SOLIGENIX, INC. - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED
STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
(X) QUARTERLY
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934.
For
the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008
(
) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934.
For the
transition period from
____________ to ____________
Commission
File No. 000-16929
DOR
BIOPHARMA, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
|
41-1505029
|
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification Number)
|
|
850
Bear Tavern Road, Suite 201
Ewing,
NJ
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08628
|
|
(Address
of principal executive offices)
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(Zip
Code)
|
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(609)
538-8200
|
||
(Issuer’s
telephone number, including area code)
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Indicate
by check whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days.
Yes
x No o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See
definitions of “large accelerated filer” and “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).
Large
accelerated filer o
|
Accelerated
filer o
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Non-accelerated
filer o
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Smaller
reporting company x
|
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
o No x
At
November 4, 2008, 101,805,497 shares of the registrant's common stock (par
value, $.001 per share) were outstanding.
Item
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Description
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Page
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Part
I
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FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
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|
1.
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3
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|
2.
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16
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|
3.
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26
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4.
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26
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Part
II
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OTHER
INFORMATION
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5.
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28
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|
PART I. - FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
September
30, 2008
|
December
31, 2007
|
|||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
||||||||||
Assets
Current
assets:
|
||||||||||
Cash
|
$
|
686,216
|
$
|
2,220,128
|
||||||
Accounts
receivable
|
204,655
|
97,845
|
||||||||
Inventory, net | 83,182 | - | ||||||||
Prepaid
expenses
|
128,630
|
119,178
|
||||||||
Total
current assets
|
1,102,683
|
2,437,151
|
||||||||
Office
and laboratory equipment, net
|
21,896
|
25,941
|
||||||||
Intangible
assets, net
|
1,412,278
|
1,320,787
|
||||||||
Total
assets
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$
|
2,536,857
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$
|
3,783,879
|
||||||
Liabilities
and shareholders’ equity
|
||||||||||
Current
liabilities:
|
||||||||||
Accounts
payable
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$
|
1,361,360
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$
|
847,610
|
||||||
Accrued
compensation
|
279,320
|
345,903
|
||||||||
Total
current liabilities
|
1,640,680
|
1,193,513
|
||||||||
Shareholders’
equity:
|
||||||||||
Common
stock, $.001 par value. Authorized 250,000,000
|
||||||||||
shares; 101,805,497
and 94,996,547, respectively issued and outstanding
|
101,805
|
94,996
|
||||||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
102,793,670
|
101,391,090
|
||||||||
Accumulated
deficit
|
(101,999,298
|
)
|
(98,895,720
|
)
|
||||||
Total
shareholders’ equity
|
896,177
|
2,590,366
|
||||||||
Total
liabilities and shareholders’ equity
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$
|
2,536,857
|
3,783,879
|
|||||||
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
DOR
BioPharma, Inc.
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
For
the three months ended September 30,
(Unaudited)
2008
|
2007
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
$
|
605,736
|
$
|
429,445
|
|||
Cost
of revenues
|
(538,182
|
)
|
(301,672
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)
|
|||
Gross profit
|
67,554
|
127,773
|
|||||
Operating
expenses:
|
|||||||
Research and development
|
60,238
|
591,668
|
|||||
General and administrative
|
410,336
|
509,133
|
|||||
Stock based compensation research and development
|
39,584
|
77,362
|
|||||
Stock based compensation general and administrative
|
36,792
|
206,713
|
|||||
Total operating expenses
|
546,950
|
1,384,876
|
|||||
Loss
from operations
|
(479,396
|
)
|
(1,257,103
|
)
|
|||
Other
income (expense):
|
|||||||
Interest income
|
5,391
|
10,121
|
|||||
Interest (expense)
|
(
1,696
|
)
|
-
|
|
|||
Total other income (expense)
|
3,695
|
10,121
|
|||||
Net
loss
|
$
|
(475,701
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)
|
$
|
(1,246,982
|
)
|
|
BasicBBasic
and diluted net loss per share
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
Basic Basic
and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
|
102,767,174
|
92,938,838
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
For
the nine months ended September 30,
(Unaudited)
2008
|
2007
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
$
|
1,771,620
|
$
|
943,737
|
|||
Cost
of revenues
|
(1,459,206
|
)
|
(669,882
|
)
|
|||
Gross profit
|
312,414
|
273,855
|
|||||
Operating
expenses:
|
|||||||
Research and development
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1,403,841
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2,611,220
|
|||||
General and administrative
|
1,812,972
|
2,243,212
|
|||||
Stock based compensation research and development
|
118,750
|
164,890
|
|||||
Stock based compensation general and administrative
|
110,378
|
364,423
|
|||||
Total operating expenses
|
3,445,941
|
5,383,745
|
|||||
Loss
from operations
|
(3,133,527
|
)
|
(5,109,890
|
)
|
|||
Other
income (expense):
|
|||||||
Interest income
|
32,248
|
144,062
|
|||||
Interest (expense)
|
(2,300
|
)
|
(1,020
|
)
|
|||
Total other income (expense)
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29,948
|
143,042
|
|||||
Net
loss
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$
|
(3,103,579
|
)
|
$
|
(4,966,848
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)
|
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share
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$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
$
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
Basic
and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
|
100,478,733
|
89,389,416
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
DOR
BioPharma, Inc.
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
For
the nine months ended September 30,
(Unaudited)
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
Operating
activities
|
|||||||
Net loss
|
$
|
(3,103,579
|
)
|
$
|
(4,966,848
|
)
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating
activities:
|
|||||||
Amortization and depreciation
|
107,804
|
84,475
|
|||||
Non-cash stock compensation
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623,289
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1,201,306
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|||||
Change
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|||||||
Accounts receivable
|
(106,810
|
) |
(83,701
|
) | |||
Prepaid expenses
|
(9,452
|
) |
(53,467
|
)
|
|||
Accounts payable
|
514,452
|
(1,064,096
|
)
|
||||
Inventory | (83,182 | ) | - | ||||
Accrued compensation
|
(67,784
|
)
|
(271,102
|
)
|
|||
Total
adjustments
|
978,317
|
(186,585
|
)
|
||||
Net cash used by operating activities
|
(2,125,262
|
)
|
(5,153,433
|
)
|
|||
Investing
activities:
|
|||||||
Acquisition
of intangible assets
|
(191,350
|
)
|
(294,404
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)
|
|||
Purchase
of office equipment
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(3,400
|
)
|
(10,182
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)
|
|||
Net cash used by investing activities
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(194,750
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)
|
(304,586
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)
|
|||
Financing
activities:
|
|||||||
Proceeds
from sale of common stock
|
658,600
|
6,235,404
|
|||||
Proceeds
from equity line
|
127,500
|
-
|
|||||
Proceeds
from exercise of warrants
|
-
|
1,530,763
|
|||||
Proceeds
from exercise of stock options
|
-
|
117,000
|
|||||
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
786,100
|
7,883,167
|
|||||
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
(1,533,912
|
)
|
2,425,148
|
||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
2,220,128
|
119,636
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
$
|
686,216
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$
|
2,544,784
|
|||
Supplemental
disclosure of cash flow:
|
|||||||
Cash paid for interest
|
$
|
1,696
|
$
|
413
|
|||
Non-cash
transactions:
|
|||||||
Non-cash stock payment to an institutional investor
|
$
|
270,000
|
$
|
-
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
DOR
BioPharma, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Nature of
Business
Basis of
Presentation
These
unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company were prepared
under the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, the
Company omitted some information and note disclosures normally accompanying the
annual financial statements. You should read these interim financial statements
and notes in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and
their notes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year
ended December 31, 2007. In the Company’s opinion, the consolidated financial
statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results
of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods. All
adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for
interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full
fiscal year.
The
Company is a late stage biopharmaceutical company incorporated in 1987, focused
on the development of biotherapeutic products and biodefense vaccines intended
for areas of unmet medical need. DOR’s biotherapeutic business segment intends
to develop orBec®, oral
BDP, and other biotherapeutic products namely LPMTM-Leuprolide,
for Delivery of Water-Insoluble Drugs. DOR’s biodefense business segment intends
to convert its ricin toxin, botulinum toxin, and anthrax vaccine programs from
early stage development to advanced development and manufacturing.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company had two customers, the
U.S. Federal Government and Orphan Australia Pty Ltd. (“Orphan Australia”), a
specialty pharmaceutical company based in Melbourne, Australia, through a Named
Patient Access Program (NPAP) for orBec®. Revenues
from the U.S. Federal Government were generated from three active grants. As of
September 30, 2008 outstanding receivables were from the U.S. Federal
Government, National Institute of Health and The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and Orphan Australia.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies
Principles of
Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include DOR BioPharma, Inc., (“DOR” or the
“Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“DOR” or the “Company”). All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated as a
result of consolidation.
Segment
Information
Operating
segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate
financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the
chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to
allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing the performance of
the segment.
Accounts
Receivable
Receivables
consist of unbilled amounts due from grants from the National Institute of
Health of the U.S. Federal Government and from Orphan Australia. The amounts
were billed in the month subsequent to period end. The Company considers the
grants receivable to be fully collectible; accordingly, no allowance for
doubtful accounts has been established. If accounts become uncollectible, they
are charged to operations.
Intangible Assets
One of
the most significant estimates or judgments that the Company makes is whether to
capitalize or expense patent and license costs. The Company makes this judgment
based on whether the technology has alternative future uses, as defined in SFAS
2, "Accounting for Research and Development Costs". Based on this consideration,
all outside legal and filing costs incurred in the procurement and defense of
patents are capitalized.
These
intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the
sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of
the related asset or group of assets, a loss is recognized for the difference
between the fair value and the carrying value of the related asset or group of
assets.
The
Company capitalizes and amortizes intangibles over a period of 11 to 16 years.
The Company capitalizes payments made to legal firms that are engaged in filing
and protecting rights to intellectual property and rights for our current
products in both the domestic and international markets. The Company believes
that patent rights are one of its most valuable assets. Patents and patent
applications are a key component of intellectual property, especially in the
early stage of product development, as their purchase and maintenance gives the
Company access to key product development rights from DOR’s academic and
industrial partners. These rights can also be sold or sub-licensed as part of
its strategy to partner its products at each stage of development. The legal
costs incurred for these patents consist of work designed to protect, preserve,
maintain and perhaps extend the lives of the patents. Therefore, DOR capitalizes
these costs and amortizes them over the remaining useful life of the patents.
DOR capitalizes intangible assets based on alternative future use.
Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets
Office
and laboratory equipment and intangible assets are evaluated and reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company recognizes impairment of
long-lived assets in the event the net book value of such assets exceeds the
estimated future undiscounted cash flows attributable to such assets. If the sum
of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the
related asset or group of assets, a loss is recognized for the difference
between the fair value and the carrying value of the related asset or group of
assets. Such analyses necessarily involve significant judgment.
The
Company did not record an impairment of intangible assets for either the three
or nine months ended September 30, 2008 or 2007.
Inventory
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method and includes the cost of materials. The
Company records an allowance as needed for excess inventory. For the three
months ended September 30, 2008 an allowance of $100,000 was provided. This
allowance will be evaluated on a quarterly basis and adjustments will be made as
required. All inventory for this period is finished goods and consists of
orBec®
treatments.
Fair Value of Financial
Instruments
Accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that fair
values be disclosed for the Company’s financial instruments. The carrying
amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, which include grants receivable
and current liabilities, are considered to be representative of their respective
fair values.
Revenue
Recognition
The
Company’s revenues are from government grants and NPAP sales of orBec® from
Orphan Australia. The revenue from government grants are based upon
subcontractor costs and internal costs covered by the grants, plus a facilities
and administrative rate that provides funding for overhead expenses. Revenues
are recognized when expenses have been incurred by subcontractors or when DOR
incurs internal expenses that are related to the grant. The revenues from the
NPAP sales of orBec® are
recognized when the product is shipped.
Research and Development
Costs
Research
and Development costs are charged to expense when incurred. Research and
development includes costs such as clinical trial expenses, contracted research
and license agreement fees with no alternative future use, supplies and
materials, salaries and employee benefits, equipment depreciation and allocation
of various corporate costs. Purchased in-process research and development
expense (IPR&D) represents the value assigned or paid for acquired research
and development for which there is no alternative future use as of the date of
acquisition.
Stock Based
Compensation
The
Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R,
“Share-Based Payment,” effective January 1, 2006, which requires companies to
record compensation expense for stock options issued to employees or
non-employee directors at an amount determined by the fair value of options.
SFAS No. 123R is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15,
2005.
The
Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the “modified prospective application” and
therefore, financial statements from periods ending prior to January 1, 2006
have not been restated. The Company’s net loss for the three months ended
September 30, 2008 and 2007 pertaining to share-based compensation was $76,376
and $284,075 respectively; higher than if it had continued to account for
share-based compensation under APB No. 25. For the nine months ended September
30, 2008 and 2007, the net loss was higher by $229,128 and $529,313
respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, $39,584 of the
$76,376 was for Research and Development personnel and $36,792 was for General
and Administrative personnel. For the same period in 2007, $77,362 of
the $284,075 was for Research and Development personnel and $206,713 was for
General and Administrative personnel. For the nine months ended
September 30, 2008, $118,750 of the $229,128 was for Research and Development
personnel and the other $110,378 was for General and Administrative personnel.
For the same period in 2007, $164,890 of the $529,313 was for Research and
Development personnel and the other $364,423 was for General and Administrative
personnel. Stock based compensation expense recognized during the period is
based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is
ultimately expected to vest during the period. At September 30, 2008, the total
compensation cost for stock options not yet recognized was approximately
$380,000.
The fair
value of each option grant at the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008
and September 30, 2007 was estimated on the date of each grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model and amortized ratably over the option’s
vesting periods. The Company did not award any stock options for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2008 while 2,925,000 and 3,375,000 stock
options were granted during the three and nine months ended September 30,
2007 respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted with an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock was $0.18 and $0.19
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007,
respectively.
The fair
value of options in accordance with SFAS 123 was estimated using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted-average
assumptions: dividend yield 0%, expected life of four years, volatility of 99%
and 100% in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and average risk-free interest rates of
3.9% and 4.5% in 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Stock
compensation expense for options granted to non-employees has been determined in
accordance with SFAS 123 and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 96-18, and
represents the fair value of the consideration received, or the fair value of
the equity instruments issued, whichever may be more reliably measured. For
options that vest over future periods, the fair value of options granted to
non-employees is amortized as the options vest.
As stock
options are exercised, common stock share certificates are issued via electronic
transfer or physical share certificates by the Company’s transfer agent. Upon
exercise, shares are issued from the 2005 stock option plan and increase the
number of shares the Company has outstanding.
Shares
repurchased
The
Company from time to time evaluates whether to repurchase existing common stock
shares in the marketplace. This repurchased stock would be reflected as Treasury
Stock. The Company has not repurchased any shares during 2008. At
this time we have no plans to repurchase the Company stock.
Income
Taxes
The
Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and utilizing asset and
liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation
allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion
of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. A review of all available positive
and negative evidence is considered, including the Company’s current and past
performance, the market environment in which the Company operates, the
utilization of past tax credits, length of carryback and carryforward
periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured utilizing
tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. No current or
deferred income taxes have been provided through September 30, 2008 due to the
net operating losses incurred by the Company since its inception.
Net Loss Per
Share
In
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America, basic and diluted net loss per share has been computed using the
weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the
respective periods (excluding shares that are not yet issued). The effect of
stock options and warrants are antidilutive for all periods
presented.
Use of Estimates and
Assumptions
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
3.
Going Concern and Management’s Plan
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the
Company will continue as a going concern. At September 30, 2008, the
Company had a working capital deficit of $537,997 and a net loss of $3,103,579
for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The Company also expects to
sustain substantial losses over the next twelve months. Since its inception in
1987, the Company has incurred significant and recurring operating losses and
negative cash flow from operations which raises substantial doubt about its
ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to
continue its operations is dependent upon its ability to raise sufficient
capital.
Management’s
plan is as follows:
·
|
The
Company is and will continue to seek capital in the private and/or public
equity markets to continue its
operations.
|
·
|
The
Company has implemented an austerity budget plan including suspension of
its programs not supported by grant funding, reduction of office
personnel, and reduction in overhead
expenses.
|
·
|
The
Company will also seek capital through licensing of orBec®.
|
·
|
The
Company is continuing to seek grant funds and to respond to requests for
proposals from governmental
sources.
|
·
|
The
Company has and will utilize Names Patient Sales wherever possible in
countries outside the United States to generate revenues from orBec®.
|
·
|
The
Company is exploring outlicensing opportunities for LPM-Leuprolide and
BioDefense programs in the United States and in
Europe.
|
·
|
The
Company has engaged investment bankers to assist in exploring merger and
acquisition opportunities.
|
There is
no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully implement its plan or
will be able to generate positive cash flows from either operations,
partnerships, or from equity financings.
4.
Accounts Receivable
In the
third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded grant revenues from its three U.S.
Government Grants in the amount of $565,118 and $40,618 from Orphan Australia
for NPAP sales of orBec®. For the
nine months ended September 30, 2008, recorded revenues were $1,771,620.
Outstanding receivables at quarter end were $204,655. The receivables from the
U.S. Government Grants and Orphan Australia have since been
collected.
5.
Intangible Assets
The
following is a summary of intangible assets which consists of licenses and
patents:
Weighted
Average Amortization period (years)
|
Cost
|
Accumulated
Amortization
|
Net
Book Value
|
|||
September
30, 2008
|
||||||
Licenses
|
12.2
|
$
462,234
|
$ 136,128
|
$
326,106
|
||
Patents
|
9.2
|
1,824,839
|
738,667
|
1,086,172
|
||
Total
|
9.8
|
$ 2,287,073
|
$ 874,795
|
$ 1,412,278
|
||
December
31, 2007
|
||||||
Licenses
|
12.7
|
$
462,234
|
$ 115,681
|
$
346,553
|
||
Patents
|
9.7
|
1,633,490
|
659,256
|
974,234
|
||
Total
|
10.4
|
$ 2,095,724
|
$ 774,937
|
$
1,320,787
|
Amortization
expense was $35,437 and $27,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008
and 2007, respectively. Amortization expense was $99,859 and $75,300 for nine
months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Based on
the balance of licenses and patents at September 30, 2008, the annual
amortization expense for each of the succeeding five years is estimated to be as
follows:
Year
|
Amortization
Amount
|
2008
|
$ 140,000
|
2009
|
140,000
|
2010
|
140,000
|
2011
|
142,000
|
2012
|
145,000
|
License
fees and royalty payments are expensed annually.
6.
Inventory
In
the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded inventory. Inventories are
stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method and includes the cost of materials and overhead.
Inventory consists of finished goods. For the nine month period ended September
30, 2008, the Company had $83,182 in inventory, as compared to $0 for the same
period ended September 30, 2007. For the three month period ended September 30,
2008 the Company also recorded an allowance for excess inventory of
$100,000.
7. Income Taxes
September
30, 2008
|
December
31, 2007
|
|||||
Deferred
tax assets:
|
||||||
Net
operating loss carry forwards
|
$
27,400,000
|
$25,000,000
|
||||
Orphan
drug and research and development credit carry forwards
|
1,800,000
|
2,000,000
|
||||
Other
|
3,000,000
|
3,000,000
|
||||
Total
|
32,200,000
|
30,000,000
|
||||
Valuation
allowance
|
(32,200,000
|
)
|
(30,000,000
|
)
|
||
Net
deferred tax assets
|
$
-
|
$ -
|
At
December 31, 2007, the Company had net operating loss carry forwards of
approximately $73,000,000 for Federal and state tax purposes, portions of which
are currently expiring each year until 2026.
The
following is the approximate amount of the Company’s tax credits and net
operating loss carryforwards that expire over the next five years:
Year
|
Net
Operating Loss Carryforwards
|
2008
|
$ 910,000
|
2009
|
1,330,000
|
2010
|
1,410,000
|
2011
|
870,000
|
2012
|
3,870,000
|
Reconciliations
of the difference between income tax benefit computed at the federal and state
statutory tax rates and the provision for income tax benefit for the years ended
December 31, 2008 and 2007:
2008
|
2007
|
|||||
Federal
and State Stautory Tax Rates
|
||||||
Income
tax loss at federal statutory rate
|
(34.00
|
) % |
(34.00
|
) % | ||
State
taxes, net of federal benefit
|
(4.00
|
) |
(4.29
|
) | ||
Valuation
allowance
|
38.00
|
38.29
|
||||
Provision
for income taxes (benefit)
|
-
|
% |
-
|
% |
Due to the move of the corporate offices to New Jersey, the Florida net operating loss carryforward is suspended.
The
Company and one or more of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S.
Federal jurisdiction, and various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is
no longer subject to income tax assessment for years before 2004. However, since
the Company has incurred net operating losses in every tax year since inception,
all its income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue
Service (“IRS”) and state authorities for purposes of determining the amount of
net operating loss carryforward to reduce taxable income generated in a given
tax year.
12
8. Shareholders’
Equity
During
the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company issued 26,516 shares of
common stock as payment to vendors for consulting services. An expense of $3,500
was recorded which approximated the shares’ fair market value on the date of
issuance, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2008 the
Company also issued 469,813 shares of common stock under its existing Fusion
Capital Equity facility. The Company received $52,500 in proceeds and recorded
$896 expense for the pro-rated commitment share expense which approximated the
shares’ fair market value on the date of issuance. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2008, the Company issued 544,543 and 168,309 shares of common
stock as payment to vendors for consulting services and as compensation and
severance for employees, respectively. An expense of $95,812 and $25,864 was
recorded which approximated the shares’ fair market value on the date of
issuance, respectively.
During
the nine month period ended September 30, 2007, the Company issued 815,357
shares of common stock as payment to vendors for consulting services. An expense
of $327,000 was recorded which approximated the shares’ fair market value on the
date of issuance. These shares of common stock were included in the Company’s
Form SB-2 Registration Statement filed with the SEC on March 9, 2007. Also
during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, 6,208,287 warrants were
exercised to purchase shares of common stock which provided proceeds of
$1,530,763, 260,000 stock options were exercised to purchase shares of common
stock which provided proceeds of $117,000, and 116,055 common stock shares were
issued to employees as payment for payroll in lieu of cash in the amount of
$36,250.
On
February 14, 2008, the Company entered into a common stock purchase agreement
with Fusion Capital Fund II, LLC (“Fusion Capital”). The Fusion Capital facility
allows the Company to require Fusion Capital to purchase between $20,000 and
$1.0 million every two business days, of the Company’s common stock up to an
aggregate of $8.0 million over approximately a 25-month period depending on
certain conditions. As part of the agreement, the Company issued Fusion Capital
1,275,000 shares of common stock as a commitment fee. In connection with the
execution of the common stock purchase agreement, Fusion Capital purchased
2,777,778 common shares and a four year warrant to purchase 1,388,889 shares of
common stock for $0.22 per share, for an aggregate price of $500,000. The
Company issued an additional 75,000 shares of common stock as a commitment fee
in connection with this $500,000 purchase. If the Company’s stock price
exceeds $0.15, then the amount required to be purchased may be increased under
certain conditions as the price of the Company’s common stock increases. The
Company cannot require Fusion Capital to purchase any shares of the Company’s
common stock on any trading days that the market price of the Company’s common
stock is less than $0.10 per share. At this time the Company is unable to draw
on Fusion because the Company’s stock price is near or below $0.10 per
share.
On
February 14, 2008, the Company completed the sale of 881,111 shares of its
common stock to institutional and other accredited investors for an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $158,600. The investors received four year
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 440,556 shares of our common stock at an
exercise price of $0.22 per share.
On
February 9, 2007, the Company completed the sale of 11,680,850 shares of DOR’s
common stock to institutional investors and certain of the Company’s officers
and directors for a purchase price of $5,490,000.
On
January 3, 2007, in consideration for entering into an exclusive letter of
intent, Sigma-Tau agreed to purchase $1,000,000 of the Company’s common stock at
the market price of $0.246 per share, representing 4,065,041 shares of common
stock, and contributed an additional $2 million in cash. The $2 million
contribution was to be considered an advance payment to be deducted from future
payments due to the Company by Sigma-Tau pursuant to any future orBec®
commercialization arrangement reached between the two parties. Because of this
transaction’s dilutive nature, all investors in the April 2006 private placement
had their warrants repriced to $0.246. Additionally, certain shareholders in
that placement who still held shares of the Company’s common stock were issued
additional shares as a cost basis adjustment from $0.277 to $0.246 per share of
the Company’s common stock. Neither these investors, nor any others for that
matter, hold any further anti-dilution rights. Because no agreement
was reached by March 1, 2007, DOR was obligated to return the $2 million to
Sigma-Tau by April 30, 2007. On June 1, 2007, the Company returned
the $2 million to Sigma Tau.
9.
Risks and Uncertainties
The
Company is subject to risks common to companies in the biotechnology industry,
including, but not limited to, litigation, product liability, development of new
technological innovations, dependence on key personnel, protections of
proprietary technology, and compliance with FDA
regulations.
10.
Business Segments
The
Company had two active segments for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2008 and 2007, respectively: BioDefense and
BioTherapeutics. Summary data:
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
|
September
30,
|
||||||
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
Net
Revenues
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
565,118
|
$
|
429,445
|
|||
BioTherapeutics | 40,618 | - | |||||
Total
|
$
|
605,736
|
$
|
429,445
|
|||
Loss
from Operations
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
23,403
|
|
$
|
25,676
|
||
BioTherapeutics
|
(305,920
|
)
|
(581,363
|
)
|
|||
Corporate
|
(196,879
|
)
|
(701,416
|
)
|
|||
Total
|
$
|
(479,396
|
)
|
$
|
(1,257,103
|
)
|
|
Identifiable
Assets
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
962,575
|
$
|
984,286
|
|||
BioTherapeutics
|
584,358
|
511,690
|
|||||
Corporate
|
989,924
|
2,693,135
|
|||||
Total
|
$
|
2,536,857
|
$
|
4,189,111
|
|||
Amortization
and Depreciation Expense
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
17,462
|
$
|
31,062
|
|||
BioTherapeutics
|
14,679
|
3,462
|
|||||
Corporate
|
1,159
|
1,525
|
|||||
Total
|
$
|
33,300
|
$
|
36,049
|
|||
Interest
Income
|
|||||||
Corporate
|
$
|
5,391
|
$
|
10,121
|
|||
Total
|
$
|
5,391
|
$
|
10,121
|
|||
Stock
Option Compensation
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
19,517
|
$
|
34,027
|
|||
BioTherapeutic
|
20,067
|
43,335
|
|||||
Corporate
|
36,792
|
206,713
|
|||||
Total
|
$
|
76,376
|
$
|
284,075
|
|||
FOR
THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
September
30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
Net
Revenues
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
1,731,002
|
$
|
943,737
|
|||
BioTherapeutics | 40,618 | - | |||||
Total
|
$
|
1,771,620
|
$
|
943,737
|
|||
Loss
from Operations
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
(151,938
|
)
|
$
|
(51,010
|
) | |
BioTherapeutics
|
(1,353,831
|
)
|
(2,276,555
|
)
|
|||
Corporate
|
(1,627,758
|
)
|
(2,782,325
|
)
|
|||
Total
|
$
|
(3,133,527
|
)
|
$
|
(5,109,890
|
)
|
|
Amortization
and Depreciation Expense
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
61,160
|
$
|
68,293
|
|||
BioTherapeutics
|
42,671
|
11,593
|
|||||
Corporate
|
3,973
|
4,587
|
|||||
Total
|
$
|
107,804
|
$
|
84,473
|
|||
Interest
Income
|
|||||||
Corporate
|
$
|
32,248
|
$
|
144,062
|
|||
Total
|
$
|
32,248
|
$
|
144,062
|
|||
Stock
Option Compensation
|
|||||||
BioDefense
|
$
|
58,550
|
$
|
63,387
|
|||
BioTherapeutic
|
60,200
|
101,503
|
|||||
Corporate
|
110,378
|
364,423
|
|||||
Total
|
$
|
229,128
|
$
|
529,313
|
|||
The
following discussion and analysis provides information to explain our results of
operations and financial condition. You should also read our
unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and their notes included in
this Form 10-Q, and the our audited consolidated financial statements and their
notes and other information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 2007. This report contains forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements within this Form 10-Q are identified by
words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “will”
“plans” and other similar expression,
however, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such
statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations projections
or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to
significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these
forward-looking statements. Except as
expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update
or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or, circumstances
or developments occurring subsequent to the
filing of this Form 10-Q with the SEC or for any
other reason and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. You should
carefully review and consider the various disclosures the Company makes in this
report and our other reports filed with the SEC that attempt to advise
interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect
our business.
Overview:
Business
Overview and Strategy
We were
incorporated in Delaware in 1987. We are a late-stage research and development
biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of oral therapeutic
products intended for areas of unmet medical need and biodefense
vaccines.
We
maintain two active business segments: BioTherapeutics and BioDefense. Our
business strategy is to (a) work with the FDA on the design of a confirmatory
Phase 3 clinical trial in GI GVHD; (b) make orBec®
available worldwide through named patient access programs for the treatment of
GI GVHD; (c) explore acquisition strategies under which the Company may be
acquired by another company with oncologic or GI symmetry; (d) identify a
development and marketing partner for orBec® for
territories both inside and outside of the US; (e) conduct a Phase 2 clinical
trial of orBec® for the
prevention of GVHD; (f) evaluate and initiate additional clinical trials to
explore the effectiveness of oral BDP in other therapeutic indications involving
inflammatory conditions of the GI tract such as radiation enteritis, radiation
injury and Crohn’s disease; (g) reinitiate development and manufacturing of its
other biotherapeutics products, namely LPMTM
Leuprolide; (h) continue to secure additional government funding for each of its
biodefense programs, RiVaxTM and
BT-VACCTM,
through grants, contracts and procurements; (i) convert its biodefense vaccine
programs from early stage development to advanced development and manufacturing
with the potential to collaborate and/or partner with other companies in the
biodefense area; and (i) acquire or in-license new clinical-stage compounds for
development.
On
October 18, 2007, we received a not approvable letter from the FDA in response
to our NDA for orBec® (oral
beclomethasone dipropionate) for the treatment of GI GVHD. In the letter,
the FDA requested additional clinical trial data to demonstrate the safety and
efficacy of orBec®. The
FDA also requested nonclinical and chemistry, manufacturing and controls
information as part of the not approvable letter. On October 19, 2007, we
requested an end of review conference with the FDA to further understand the
letter and gain clarity as to the next steps. On December 7, 2007, we announced
FDA guidance from that meeting in which a single, confirmatory, Phase 3 clinical
trial could provide sufficient evidence of efficacy provided that it is well
designed, well executed and provides clinically and statistically meaningful
findings, and that the FDA would be agreeable to reviewing a plan for a
Treatment IND as long as it does not interfere with
patient
accrual in a confirmatory trial, such as potentially enrolling patients that
would not be eligible for the Phase 3 study.
Based on
the data from Phase 2 and 3 studies, on
September 21, 2006, we filed a new drug application (“NDA”) for our lead product
orBec®
(oral beclomethasone dipropionate) with the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (the “FDA”) for the treatment of GI GVHD.
On
November 3, 2006, we also filed a Marketing Authorization Application (“MAA”)
for orBec® with the
European Central Authority, European Medicines Evaluation Agency (the “EMEA”).
In May 2008, we voluntarily withdrew the MAA that was being reviewed by
EMEA. We
reached this decision after consultation with the EMEA and determining that
confirmatory evidence of clinical efficacy will be required for
approval. This is consistent with the request made by the FDA. The
withdrawal of an MAA application does not prejudice the possibility of making a
new application at a later stage.
We are
currently working with our Medical Advisory Board made up of
clinical/statistical experts to finalize the design of the confirmatory Phase 3
clinical study evaluating orBec® for the treatment of acute GI GVHD that will
support marketing applications in both the US and the European Union. At a recent meeting with the FDA, we
reached agreement on all key study design components including maintenance of
the proposed primary endpoint, “treatment failure rate at Day
80.” This endpoint was successfully measured as a secondary endpoint
(p= 0.005) in the prior Phase 3 study as a key measure of durability following a
50-day course of treatment with orBec® (i.e., 30 days following cessation of
treatment). Once we have final agreement on the confirmatory phase
3 protocol with the FDA, we expect to begin enrollment in the new confirmatory
Phase 3 clinical program for the treatment of GI GVHD in the first half of 2009.
Completion of this clinical trial will require further funding from financings
or partnerships.
During
2008, we entered collaborative agreements for Named Patient Access Programs
(“NPAP”). We have established NPAPs in Europe, Australia, Canada, Latin America,
New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa and the ASEAN member
nations. We have begun booking sales from orBec®
shipments pursuant these programs in Australia. These programs have
the potential to generate meaningful revenues.
BioTherapeutics
Overview
Through
our BioTherapeutics Division, we are developing oral therapeutic products to
treat unmet medical needs. Our lead product, orBec®, has
been evaluated in a randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled
pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of GI GVHD, a serious and
life-threatening gastrointestinal inflammation associated with allogeneic
hematopoietic cell transplantation (“HCT”). While orBec® did not
achieve statistical significance in time to treatment failure through Day 50
(p-value 0.1177), the primary endpoint of its pivotal Phase 3 trial, there was a
positive trend observed and it did achieve statistical significance in other key
outcomes such as median time to treatment failure through Day 80 (p-value
0.0226) and treatment failure rate at Day 80 (p-value
0.005). Most importantly, orBec®
demonstrated a statistically significant survival advantage in comparison to
placebo at 200 days post-transplantation (p-value 0.0139) and at one year
post-randomization (p-value 0.04).
Based on
the data from Phase 2 and 3 studies, on
September 21, 2006, we filed a new drug application (“NDA”) for our lead product
orBec®
(oral beclomethasone dipropionate) with the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (the “FDA”) for the treatment of GI GVHD. On November 3,
2006, we also filed a Marketing Authorization Application (“MAA”) for orBec® with the
European Central Authority, European Medicines Evaluation Agency (the “EMEA”).
This study did not achieve statistical significance in its primary endpoint, but
had demonstrated a clinically meaningful benefit in a number of other key
secondary measures, including survival. On October 18, 2007, we
received a not approvable letter from the FDA in response to our NDA for
orBec®
(oral beclomethasone dipropionate) for the treatment of GI GVHD. In
the letter, the FDA requested additional clinical trial data to demonstrate the
safety and efficacy of orBec®. The
FDA also requested nonclinical and chemistry, manufacturing and controls
information as part of the not approvable letter. On October 19, 2007, we
requested an end of review conference with the FDA to further understand the
letter and gain clarity as to the next steps. On December 7, 2007, we announced
FDA guidance from that meeting in which a single, confirmatory, Phase 3 clinical
trial could provide sufficient evidence of efficacy provided that it is well
designed, well executed and provides clinically and statistically meaningful
findings, and that the FDA would be agreeable to reviewing a plan for a
Treatment IND as long as it does not interfere with patient accrual in a
confirmatory trial, such as potentially enrolling patients that would not be
eligible for the Phase 3 study. In May 2008, we voluntarily withdrew the MAA
that was being reviewed by EMEA. We
reached this decision after consultation with the EMEA and determining that
confirmatory evidence of clinical efficacy will be required for
approval. This is consistent with the request made by the FDA. The
withdrawal of an MAA application does not prejudice the possibility of making a
new application at a later stage.
On
October 10, 2008, we announced that we reached agreement with the FDA on all key
study design components of our upcoming confirmatory Phase 3 study evaluating
orBec® for the
treatment of acute GI GVHD including maintenance of the proposed primary
endpoint, “treatment failure rate at Day 80.” This endpoint was
successfully measured as a secondary endpoint (p= 0.005) in the prior Phase 3
study as a key measure of durability following a 50-day course of treatment with
orBec® (i.e.,
30 days following cessation of treatment).
On June
30, 2008, we announced that we had entered into a collaboration with Numoda
Corporation (“Numoda”), for the execution of our upcoming confirmatory, Phase 3
clinical trial of orBec®. Collaborating
with Numoda will allow us to take advantage of a comprehensive scope of services
including using their robust industry benchmarking capabilities to develop an
accurate operational and financial plan including the use of an extensive and
proprietary management and oversight capabilities process. Most importantly,
Numoda’s highly accelerated and efficient data lock at the end of the clinical
trial expedites completion of the study while also increasing quality. Barring
any unforeseen modifications to the Phase 3 clinical program, Numoda will
guarantee the agreed clinical trial budget against cost overruns. As part of the
collaboration, Numoda will also take an equity position in DOR common stock in
exchange for a portion of its services in connection with the conduct of the
upcoming confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial. Working with Numoda, we will be
also able to take full advantage of early reporting of results to potential
licensing partners and others. In order to execute the collaboration we will
require further funding from financings or partnerships.
On
October 30, 2008 we announced that we expanded our collaboration with BurnsAdler
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BurnsAdler), as our distributor of orBec® to patients
suffering from acute GI GVHD in Canada via the Special Access Programme
(SAP).
On
September 10, 2008 we announced that we entered into a collaboration with
BurnsAdler, a specialty pharmaceutical company based in North Carolina under
which BurnsAdler will act as our distributor of a Named Patient Access Program
(NPAP) for orBec® to patients suffering from acute GI GVHD in all countries
within Central America, South America and the Caribbean (Latin
America).
On August
27, 2008, we announced that we entered into a collaboration with Pacific
Healthcare Thailand Co., Ltd., a specialty pharmaceutical company based in
Bangkok, under which Pacific will act as our Sponsor to administer an NPAP for
orBec® to patients suffering from acute GI GVHD in Thailand as well as other
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries including
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines and
Vietnam.
On July
18, 2008, we announced that we entered into collaboration with Steward Cross Pte
Ltd (“Steward Cross”), a specialty pharmaceutical company based in Singapore,
under which Steward Cross will act as our Sponsor to administer an NPAP for
patients suffering from acute GI GVHD in Singapore and Malaysia. We will
manufacture and supply orBec®
to Steward Cross, while Steward Cross will be responsible for all
distribution costs in Singapore and Malaysia.
On July
15, 2008, we announced that we entered into a definitive collaborative agreement
with IDIS Limited (“IDIS”), under which IDIS will act as our Sponsor to
administer an NPAP for patients suffering from acute GI GVHD in the European
Union. IDIS is the leading specialist in the management of NPAPs in
Europe.
On
February 15, 2008, we announced that we entered into a Letter of Intent with
BL&H Co. Ltd. (“BL&H”), a specialty pharmaceutical company based in
Seoul, Korea, pursuant to which BL&H will act as our Sponsor with regard to
the administration of a NPAP for orBec® to
patients suffering from acute GI GVHD in South Korea.
On
November 28, 2007, we announced that we entered into a Letter of Intent with
Orphan Australia Pty Ltd. (“Orphan Australia”), a specialty pharmaceutical
company based in Melbourne, Australia, pursuant to which Orphan Australia will
act as our sponsor with regard to the administration of an NPAP for orBec® to GI
GVHD patients in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
On
September 12, 2007, we announced that our academic partner, the Fred Hutchinson
Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), received a $1 million grant from the National
Institute of Health (NIH) to conduct preclinical studies of oral beclomethasone
dipropionate (oral BDP, also the active ingredient in orBec®) for the
treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) radiation injury. While we will not receive
any monetary benefit from this grant, we will benefit if this work is successful
and it will enhance the value of our orBec®/oral BDP
program. The purpose of the studies funded by the grant, entitled "Improving
Gastrointestinal Recovery after Radiation," is to evaluate the ability of three
promising clinical-grade drugs, including oral BDP, given alone or in
combination, that are likely to significantly mitigate the damage to the
gastrointestinal epithelium caused by exposure to high doses of radiation using
a well-established dog model. The GI tract is highly sensitive to ionizing
radiation and the destruction of epithelial tissue is one of first effects of
radiation exposure. The rapid loss of epithelial cells leads to inflammation and
infection that are often the primary cause of death in acute radiation injury.
This type of therapy, if successful, would benefit cancer patients undergoing
radiation, chemotherapy, or victims of nuclear-terrorism. In most radiation
scenarios, injury to the hematopoietic (blood) system and gastrointestinal tract
are the main determinants of survival. The studies will compare overall survival
and markers of intestinal cell regeneration when the drug regimens are added to
supportive care intended to boost proliferation of blood cells. The principal
investigator of the study is George E. Georges, M.D., Associate Member of the
FHCRC.
On July
12, 2007, we announced that patient enrollment commenced in a randomized, double
blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 2 clinical trial of orBec® for the
prevention of acute GI GVHD after allogeneic HCT with myeloablative conditioning
regimens. The trial is being conducted by Paul Martin, M.D., at the FHCRC in
Seattle, Washington and is being supported, in large part, by an NIH grant. We
will not receive any direct monetary benefit from this grant, but if successful,
this funded trial could serve to increase the value of our orBec®/oral BDP
program. The Phase 2 trial will seek to enroll up to 138 (92
orBec® and 46
placebo) patients. The primary endpoint of the trial is the proportion of
subjects who develop acute GVHD with severity sufficient to require systemic
immunosuppressive treatment on or before day 90 after
transplantation. Patients in this study will begin dosing at the
start of the conditioning regimen and continue through day 75 following HCT.
Enrollment in this trial is expected to be completed in the second half of
2009.
In April
2007, we initiated development on our LPMÔ (Lipid Polymer
Micelle) drug delivery system to enhance the intestinal absorption of
water-soluble drugs/peptides which are ordinarily poorly absorbed. We
recommenced preclinical formulation work on LPMÔ in 2007 after a
period of approximately four years. This system incorporates biocompatible
lipids and polymers and is potentially useful for a wide variety of molecular
structures of water-soluble drugs, particularly those based on peptides that are
not readily absorbed in the GI tract. Preclinical animal pharmacokinetic (“PK”)
data have demonstrated high relative bioavailability of the therapeutic peptide
drug leuprolide in the 20-40% range. Leuprolide is both a candidate
drug for further development in several indications, such as prostate cancer and
endometriosis as well as a prototype for development of other similar
non-absorbable, but water soluble drugs. The mechanism for absorption by
LPMÔ is thought
to involve passive uptake through the opening of paracellular channels in
intestinal epithelial tissue. This program is currently suspended pending
further funding from financing or partnerships.
BioDefense
Overview
In
collaboration with the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center, Thomas
Jefferson University, and the President and Fellows of Harvard College, we are
developing vaccines to combat the threat posed by the potent biological toxins;
ricin toxin, botulinum toxin and anthrax. Our ricin toxin and botulinum toxin
vaccines under development are recombinant products in bacterial hosts and both
consist of nontoxic subunits of the native toxins. These subunits induce
antibodies that neutralize the toxins from which they are
derived. Through exclusive licenses with the universities, we have
secured important intellectual property rights related to these vaccines. All of
these are considered bioterrorism threats by the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (“NIAID”),
Department of Defense (“DOD”) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(“CDC”). In fact, the threat of ricin toxin as a biological weapon of mass
destruction has been highlighted along with anthrax in a recent Federal
Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Bioterror report released in November 2007,
which says, “Ricin and the bacterial agent anthrax are emerging as the most
prevalent agents involved in WMD investigations.” We are developing our
biodefense countermeasures for potential U.S. government procurement pursuant to
the Project BioShield Act of 2004, which provides incentives to industry to
supply biodefense countermeasures to the Strategic National
Stockpile. To our knowledge, we are now the only company in the world
developing vaccines against the top two Bioterror threats, as recently
identified by the FBI.
RiVax™
RiVax™ is
our proprietary vaccine developed to protect against exposure to ricin toxin,
and is the first and only ricin toxin vaccine to be clinically tested in humans.
Ricin is a potent glycoprotein toxin derived from beans of castor plants. It can
be cheaply and easily produced, is stable over long periods of time, is toxic by
several routes of exposure and thus has the potential to be used as a biological
weapon against military and/or civilian targets. As a bioterrorism agent, ricin
could be disseminated as an aerosol, by injection, or as a food supply
contaminant. The CDC has classified ricin as a Category B biological agent.
Ricin works by first binding to glycoproteins found on the exterior of a cell,
and then entering the cell and inhibiting protein synthesis leading to cell
death. Once exposed to ricin toxin, there is no effective therapy available to
reverse the course of the toxin. Currently, there is no FDA approved vaccine to
protect against the possibility of ricin toxin being used in a terrorist attack,
or its use as a weapon on the battlefield, nor is there a known antidote for
ricin toxin exposure.
We have
announced positive Phase 1 clinical trial results for RiVax™ which demonstrated
that the vaccine is well tolerated and induces antibodies in humans that
neutralize the ricin toxin. The functional activity of the antibodies was
confirmed by animal challenge studies in mice which survived exposure to ricin
toxin after being injected with serum samples from the volunteers. The outcome
of the study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences. A second Phase 1 trial is currently underway, utilizing the adjuvanted
formulation.
The
initial Phase 1 clinical trial was conducted by Dr. Ellen Vitetta at the
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, DOR's academic
partner on the RiVax™ program. The National Institutes of Health has awarded two
grants one for $6.4 million and one for $5.2 million for a total of $11.6
million to DOR for the development of RiVax™ covering process development,
scale-up and cGMP manufacturing, and preclinical toxicology testing pursuant to
the government’s two animal rule.
The
development of RiVaxTM has
progressed significantly. In September 2006, we received a grant of
approximately $5.2 million from NIAID, a division of the NIH, for the
continued development of RiVax™, a recombinant vaccine against ricin toxin. The
RiVax™ grant will provide approximately $5.2 million over a three year period to
fund the development of animal models which will be used to correlate human
immune response to the vaccine with protective efficacy in animals. This is
necessary for ultimate licensure by the FDA, when human efficacy vaccine trials
are not possible. This new grant also supports the further biophysical
characterization of the vaccine containing a well-characterized adjuvant that is
needed to enhance the immune response to recombinant proteins. These studies
will be required to assure that the vaccine is stable and potent over a period
of years. A prototype version of RiVax™ has been evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical
trial and was shown to be safe and effective, while also inducing ricin
neutralizing antibodies as confirmed in subsequent animal studies.
On April
29, 2008, we announced the initiation of a comprehensive program to evaluate the
efficacy of RiVax™, in non-human primates. This study is taking place at the
Tulane University Health Sciences Center and will provide data that will further
aid in the interpretation of immunogenicity data obtained in the human
vaccination trials. The study was initiated in the second quarter of
2008.
On
January 29, 2008, we announced that we have successfully achieved a two-year
milestone in the long-term stability program of the key ingredient of RiVax™, a
recombinant subunit vaccine against ricin toxin. RiVax™ is intended to protect
against exposure to ricin toxin that might result from the purposeful release of
ricin in an aerosolized form or as a poisonous contaminant in food or water. The
results of the two-year analysis, undertaken as part of the formal stability
program, demonstrate that the immunogen component of RiVax™, a recombinant
derivative of the ricin A chain, is stable under storage conditions for at least
two years without loss of its natural configuration or the appearance of any
detectable degradation products. A vaccine is considered by many to be the best
way to prospectively protect populations at risk of exposure against ricin
toxin. As this vaccine would potentially be added to the Strategic National
Stockpile and dispensed in the event of a terrorist attack, the activity of the
vaccine must be maintained over a period of years under stockpile storage
conditions.
In July
2007, we announced that the Office of Orphan Products Development ("OOPD") of
the FDA has awarded a development grant for the further clinical evaluation of
RiVaxTM. The
grant was awarded to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
(“UTSW”) to further the development of RiVaxTM. We
will not receive any monetary benefits from this grant; however, the successful
completion of this work will enhance the value of our RiVaxTM program
and continue to move it forward. The principal investigator for the project is
Dr. Vitetta, Director of the Cancer Immunobiology Center at the University of
Texas Southwestern. The award totals approximately $940,000 for three years and
is to be used for the evaluation of an adjuvant for use with the vaccine.
Typically, awards made by the OOPD are to support clinical trials for
development of products that address rare diseases or medicines that would be
used in numerically small populations. UTSW began a human clinical trial with
RiVaxTM in
August of 2008.
On
November 15, 2007, we announced that we entered into a Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (“WRAIR”)
to provide additional means to characterize the immunogenic protein subunit
component of RiVax™, our preventive vaccine against ricin toxin. The agreement
will be carried out at the Division of Biochemistry at WRAIR and will encompass
basic studies to reveal the underlying protein structure that is important in
inducing human immune responses to ricin toxin. Ricin toxin is an easy to
manufacture toxin that poses a serious threat as a bioweapon, primarily by
inhalation. Some of the features that are critical to induce protective immune
responses by vaccination with RiVax™ include structural determinants in the core
and the surface of the protein. The purpose of the agreement is to obtain data
to correlate protein structure with induction of protective immunity and
long-term stability of the protein. These studies will involve comparison to
structures of similar natural and recombinant proteins. RiVax™ induces
antibodies that appear primarily in the blood of animals and humans. Some of
these antibodies recognize determinants on the protein that are dependent on the
conformation of the protein and may be involved in biological activity. Overall,
antibodies in the blood are correlated to protection against exposure when the
toxin enters the circulatory system or when it comes into contact with lung
surfaces, where the major effects lead to severe inflammation, tissue necrosis
and death. RiVax™ induces such antibodies in humans as well as other animal
species. Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Millard, Ph.D., Director of the Division
of Biochemistry at WRAIR, will lead the studies to be conducted at WRAIR, which
will include X-ray crystal analysis to determine the structural parameters of
the RiVax™ vaccine. We will not receive any monetary benefits from this
agreement. We will take part in evaluating the data that is found by WRAIR’s
studies, which they are funding. If successful, this will enhance the value of
our RiVax™ product and assist with continuing the progression of the
program.
BT-VACC™
Our
botulinum toxin vaccine, called BT-VACC™, stems from the research of Dr. Lance
Simpson at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The vaccine is being developed as an oral or intranasal formulation to be given
as a primary immunization series or as oral or nasal booster to individuals who
have been primed with an injected vaccine. Botulinum toxin is the
product of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
Botulinum toxin is the most poisonous natural substance known to man. Botulinum
toxin causes acute, symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis due to its action on
peripheral cholinergic nerves. Paralysis typically presents 12 to 72 hours after
exposure. Death results from paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Current
treatments include respiratory support and passive immunization with antibodies
which must be administered before symptoms occur, which leaves little time
post-exposure for effective treatment.
In the
context of oral and nasal formulations, we are developing a multivalent vaccine
against botulinum neurotoxins serotypes A, B and E, which account for almost all
human cases of disease. We have identified lead antigens against Serotypes A, B
and E consisting of the Hc50 fragment of the botulinum toxin. Typically,
vaccines given by mucosal routes are not immunogenic because they do not attach
to immune inductive sites. In the case of the combination BT-VACCTM, both
the A and the B antigens were capable of attaching to cells in the mucosal
epithelium and inducing an immune response with similar magnitude to the
injected vaccine. Our preclinical data suggests that a bivalent formulation of
serotypes A and B is completely effective at low, mid and high doses as an
intranasal vaccine and completely effective at the higher dose level orally in
animal models. The animals were given a small quantity of the bivalent
combination vaccine containing each of the type A and type B antigens (10
micrograms) three times a day at two week intervals. All of the animals
developed equivalent immune responses to A and B types in the serum.
Importantly, they were then protected against exposure to each of the native
toxin molecules given at 1000 fold the dose that causes lethality. The immune
responses were also comparable to the same vaccines when given by intramuscular
injection.
In
September 2006, we were awarded a NIAID Phase 1 SBIR grant totaling
approximately $500,000 to conduct further work to combine antigens from
different serotypes of botulinum toxin for a prototype multivalent vaccine. This
program is currently ongoing and the grant funding has supported further work in
characterizing antigen formulations that induce protective immunity to the three
most common botulinum toxin types that may be encountered naturally or in the
form of a bioweapon. This work will continue the research conducted by Dr. Lance
Simpson and colleagues who originally showed that recombinant non-toxic segments
of the botulinum toxin can be given by the oral as well as the intranasal route
to induce a strong protective immune response in animals. This observation forms
the basis for development of an oral or intranasal vaccine for botulinum toxin
that can be used in humans. Currently, the recombinant vaccines under
development are given by intramuscular injections. The alternate route provides
a self administration option, which will bypass the requirement for needles and
personnel to administer the vaccine.
In July
2007, we announced that the first results from testing of a multivalent form of
BT-VACCTM have
been published in the journal Infection and Immunity
(Ravichandran et al., 2007, Infection and Immunity, v.
75, p. 3043). These results are the first that describe the protective immunity
elicited by a multivalent vaccine that is active by the mucosal route. The
vaccine consists of a combination of three non-toxic subunits of botulinum toxin
that induced protection against the corresponding versions of the natural
toxins. The results published in Infection and Immunity show
that non-toxic subunits (protein components of the natural toxin) of three of
the serotypes of botulinum toxin that cause almost all instances of human
disease, namely serotypes A, B, and E, can be combined and delivered via nasal
administration. The combination vaccine induced antibodies in the serum of mice
and protected against subsequent exposure to high doses of a combination of the
natural A, B, and E serotype neurotoxins. Further, the combination vaccine can
induce protection when given mucosally as a booster to animals that have been
given a primary vaccine injection.
Anthrax Vaccine
On May 8,
2008, we entered into a one-year exclusive option with the President and Fellows
of Harvard College to license analogues of anthrax toxin for prospective use in
vaccines against anthrax, a potentially fatal disease caused by the
spore-forming, gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The option, which was
obtained through negotiation with Harvard University’s Office of Technology
Development, encompasses an issued U.S. patent that covers engineered variants
of protective antigen (PA) developed in the Harvard Medical School laboratory of
Dr. John Collier. PA is the principal determinant of protective immunity to
anthrax and is being developed for second- and third-generation anthrax
vaccines. There has been a major effort on the part of the federal government to
develop vaccines for use both pre- and post-exposure to improve upon the vaccine
currently in use. This vaccine, known as AVA (for anthrax vaccine adsorbed),
consists of a defined, but impure mixture of bacterial components. AVA is FDA
approved, but requires multiple injections followed by annual boosters. Vaccines
such as AVA or those based on the purified, recombinant anthrax toxin component
PA (rPA) induce antibodies that neutralize anthrax holotoxin and can strongly
protect animals from inhaled anthrax spores. Several of the protein variants
developed by Dr. Collier have been shown to be more immunogenic than native rPA,
perhaps because they are processed more efficiently by cellular antigen
processing pathways. We believe that with the proper government funding we will
be able to develop the Collier anthrax vaccine into one with an improved
stability profile, an issue that has proven challenging in the development of
other anthrax vaccines. We do not intend to conduct any new research and
development or commit any funds to this program until we receive grant
funding.
ADDITIONAL
PROGRAMS
LPMTM -
Leuprolide
Our Lipid
Polymer Micelle (“LPM™”) oral drug delivery system is a proprietary platform
technology designed to allow for the oral administration of peptide drugs that
are water-soluble but poorly permeable through the gastrointestinal tract. We
have previously demonstrated in preclinical animal models that the LPM™
technology is adaptable to oral delivery of peptide drugs and that high systemic
levels after intestinal absorption can be achieved with the peptide hormone drug
leuprolide. The LPM™ system utilizes a lipid based delivery system that can
incorporate the peptide of interest in a thermodynamically stable configuration
called a “reverse micelle” that, through oral administration, can promote
intestinal absorption. Reverse micelles are structures that form when certain
classes of lipids come in contact with small amounts of water. This
results in a drug delivery system in which a stable clear dispersion of the
water soluble drug can be evenly dispersed within the lipid phase. LPM™ is
thought to promote intestinal absorption due to the ability of the micelles to
open up small channels through the epithelial layer of the intestines that allow
only molecules of a certain dimension to pass through while excluding extremely
large molecules such as bacteria and viruses. The reverse micelles
also structurally prevent the rapid inactivation of peptides by enzymes in the
upper gastrointestinal tract via a non-specific enzyme inhibition by
surfactant(s) in the formulation.
In
preclinical studies, the LPM™ delivery technology significantly enhanced the
ability of leuprolide, to pass through the intestinal epithelium in comparison
to leuprolide alone. Leuprolide is a synthetic peptide agonist of gonadotropin
releasing hormone (GnRh), which is used in the treatment of prostate cancer in
men and endometriosis in women. Leuprolide exhibits poor intestinal absorption
from an aqueous solution with the oral bioavailability being less than 5%.
Utilizing LPM™ in rats and dogs, the bioavailability of leuprolide averaged 30%
compared to 2.2% for the control oral solution. Based on these promising
preclinical data, we anticipate preparing for a Phase 1 study in humans in 2009
to confirm these findings. This Phase 1 study will require further funding from
financings or partnerships.
An oral
version of leuprolide may provide a significant advantage over the currently
marketed “depot” formulations. Leuprolide is one of the most widely used
anti-cancer agents for advanced prostate cancer in men. Injectable
forms of leuprolide marketed under trade names such as Lupron® and
Eligard® had
worldwide sales of approximately $1.8 billion in 2006. Injectable leuprolide is
also widely used in non-cancer indications, such as endometriosis in women (a
common condition in which cells normally found in the uterus become implanted in
other areas of the body), uterine fibroids in women (noncancerous growths in the
uterus) and central precocious puberty in children (a condition causing children
to enter puberty too soon). Leuprolide is currently available only in
injectable, injectable depot and subcutaneous implant routes of delivery which
limits its use and utility.
OraprineTM
We
anticipate that an orally administered version of the immunosuppressant drug
azathioprine may have a significant role in treating inflammatory diseases of
the oral cavity. Further, an orally administered drug may provide a
niche in the current transplant medicine market for an alternative to solid
dosage forms of azathioprine that would have utility in elderly patients.
OraprineTM
is an oral suspension of azathioprine, which we believe may be
bioequivalent to the oral azathioprine tablet currently marketed in the United
States as Imuran®.
We conducted a Phase 1 bioequivalence trial following a trial conducted by Dr.
Joel Epstein at the University of Washington that established the feasibility of
the oral drug to treat oral ulcerative lesions resulting from GVHD. Oral GVHD
can occur in up to 70% of patients who have undergone bone marrow/stem cell
transplantation despite treatment with other immunosuppressive drugs such as
prednisone, methotrexate, tacrolimus, and cyclosporine. Azathioprine is one of
the most widely used immunosuppressive medications in clinical
medicine. Azathioprine is commonly prescribed to organ transplant patients
to decrease their natural defense mechanisms to foreign bodies (such as the
transplanted organ). The decrease in the patient’s immune system increases
the chances of preventing rejection of the transplanted organ in the
patient.
On
September 25, 2007, we announced a Notice of Allowance of patent claims based on
U.S. Patent Application #09/433,418 entitled “Topical Azathioprine for the
Treatment of Oral Autoimmune Diseases.” Concurrently, the patent has
also been issued by the European Patent Office with the serial number EP 1 212
063 B1. This patent family specifically includes claims for treatment and
prevention of oral GVHD with locally or topically applied azathioprine. We
anticipate filing an ANDA; however this program is suspended pending further
funding from financing or partnerships.
LPETM and
PLPTM Systems
for Delivery of Water-Insoluble Drugs
We may
develop two lipid-based systems, LPETM and
PLPTM, to
support the oral delivery of small molecules of water insoluble drugs. Such
drugs include most kinds of cancer chemotherapeutics currently delivered
intravenously. The LPETM system
is in the form of an emulsion or an emulsion pre-concentrate incorporating
lipids, polymers and co-solvents. We have filed for patent applications on the
use of perillyl alcohol as a solvent, surfactant and absorption enhancer for
lipophilic compounds. The polymers used in these formulations can either be
commercially available or proprietary polymerized lipids and lipid analogs. This
program is suspended pending further funding from financing or
partnerships.
Critical
Accounting Policies
Our
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are
based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and
judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses,
and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate these
estimates and judgments on an on-going basis.
Intangible
Assets
One of
the most significant estimates or judgments that we make is whether to
capitalize or expense patent and license costs. We make this judgment based on
whether the technology has alternative future uses, as defined in SFAS 2,
"Accounting for Research and Development Costs". Based on this consideration, we
capitalized all outside legal and filing costs incurred in the procurement and
defense of patents.
These
intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the
sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of
the related asset or group of assets, a loss is recognized for the difference
between the fair value and the carrying value of the related asset or group of
assets.
We
capitalize and amortize intangibles over a period of 11 to 16 years. We
capitalize payments made to legal firms that are engaged in filing and
protecting our rights to our intellectual property and rights for our current
products in both the domestic and international markets.
We
capitalize intangible assets that have alternative future uses. This is common
practice in the pharmaceutical development industry. Of our intangible asset
balance, our purchase of the RiVaxTM vaccine
license from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for $462,234
was for up-front license costs. We capitalize license costs because they have
alternative future use as referred to in paragraph 11 c. of SFAS No.2. We
believe that both of these intangible assets purchased have alternative future
uses.
We
capitalize legal costs associated with the protection and maintenance of our
patents. As a development stage company with drug and vaccine products in an
often lengthy basic and clinical research process, we believe that patent rights
are one of our most valuable assets. Patents and patent applications are a key
currency of intellectual property, especially in the early stage of product
development, as their purchase and maintenance gives us access to key product
development rights from our academic and industrial partners. These rights can
also be sold or sub-licensed as part of our strategy to partner our products at
each stage of development. The legal costs incurred for these patents consist of
work designed to protect, preserve, maintain and perhaps extend the lives of the
patents. Therefore, our policy is to capitalize these costs and amortize them
over the remaining useful life of the patents. We capitalize intangible assets’
alternative future use as referred to in SFAS No.142 and in paragraph 11 c. of
SFAS No. 2.
We
capitalized $190,801 in patent related costs during the nine months ended
September 30, 2008. This amount is represented in the cash flow
statements, in the section for investing activities presented in the financial
statements. On the balance sheet as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007,
these amounts are presented on the line intangible assets, net in the amount of
$1,412,278 and $1,320,787, respectively.
Research
and Development Costs
Research
and Development costs are charged to expense when incurred. Research and
development includes costs such as clinical trial expenses, contracted research
and license agreement fees with no alternative future use, supplies and
materials, salaries and employee benefits, equipment depreciation and allocation
of various corporate costs. Purchased in-process research and development
expense (“IPR&D”) represents the value assigned or paid for acquired
research and development for which there is no alternative future use as of the
date of acquisition.
Revenue
Recognition
Our
revenues are from U.S. government grants and Orphan Australia for NPAP sales of
orBec®. The
government grants are based upon subcontractor costs and internal costs covered
by the grant, plus a facilities and administrative rate that provides funding
for overhead expenses. These revenues are recognized when expenses have been
incurred by subcontractors or when we incur internal expenses that are related
to the grant. The NPAP revenues are recorded when orBec® is
shipped.
Material Changes in Results of
Operations
We are a
research and development company. The 2008 revenues and associated expenses were
from NIH Grants awarded in September 2004 and September 2006 and Orphan
Australia for NPAP sales of orBec®. The NIH
grants support the research and development of our ricin and botulinum
vaccines.
For the
three months ended September 30, 2008, we had a net loss of $475,701 as compared
to a net loss of $1,246,982 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, for a
decrease of $771,281 or 62%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we
had a $3,103,579 net loss as compared to $4,966,848 in the nine months ended
September 30, 2007, for a decrease of $1,863,269 or 38%. This decrease is
primarily attributed to lower research and development costs and lower costs
associated with preparation of FDA and European regulatory matters as well as a
reduction in general and administrative expenses, such as, public and investor
relation expenses, a reduction in employee, travel and consultant expenses,
lower expenses taken for stock based compensation in the amount of $300,185, and
the dilution expense taken for stock issued to investors from the April 2006
PIPE in the amount of $308,743 in 2007.
For the
three months ended September 30, 2008, we had revenues of $605,736 as compared
to $429,445 in the three months ended September 30, 2007, for an increase of
$176,291 or 41%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we had grant
revenues of $1,771,620 as compared to $943,737 in the nine months ended
September 30, 2007, for an increase of $827,883 or 88%. During 2008 we achieved
certain R&D milestones with our subcontractors and made drawdowns from our
NIH grants. In addition, we had revenue of $40,618 from Orphan Australia for
NPAP sales of orBec®. We also
incurred expenses related to that revenue in the three months ended September
30, 2008 and 2007 of $538,182 and $301,672, respectively, for an increase of
$236,510 or 78%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and
2007, we incurred expenses to that revenue of $1,459,206 and $669,882
respectively. $182,600 of the difference is due to a reclassification of
expenses from research and development costs to cost of sales. Costs of revenues
for the grants relate to payments made to subcontractors and universities in
connection with the grants. Costs of goods associated with NPAP sales of
orBec®
were $10,551. We also recorded a $100,000 allowance as a reserve for our
orBec®
inventory.
Our gross
profit for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $67,554 as compared to
$127,773 in the three months ended September 30, 2007, for a decrease of $60,219
or 47%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we had a gross profit of
$312,414 as compared to $273,855 in the nine months ended September 30, 2007,
for an increase of $38,559 or 14%. A portion of this difference relates to the
aforementioned reclassification error. In the third quarter of 2008, we also
capitalized inventory in the net amount of $147,545 and $60,311 for certain
orBec® costs
that were expensed as research and development expenses in 2008 and 2007,
respectively and recorded a $100,000 allowance as a reserve for our orBec®
inventory.
Research
and development spending decreased by $531,430, or 90%, to $60,238, for the
three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to $591,668 for the
corresponding period ended September 30, 2007. A portion of this decrease is due
to the reclassification of research and development expenses to inventory. For
the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we had $1,403,841 of research and
development spending as compared to $2,611,220 in the nine months ended
September 30, 2007, for a decrease of $1,207,379 or 46%. During 2008, we
incurred expenses for FDA and European regulatory matters, for clinical
preparation of orBec® and LPM
formulation work. The majority of research and development expenses in 2007 were
related to FDA and European regulatory matters.
General
and administrative expenses decreased $98,797, or 19%, to $410,336 for the three
months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to $509,133 for the corresponding
period ended September 30, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008,
we had general and administrative expenses of $1,812,972 as compared to
$2,243,212 in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, for a decrease of
$430,240 or 19%. The decrease was primarily due to the dilution expense taken in
the first quarter of 2007 for stock issued to investors in the April 2006 PIPE
in the amount of $308,743. Additionally, the decrease was due to a reduction in
employee and consultant expenses, travel expenses and expenses for public and
investor relations of approximately $230,000. During the first quarter of 2008,
commitment shares were issued and an expense of $270,000 was recorded as a
result of the Fusion Capital equity transaction.
Stock
based compensation expenses for research and development decreased $37,778, or
49%, to $39,584 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to
$77,362 for the corresponding period ended September 30, 2007. For the nine
months ended September 30, 2008, we had $118,750 in stock based compensation
expenses for research and development as compared to $164,890 in the nine months
ended September 30, 2007, for a decrease of $46,140 or 28%.
Stock
based compensation expenses for general and administrative decreased $169,921,
or 82%, to $36,792 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to
$206,713 for the corresponding period ended September 30, 2007. For the nine
months ended September 30, 2008, we had $110,378 in stock based compensation
expenses for general and administrative as compared to $364,423 in the nine
months ended September 30, 2007, for a decrease of $254,045 or 70%.
Interest
income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $5,391 as compared to
$10,121 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, representing a decrease
of $4,730 or 47%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we had $32,248
of interest income as compared to $144,062 in the nine months ended September
30, 2007, for a decrease of $111,814 or 78%. This decrease is due to lower cash
balances in 2008 as compared to 2007.
Interest
expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $1,696 as compared to
$0 for the three months ended September 30, 2007. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2008, we had $2,300 of interest expense as compared to
$1,020 in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, for an increase of $1,280 or
125%. This increase was the result of higher balances that were short-term
financed for insurance premiums due.
Financial
Condition
Cash
and Working Capital
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming we
will continue as a going concern. As of September 30, 2008, we had cash of
$686,216 as compared to $2,220,128 as of December 31, 2007. As of November 3,
2008, we had cash of approximately $520,000. As of September 30, 2008, we had
working capital deficit of $537,997 as compared to working capital of $1,243,638
as of December 31, 2007, representing a decrease of $1,781,635. For
the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our cash used in operating activities
was approximately $2,100,000, compared to $5,200,000 for the corresponding
period ended September 30, 2007. Our ability to continue operations is dependent
upon our ability to raise sufficient capital and based on present activities we
will require additional cash by second quarter 2008 in order to maintain our
current levels of operations.
Management’s plan is as follows:
·
|
We
will continue to seek capital in the private and/or public equity markets
to continue our operations.
|
·
|
We
have implemented an austerity budget plan including suspension of our
programs not supported by grant funding, reduction of office personnel,
and a reduction in overhead
expenses.
|
·
|
We
will also seek capital through licensing of orBec®.
|
·
|
We
will continue to seek grant funds and to respond to requests for proposals
from governmental sources.
|
·
|
We
will utilize Name Patient Sales wherever possible in countries outside the
United States to generate revenues from orBec®.
|
·
|
We
are exploring outlicensing opportunities for LPM-Leuprolide and BioDefense
programs in the United States and in
Europe.
|
·
|
We
have engaged investment bankers to assist in exploring merger and
acquisition opportunities.
|
As stated
above, we are operating under an austerity budget plan. We need to seek
additional capital to begin the confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial for
orBec® for the
treatment of GI GVHD. We may obtain capital pursuant to one or more corporate
partnerships relating to orBec®. If we
obtain additional funds through the issuance of equity or equity-linked
securities, shareholders may experience significant dilution and these equity
securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our
common stock. The terms of any debt financing may contain restrictive covenants
which may limit our ability to pursue certain courses of action. We may not be
able to obtain such financing on acceptable terms if at all. If we are unable to
obtain such financing when needed, or to do so on acceptable terms, we may be
unable to develop our products, take advantage of business opportunities,
respond to competitive pressures or continue our operations.
Should
the financing we require to sustain our working capital needs be unavailable or
prohibitively expensive when we require it, the consequences could be a material
adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and
prospects.
Expenditures
Under our
austerity budget and based upon our existing product development agreements and
license agreements pursuant to letters of intent and option agreements, we
expect our expenditures for the next 12 months to be approximately $1,200,000,
not inclusive of BioDefense programs, or programs covered under existing
NIH or orphan grants, and not including a new confirmatory Phase 3 clinical
trial for orBec® for the
treatment of GI GVHD. In order to fund a portion of these expenditures we
will need funding from financings and partnerships. We anticipate grant
revenues in the next 12 months to offset research and development expenses for
the development of our ricin toxin vaccine and botulinum toxin vaccine in the
amount of approximately $2,100,000 with $600,000 contributing towards our
overhead expenses.
The table
below details our costs by program for the nine months ended September
30:
2008
|
2007
|
|
Program
- Research & Development Expenses
|
||
orBec®
|
$ 884,341
|
$ 1,999,562
|
RiVax™
|
249,318
|
317,390
|
BT-VACC™
|
154,795
|
256,914
|
Oraprine™
|
4,000
|
5,100
|
LPMTM-Leuprolide
|
111,387
|
32,254
|
Research
& Development Expense
|
$ 1,403,841
|
$ 2,611,220
|
Program
- Reimbursed under Grants
|
||
orBec®
|
$ 10,551
|
$ -
|
RiVax™
|
1,266,049
|
636,979
|
BT-VACC™
|
82,606
|
32,903
|
Reimbursed
under Grant
|
$
1,359,206
|
$ 669,882
|
TOTAL
|
$ 2,863,047
|
$ 3,281,102
|
Leases
The
following summarizes our contractual obligations at September 30, 2008, and the
effect those obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in
future periods.
Contractual
Obligation
|
Year
2008
|
Year
2009
|
Year
2010
|
Non-cancelable
obligation (1)(2)
|
$ 7,000
|
$
4,500
|
$
4,500
|
TOTALS
|
$
7,000
|
$
4,500
|
$ 4,500
|
(1)
|
On
October 1, 2008, we signed a month to month lease to occupy office space
in Ewing, New Jersey.
|
(2)
|
On
April 24, 2008, we signed a three year lease for a
copier.
|
ITEM 3
-_QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET
RISK
Our
primary exposure to market risk is interest income sensitivity, which is
affected by changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates, particularly
because the majority of our investments are in short-term marketable securities.
Due to the nature of our short-term investments, we believe that we are not
subject to any material market risk exposure. We do not have any foreign
currency or other derivative financial instruments.
ITEM 4 -_CONTROLS AND
PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Our
management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as
of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the "Evaluation
Date"). Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure
controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal
Controls
There was
no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) identified in connection with
the evaluation of our internal controls that occurred during our last fiscal
quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially
affect, such controls.
PART II - OTHER
INFORMATION.
ITEM 5 -
EXHIBITS
|
31.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act rule 13(a)-14(a)
(under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).
|
|
31.2
|
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act rule
13(a)-14(a) (under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002).
|
|
32.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
|
32.2 |
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
SIGNATURES
In
accordance with 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.
DOR BIOPHARMA,
INC.
November
14, 2008
by /s/ Christopher J.
Schaber
Christopher J.
Schaber, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
November
14,
2008
by /s/ Evan
Myrianthopoulos
Evan
Myrianthopoulos
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
31.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act rule 13(a)-14(a)
(under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002).
|
31.2
|
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act rule 13(a)-14(a)
(under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002).
|
32.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
|
32.2
|
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
|