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Oncocyte Corp - Quarter Report: 2019 June (Form 10-Q)

 

 

 

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 June 30, 2019

 

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 1-37648

 

OncoCyte Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California   27-1041563

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

1010 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 102

Alameda, California 94501

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(510) 775-0515

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value   OCX   NYSE American

 

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 to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No

 

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 2019 was 51,972,830.

 

 

 

 
 

 

PART 1—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

This Report on Form 10-Q (“Report”) contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. We make such forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this Report are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology.

 

Any forward-looking statements in this Report reflect our current views with respect to future events or to our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those discussed in this Report under Item 1 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements, under Risk Factors in this Report and those listed under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on April 1, 2019. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.

 

References to “OncoCyte,” “our” or “we” means OncoCyte Corporation.

 

The description or discussion, in this Form 10-Q, of any contract or agreement is a summary only and is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of the applicable contract or agreement.

 

2
 

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

ONCOCYTE CORPORATION

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

   June 30, 2019  December 31, 2018
   (Unaudited)   
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents  $35,826   $8,034 
Marketable equity securities   518    428 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   720    180 
Total current assets   37,064    8,642 
           
NONCURRENT ASSETS          
Machinery and equipment, net   413    614 
Deposits and other noncurrent assets   189    262 
TOTAL ASSETS  $37,666   $9,518 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
CURRENT LIABILITIES          
Amount due to BioTime and affiliates  $5   $2,101 
Accounts payable   556    166 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   2,486    2,109 
Loan payable, current, net of deferred financing costs   769    800 
Financing lease liability, current   245    385 
Total current liabilities   4,061    5,561 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES          
Loan payable, net of deferred financing costs, noncurrent   -    347 
Financing lease liability, noncurrent   100    187 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   4,161    6,095 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)          
           
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Preferred stock, no par value, 5,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding   -    - 
Common stock, no par value, 85,000 shares authorized; 51,973 and 40,664 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively   114,071    74,742 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   -    - 
Accumulated deficit   (80,566)   (71,319)
Total shareholders’ equity   33,505    3,423 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $37,666   $9,518 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed interim financial statements.

 

3
 

 

ONCOCYTE CORPORATION

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
EXPENSES:                    
Research and development  $1,508   $2,322   $2,851   $3,784 
General and administrative   3,636    1,335    6,085    3,122 
Sales and marketing   318    569    523    1,227 
Total operating expenses   5,462    4,226    9,459    8,133 
                     
Loss from operations   (5,462)   (4,226)   (9,459)   (8,133)
                     
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES), NET                    
Interest income (expense), net   167    (56)   147    (117)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable equity securities   (88)   (223)   90    (32)
Other expenses, net   -    -    (25)   (2)
Total other income (expenses), net   79    (279)   212    (151)
                     
NET LOSS  $(5,383)  $(4,505)  $(9,247)  $(8,284)
                     
Net loss per share: basic and diluted  $(0.10)  $(0.12)  $(0.19)  $(0.24)
                     
Weighted average common shares outstanding: basic and diluted   51,973    38,708    49,324    35,211 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed interim financial statements.

 

4
 

 

ONCOCYTE CORPORATION

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

 

  

Three Months Ended
June 30,

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
                 
NET LOSS  $(5,383)  $(4,505)  $(9,247)  $(8,284)
                     
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax   -    -    -    - 
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS  $(5,383)  $(4,505)  $(9,247)  $(8,284)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed interim financial statements.

 

5
 

 

ONCOCYTE CORPORATION

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

 

  

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
   2019   2018 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net loss  $(9,247)  $(8,284)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation expense   194    207 
Amortization of intangible assets   -    121 
Amortization of prepaid maintenance   18    - 
Impairment charge for intangible assets   -    625 
Stock-based compensation   1,388    735 
Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable equity securities   (90)   32 
Amortization of debt issuance costs   22    44 
Other   26    22 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Amount due to BioTime and affiliates   (2,096)   1 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (540)   (214)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   767    1 
Net cash used in operating activities   (9,558)   (6,710)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Purchase of equipment   (18)   (22)
Security deposit and other   54    - 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   36    (22)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from exercise of options   943    56 
Proceeds from sale of common shares   40,250    10,000 
Financing costs to issue common shares   (3,252)   (65)
Repayment of loan payable   (400)   (400)
Repayment of financing lease obligations   (227)   (165)
Net cash provided by financing activities   37,314    9,426 
           
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   27,792    2,694 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:          
At beginning of the period   8,034    7,600 
At end of the period  $35,826   $10,294 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed interim financial statements.

 

6
 

 

ONCOCYTE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

1.Organization, Description of the Business and Liquidity

 

OncoCyte Corporation (“OncoCyte”) is a developer of novel, non-invasive blood-based tests for the early detection of cancer. It is focused on developing molecular cancer diagnostics utilizing a discovery platform that focuses on identifying genetic markers that are differentially expressed in certain types of cancers. OncoCyte is currently devoting substantially all of its efforts on developing its lung cancer diagnostic test DetermaVu™.

 

OncoCyte was incorporated in 2009 in the state of California and was formerly a majority-owned subsidiary of Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly known as BioTime, Inc. ("BioTime")), a publicly traded, clinical-stage, biotechnology company developing new cellular therapies for degenerative retinal diseases, neurological conditions associated with demyelination, and aiding the body in detecting and combating cancer. Beginning on February 17, 2017, OncoCyte ceased to be a subsidiary of BioTime for financial reporting purposes when BioTime’s percentage ownership of outstanding OncoCyte common stock declined below 50% as a result of the issuance of additional OncoCyte common stock to certain investors who exercised OncoCyte stock purchase warrants (see Note 6).

 

Liquidity

 

Since inception, OncoCyte has financed its operations through the sale of common stock, warrants, warrant exercises, a bank loan, and sales of BioTime common shares that it holds as marketable equity securities. BioTime also provides OncoCyte with the use of BioTime facilities and services under a Shared Facilities and Services Agreement (the “Shared Facilities Agreement”) as described in Note 4. OncoCyte has incurred operating losses and negative cash flows since inception and had an accumulated deficit of $80.6 million as of June 30, 2019. OncoCyte expects to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable future.

 

At June 30, 2019, OncoCyte had $35.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and held BioTime and AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (“AgeX”) common stock as marketable equity securities valued at $0.5 million. OncoCyte believes that its current cash, cash equivalents and marketable equity securities is sufficient to carry out current operations through at least twelve months from the issuance date of the condensed interim financial statements included in this Report.

 

OncoCyte will need to raise additional capital to finance its operations, including the development and commercialization of its cancer diagnostic tests, until such time as it is able to complete development and commercialize one or more diagnostic tests and generate sufficient revenues to cover its operating expenses. Presently, OncoCyte is devoting substantially all of its research and development resources to the completion of the development and planned commercialization of DetermaVu™. OncoCyte may also explore a range of other commercialization options in order to reduce capital needs and the risks associated with the timelines and uncertainty for attaining the Medicare and commercial reimbursement approvals that will be essential for the successful commercialization of DetermaVu™ and any other diagnostic tests that OncoCyte may develop or acquire through business development activities. Those alternative arrangements could include marketing arrangements with other diagnostic companies through which OncoCyte might receive a royalty on sales, or through which it might form a joint venture to market DetermaVu™ and share in net revenues.

 

Delays in the development of DetermaVu™ could prevent OncoCyte from raising sufficient additional capital to finance the completion of development and commercial launch of DetermaVu™ or other cancer diagnostic tests. Even if OncoCyte is successful in completing the development of DetermaVu™, investors may be reluctant to provide OncoCyte with capital until DetermaVu™ is approved for reimbursement by Medicare or commercial reimbursement. The unavailability or inadequacy of financing or revenues to meet future capital needs could force OncoCyte to modify, curtail, delay, or suspend some or all aspects of planned operations. Sales of additional equity securities could result in the dilution of the interests of its shareholders. OncoCyte cannot assure that adequate financing will be available on favorable terms, if at all.

 

Basis of presentation

 

The unaudited condensed interim financial statements presented herein, and discussed below, have been prepared on a stand-alone basis 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 of the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In accordance with those rules and regulations certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in comprehensive financial statements have been condensed or omitted. The condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 was derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP. These condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in OncoCyte’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

7
 

 

The accompanying condensed interim financial statements, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of OncoCyte’s financial condition and results of operations. The condensed results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year.

 

Prior to February 17, 2017, BioTime consolidated the results of OncoCyte into BioTime’s consolidated results based on BioTime’s ability to control OncoCyte’s operating and financial decisions and policies through its majority ownership of OncoCyte common stock. Beginning on February 17, 2017, BioTime’s percentage ownership of the outstanding OncoCyte common stock declined below 50%, resulting in a loss of “control” of OncoCyte under GAAP and, as a result, BioTime deconsolidated OncoCyte’s financial statements from BioTime’s consolidated financial statements. As a result of this deconsolidation, OncoCyte is no longer considered a subsidiary of BioTime under GAAP with effect from February 17, 2017. OncoCyte remains an affiliate of BioTime based on BioTime’s retained share ownership in OncoCyte, which is sufficient to allow BioTime to exert significant influence over the operations and management of OncoCyte.

 

To the extent OncoCyte does not have its own employees or human resources for its operations, BioTime or BioTime subsidiaries provide certain employees for administrative or operational services, as necessary, for the benefit of OncoCyte (see Notes 4). Accordingly, BioTime allocates expenses such as salaries and payroll related expenses incurred and paid on behalf of OncoCyte based on the amount of time that particular employees devote to OncoCyte affairs. Other expenses such as legal, accounting, human resources, marketing, travel, and entertainment expenses are allocated to OncoCyte to the extent that those expenses are incurred by or on behalf of OncoCyte. BioTime also allocates certain overhead expenses such as facilities rent and utilities, property taxes, insurance, internet and telephone expenses based on a percentage determined by management. These allocations are made based upon activity-based allocation drivers such as time spent, percentage of square feet of office or laboratory space used, and percentage of personnel devoted to OncoCyte’s operations or management. Management evaluates the appropriateness of the percentage allocations on a periodic basis and believes that this basis for allocation is reasonable.

 

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Research and development expenses

 

Research and development expenses include both direct expenses incurred by OncoCyte and indirect overhead costs allocated by BioTime that benefit or support OncoCyte’s research and development functions. Direct research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel costs and related benefits, including stock-based compensation, consulting fees, and obligations incurred to suppliers. Indirect research and development expenses allocated by BioTime to OncoCyte under the Shared Facilities Agreement (see Note 4), are primarily based on headcount or space occupied, as applicable, and include laboratory supplies, laboratory expenses, rent and utilities, common area maintenance, telecommunications, property taxes and insurance. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses include both direct expenses incurred by OncoCyte and indirect overhead costs allocated by BioTime that benefit or support OncoCyte’s general and administrative functions. Direct general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits, including stock-based compensation, for executive and corporate personnel, and professional and consulting fees. Indirect general and administrative expenses allocated by BioTime to OncoCyte under the Shared Facilities Agreement (see Note 4) are primarily based on headcount or space occupied, as applicable, and include costs for financial reporting and compliance, rent and utilities, common area maintenance, telecommunications, property taxes and insurance.

 

Sales and marketing expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel costs and related benefits, including stock-based compensation, trade show expenses, branding and positioning expenses, and consulting fees. Indirect sales and marketing expenses allocated by BioTime, primarily based on OncoCyte’s headcount or space occupied, as applicable, include costs for rent and utilities, common area maintenance, telecommunications, property taxes and insurance, incurred by BioTime and allocated to us under the Shared Facilities Agreement.

 

Accounting for shares of BioTime and AgeX common stock

 

In accordance with ASC 320-10-25, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities, as amended by Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Financial Instruments–Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, OncoCyte accounts for the BioTime and AgeX shares it holds as marketable equity securities, as the shares have a readily determinable fair value quoted on the NYSE American and are held principally to meet future working capital purposes, as necessary. The shares are measured at fair value and reported as current assets on the balance sheet based on the closing trading price of the shares as of the date being presented.

 

8
 

 

Beginning on January 1, 2018, with the adoption of ASU 2016-01 discussed below, the BioTime and AgeX shares held by OncoCyte are now referred to as “marketable equity securities,” and unrealized holding gains and losses on those shares are reported in the statements of operations in other income and expenses, net. Prior to January 1, 2018 and the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the BioTime shares held were called “available-for-sale securities” and unrealized holding gains and losses were reported in other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, and were a component of the accumulated other comprehensive income or loss on the condensed balance sheet. Realized gains and losses on BioTime shares are also included in other income and expenses, net, in the condensed statements of operations. The shares of AgeX common stock OncoCyte holds were received from BioTime as a dividend-in-kind on November 28, 2018. OncoCyte did not sell any shares of BioTime or AgeX stock during any of the periods presented. As of June 30, 2019, OncoCyte held 353,264 and 35,326 shares of common stock of BioTime and AgeX, respectively, as marketable equity securities with a combined fair market value of $518,000.

 

On January 1, 2018, in accordance with the adoption of ASU 2016-01, OncoCyte recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment for the BioTime shares as available-for-sale-securities to reclassify the unrealized loss of $888,000 included in accumulated other comprehensive loss to the accumulated deficit balance. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, OncoCyte recorded an unrealized loss of $88,000 and gain of $90,000, respectively, included in other income and expenses, net, due to the changes in fair market value of the marketable equity securities from the respective balance sheet dates. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, OncoCyte recorded an unrealized loss of $223,000 and $32,000, respectively, included in other income and expenses, net, due to the decrease in fair market value of the marketable equity securities from the respective balance sheet dates.

 

Net loss per common share

 

All potentially dilutive common stock equivalents are antidilutive because OncoCyte reported a net loss for all periods presented. The following common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share of common stock for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive (in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, (Unaudited)
   Six Months Ended
June 30, (Unaudited)
 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
Stock options   2,702    3,477    3,555    2,894 
Warrants   4,035    2,779    4,035    2,779 

 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

 

Leases

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued a new standard related to leases to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Most prominent among the changes in the standard is the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. Under the standard, disclosures are required to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

 

On January 1, 2019, OncoCyte adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842, “ASC 842”) and its subsequent amendments affecting OncoCyte: (i) ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, and (ii) ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted improvements, using the modified retrospective method. OncoCyte management determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases are classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statements of operations. When determining whether a lease is a finance lease or an operating lease, ASC 842 does not specifically define criteria to determine “major part of remaining economic life of the underlying asset” and “substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset.” For lease classification determination, OncoCyte continues to use (i) 75% or greater to determine whether the lease term is a major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset and (ii) 90% or greater to determine whether the present value of the sum of lease payments is substantially of the fair value of the underlying asset. OncoCyte uses either the rate implicit in the lease or its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate in lease accounting, as applicable.

 

9
 

 

Upon adoption of ASC 842 and based on the available practical expedients under that standard, OncoCyte did not reassess any expired or existing contracts, reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and reassess initial direct costs for exiting leases. OncoCyte also elected not to capitalize leases that have terms of twelve months or less.

 

The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact to OncoCyte’s financial statements because OncoCyte does not have any significant operating leases. OncoCyte’s accounting for financing leases (previously referred to as “capital leases”) remained substantially unchanged. Financing leases are included in machinery and equipment, and in financing lease liabilities, current and noncurrent, in OncoCyte’s condensed balance sheets (see Note 9).

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for non-employee share-based payment transactions. The new standard expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non-employees. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (including interim periods within that fiscal year). OncoCyte adopted ASU 2018-07 on January 1, 2019. As OncoCyte does not have a significant number of outstanding and unvested non-employee share-based awards, the application of the new standard did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

The recently issued accounting pronouncements applicable to OncoCyte that are not yet effective should be read in conjunction with the recently issued accounting pronouncements, as applicable and disclosed in OncoCyte’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies certain disclosure requirements for reporting fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. OncoCyte will adopt this standard on January 1, 2020 and is currently evaluating the disclosure requirements and its effect on the financial statements.

 

3.Selected Balance Sheet Components

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, prepaid expenses and other current assets were comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
   (unaudited)     
Prepaid insurance  $356   $102 
Prepaid advisory services   180    - 
Other   184    78 
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets  $720   $180 

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, accrued expenses and other current liabilities were comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
   (unaudited)     
Accrued compensation  $979   $1,303 
Accrued vendors and other expenses   1,507    806 
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities  $2,486   $2,109 

 

10
 

 

Accrued compensation as of June 30, 2019 includes severance benefits totaling approximately $376,000 payable to William Annett, OncoCyte’s former Chief Executive Officer, in connection with the termination of his employment. See Note 10.

 

Machinery and equipment, net

 

As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, machinery and equipment, primarily comprised of assets purchased under financing leases discussed in Notes 2 and 9, were as follows (in thousands):

 

  

June 30, 2019

  

December 31, 2018

 
   (unaudited)     
Machinery and equipment  $1,123   $1,562 
Accumulated depreciation   (710)   (948)
Machinery and equipment, net  $413   $614 

 

Depreciation expense amounted to $84,000 and $104,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and $194,000 and $207,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

4.Related Party Transactions

 

Shared Facilities Agreement

 

On October 8, 2009, OncoCyte and BioTime executed the Shared Facilities Agreement. Under the terms of the Shared Facilities Agreement, BioTime agrees to permit OncoCyte to use BioTime’s premises and equipment located in Alameda, California for the purpose of conducting business. BioTime provides accounting, billing, bookkeeping, payroll, treasury, payment of accounts payable, and other similar administrative services to OncoCyte. BioTime may also provide the services of attorneys, accountants, and other professionals who may also provide professional services to BioTime and its other subsidiaries. BioTime may also provide OncoCyte with the services of BioTime laboratory and research personnel, including BioTime employees and contractors, for the performance of research and development work for OncoCyte at the premises.

 

BioTime charges OncoCyte a Use Fee for services received and usage of facilities, equipment, and supplies. For each billing period, BioTime prorates and allocates costs incurred, as applicable, to OncoCyte. Such costs include services of BioTime employees, equipment, insurance, lease, professional, software, supplies and utilities. Allocation depends on key cost drivers including actual documented use, square footage of facilities used, time spent, costs incurred by or for OncoCyte, or upon proportionate usage by BioTime and OncoCyte, as reasonably estimated by BioTime (collectively “Use Fees”). BioTime charges OncoCyte a 5% markup on such allocated costs as permitted by the Shared Facilities Agreement.

 

The Use Fee is determined and invoiced to OncoCyte on a regular basis, generally monthly or quarterly. If the Shared Facilities Agreement terminates prior to the last day of a billing period, the Use Fee will be determined for the number of days in the billing period elapsed prior to the termination of the Shared Facilities Agreement. Each invoice will be payable in full by OncoCyte within 30 days after receipt. Any invoice, or portion thereof, not paid in full when due will bear interest at the rate of 15% per annum until paid, unless the failure to make a payment is due to any inaction or delay in making a payment by BioTime employees from OncoCyte funds available for such purpose, rather than from the unavailability of sufficient funds legally available for payment or from an act, omission, or delay by any employee or agent of OncoCyte. To date, BioTime has not charged OncoCyte any interest.

 

In addition to the Use Fees, OncoCyte will reimburse BioTime for any out of pocket costs incurred by BioTime for the purchase of office supplies, laboratory supplies, and other goods and materials and services for the account or use of OncoCyte, provided that invoices documenting such costs are delivered to OncoCyte with each invoice for the Use Fee. BioTime has no obligation to purchase or acquire any office supplies or other goods and materials or any services for OncoCyte, and if any such supplies, goods, materials or services are obtained for OncoCyte, BioTime may arrange for the suppliers thereof to invoice OncoCyte directly.

 

The Shared Facilities Agreement will remain in effect, unless either party gives the other party written notice stating that the Shared Facilities Agreement will terminate on December 31 of that year, or unless the agreement otherwise is terminated under another provision of the agreement. The Shared Facilities Agreement is not considered a lease under the provisions of ASC 842 discussed in Note 2, because, among other factors, a significant part of the Shared Facilities Agreement is a contract for services, not a tangible asset, and is cancelable by either party without penalty. BioTime’s lease of its principal office and research facility will expire on January 31, 2023. On July 30, 2019, OncoCyte provided written notice to BioTime that after September 30, 2019 OncoCyte will longer be using shared services, but will continue to use a portion of BioTime’s facilities in Alameda, California under the Shared Facilities Agreement.

 

11
 

 

In the aggregate, Use Fees charged to OncoCyte by BioTime are as follows (in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, (unaudited)
   Six Months Ended
June 30, (unaudited)
 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
Research and development  $212   $217   $418   $438 
General and administrative   98    79    216    153 
Sales and marketing   15    95    16    193 
Total Use Fees  $325   $391   $650   $784 

 

As of December 31, 2018, OncoCyte had $2.1 million outstanding and payable to BioTime and affiliates included in current liabilities on account of Use Fees under the Shared Facilities Agreement. On February 15, 2019, OncoCyte paid the $2.1 million owed to BioTime for prior services provided under the Shared Facilities Agreement. Use Fees are generally paid at the beginning of the month of services to be rendered. The minimum fixed payments due under the Shared Facilities Agreement are approximately $108,000 per month. As of June 30, 2019, amounts owed to BioTime under the Shared Facilities Agreement were insignificant.

 

Financing Transactions

 

As further discussed in Note 6, in March 2018, OncoCyte sold shares to two investors who beneficially owned more than 5% of OncoCyte’s outstanding common stock. The shares were sold under a securities purchase agreement that contains certain registration rights. OncoCyte agreed to register the shares sold to the investors for resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), not later than 60 days after the closing of the sale of the shares. OncoCyte also agreed to pay liquidated damages calculated in the manner provided in the securities purchase agreement if OncoCyte did not file the registration statement in a timely manner. Because the registration statement was not filed as required by the securities purchase agreement during the year ended December 31, 2018, OncoCyte accrued $300,000 on account of liquidated damages owed and paid this amount in March 2019.

 

5.Loan Payable to Silicon Valley Bank

 

On February 21, 2017, OncoCyte entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Silicon Valley Bank (the “Bank”) pursuant to which OncoCyte borrowed $2.0 million on March 23, 2017. Payments of interest only on the principal balance were due monthly from the draw date through October 31, 2017, and, beginning on November 1, 2017, monthly payments of principal of approximately $67,000 plus interest are due and payable. The outstanding principal balance of the loan bears interest at a stated floating annual interest rate equal to the greater of (i) three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) above the prime rate or (ii) four and one-quarter percent (4.25%). As of June 30, 2019, the latest published prime rate plus 0.75% was 6.25% per annum.

 

The outstanding principal amount plus accrued interest will be due and payable to the Bank at maturity on April 1, 2020. At maturity, OncoCyte will also pay the Bank an additional final payment fee of 5.8% of the original principal borrowed. OncoCyte accrued the $116,000 final payment fee included in the loan payable as a deferred financing cost on the March 23, 2017 draw date.

 

OncoCyte may prepay in full the outstanding principal balance at any time, subject to a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the outstanding principal balance. Any amounts borrowed and repaid may not be reborrowed. There are no amounts available to be borrowed on the Loan Agreement.

 

The outstanding principal amount of the loan, with interest accrued, the final payment fee, and the prepayment fee may become due and payable prior to the applicable maturity date if an “Event of Default” as defined in the Loan Agreement occurs and is not cured within any applicable cure period. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all obligations due to the Bank will bear interest at a rate per annum which is 5% above the then applicable interest rate. An Event of Default includes, among other events, failure to pay interest and principal when due, material adverse changes, which include a material adverse change in OncoCyte’s business, operations, or condition (financial or otherwise), failure to provide the bank with timely financial statements and copies of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as required, legal judgments or pending or threatened legal actions of $50,000 or more, insolvency, and delisting from the NYSE American. OncoCyte’s obligations under the Loan Agreement are collateralized by substantially all of its assets other than intellectual property such as patents and trade secrets that OncoCyte owns. Accordingly, if an Event of Default were to occur and not be cured, the Bank could foreclose on its security interest in the collateral. OncoCyte was in compliance with the Loan Agreement as of the filing date of this Report.

 

Under the provisions of the Loan Agreement, as consented by the Bank, any proceeds received by OncoCyte from sales of BioTime shares may be used by OncoCyte to fund its operations.

 

12
 

 

Bank Warrants

 

On February 21, 2017, and in conjunction with $2.0 million becoming available under the Loan Agreement, OncoCyte issued common stock purchase warrants to the Bank (the “Bank Warrants”) entitling the Bank to purchase shares of OncoCyte common stock in tranches related to the loan tranches under the Loan Agreement. In conjunction with the availability of the loan, the Bank was issued warrants to purchase 8,247 shares of OncoCyte common stock at an exercise price of $4.85 per share, through February 21, 2027. On March 23, 2017, in conjunction with borrowing $2.0 million, the Bank was issued warrants to purchase an additional 7,321 common shares at an exercise price of $5.46 per share, through March 23, 2027. The Bank may elect to exercise the Bank Warrants on a “cashless exercise” basis and receive a number of shares determined by multiplying the number of shares for which the applicable tranche is being exercised by (A) the excess of the fair market value of the common stock over the applicable exercise price, divided by (B) the fair market value of the common stock. The fair market value of the common stock will be the last closing or sale price on a national securities exchange, interdealer quotation system, or over-the-counter market.

 

The Bank Warrants are classified as equity since, among other factors, they are not mandatorily redeemable, cannot be settled in cash or other assets and require settlement by issuing a fixed number of shares of common stock of OncoCyte. OncoCyte determined the fair value of the Bank Warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model to be approximately $62,000, which was recorded as a deferred financing cost against the loan payable balance. Aggregate deferred financing costs of $196,000, recorded against the loan payable balance, are amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. As of June 30, 2019, unamortized deferred financing costs were insignificant.

 

6.Shareholders’ Equity

 

Preferred Stock

 

OncoCyte is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of no par value preferred stock. As of June 30, 2019, no preferred shares were issued or outstanding.

 

Common Stock

 

OncoCyte has 85,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value, authorized.

 

During February 2019, OncoCyte sold 10,733,334 shares of its common stock for $37.0 million of net proceeds, after the payment of underwriting fees and offering expenses, through an underwritten public offering. During February 2019, OncoCyte also received $0.9 million in proceeds from exercise of stock options to purchase 576,000 shares of OncoCyte common stock.

 

On July 31, 2018, OncoCyte raised approximately $3.3 million in net proceeds, after offering expenses, from the sale of 1,256,118 shares of its common stock and warrants (the “July 2018 Offering”). The shares of common stock and warrants were sold in “Units” at a purchase price of $2.86 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of its common stock (“July 2018 Offering Warrants”). The Units of common stock and warrants were sold in a registered direct offering. OncoCyte’s Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Vice President of Research and Development, and certain members of OncoCyte’s Board of Directors purchased Units in the July 2018 Offering on the same terms as other investors.

 

On March 28, 2018, OncoCyte entered into securities purchase agreements with two accredited investors for the private placement of 7,936,508 shares of OncoCyte’s common stock for $1.26 per share, for total gross proceeds of $10.0 million before deducting offering expenses, $8.0 million of which was received in March 2018 and $2.0 million in May 2018. The securities purchase agreements contain certain registration rights (see Note 4). The investors are Broadwood Partners, L.P. and George Karfunkel, who beneficially own more than 5% of OncoCyte’s outstanding common stock.

 

As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, OncoCyte had 51,972,830 and 40,664,496 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

Accounting for Warrants

 

As of June 30, 2019, OncoCyte has an aggregate of 4,035,339 warrants issued and outstanding, including the Bank Warrants disclosed in Note 5, at exercise prices ranging from $3.00 to $5.50 per warrant (see Note 10).

 

13
 

 

July 2018 Offering Warrants

 

Each July 2018 Offering Warrant has an initial exercise price of $3.00 per share, became exercisable six months after the date of issuance and will expire five years from the date it became exercisable. Subject to limited exceptions, a holder of the warrants will not have the right to exercise any portion of the warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of OncoCyte’s common stock outstanding immediately after the exercise.

 

The July 2018 Offering Warrants are not mandatorily redeemable, cannot be settled in cash or other assets and require settlement by issuing a fixed number of shares of common stock of OncoCyte. The July 2018 Offering Warrants may be exercised on a net “cashless exercise” basis, meaning that the value of a portion of warrant shares may be used to pay the exercise price (rather than payment in cash), if a registration statement for the July 2018 Offering Warrants and underlying shares of common stock is not effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or a prospectus in the registration statement is not available for the issuance of shares upon the exercise of the July 2018 Offering Warrants. The exercise price and the number of warrant shares will be adjusted to account for certain transactions, including stock splits, dividends paid in common stock, combinations or reverse splits of common stock, or reclassifications of common stock.

 

Under certain provisions of the July 2018 Offering Warrants, in the event of a Fundamental Transaction, as defined in the July 2018 Offering Warrants, OncoCyte will use reasonable best efforts for the acquirer, or any successor entity other than OncoCyte, to assume the July 2018 Offering Warrants. If the acquirer does not assume the OncoCyte July 2018 Offering Warrants, and provided that the Fundamental Transaction is not within OncoCyte’s control, including not approved by OncoCyte’s Board of Directors, then the holders of the July 2018 Offering Warrants shall solely be entitled to receive, at a defined Black Scholes value, the same type or form of consideration, and in the same proportion, that is being offered and paid to all the holders of OncoCyte common stock in connection with the Fundamental Transaction.

 

OncoCyte considered the guidance in ASC 815-40, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock, which states that contracts that require or may require the issuer to settle the contract for cash are liabilities recorded at fair value, irrespective of the likelihood of the transaction occurring that triggers the net cash settlement feature. This liability classification guidance also applies to financial instruments that may require cash or other form of settlement for transactions outside of the company’s control and, in which the form of consideration to the warrant holder may not be the same as to all other shareholders in connection with the transaction. However, if a transaction is not within the company’s control but the holder of the financial instrument can solely receive the same type or form of consideration as is being offered to all the shareholders in the transaction, then equity classification of the financial instrument is not precluded, if all other applicable equity classification criteria are met. Based on the above guidance, the July 2018 Offering Warrants meet all the equity classification criteria and have been classified as equity.

 

2016 Warrants and New Warrants

 

On August 29, 2016, OncoCyte sold an aggregate of 3,246,153 immediately separable units, with each unit consisting of one share of OncoCyte common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of OncoCyte common stock (the “2016 Warrants”), at a price of $3.25 per unit (the “Offering”). The sales were made pursuant to the terms and conditions of certain Purchase Agreements between OncoCyte and the purchasers in the Offering.

 

The 2016 Warrants have an exercise price of $3.25 per Warrant Share and may be exercised until the close of business on October 16, 2021. The 2016 Warrants may be exercised on a net “cashless exercise” basis, meaning that the value of a portion of Warrant Shares may be used to pay the exercise price (rather than payment in cash), in certain circumstances. The exercise price and the number of Warrant Shares will be adjusted to account for certain transactions, including stock splits, dividends paid in common stock, combinations or reverse splits of common stock, or reclassifications of common stock.

 

Under certain provisions of the 2016 Warrants, in the event of a Fundamental Transaction, as defined in the 2016 Warrants, OncoCyte will use reasonable best efforts for the acquirer, or any successor entity other than OncoCyte, to assume the 2016 Warrants. If the acquirer does not assume the OncoCyte 2016 Warrant obligations, then the acquirer shall pay the holders of 2016 Warrants an amount equal to the aggregate value equal to the Black Scholes Value, as defined in the 2016 Warrants. The payment of the Black Scholes Value shall be made in cash or such other consideration as the acquirer paid to the other OncoCyte shareholders in the Fundamental Transaction.

 

14
 

 

OncoCyte is not required to net cash settle the 2016 Warrants under any circumstance. OncoCyte considered the guidance in ASC 815-40, which states that contracts that require or may require the issuer to settle the contract for cash are liabilities recorded at fair value, irrespective of the likelihood of the transaction occurring that triggers the net cash settlement feature. Since solely an acquirer, and not OncoCyte itself, may be required to net cash settle the 2016 Warrants in the event of a Fundamental Transaction, the 2016 Warrants are classified as equity.

 

On February 17, 2017, certain OncoCyte investors exercised 2016 Warrants to acquire 625,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per warrant for total exercise cash proceeds of $2.0 million (the “Warrant exercise”). In order to induce the investors to complete the Warrant exercise and, in conjunction with the Warrant exercise, OncoCyte issued new warrants to those investors (the “New Warrants”). Certain investors received New Warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share and one investor received New Warrants to purchase 212,500 shares of common stock at an exercise of $3.25 per share. The New Warrants are exercisable at any time for five years from February 17, 2017. The New Warrants are classified as equity as their terms are consistent with the 2016 Warrants.

 

On July 21, 2017, OncoCyte entered into three forms of Warrant Exercise Agreements (each, an “Exercise Agreement”) with certain holders of the 2016 Warrants providing for the cash exercise of their 2016 Warrants and the issuance of new warrants (the “July 2017 Warrants”) to them.

 

Pursuant to one form of Exercise Agreement, two investors exercised 2016 Warrants to purchase 226,923 shares of OncoCyte’s common stock at the exercise price of $3.25 per share, and OncoCyte issued to them July 2017 Warrants expiring five years from the date of issue, to purchase 226,923 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share.

 

Pursuant to a second form of Exercise Agreement, one investor exercised 2016 Warrants to purchase 540,000 shares of common stock at the exercise price of $3.25 per share, and OncoCyte issued to the investor a July 2017 Warrant, expiring five years from the date of issue, to purchase 270,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share. In this alternative form of Exercise Agreement, OncoCyte also agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the July 2017 Warrant and to keep it continuously effective for up to five years, subject to conditions set forth in the Exercise Agreement.

 

Pursuant to a third form of Exercise Agreement, one investor exercised 2016 Warrants to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at the exercise price of $3.25 per share, and OncoCyte issued to the investor (i) a July 2017 Warrant, expiring two years from the date of issue, to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share, and (ii) a July 2017 Warrant, expiring two years from the date of issue, to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share. In this alternative form of Exercise Agreement, OncoCyte also agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the July 2017 Warrant and to keep it continuously effective for up to five years, subject to conditions set forth in the Exercise Agreement.

 

In the aggregate, upon the exercise of 2016 Warrants under the Exercise Agreements, OncoCyte received gross proceeds of approximately $5.74 million and issued July 2017 Warrants to purchase 1,496,923 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $4.34 per share. The July 2017 Warrants are classified as equity as their terms are consistent with the 2016 Warrants.

 

Stock option exercises

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, 576,000 shares of common stock were issued upon the exercise of stock options, from which OncoCyte received approximately $0.9 million in cash proceeds.

 

Reconciliation of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

The following tables show changes in components of shareholders’ equity for the periods from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019, and from March 31, 2019 to June 30, 2019 (unaudited and in thousands).

 

   Common Stock   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   Accumulated
   Total
Shareholders’
 
   Shares   Amount   Income   Deficit   Equity 
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2019   40,664   $74,742   $          -   $(71,319)  $3,423 
Net loss   -    -    -    (9,247)   (9,247)
Stock-based compensation   -    1,388    -    -    1,388 
Sale of common shares   10,733    40,250    -    -    40,250 
Financing costs paid to issue common shares   -    (3,252)   -    -    (3,252)
Exercise of stock options   576    943    -    -    943 
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2019   51,973   $114,071   $-   $(80,566)  $33,505 

 

15
 

 

   Common Stock   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   Accumulated   Total
Shareholders’
 
   Shares   Amount   Income   Deficit   Equity 
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2019   51,973   $113,370   $           -   $(75,183)  $38,187 
Net loss   -    -    -    (5,383)   (5,383)
Stock-based compensation   -    701    -    -    701 
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2019   51,973   $114,071   $-   $(80,566)  $33,505 

 

The following tables show changes in components of shareholders’ equity for the periods from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018, and from March 31, 2018 to June 30, 2018 (unaudited and in thousands).

 

   Common Stock   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   Accumulated   Total
Shareholders’
 
   Shares   Amount   Loss   Deficit   Equity 
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2018   31,452   $59,968   $(888)  $(54,677)  $4,403 
Net loss   -    -    -    (8,284)   (8,284)
Cumulative-effect adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018   -    -    888    (888)   - 
Stock-based compensation   -    735    -    -    735 
Sale of common shares and warrants   7,936    10,000    -    -    10,000 
Financing costs paid to issue common shares   -    (64)   -    -    (64)
Exercise of stock options   20    56    -    -    56 
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2018   39,408   $70,695   $-   $(63,849)  $6,846 

 

   Common Stock   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   Accumulated   Total
Shareholders’
 
   Shares   Amount   Income   Deficit   Equity 
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2018   37,818   $68,366   $             -   $(59,344)  $9,022 
Net loss   -    -    -    (4,505)   (4,505)
Stock-based compensation   -    389    -    -    389 
Sale of common shares   1,587    2,000    -    -    2,000 
Financing costs paid to issue common shares   -    (65)   -    -    (65)
Exercise of stock options   3    5    -    -    5 
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2018   39,408   $70,695   $-   $(63,849)  $6,846 

 

7.Stock-Based Compensation

 

Options Granted

 

OncoCyte had a 2010 Stock Option Plan (the “2010 Plan”) under which 5,200,000 shares of common stock were authorized for the grant of stock options or the sale of restricted stock. On August 27, 2018, OncoCyte shareholders approved a new Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Incentive Plan”) to replace the 2010 Plan. In adopting the 2018 Incentive Plan, OncoCyte terminated the 2010 Plan and will not grant any additional stock options or sell any stock under restricted stock purchase agreements under the 2010 Plan; however, stock options issued under the 2010 Plan will continue in effect in accordance with their terms and the terms of the 2010 Plan until the exercise or expiration of the individual options.

 

16
 

 

The 2010 Plan

 

A summary of OncoCyte’s 2010 Plan activity and related information follows (in thousands except weighted average exercise price):

 

Options 

Shares

Available

for Grant

  

Number

of Options

Outstanding

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited) 
Balance at December 31, 2018   -    4,171   $2.92 
Options exercised   -    (575)   1.64 
Options forfeited, canceled and expired        -    (301)   3.42 
Balance at June 30, 2019   -    3,295   $3.10 
Exercisable at June 30, 2019        2,095   $3.13 

 

In 2018, under the 2010 Plan, OncoCyte granted certain stock options to employees and consultants, with exercise prices ranging from $2.30 per share to $3.15 per share, that will vest in increments upon the attainment of specified performance conditions related to the development of DetermaVu™ and obtaining Medicare reimbursement coverage for that test (“Performance-Based Options”). None of the vesting conditions were met during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, and during the three months ended June 30, 2019, and, accordingly, no stock-based compensation expense was recorded during these periods with regard to the Performance-Based Options. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, certain performance conditions required for vesting were met, and, accordingly, 47,500 shares vested and $101,000 of stock-based compensation expense was recorded with regard to the Performance-Based Options. As of June 30, 2019, there were 856,800 Performance-Based Options outstanding to employees, which includes 180,000 Performance-Based Options outstanding to William Annett discussed below.

 

On June 30, 2019, the employment of OncoCyte’s Chief Executive Officer, William Annett terminated, and under the terms of his employment agreement options to purchase 59,376 shares of OncoCyte common stock were subject to accelerated vesting. However, on July 1, 2019, OncoCyte and Mr. Annett entered into a Transition Agreement and amendment of his stock option agreements pursuant to which his stock options were permitted to continue to vest for a period of time during which he performs consulting services for OncoCyte (the “Consulting Period”). The Consulting Period initially will be the two month period from July 1 through August 31, 2019, but may be extended monthly not beyond December 31, 2019 by agreement of OncoCyte and Mr. Annett. Upon completion of the Consulting Period, Mr. Annett’s unvested stock options will vest with respect to the number of unvested options that would otherwise have vested during the six month period following the Consulting Period had he continued to provide services to OncoCyte during that period, except that certain performance based stock options will vest, if at all, after the Consulting Period only to the extent that the performance milestones are attained during that six month period. The post-employment exercise period of all of Mr. Annett’s vested options will be extended until one year after the end of the Consulting Period. See Note 10. For financial reporting purposes, on June 30, 2019, OncoCyte recorded $151,000 as stock based compensation expense related to Mr. Annett’s severance benefits with regard to the vesting of 59,376 stock options that would have vested during the six months following termination of Mr. Annett’s employment under his employment agreement, and $23,000 applying modification accounting under ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation with respect to the vesting of 19,793 options during the initial two months of the Consulting Period pursuant to the Termination Agreement as an amendment of his stock option agreements. The stock-based compensation expense arising from the vesting of all of those options is included in the table below. If any of the Performance-Based Options or the service-based options held by Mr. Annett vest during an extension of the Consulting Period, those options will be recorded as additional stock-based compensation expense at the time of vesting. Approximately $0.6 million of additional stock-based compensation could be expensed as a result of those additional options vesting if the Consulting Period is extended to December 31, 2019.

 

The 2018 Incentive Plan

 

As of June 30, 2018, 5,000,000 shares of common stock were reserved under the 2018 Incentive Plan for the grant of stock options or the sale of restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”) or for the settlement of hypothetical units issued with reference to common stock (“Restricted Stock Units” or “RSU”). OncoCyte may also grant stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) under the 2018 Incentive Plan. On July 17, 2019, OncoCyte’s shareholders approved an amendment that makes an additional 6,000,000 shares of common stock available for the grant of equity awards under the 2018 Incentive Plan.

 

17
 

 

A summary of OncoCyte’s 2018 Incentive Plan activity and related information follows (in thousands except weighted average exercise price):

 

Options 

Shares

Available

for Grant

  

Number

of Options

Outstanding

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited) 
Balance at December 31, 2018   4,639    361   $2.21 
Options granted   (1,767)   1,767    3.73 
RSUs granted   (40)   20    - 
Options exercised   -    -    - 
Options forfeited and canceled   -    -    - 
Balance at June 30, 2019   2,832    2,148   $3.48 
Exercisable at June 30, 2019        -    - 

 

OncoCyte recorded stock-based compensation expense in the following categories on the accompanying condensed statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
Research and development  $145   $57   $275   $(22)(1)
General and administrative   540    318    1,094    574 
Sales and marketing   16    14    19    183 
Total stock-based compensation expense  $701   $389   $1,388   $735 

 

(1) The negative stock-based compensation expense is primarily attributable to the decrease in the OncoCyte stock price from $4.65 per share at December 31, 2017 to $2.10 per share at June 30, 2018 for previously granted consultant stock options which required mark-to-market adjustment each quarter for unvested shares.

 

The assumptions that were used to calculate the grant date fair value of OncoCyte’s employee and non-employee stock option grants for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows.

 

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   2019   2018 
Expected life (in years)   6.07    9.74 
Risk-free interest rates   2.42%   2.97%
Volatility   79.09%   82.21%
Dividend yield   -%   -%

 

The determination of stock-based compensation is inherently uncertain and subjective and involves the application of valuation models and assumptions requiring the use of judgment. If OncoCyte had made different assumptions, its stock-based compensation expense and net loss for the three months and six ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 may have been significantly different.

 

OncoCyte does not recognize deferred income taxes for incentive stock option compensation expense and records a tax deduction only when a disqualified disposition has occurred.

 

8.Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes for interim periods is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate in accordance with ASC 740-270, Income Taxes, Interim Reporting. The effective tax rate may be subject to fluctuations during the year as new information is obtained, which may affect the assumptions used to estimate the annual effective tax rate, including factors such as valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, the recognition or de-recognition of tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, if any, and changes in or the interpretation of tax laws in jurisdictions where OncoCyte conducts business.

 

Due to losses incurred for all periods presented, OncoCyte did not record any provision or benefit for income taxes. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. OncoCyte established a full valuation allowance for all periods presented due to the uncertainty of realizing future tax benefits from its net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets.

 

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9.Commitments and Contingencies

 

OncoCyte has certain commitments other than those under the Shared Facilities agreement discussed in Note 4.

 

Master Lease Line Agreement

 

On April 7, 2016, OncoCyte entered into a Master Lease Line Agreement (“Lease Agreement No. 1”) with a financing company for the purchase and financing of certain equipment. Lease Agreement No. 1, as amended, provided OncoCyte with a $881,000 line of credit for purchases of equipment. Each lease schedule OncoCyte enters into under Lease Agreement No. 1 has a 36-month lease term, is collateralized by the equipment financed, which are subject to lease schedules, and required OncoCyte to provide a deposit for the first and last payment under that schedule. Monthly payments were determined using a lease factor approximating an interest rate of 10% per annum. OncoCyte has the right at the end of each lease schedule under Lease Agreement No. 1, if no default has occurred, to either return the equipment financed under the schedule for a restocking fee of 7.5% of the original cost of the equipment or to purchase the equipment from the financing company at a fair value not less than 12.5% of the original cost of the equipment.

 

On April 7, 2016, OncoCyte entered into a lease schedule (“Lease Schedule No. 1”) under the Lease Agreement No. 1 for certain equipment costing approximately $435,000 applied against the lease line, requiring payments of $14,442 per month over 36 months. In March 2019, upon termination of Lease Schedule No. 1, OncoCyte paid the 7.5% restocking fee and returned the equipment to the financing company.

 

In December 2016, OncoCyte entered into another lease schedule (“Lease Schedule No. 2”) for certain equipment costing approximately $161,000, requiring payments of $5,342 per month over 36 months. In April 2017, OncoCyte entered into a third and final lease schedule (“Lease Schedule No. 3”) for certain equipment costing approximately $285,000, requiring payments of $9,462 per month over 36 months. After the last tranche, Lease Agreement No. 1 was closed with no remaining financing available.

 

On May 11, 2017, OncoCyte entered into another Master Lease Line Agreement (“Lease Agreement No. 2”) with the same finance company on terms similar to Lease Agreement No. 1. On July 2, 2018, OncoCyte entered into a lease schedule under the Lease Agreement No. 2 for certain equipment costing approximately $209,000, requiring payments of $6,709 per month over 36 months, a $116,000 prepaid maintenance contract for the duration of the lease, and requiring 12 monthly payments of $10,238, including imputed interest. After the financing of this equipment and the prepaid maintenance contract, there was approximately $502,000 of financing remaining available under Lease Agreement No. 2 as of June 30, 2019.

 

OncoCyte had accounted for these leases as capital leases in accordance with ASC 840 due to the net present value of the payments under the lease approximating the fair value of the equipment at inception of the lease. As discussed in Note 2, upon adoption of ASC 842, the accounting for these leases was substantially unchanged and these leases are referred to as financing leases under ASC 842. The payments under the lease schedules will be amortized to financing lease obligations and interest expense using the interest method at an imputed rate of approximately 10% per annum.

 

Adoption of ASC 842

 

The tables below provide the amounts recorded in connection with the adoption of ASC 842 as of, and during, the six months ended June 30, 2019, for OncoCyte’s financing leases (see Note 2).

 

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to financing leases for the six months ended June 30, 2019 (in thousands):

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:     
Operating cash flows from financing leases  $22 
Financing cash flows from financing leases   227 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:     
Financing leases   - 

 

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The following table presents supplemental balance sheet information related to financing leases as of June 30, 2019 (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate):

 

Financing Leases     
Machinery and equipment, gross  $758 
Accumulated depreciation   (453)
Machinery and equipment, net  $305 
      
Current liabilities  $245 
Noncurrent liabilities   100 
Total financing lease liabilities  $345 
      
Weighted average remaining lease term     
Financing leases   1.5 years 
Weighted average discount rate     
Financing leases   9.6%

 

The following table presents future minimum lease commitments as of June 30, 2019 (in thousands):

 

   Financing Lease Payments 
Year Ending December 31,     
2019  $170 
2020   140 
2021   60 
Total minimum lease payments   370 
Less amounts representing interest   (25)
Present value of net minimum lease payments  $345 

 

Litigation – General

 

OncoCyte will be subject to various claims and contingencies in the ordinary course of its business, including those related to litigation, business transactions, employee-related matters, and other matters. When OncoCyte is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, OncoCyte will record a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, OncoCyte discloses the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved could be material.

 

In February 2019, following the announcement of OncoCyte’s public offering discussed in Note 6, OncoCyte received a letter from Chardan Capital Markets, LLC (“Chardan”) claiming entitlement to certain fees pursuant to an engagement letter unrelated to the public offering. Chardan’s claims have been resolved as disclosed in see Note 10.

 

Tax Filings

 

OncoCyte tax filings are subject to audit by taxing authorities in jurisdictions where it conducts business. These audits may result in assessments of additional taxes. OncoCyte has not received any notice from any taxing authority that any of its tax returns are being audited, and OncoCyte has not provided for any additional tax related obligations that are likely to result from any future audits.

 

Employment Contracts

 

OncoCyte has entered into employment contracts with certain executive officers. Under the provisions of the contracts, OncoCyte may be required to incur severance obligations for matters relating to terminations of employment under certain circumstances.

 

On May 31, 2019, OncoCyte’s Board of Directors appointed Ronald Andrews to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, commencing July 1, 2019. OncoCyte’s former President and Chief Executive Officer, William Annett, remained in office until June 30, 2019 (see Note 10). On June 4, 2019, OncoCyte entered into an Employment Agreement with Ronald Andrews to commence effective July 1, 2019 (see Note 10).

 

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Indemnification

 

In the normal course of business, OncoCyte may provide indemnification of varying scope under OncoCyte’s agreements with other companies or consultants, typically OncoCyte’s clinical research organizations, investigators, clinical sites, suppliers and others. Pursuant to these agreements, OncoCyte will generally agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and reimburse the indemnified parties for losses and expenses suffered or incurred by the indemnified parties arising from claims of third parties in connection with the use or testing of OncoCyte’s diagnostic tests. Indemnification provisions could also cover third party infringement claims with respect to patent rights, copyrights, or other intellectual property pertaining to OncoCyte’s diagnostic tests. The term of these indemnification agreements will generally continue in effect after the termination or expiration of the particular research, development, services, or license agreement to which they relate. The potential future payments OncoCyte could be required to make under these indemnification agreements will generally not be subject to any specified maximum amounts. Historically, OncoCyte has not been subject to any claims or demands for indemnification. OncoCyte also maintains various liability insurance policies that limit OncoCyte’s financial exposure. As a result, OncoCyte management believes that the fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. Accordingly, OncoCyte has not recorded any liabilities for these agreements as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

10.Subsequent Events

 

Employment Agreement with Ronald Andrews

 

Effective July 1, 2019, Ronald Andrews commenced employment with OncoCyte as President and Chief Executive Officer under an Employment Agreement pursuant to which he will receive an annual salary of $480,000 and will be eligible to receive annual bonuses up to his base salary, to the extent approved by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) in its discretion, based on the achievement of predetermined company and individual objectives set by the Board or its Compensation Committee from time to time.

 

Mr. Andrews’ Employment Agreement entitles him to receive the following equity awards under the 2018 Incentive Plan: (i) options to purchase 950,000 shares of OncoCyte common stock the grant of which became effective on July 1, 2019 when his employment commenced (the “Initial Grant”); (ii) options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock, effective upon his completion of one year of continuous service as an employee (the “Second Grant”); and (iii) RSUs with respect to 65,000 shares of common stock, effective upon his completion of one year of continuous service as an employee. The exercise price of the options in the Initial Grant is $2.51 and was determined in accordance with the 2018 Incentive Plan. The exercise price of the options in the Second Grant will be the fair market value of a share of OncoCyte common stock on the effective date of the Second Grant, determined in accordance with the 2018 Incentive Plan.

 

The options in the Initial Grant will vest and thereby become exercisable as follows: twenty-five percent of the options will vest upon Mr. Andrews’ completion of one year of continuous service as an employee, and the balance of the options will vest in 36 equal monthly installments, commencing on the first anniversary of the effective date of the Initial Grant, subject to his continued service as an employee on the applicable vesting date.

 

The options in the Second Grant and the RSUs will vest upon Mr. Andrews’ completion of one year of continuous service as an employee from the effective date of the Second Grant.

 

Transition Agreement with William Annett

 

On July 1, 2019, OncoCyte entered into a Transition Agreement with its former President and Chief Executive Officer, William Annett, pursuant to which, and consistent with the terms of his employment agreement, he received (i) a cash payment of $210,000, (ii) his accrued but unpaid salary through June 30 2019, (iii) a portion of his “target bonus” under his employment agreement prorated for the period January 1 through June 30, 2019; (iv) a lump-sum payment that represents the value of his accrued unused vacation, and all vested benefits under OncoCyte retirement, deferred compensation plans or equity plan, and (v) COBRA coverage continuation rights under OncoCyte health care plans, in accordance with the terms of the plans and applicable law. If Mr. Annett elects to receive COBRA coverage, OncoCyte will pay the premium for such coverage for up to six months.

 

Mr. Annett has agreed to provide certain consulting services to OncoCyte through August 31, 2019 for which he will receive a fixed fee of $35,000 per month. Mr. Annett may provide additional consulting services thereafter on a month-to-month basis, but not beyond December 31, 2019, at the request of OncoCyte’s Chief Executive Officer but only if an agreement is reached each month as to the monthly fee and hours of services to be performed. OncoCyte and Mr. Annett have the right to terminate the consulting relationship at any time for any reason.

 

See Note 3 for amounts accrued as of June 30, 2019 in connection with the termination of Mr. Annett’s employment and the Transition Agreement.

 

Mr. Annett’s unvested OncoCyte stock options will continue to vest during the Consulting Period under the Transition Agreement. Upon completion of the Consulting Period, Mr. Annett’s unvested stock options will vest with respect to the number of unvested options that would otherwise have vested during the six month period following the Consulting Period had he continued to provide services to OncoCyte during that period, except that certain Performance-Based Options will vest, if at all, after the Consulting Period only to the extent that the performance milestones are attained during that six month period. The post-employment exercise period of all of Mr. Annett’s vested options will be extended until one year after the end of the Consulting Period (see Note 7).

 

Chardan Agreement

 

On July 22, 2019, OncoCyte and Chardan entered into an agreement pursuant to which Chardan released OncoCyte from claims pertaining to certain prior agreements, and Chardan agreed to provide certain capital markets and other advisory services to OncoCyte through September 30, 2019 in exchange for a cash fee of $500,000 and 250,000 warrants to purchase OncoCyte common stock (the “Chardan Warrants”). The cash fee was paid on July 24, 2019 and the Chardan Warrants were issued on August 1, 2019. The Chardan Warrants are exercisable for a term of five years at an exercise price of $1.77 per share. The Chardan Warrants have a fair value of approximately $329,000 determined based on the Black Scholes valuation model. As of June 30, 2019, the cash fee and the value of the Chardan Warrants was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed balance sheet because the Chardan claim was pending at the balance sheet date.

 

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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The matters addressed in this Item 2 that are not historical information constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about any of the following: any projections of earnings, revenue, cash, effective tax rate, use of net operating losses, or any other financial items; the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations or prospects for achieving such plans, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “seeks,” “estimates,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. While OncoCyte may elect to update forward-looking statements in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if the OncoCyte estimates change and readers should not rely on those forward-looking statements as representing OncoCyte views as of any date subsequent to the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are inherently subject to risks and OncoCyte can give no assurances that its expectations will prove to be correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described in this report because of numerous factors, many of which are beyond the control of OncoCyte. A number of important factors could cause the results of the company to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including those detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and our other reports filed with the SEC from time to time.

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with OncoCyte’s condensed interim financial statements and the related notes provided under “Item 1- Financial Statements” above.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses and analyzes data in our unaudited condensed interim financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Actual conditions may differ from our assumptions and actual results may differ from our estimates.

 

An accounting policy is deemed critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the estimate are reasonably likely to occur, that could materially impact the financial statements. Management believes that there have been no significant changes during the six months ended June 30, 2019 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, except as disclosed in Note 2 to our condensed interim financial statements included elsewhere in this Report.

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018

 

The following tables show our operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands).

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30, (unaudited)

  

$

Increase/

  

%

Increase/

 
   2019   2018   (Decrease)   (Decrease) 
Research and development expenses  $1,508   $2,322   $(814)   (35.1)%
General and administrative expenses   3,636    1,335    2,301    172.4%
Sales and marketing expenses   318    569    (251)   (44.1)%

 

  

Six Months Ended

June 30, (unaudited)

  

$

Increase/

  

%

Increase/

 
   2019   2018   (Decrease)   (Decrease) 
Research and development expenses  $2,851   $3,784   $(933)   (24.7)%
General and administrative expenses   6,085    3,122    2,963    94.9%
Sales and marketing expenses   523    1,227    (704)   (57.4)%

 

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Research and development expenses

 

Research and development expenses decreased by $814,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the following: a decrease in $685,000 in amortization expense of intangible assets and a $238,000 decrease in consulting and similar services, offset, in part, by an increase of $113,000 in personnel and related expenses.

 

Research and development expenses decreased by $933,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the same period in the prior year due to the following: a decrease of $746,000 in amortization expense of intangible assets and $480,000 in outside services, offset, in part, by an increase of $296,000 in stock-based compensation expense due to additional equity award grants. The decrease in amortization expense was principally due to a $625,000 noncash impairment charge recorded as of June 30, 2018 related to intangible assets mainly comprised of patents and patent rights for therapeutic uses that that we no longer plan to develop or commercialize. There was no amortization expense recorded for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.

 

We expect to continue to incur a significant amount of research and development expenses during the foreseeable future.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 increased by $2.3 million in comparison to the three months ended June 30, 2018. This increase is primarily attributable to the following: $715,000 in investment banking and related expenses, which includes the Chardan agreement and the noncash charge of $329,000 for the Chardan Warrants discussed in Note 10 to our financial statements included elsewhere in this Report; $578,000 in personnel and related expenses, including $376,000 for management transition costs; $332,000 in legal, recruiting, accounting, audit, and tax services expenses; $222,000 of stock-based compensation expense due to additional equity grants, including grants to new hires; $203,000 in financial advisory expenses; and $134,000 in meetings, conferences and seminars.

 

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased by $3.0 million in comparison to the six months ended June 30, 2018. This increase was primarily attributable to the following: $962,000 in personnel and related expenses, including $376,000 for management transition costs; $863,000 in investment banking and related expenses, which includes the Chardan agreement and the noncash charge of $329,000 for the Chardan Warrants discussed in Note 10 to our financial statements included elsewhere in this Report; $520,000 in stock-based compensation expense due to additional equity grants, including grants to new hires; $366,000 in financial advisory, recruiting and hiring expenses; and $278,000 in meetings, conferences and seminars.

 

Sales and marketing expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 decreased by $251,000 in comparison to the three months ended June 30, 2018. Sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 decreased by $704,000 in comparison to the six months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease for each period was primarily attributable to a reduction in personnel and related expenses and marketing expenses as we devoted our activities primarily to the development of DetermaVu® and reduced sales and marketing related activities during most of the period.

 

Although we reduced our sales and marketing related activities and expenses during the periods discussed above, in late May 2019 we hired a Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Market Access, and we expect that our sales and marketing expenses will increase significantly as we build a sales force for the commercialization of any cancer diagnostic tests that we successfully develop. Our sales and marketing efforts, and the amount of related expenses that we will incur, in the near term will largely depend upon the outcome of our development of DetermaVu™, and the amount of capital, if any, that we are able to raise to finance commercialization of DetermaVu™ and any other tests that we may develop. Our current cash resources will require us to limit our initial sales and marketing efforts unless and until we are able to raise additional capital. Our future expenditures on sales and marketing will also depend on the amount of revenue that those efforts are likely to generate. Because physicians are more likely to prescribe a test for their patients if the cost is covered by Medicare or health insurance, demand for our diagnostic tests and our expenditures on sales and marketing are likely to increase if our diagnostic tests qualify for reimbursement by Medicare and private health insurance companies.

 

Other income and expenses, net

 

Other income and expenses, net, is primarily comprised of interest income and expenses, net, incurred from our financing lease obligations and a loan payable to the Silicon Valley Bank, and unrealized and realized gains and losses on BioTime and AgeX marketable equity securities we hold.

 

23
 

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded interest income, net, of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, mainly from our money market fund investments. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, we recorded an unrealized loss of $0.1 million and an unrealized gain of $0.1 million, respectively, due to the changes in fair market value of the BioTime and AgeX marketable equity securities from the applicable balance sheet dates. For the three months ended June 30, 2018, we recorded an unrealized loss of $0.2 million included in other income and expenses, net, due to the decrease in fair market value of the marketable equity securities from the applicable balance sheet dates. We did not sell any shares of BioTime or AgeX common stock during any of the periods presented. As of both June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we held 353,264 and 35,326 shares of common stock of BioTime and AgeX, respectively, as marketable equity securities with a total fair market value of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

Income taxes

 

Due to the losses incurred for all periods presented, we did not record any provision or benefit for income taxes for any period presented. A valuation allowance will be provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We established a full valuation allowance for all periods presented due to the uncertainty of realizing future tax benefits from our net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Since inception, we have financed our operations through the sale of our common stock, warrants, warrant exercises, a bank loan, and sales of BioTime common shares that we hold as marketable equity securities. BioTime has also provided OncoCyte with the use of BioTime facilities and services under the Shared Facilities Agreement as described in Note 4 to the condensed interim financial statements. We have incurred operating losses and negative cash flows since inception and had an accumulated deficit of $80.6 million at June 30, 2019. We expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable future.

 

At June 30, 2019, we had $35.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and held shares of BioTime and AgeX common stock as marketable equity securities valued at $0.5 million. We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents and marketable equity securities are sufficient to carry out our current operations through at least twelve months from the issuance date of the condensed interim financial statements included in this Report.

 

On February 21, 2017, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Silicon Valley Bank (the “Bank”) pursuant to which OncoCyte borrowed $2.0 million on March 23, 2017. Payments of interest only on the principal balance were due monthly from the draw date through October 31, 2017, and, beginning on November 1, 2017, monthly payments of principal of approximately $67,000 plus interest are due and payable. The outstanding principal balance of the loan bears interest at a stated floating annual interest rate equal to the greater of (i) three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) above the prime rate or (ii) four and one-quarter percent (4.25%). As of June 30, 2019, the latest published prime rate plus 0.75% was 6.25% per annum.

 

The outstanding principal amount plus accrued interest will be due and payable to the Bank at maturity on April 1, 2020. At maturity, we will also pay the Bank an additional final payment fee of 5.8% of the original principal borrowed. We accrued the $116,000 final payment fee included in the loan payable as a deferred financing cost on March 23, 2017.

 

We may prepay in full the outstanding principal balance at any time, subject to a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the outstanding principal balance. Any amounts borrowed and repaid may not be reborrowed. As of June 30, 2019, no amounts are available to be borrowed under the Loan Agreement.

 

The outstanding principal amount of the loan, with interest accrued, the final payment fee, and the prepayment fee may become due and payable prior to the applicable maturity date if an “Event of Default” as defined in the Loan Agreement occurs and is not cured within any applicable cure period. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all obligations due to the Bank will bear interest at a rate per annum which is 5% above the then applicable interest rate. An Event of Default includes, among other events, failure to pay interest and principal when due, material adverse changes, which include a material adverse change in OncoCyte’s business, operations, or condition (financial or otherwise), failure to provide the bank with timely financial statements and copies of filings with the SEC, as required, legal judgments or pending or threatened legal actions of $50,000 or more, insolvency, and delisting from the NYSE American. OncoCyte’s obligations under the Loan Agreement are collateralized by substantially all of its assets other than intellectual property such as patents and trade secrets that OncoCyte owns. Accordingly, if an Event of Default were to occur and not be cured, the Bank could foreclose on its security interest in the collateral. OncoCyte was in compliance with the Loan Agreement as of the filing date of this Report.

 

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We presently plan to build our own integrated marketing and sales force and to add new equipment and personnel to our CLIA lab to commercialize DetermaVu™ after development is completed, which will result in an increase in our operating expenses. We will also incur additional operating expenses as we explore or commence the development of additional diagnostic tests after the development of DetermaVu™ is completed. We do not expect to generate significant revenues from marketing DetermaVu™ until we receive Medicare reimbursement approval for that diagnostic test. We may also explore a range of other commercialization options in order to reduce our capital needs and expenditures and the risks associated the timelines and uncertainty for attaining the Medicare reimbursement approvals that will be essential for the successful commercialization of DetermaVu™ and any other diagnostic tests that we may develop or acquire through business development activities. Those alternative arrangements could include marketing arrangements with other diagnostic companies through which we might receive a royalty on sales, or through which we might form a joint venture to market DetermaVu™ and share in net revenues.

 

We will need to continue to raise additional capital to finance our operations, including the development of our cancer diagnostic tests, until such time as we are able to complete development and commercialize one or more diagnostic tests and generate sufficient revenues to cover our operating expenses. Delays in the development of DetermaVu™ or other diagnostic tests could prevent us from raising sufficient additional capital to finance the completion of development and commercial launch of those tests. Even if we are successful in completing the development of DetermaVu™ or other diagnostic tests, investors may be reluctant to provide us with capital until our tests are approved for reimbursement by Medicare or commercial reimbursement. The unavailability or inadequacy of financing or revenues to meet future capital needs could force us to modify, curtail, delay, or suspend some or all aspects of our planned operations. Sales of additional equity securities could result in the dilution of the interests of our shareholders. We cannot assure that adequate financing will be available on favorable terms, if at all.

 

Cash used in operations

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, our total research and development expenses were $2.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively, our general and administrative expenses were $6.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively, and our sales and marketing expenses were $0.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2019 amounted to $9.2 million and net cash used in operating activities amounted to $9.6 million. The amount by which our cash used in operating activities exceeded our net loss during the six months ended June 30, 2019 does not include the following noncash items: $1.4 million in stock-based compensation; $0.2 million in depreciation expense; and $0.1 million unrealized gain on BioTime and AgeX shares held as marketable equity securities. The amount of cash used in operations in excess of our operating expenses and net losses reflects the payment of obligations accrued during prior periods, including a payment of approximately $2.1 million to BioTime for accrued Use Fees under the Shared Facilities Agreement. Changes in working capital were approximately $1.9 million as a use of cash, which includes the $2.1 million payment to BioTime for accrued Use Fees.

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, cash used for investing activities was insignificant.

 

Cash provided by financing activities

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, net cash provided by financing operations was $37.3 million. We received $37.0 million in net cash proceeds from the sale of 10,733,334 shares of our common stock in a public offering and $0.9 million from exercise of stock options. These cash inflows were offset by $0.6 million used to repay a portion of the loan from Silicon Valley Bank and financing lease obligations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Under SEC rules and regulations, as a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

It is management’s responsibility to establish and maintain adequate internal control over all financial reporting pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Following this review and evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer determined that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer, and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings.

 

From time to time, we may be involved in routine litigation incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not presently involved in any material litigation or proceedings, and to our knowledge no such litigation or proceedings are contemplated.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

Our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects are subject to various risks, including those described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2019 (the “2018 Form 10-K”), which we encourage you to review. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the 2018 Form 10-K.

 

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

On August 1, 2019 we issued to Chardan warrants to purchase 250,000 shares of our common stock, referred to as the Chardan Warrants elsewhere in this Report. The Chardan Warrants were issued without registration under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2).

 

Item 3.Default Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

Exhibit Numbers   Exhibit Description
3.1   Articles of Incorporation with all amendments (Incorporated by reference to OncoCyte Corporation’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2018)
     
3.2   By-Laws, as amended (Incorporated by reference to OncoCyte Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 23, 2019)
     
4.1   Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock, dated August 1, 2019*
     
10.1   Employment Agreement, dated June 4, 2019, between OncoCyte Corporation and Ronald Andrews (Incorporated by reference to OncoCyte Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2019)
     
10.2   Transition Agreement, dated July 1, 2019, between OncoCyte Corporation and William Annett (Incorporated by reference to OncoCyte Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2019)
     
10.3   Amendment to 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to OncoCyte Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 23, 2019)
     
31   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification*
     
32   Section 1350 Certification*
     
101   Interactive Data Files*
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document*
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase*
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document*
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase*
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase*

 

* Filed herewith

 

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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.

 

  ONCOCYTE CORPORATION
   
Date: August 14, 2019 /s/ Ronald Andrews
  Ronald Andrews
  President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date: August 14, 2019 /s/ Mitchell Levine
  Mitchell Levine
  Chief Financial Officer

 

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