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||
| Stock Options |
| Share |
| Life (in years) |
| Value | |||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | | 365,287 | | $ | 53.27 | | | | ||
Granted | | 1,875 | | 4.34 | | | ||||
Exercised | | (125,984) | | 0.02 | | | ||||
Forfeited | | (44,693) | | 66.51 | | | ||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2023 | | 196,485 | | 83.93 | | 4.81 | | $ | — | |
Exercisable as of September 30, 2023 | | 151,137 | | $ | 93.71 | | 3.82 | | $ | — |
As of September 30, 2023, unrecognized compensation costs associated with the stock options of $0.6 million will be recognized over an estimated weighted average amortization period of 3.62 years.
The intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $3.21 and $23.31, respectively.
Key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 included:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||
2023 |
| 2022 | ||
Expected term of options (years) | 5.4 - 6.1 | 5.3 - 6.1 | ||
Expected common stock price volatility | 82.3% - 85.2% | 73.7% - 78.5% | ||
Risk-free interest rate | 3.5% - 4.0% | 1.4% - 3.4% | ||
Expected dividend yield | — | — |
Restricted Stock Units
Below is a table summarizing the restricted stock units granted and outstanding as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
| | Weighted- | ||||
| | Average Grant | ||||
Restricted Stock | Date Fair Value | |||||
| Units |
| Price | |||
Unvested as of December 31, 2022 |
| — | $ | — | ||
Granted | 19,823 | 4.00 | ||||
Forfeited |
| (8,713) |
| — | ||
Unvested as of September 30, 2023 |
| 11,110 |
| 4.00 | ||
Total unrecognized expense remaining | $ | 30,208 |
|
| ||
Weighted-average years expected to be recognized over |
| 3.4 |
|
|
15
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
8. Restructuring and Impairment
Restructuring and impairment charges consist of the following:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | |||||
Restructuring | $ | 365,483 | $ | 372,210 | ||
Impairment | 857,109 | 857,109 | ||||
Total restructuring and impairment | $ | 1,222,592 | $ | 1,229,319 |
Restructuring
Restructuring charges relate primarily to the Company’s strategic restructurings announced in October 2022 to expand its focus to include the advancement of the differentiated gene editing capabilities of its platform and the announcement in August 2023 to halt further development of the Company’s programs and to conduct a comprehensive exploration of strategic alternatives focused on maximizing shareholder value.
The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s restructuring-related liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
|
| Restructuring |
| Payments/ |
| |||||||
Charges | Utilization | |||||||||||
Liability at | (Nine Months Ended | (Nine Months Ended | Liability at | |||||||||
| December 31, 2022 |
| September 30, 2023) |
| September 30, 2023) |
| September 30, 2023 | |||||
Research and development contract termination costs | $ | 311,110 | $ | 2,490 | $ | (313,600) | $ | — | ||||
Employee termination benefits | — | 369,630 | (184,535) | 185,095 | ||||||||
Other |
| 4,922 |
| 90 |
| (5,012) |
| — | ||||
Total Accrued restructuring | $ | 316,032 | $ | 372,210 | $ | (503,147) | $ | 185,095 |
Impairment
In August 2023, as a result of halting further development of the Company’s programs as discussed above, the Company committed to a plan to actively sell certain chemistry and biology lab equipment, and as a result classified such equipment as held for sale as current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The sale was completed in October 2023.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded long-lived impairment charges of $0.9 million, which reflects the difference between the carrying amount of the assets sold and their fair value, less costs to sell.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company has become involved in certain legal proceedings and claims which arise in the normal course of business. The Company believes that an adverse outcome is unlikely, and it cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss at this point. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, prospects, cash flows, financial position and brand. Costs associated with the Company’s involvement in legal proceedings are expensed as incurred.
16
NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
10. Subsequent Events
As previously disclosed by the Company, on June 28, 2023, the Company entered into the PIPE Purchase Agreement with an institutional investor (the “Warrant Holder”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Company issued to the Warrant Holder in a private placement on June 30, 2023: (i) a Series A Common Stock Purchase Warrant (the “PIPE Series A Warrant”) to purchase up to 1,366,829 shares of Common Stock, and (ii) a Series B Common Stock Purchase Warrant to purchase up to 1,366,829 shares of Common Stock (the “PIPE Series B Warrant”). Also as previously disclosed by the Company, on June 28, 2023, the Company entered into the Registered Direct Purchase Agreement with the Warrant Holder, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company issued to the Warrant Holder in a private placement conducted concurrently with a registered direct offering on June 30, 2023: (i) a Series A Common Stock Purchase Warrant to purchase up to 578,697 shares of Common Stock (the “RD Series A Warrant” and, together with the PIPE Series A Warrant, the “Series A Warrants”), and (ii) a Series B Common Stock Purchase Warrant to purchase up to 578,697 shares of Common Stock (the “RD Series B Warrant” and, together with the PIPE Series B Warrant, the “Series B Warrants” and the Series B Warrants, together with the Series A Warrants, the “Warrants”).
On October 17, 2023, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with the Warrant Holder (the “Exchange Agreement”) relating to the repurchase of the Series B Warrants in exchange for a cash payment of $1,250,000.00 and the treatment of the Series A Warrants in the event the Company executes a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) pursuant to which (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions agrees to effect any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another person (excluding a merger effected solely to change the Company’s name or domiciliation), (ii) the Company (or any subsidiary), directly or indirectly, agrees to effect any sale, lease, exclusive license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any direct or indirect purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another person) will be effected pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding Common Stock or more than 50% of the voting power of the common equity of the Company, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property (excluding a stock split), or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions agrees to consummate a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off, merger or scheme of arrangement) with another person or group of persons whereby such other person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or more than 50% of the voting power of the common equity of the Company.
Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Company agreed that, effective as of the date the Company executes a Definitive Agreement (the “Execution Date”), in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Company will exchange all of the Series A Warrants then-held by the Warrant Holder for a new Series A-1 Common Stock Purchase Warrant (the “New Warrant”) to purchase such number of shares of Common Stock as is equal to the product of 110% multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that are then-exercisable pursuant to the Series A Warrants then-held by the Warrant Holder (if any).
The New Warrant will have the same $2.32 per share exercise price of the Series A Warrants (subject to adjustment for recapitalizations, stock splits and similar transactions), will be exercisable commencing on the date of the closing of the transaction contemplated by the Definitive Agreement, and will expire on January 2, 2029, the same date as the expiration date of the Series A Warrants.
17
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Disclosures Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The following should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this report as well as in conjunction with the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 21, 2022. This report and our Form 10-K include forward-looking statements made based on current management expectations pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.
This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its subsidiaries and our management team. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those risks and uncertainties set forth in Part II, Item 1A – Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report and in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. In light of the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, the inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Further, these forward-looking statements reflect our view only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to update any forward-looking statements and we disclaim any intent to update forward-looking statements after the date of this report to reflect subsequent developments. Accordingly, you should also carefully consider the factors set forth in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC.
Overview
We have designed, built, and validated a new technology platform (a peptide nucleic acid antisense oligonucleobase platform, which we call PATrOL™) that can uniquely Drug the Genome™ to address the three disease-causing mechanisms (i.e., gain-of-function, change-of-function, or loss-of-function of a gene), without the limitations of early precision genetic medicines. The technology is predicated on synthetic peptide nucleic acid (“PNA”) chemistry and can directly engage the genome in a sequence-specific manner and address root causality of diseases. These compounds operate by temporarily engaging the genome (or single and double-stranded RNA targets, if desired) and interacting with cellular machinery that processes mutant genes to halt their ability to manifest a disease.
We have historically focused on developing precision genetic medicines targeting rare, monogenic diseases for which there are no approved therapies, as well as more common genetic disorders, including cancers that are resistant to current therapeutic approaches. Our disclosed pipeline includes therapeutic candidates for the treatment of DM1, HD, as well as cancer-driving point mutations in KRAS, G12V and G12D, which are involved in many tumor types and have historically been “undruggable”. In October 2022, the Company announced plans to expand its focus to include the advancement of the differentiated gene editing capabilities of its platform.
In August 2023, the Company announced that its Board had made the determination to halt further development of the Company’s programs and to conduct a comprehensive exploration of strategic alternatives focused on maximizing shareholder value. As part of this evaluation process, the Board will explore potential strategic alternatives for the Company that may include, but are not limited to, an acquisition, merger, business combination, or other transaction.
The Company expects to incur operating losses and negative cash flows from operations for the foreseeable future. We would need to seek additional equity or debt financing to provide the capital required to maintain or expand our operations.
We have based these estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Our operating plans and other demands on our cash resources may change as a result of many factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings or other capital sources, including, potentially, collaborations, licenses, and other similar arrangements. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise sufficient additional capital on acceptable terms or at all. If such additional financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available in sufficient amounts, we may be required to delay, limit or eliminate the development of business opportunities, and our ability to achieve our business objectives, our competitiveness, and our business,
18
financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected. In addition, we may be required to grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Change in Year End
On April 21, 2023, the Board approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31, effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023. As a result of the change in year end, the Company filed on June 5, 2023 a Transition Report on Form 10-QT for the period from October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The Company’s 2023 fiscal year will run from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience, market and other conditions, and various other assumptions it believes to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact us in the future, the estimation process is, by its nature, uncertain given that estimates depend on events over which we may not have control. If market and other conditions change from those that we anticipate, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements may be materially affected. In addition, if our assumptions change, we may need to revise our estimates, or take other corrective actions, either of which may also have a material effect in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. We review our estimates, judgments, and assumptions used in our accounting practices periodically and reflect the effects of revisions in the period in which they are deemed to be necessary. We believe that these estimates are reasonable; however, our actual results may differ from these estimates.
Our critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, and except as described below, there have been no material changes to such policies or estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Common Stock Warrant Liabilities
The Company has issued freestanding warrants to purchase shares of its common stock in connection with its financing activities and accounts for them in accordance with applicable accounting guidance as either liabilities or as equity instruments depending on the specific terms of the warrant agreements. Warrants classified as liabilities are remeasured each period they are outstanding. Any resulting gain or loss related to the change in the fair value of the warrant liabilities is recognized in change in fair value of warrant liabilities, a component of other income (expense) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company estimates the fair value of common stock warrant liabilities using the Black-Scholes Model. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.
Assets Held for Sale
The Company classifies its long-lived assets to be sold as held for sale in the period (i) the Company has approved and committed to a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to sell the asset have been initiated, (iv) the sale of the asset is probable, (v) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (vi) it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The Company initially measures a long-lived asset that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value, less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset until the date of sale. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company stops recording depreciation and amortization expense on the long-lived asset. The Company assesses the fair value of a long-lived asset, less any costs to sell, at each reporting period and until the asset is no longer classified as held for sale.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Please refer to Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies—Recent Accounting Pronouncements, in Item 1, Financial Statements, for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
19
Results of Operations
Results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2023, reflect the following changes from the three months ended September 30, 2022:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| Change | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
General and administrative | $ | 1,203,020 | $ | 2,236,325 | $ | (1,033,305) | |||
Research and development |
| 387,564 |
| 5,487,056 |
| (5,099,492) | |||
Restructuring and impairment |
| 1,222,592 |
| — |
| 1,222,592 | |||
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES |
| 2,813,176 |
| 7,723,381 |
| (4,910,205) | |||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS |
| (2,813,176) |
| (7,723,381) |
| 4,910,205 | |||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Interest expense |
| (122) |
| (2,693) |
| 2,571 | |||
Interest income |
| 162,924 |
| 106,710 |
| 56,214 | |||
Loss on issuance of common stock and warrants | (660) | — | (660) | ||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
| 810,895 |
| — |
| 810,895 | |||
Other income (expense), net |
| 19,027 |
| (12,524) |
| 31,551 | |||
Total other income (expense), net |
| 992,064 |
| 91,493 |
| 900,571 | |||
NET LOSS | $ | (1,821,112) | $ | (7,631,888) | $ | 5,810,776 |
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, our operating loss decreased by $4.9 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Our net loss decreased by $5.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Until we are able to generate revenue from product sales, our management expects to continue to incur net losses.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of legal and professional fees, wages and stock-based compensation. General and administrative expenses decreased by $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to a decrease in consulting and wage expenses.
Research and Development Expenses
The following table summarizes the Company’s research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| Change | ||||
Research and development |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Professional consultation and other analytical work | $ | 129,903 | $ | 1,877,780 | $ | (1,747,877) | |||
Lab Supplies, chemicals and manufacturing expenses |
| 55,710 |
| 2,137,063 |
| (2,081,353) | |||
Employee wages, benefits, and payroll taxes |
| 109,386 |
| 968,480 |
| (859,094) | |||
Stock-based compensation expense |
| (113,428) |
| 82,041 |
| (195,469) | |||
Facility, depreciation and other expenses |
| 205,993 |
| 421,692 |
| (215,699) | |||
Total research and development | $ | 387,564 | $ | 5,487,056 | $ | (5,099,492) |
The decrease of approximately $5.1 million of research and development expenses was primarily attributable to $1.7 million of decreased professional consultation and other analytical work; $2.1 million of decreased lab supplies, chemicals, and manufacturing expenses; $0.9 million decrease of employee wages, benefits, and payroll taxes; $0.2 million of decreased stock-based compensation expense; and $0.2 million of decreased equipment, depreciation, and facility costs. The overall decrease is primarily related to the Company’s strategic restructurings announced in October 2022 and August 2023, resulting in the overall decrease in research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Restructuring and Impairment
20
The increase of approximately $1.2 million in restructuring and impairment was primarily attributed to $0.3 million in employee termination benefits and $0.9 million in equipment impairment. No restructuring charges were incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Loss on Issuance of Common Stock and Warrants
The loss on issuance of common stock and warrants during the three months ended September 30, 2023 was not material. There was no comparable loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 reflects the changes in the warrant liabilities primarily due to changes in our stock price.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2023 primarily related to miscellaneous other income partially offset by the recognized loss on an asset disposal. Other income (expense), net during the three months ended September 30, 2022 primarily related to the recognized loss on an asset disposal.
Results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, reflect the following changes from the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| Change | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
General and administrative | $ | 6,523,996 | $ | 8,934,037 | $ | (2,410,041) | |||
Research and development |
| 2,912,094 |
| 17,079,335 |
| (14,167,241) | |||
Restructuring and impairment |
| 1,229,319 |
| — |
| 1,229,319 | |||
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES |
| 10,665,409 |
| 26,013,372 |
| (15,347,963) | |||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS |
| (10,665,409) |
| (26,013,372) |
| 15,347,963 | |||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Interest expense |
| (3,206) |
| (8,828) |
| 5,622 | |||
Interest income |
| 457,349 |
| 147,302 |
| 310,047 | |||
Loss on issuance of common stock and warrants | (1,312,212) | — | (1,312,212) | ||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities |
| 2,241,246 |
| — |
| 2,241,246 | |||
Other income (expense), net |
| (78,787) |
| (172,736) |
| 93,949 | |||
Total other income (expense), net |
| 1,304,390 |
| (34,262) |
| 1,338,652 | |||
NET LOSS | $ | (9,361,019) | $ | (26,047,634) | $ | 16,686,615 |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our operating loss decreased by $15.3 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Our net loss decreased by $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Until we are able to generate revenue from product sales, our management expects to continue to incur net losses.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of legal and professional fees, wages and stock-based compensation. General and administrative expenses decreased by $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to a decrease in consulting and wage expenses.
21
Research and Development Expenses
The following table summarizes the Company’s research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| Change | ||||
Research and development |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Professional consultation and other analytical work | $ | 420,792 | $ | 4,563,157 | $ | (4,142,365) | |||
Lab Supplies, chemicals and manufacturing expenses |
| 752,612 |
| 7,466,882 |
| (6,714,270) | |||
Employee wages, benefits, and payroll taxes |
| 878,063 |
| 3,162,021 |
| (2,283,958) | |||
Stock-based compensation expense |
| (33,459) |
| 613,819 |
| (647,278) | |||
Facility, depreciation and other expenses |
| 894,086 |
| 1,273,456 |
| (379,370) | |||
Total research and development | $ | 2,912,094 | $ | 17,079,335 | $ | (14,167,241) |
The decrease of approximately $14.2 million of research and development expenses was primarily attributable to $4.1 million of decreased professional consultation and other analytical work; $6.7 million of decreased lab supplies, chemicals, and manufacturing expenses; $2.3 million decrease of employee wages, benefits, and payroll taxes; $0.6 million of decreased stock-based compensation expense; and $0.4 million of decreased equipment, depreciation, and facility costs. The overall decrease is primarily related to the Company’s strategic restructurings announced in October 2022 and August 2023, resulting in the overall decrease in research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Restructuring and impairment
The increase of approximately $1.2 million in restructuring and impairment was primarily attributed to $0.3 million in employee termination benefits, and $0.9 million in equipment impairment. No restructuring charges were incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Loss on Issuance of Common Stock and Warrants
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the loss on issuance of common stock and warrants was approximately $1.3 million. This loss is attributable to the fair value measurement of the warrant liabilities using a Black-Scholes Model to estimate the common stock warrant liabilities associated with the registered direct and concurrent private placement offering we completed in June 2023. There was no comparable loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 reflects the changes in the warrant liabilities primarily due to changes in our stock price.
Other Income (Expense), net
We recognized other income (expense), net of $79 thousand during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily related to the buyout of certain leased equipment. We recognized other income (expense), net of $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 related to the correction of a payroll tax expense credit received in a prior period.
Liquidity, Capital Resources, Going Concern, and Financial Condition
We have had no revenues from product sales and have incurred operating losses since inception. As of September 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $12.6 million. We have historically funded our operations through the sale of common stock and the issuance of convertible notes and warrants. We expect to continue to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future and may never become profitable. As a result, we will likely need to raise additional capital through one or more of the following: the issuance of additional debt or equity or the completion of a licensing transaction for one or more of our pipeline assets. Accordingly, there are material risks and uncertainties that raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In August 2023, the Company announced a restructuring plan to reduce its operating expenses and extend its cash runway into the fourth quarter of calendar year 2025 based on current operating plans and estimates. Management believes it is probable that the restructuring plan will be effectively implemented and will mitigate the conditions that gave rise to substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
22
Net working capital decreased from December 31, 2022 to September 30, 2023 by $7.1 million (from $15.8 million to $8.7 million). We expect our annual cash burn to decrease in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, due to the restructuring actions that we have implemented since October 2022 and the announcement in August 2023 that we are halting further development of the Company’s research programs and exploring strategic alternatives including, but not limited to, an acquisition, merger, business combination, or other transaction.
We entered into a purchase agreement with Alumni Capital in December 2022, pursuant to which Alumni Capital is obligated to purchase up to $3.0 million of our common stock from time to time at our sole discretion over a 24-month period commencing on December 28, 2022. To date, we have not sold any shares of common stock under the purchase agreement.
At present, we have no bank line of credit. Should we need additional capital in the future, we will be primarily reliant upon a private or public placement of our equity or debt securities, or a strategic transaction, for which there can be no warranty or assurance that we may be successful in such efforts. If we are unable to maintain sufficient financial resources, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected. This could affect future development and business activities and potential future clinical studies and/or other future ventures. Failure to obtain additional equity or debt financing will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the financing needed to achieve our goals on acceptable terms or at all. Additionally, any equity financings would likely have a dilutive effect on the holdings of the Company’s existing stockholders.
Cash Flow Summary
The following table summarizes selected items in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | ||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (9,094,208) | $ | (23,743,520) | |||
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (4,947) |
| (347,835) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
| 4,283,188 |
| (82,042) | |||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (4,815,967) | $ | (24,173,397) |
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $9.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to approximately $23.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Net cash used in operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily the result of our net loss, the change in fair value of warrant liabilities, a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and a decrease in operating lease liability, partially offset by stock-based compensation expense, the loss on issuance of common stock and warrants, depreciation and amortization expenses, impairment, a decrease in prepaid insurance, other prepaid expenses and current assets and a decrease in security deposit. Net cash used in operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was primarily the result of our net loss, a decrease in prepaid insurance, other prepaid expenses and current assets, a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and a decrease in operating lease liability, partially offset by stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization expenses and an increase in accounts payable.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $5 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to the purchase of leasehold improvements, partially offset by proceeds received on sale of lab equipment. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was primarily due to the purchase of laboratory and office equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily reflects net proceeds from the June 2023 issuance of common stock and warrants, partially offset by principal payment of our finance lease liability. Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily reflects the principal payment of our finance lease liability.
23
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are not required to provide the information required under this item.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2023. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of September 30, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023.
24
PART II.
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We have become involved in certain legal proceedings and claims which arise in the normal course of business. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our results of operations, prospects, cash flows, financial position and brand. Costs associated with the Company’s involvement in legal proceedings are expensed as incurred.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We operate in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment that involves numerous risks and uncertainties. Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations, and you should carefully consider them. Accordingly, in evaluating our business, in addition to other information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” that appear in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 21, 2022. Other events that we do not currently anticipate or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Other than the following disclosed risk factors, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022.
Risks Related to the Company
Unstable market and economic conditions may have serious adverse consequences on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As widely reported, global credit and financial markets have experienced volatility and disruptions in the past several years, including severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, rising inflation, rising interest rates, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates, uncertainty about economic stability, failures of certain U.S. and international financial institutions and liquidity concerns at other financial institutions. There can be no assurances that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur. Our general business strategy may be adversely affected by any such economic downturn, volatile business environment or continued unpredictable and unstable market conditions. If the current equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult, more costly and more dilutive. Failure to secure any necessary financing in a timely manner and on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy, financial performance and price of the Company’s common stock, and could require us to delay or abandon clinical development plans.
We are reviewing strategic alternatives and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in identifying or completing any strategic transaction, that any such strategic transaction will result in additional value for our stockholders or that the process will not have an adverse impact on our business.
On August 3, 2023, we announced that our Board had initiated a process to explore potential strategic alternatives, possibly including, but not limited to, an acquisition, merger, business combination or other transaction, aimed at increasing stockholder value. There can be no assurance that the review of strategic alternatives will result in the identification or consummation of any transaction. Our Board may also determine that our most effective strategy is to continue to execute on our current strategy. The Board has also approved a reduction in workforce, designed to reduce costs and reallocate resources while maintaining the personnel needed to focus on activities relating to halting further development of the Company's programs and the pursuit of strategic alternatives.
The process of reviewing strategic alternatives may be costly, time consuming and disruptive to our business operations and, if we are unable to effectively manage the process, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. We have incurred, and may in the future incur, significant costs associated with identifying, evaluating and negotiating potential strategic alternatives, such as legal, financial advisor and accounting fees and expenses and other related charges. We may also incur additional unanticipated expenses in connection with this process. A considerable portion of these costs will be incurred regardless of whether any such course of action is implemented or transaction is completed, decreasing cash available for use in our business. We do not intend to comment regarding the evaluation of strategic alternatives until such time as we have determined that further disclosure is necessary or appropriate.
25
There can be no assurance that any potential transaction, or series of transactions, or other strategic alternative, if consummated, will provide greater value to our stockholders than that reflected in the current price of our common stock. Until the review process is concluded, perceived uncertainties related to our future may impact our business performance and volatility in the market price of our common stock and may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified personnel and key employees. Our Board has not set a timetable for the conclusion of this review, nor has it made any definitive decisions related to taking any further actions or potential strategic options at this time or at all.
Risk Related to Our Common Stock
Our failure to meet the continued listing standards on The Nasdaq Capital Market could result in a delisting of our common stock, which could negatively impact the price of our common stock, liquidity and our ability to access the capital markets.
The listing standards of The Nasdaq Capital Market provide that a company, in order to qualify for continued listing, must maintain a minimum stock price of $1.00 and satisfy standards relative to minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum market value of publicly held shares and various additional requirements. If we fail to comply with all listing standards applicable to issuers listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, our common stock may be delisted.
As previously disclosed on November 6, 2023, on November 3, 2023 we received a letter (the “Notice”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”), notifying us that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock has been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, the Company no longer complies with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) requires listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”), and Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) provides that a failure to meet the Minimum Bid Price Requirement exists if the deficiency continues for a period of 30 consecutive business days.
The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has been provided an initial compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until May 1, 2024, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. During the compliance period, the Company’s shares of common stock will continue to be listed and traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business days during the 180 calendar day grace period.
In the event the Company is not in compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement by May 1, 2024, the Company may be afforded a second 180 calendar day grace period. To qualify, the Company would be required to meet the continued listing requirements for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. In addition, the Company would be required to provide written notice of its intention to cure the minimum bid price deficiency during this second 180-day compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.
We intend to actively monitor the bid price for our common stock between now and May 1, 2024 and will consider available options to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. There can be no assurance that we will be able to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement or that we will otherwise be in compliance with the other listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market. If our common stock is delisted, it could reduce the price of our common stock and the levels of liquidity available to our stockholders. In addition, the delisting of our common stock could materially adversely affect our access to the capital markets, and any limitation on liquidity or reduction in the price of our common stock could materially adversely affect our ability to raise capital. Delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market could also result in other negative consequences, including the potential loss of confidence by suppliers, customers and employees, the loss of institutional investor interest and fewer business development opportunities.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
26
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exhibit | Description |
| Form |
| File |
| Filing Date |
| Exhibit | |
2.1+ | 8-K | 001-35963 | 1/3/2019 | 2.1 | ||||||
2.2 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 7/3/2019 | 2.1 | ||||||
3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. | 8-K | 001-35963 | 7/12/2019 | 3.1 | |||||
3.2 | 8 K | 001-35963 | 6/14/2023 | 3.1 | ||||||
3.3 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 9/23/2019 | 3.1 | ||||||
3.4 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 9/18/2023 | 3.1 | ||||||
4.1 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 12/8/2016 | 4.1 | ||||||
4.2 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 4/6/2017 | 4.1 | ||||||
4.3 | S-8 | 333-233346 | 8/16/2019 | 4.17 | ||||||
4.4 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 6/30/2023 | 4.1 | ||||||
4.5 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 6/30/2023 | 4.2 | ||||||
4.6 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 6/30/2023 | 4.3 | ||||||
4.7 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 6/30/2023 | 4.4 | ||||||
4.8 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 6/30/2023 | 4.5 | ||||||
4.9 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 10/18/2023 | 4.1 |
28
Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exhibit | Description |
| Form |
| File |
| Filing Date |
| Exhibit | |
10.1*** | 8-K | 001-35963 | 6/30/2023 | 10.1 | ||||||
10.2*** | 8-K | 001-35963 | 6/30/2023 | 10.2 | ||||||
10.3 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 6/30/2023 | 10.3 | ||||||
10.4 | Amendment No. 1 to Neubase Therapeutics, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan. | 8-K | 001-35963 | 7/31/2023 | 10.1 | |||||
10.5 | 8-K | 001-35963 | 10/18/2023 | 10.1 | ||||||
31.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||||||
31.2* | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||||||
32.1** | ||||||||||
101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document. | |||||||||
101.SCH* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |||||||||
101.CAL* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |||||||||
101.DEF* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |||||||||
101.LAB* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |||||||||
101.PRE* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |||||||||
*Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
*** Non-material schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the SEC.
+All schedules and exhibits to the agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule and/or exhibit will be furnished to the SEC upon request.
29
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| NeuBase Therapeutics, Inc. |
|
|
Date: November 09, 2023 | /s/ Todd Branning |
| Todd Branning |
| Chief Financial Officer |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
30