TG THERAPEUTICS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2017 March (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

____________________________

FORM 10-Q

 

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

 

Commission File Number 000-30929

___________________

TG THERAPEUTICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	36-3898269 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2 Gansevoort Street, 9th Floor

New York, New York 10014

(Address including zip code of principal executive offices)

 

(212) 554-4484

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

☒ Yes ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company ☐
	Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☒

 

There were 66,775,146 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of May 1, 2017.

 

 

 

 

TG THERAPEUTICS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2017

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		3
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	4
Item 1	Financial Statements:	4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (unaudited)	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	7
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	8
Item 2	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	18
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	27
Item 4	Controls and Procedures	28
PART II	OTHER INFORMATION	28
Item 1	Legal Proceedings	28
Item 1A	Risk Factors	28
Item 6	Exhibits	46

2

 

SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain matters discussed in this report, including matters discussed under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "expect," “plan,” “intend” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation, those discussed under the captions “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this report, as well as other factors which may be identified from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or in the documents where such forward-looking statements appear. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our:

 

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this report reflect our views and assumptions only as of the date this report is signed. Except as required by law, we assume no responsibility for updating any forward-looking statements.

 

We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. In addition, with respect to all of our forward-looking statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

3

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TG Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

	March 31, 2017	December 31, 2016
	(Unaudited)	(Note 1)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$95,637,572	$25,031,280
Short-term investment securities	13,823,332	19,853,860
Interest receivable	22,824	83,852
Prepaid research and development	8,422,375	5,678,755
Other current assets	1,057,715	216,397
Total current assets	118,963,818	50,864,144
Restricted cash	584,213	583,208
Leasehold interest, net	2,491,211	2,042,281
Equipment, net	307,732	328,148
Goodwill	799,391	799,391
Other assets	110,067	164,375
Total assets	$123,256,432	$54,781,547
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$18,916,064	$15,267,668
Accrued compensation	483,555	1,389,516
Current portion of deferred revenue	152,381	152,381
Notes payable	174,657	68,875
Total current liabilities	19,726,657	16,878,440
Deferred rent	1,307,063	816,257
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	1,180,953	1,219,048
Total liabilities	22,214,673	18,913,745
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share (10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016)	--	--
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share (150,000,000 shares authorized, 66,816,455 and 56,820,423 shares issued, 66,775,146 and 56,779,114 shares outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)	66,817	56,820
Additional paid-in capital	365,323,608	272,432,139
Treasury stock, at cost, 41,309 shares at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016	(234,337)	(234,337)
Accumulated deficit	(264,114,329)	(236,386,820)
Total stockholders’ equity	101,041,759	35,867,802
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$123,256,432	$54,781,547

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

TG Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 (Unaudited)

 

 

	Three months ended March 31,
	2017	2016
License revenue	$38,095	$38,095
Costs and expenses:
Research and development:
Noncash compensation	2,306,099	386,925
Other research and development	20,375,794	11,230,415
Total research and development	22,681,893	11,617,340
General and administrative:
Noncash compensation	3,689,356	1,312,040
Other general and administrative	1,333,268	1,100,871
Total general and administrative	5,022,624	2,412,911
Total costs and expenses	27,704,517	14,030,251
Operating loss	(27,666,422)	(13,992,156)
Other (income) expense:
Interest income	(44,696)	(84,862)
Other (income) expense	105,783	(58,632)
Total other (income) expense, net	61,087	(143,494)
Net loss	$(27,727,509)	$(13,848,662)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share	$(0.52)	$(0.28)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per common share	53,157,851	48,908,278

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

TG Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

 

 

	Common Stock			Treasury Stock
	Shares	Amount	Additional paid-in capital	Shares	Amount	Accumulated Deficit	Total
Balance at January 1, 2017	56,820,422	$56,820	$272,432,139	41,309	$(234,337)	$(236,386,820)	$35,867,802
Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of warrants	887,585	888	2,142,196				2,143,084
Issuance of restricted stock	111,254	111	(111)				--
Forfeiture of restricted stock	(4,495)	(4)	4				--
Issuance of common stock in public offering (net of offering costs of $3,589,875)	5,897,436	5,898	53,713,519				53,719,417
Issuance of common stock in At-the-Market offering (net of offering costs of $554,067)	3,104,253	3,104	31,040,406				31,043,510
Compensation in respect of restricted stock granted to employees, directors and consultants			5,995,455				5,995,455
Net loss						(27,727,509)	(27,727,509)
Balance at March 31, 2017	66,816,455	$66,817	$365,323,608	41,309	$(234,337)	$(264,114,329)	$101,041,759

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6

TG Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

	Three months ended March 31,
	2017	2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$(27,727,509)	$(13,848,662)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Noncash stock compensation expense	5,995,455	1,698,965
Depreciation	20,416	6,380
Amortization of premium on investment securities	30,528	128,329
Change in fair value of notes payable and accrued interest	105,782	(58,632)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in restricted cash	(1,005)	(1,008)
Increase in prepaid research and development and other current assets	(3,584,938)	(2,250,490)
Decrease (increase) in leasehold interest	19,587	(1,151,163)
Decrease in accrued interest receivable	61,028	21,915
Decrease in other assets	242,372	5,341
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,551,726	(1,575,974)
Increase in deferred rent	22,289	389,554
Decrease in deferred revenue	(38,095)	(38,096)
Net cash used in operating activities	(22,302,364)	(16,673,541)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of equipment	--	(282,261)
Investment in held-to-maturity securities	--	(10,641,270)
Proceeds from maturity of short-term securities	6,000,000	9,000,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	6,000,000	(1,923,531)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants	2,143,084	22,163
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net	84,765,572	--
Deferred financing costs paid	--	(8,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities	86,908,656	14,163
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	70,606,292	(18,582,909)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	25,031,280	55,061,329
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$95,637,572	$36,478,420
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS
Reclassification of deferred financing costs to additional paid-in capital	$(2,645)	$--
Accrued offering costs	$190,709	$--

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

7

TG Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this report to “TG,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to TG Therapeutics, Inc. and our subsidiaries.

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Description of Business

 

We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of novel treatments for B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Currently, we are developing two therapies targeting hematologic malignancies. TG-1101 (ublituximab) is a novel, glycoengineered monoclonal antibody that targets a specific and unique epitope on the CD20 antigen found on mature B-lymphocytes. We are also developing TGR-1202, an orally available PI3K delta inhibitor. The delta isoform of PI3K is strongly expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin and is believed to be important in the proliferation and survival of B-lymphocytes. Both TG-1101 and TGR-1202 are in clinical development for patients with hematologic malignancies, with TG-1101 also in clinical development for autoimmune disorders. The Company also has pre-clinical programs to develop IRAK4 (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4) inhibitors, BET (Bromodomain and Extra Terminal) inhibitors, and anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR antibodies.

 

We also actively evaluate complementary products, technologies and companies for in-licensing, partnership, acquisition and/or investment opportunities. To date, we have not received approval for the sale of any of our drug candidates in any market and, therefore, have not generated any product sales from our drug candidates.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for interim financial information and with the instructions to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, they may not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. All adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature and are necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. Nevertheless, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The accompanying condensed December 31, 2016 balance sheet has been derived from these statements. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year or any other interim period.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have incurred operating losses since our inception, expect to continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never attain profitable operations. As of March 31, 2017, we have an accumulated deficit of approximately $264.1 million.

 

Our major sources of cash have been proceeds from the private placement and public offering of equity securities. We have not yet commercialized any of our drug candidates and cannot be sure if we will ever be able to do so. Even if we commercialize one or more of our drug candidates, we may not become profitable. Our ability to achieve profitability depends on many factors, including our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our drug candidates; successfully completing any post-approval regulatory obligations; and successfully commercializing our drug candidates alone or with one or more partners. We may continue to incur substantial operating losses even if we begin to generate revenues from our drug candidates.

 

As of March 31, 2017, we had approximately $109.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, investment securities, and interest receivable, which we believe will be sufficient to fund the Company’s planned operations through 2018. The actual amount of cash that we will need to operate is subject to many factors, including, but not limited to, the timing, design and conduct of clinical trials for our drug candidates. We are dependent upon significant future financing to provide the cash necessary to execute our current strategic plan, including the commercialization of any of our drug candidates.

 

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and trades under the symbol “TGTX.”

 

8

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, ASU 2017-04:

 

ASU 2017-04 is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Other pronouncements issued by the FASB or other authoritative accounting standards group with future effective dates are either not applicable or not significant to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the applicable reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

9

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

We treat liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased as cash and cash equivalents.

 

Restricted Cash

 

We record cash pledged or held in trust as restricted cash. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we have approximately $0.6 million of restricted cash pledged to secure a line of credit as a security deposit for an Office Agreement (see Note 8).

 

Investment Securities

 

Investment securities at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consist of short-term government securities. We classify these securities as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities in which we have the ability and intent to hold the security until maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related held-to-maturity security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method.

 

A decline in the market value of any investment security below cost, that is deemed to be other than temporary, results in a reduction in the carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to operations and a new cost basis for the security is established. Other-than-temporary impairment charges would be included in interest and other (income) expense, net. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.

 

Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with high-credit quality financial institutions. At times, such amounts may exceed federally-insured limits.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize license revenue in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance of the FASB Codification. We analyze each element of our licensing agreement to determine the appropriate revenue recognition. The terms of the license agreement may include payments to us of non-refundable up-front license fees, milestone payments if specified objectives are achieved, and/or royalties on product sales. We recognize revenue from upfront payments over the period of significant involvement under the related agreements unless the fee is in exchange for products delivered or services rendered that represent the culmination of a separate earnings process and no further performance obligation exists under the contract. We recognize milestone payments as revenue upon the achievement of specified milestones only if (1) the milestone payment is non-refundable, (2) substantive effort is involved in achieving the milestone, (3) the amount of the milestone is reasonable in relation to the effort expended or the risk associated with achievement of the milestone, and (4) the milestone is at risk for both parties. If any of these conditions are not met, we defer the milestone payment and recognize it as revenue over the estimated period of performance under the contract.

 

Research and Development Costs

 

Generally, research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Non-refundable advance payments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities are deferred and amortized over the period that the goods are delivered or the related services are performed, subject to an assessment of recoverability. We make estimates of costs incurred in relation to external clinical research organizations, or CROs, and clinical site costs. We analyze the progress of clinical trials, including levels of patient enrollment, invoices received and contracted costs when evaluating the adequacy of the amount expensed and the related prepaid asset and accrued liability. Significant judgments and estimates must be made and used in determining the accrued liability balance and expense in any accounting period. We review and accrue CRO expenses and clinical trial study expenses based on work performed and rely upon estimates of those costs applicable to the stage of completion of a study. Accrued CRO costs are subject to revisions as such trials progress to completion. Revisions are charged to expense in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. With respect to clinical site costs, the financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation and vary from contract to contract. Payments under these contracts may be uneven, and depend on factors such as the achievement of certain events, the successful recruitment of patients, the completion of portions of the clinical trial or similar conditions. The objective of our policy is to match the recording of expenses in our financial statements to the actual services received and efforts expended. As such, expense accruals related to clinical site costs are recognized based on our estimate of the degree of completion of the event or events specified in the specific clinical study or trial contract.

 

Prepaid research and development in our consolidated balance sheets includes, among other things, certain costs to third party service providers related to development and manufacturing services as well as clinical development. These agreements often require payments in advance of services performed or goods received. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we recorded approximately $8.4 million and $5.7 million, respectively, in prepaid research and development related to such advance agreements.

 

10

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. If the likelihood of realizing the deferred tax assets or liability is less than “more likely than not,” a valuation allowance is then created.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We recognize all stock-based payments to employees and non-employee directors (as compensation for service) as noncash compensation expense in the condensed consolidated financial statements based on the fair values of such payments. Stock-based compensation expense recognized each period is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

For stock-based payments to consultants and other third-parties (including related parties), noncash compensation expense is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. We record compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date. The awards to consultants and other third-parties (including related parties) are then revalued, or the total compensation is recalculated based on the then current fair value, at each subsequent reporting date.

 

In addition, because some of the options, restricted stock and warrants issued to employees, consultants and other third-parties vest upon achievement of certain milestones, the total expense is uncertain. Compensation expense for such awards that vest upon the achievement of milestones is recognized when the achievement of such milestones becomes probable.

 

Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share

 

Basic net loss per share of our common stock is calculated by dividing net loss applicable to the common stock by the weighted average number of our common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per share of common stock is the same as basic net loss per share of common stock since potentially dilutive securities from stock options, stock warrants and convertible preferred stock would have an antidilutive effect either because we incurred a net loss during the periods presented or because such potentially dilutive securities were out of the money and the Company realized net income during the periods presented. The amounts of potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation were 3,634,008 and 6,869,500 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The following outstanding shares of potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the computation of net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive:

 

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
Unvested restricted stock	3,619,016		5,674,415
Warrants	--		1,177,137
Shares issuable upon note conversion	14,992		17,948
Total	3,634,008		6,869,500

 

 

Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

 

Long-lived assets are reviewed for potential impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of long-lived tangible and intangible assets with finite lives may not be recoverable. Management’s policy in determining whether an impairment indicator exists, a triggering event, comprises measurable operating performance criteria as well as qualitative measures. If an analysis is necessitated by the occurrence of a triggering event, we make certain assumptions in determining the impairment amount. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized.

 

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually, or earlier when events arise that could indicate that an impairment exists. We test for goodwill impairment using a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit with the unit's carrying value, including goodwill. When the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than fair value, the unit’s goodwill may be impaired, and the second step must be completed to measure the amount of the goodwill impairment charge, if any. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared with the carrying amount of the unit’s goodwill. If the carrying amount is greater than the implied fair value, the carrying value of the goodwill must be written down to its implied fair value. We will continue to perform impairment tests annually, at December 31, and whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.

 

Rent Expense and Deferred Rent

 

Rent expense and lease incentives, including landlord construction allowances, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, commencing generally on the date the Company takes possession of the leased property. The Company records lease incentives as deferred rent and recognizes the lease incentives as reductions of rental expense. The unamortized portion of deferred rent is included in deferred rent in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

11

 

NOTE 2 – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

The following tables summarize our cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

	March 31, 2017	December 31, 2016
Money market funds	$15,106,834	$20,978,947
Checking and bank deposits	80,530,738	4,052,333
Total	$95,637,572	$25,031,280

 

NOTE 3 – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

Our investments as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are classified as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are recorded at amortized cost.

 

The following tables summarize our investment securities at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

	March 31, 2017
	Amortized cost, as adjusted	Gross unrealized holding gains	Gross unrealized holding losses	Estimated fair value
Short-term investments:
Obligations of domestic governmental agencies (maturing between April 2017 and September 2017) (held-to-maturity)	$13,823,332	$607	$5,255	$13,818,684
Total short-term investment securities	$13,823,332	$607	$5,255	$13,818,684

 

 

	December 31, 2016
	Amortized cost, as adjusted	Gross unrealized holding gains	Gross unrealized holding losses	Estimated fair value
Short-term investments:
Obligations of domestic governmental agencies (maturing between February 2017 and September 2017) (held-to-maturity)	$19,853,860	$3,270	$2,492	$19,854,638
Total short-term investment securities	$19,853,860	$3,270	$2,492	$19,854,638

 

 

NOTE 4 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of inputs, or assumptions, used in the determination of fair value and requires financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

●	Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

 

●	Level 2 – inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices that are directly or indirectly observable; and

 

●	Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

 

 

12

 

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and notes and interest payable, approximate their carrying value.

 

At the time of our merger (we were then known as Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) with Ariston Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Ariston”) in March 2010, Ariston issued $15.5 million of five-year 5% notes payable (the “5% Notes”) in satisfaction of several note payable issuances. The 5% Notes and accrued and unpaid interest thereon are convertible at the option of the holder into common stock at the conversion price of $1,125 per share. Ariston agreed to make quarterly payments on the 5% Notes equal to 50% of the net product cash flow received from the exploitation or commercialization of Ariston’s product candidates, AST-726 and AST-915. We have no obligations under the 5% Notes aside from (a) 50% of the net product cash flows from Ariston’s product candidates, if any, payable to noteholders; and (b) the conversion feature, discussed above.

 

The cumulative liability to the Ariston subsidiary including accrued and unpaid interest of the 5% Notes was approximately $16.9 million at March 31, 2017 and $16.7 million at December 31, 2016. No payments have been made on the 5% Notes as of March 31, 2017.

 

In December 2011, we elected the fair value option for valuing the 5% Notes. The fair value option was elected in order to reflect in our financial statements the assumptions that market participants use in evaluating these financial instruments.

 

As of December 31, 2013, as a result of expiring intellectual property rights and other factors, it was determined that net product cash flows from AST-726 were unlikely. As we have no other obligations under the 5% Notes aside from the net product cash flows and the conversion feature, the conversion feature was used to estimate the 5% Notes’ fair value as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The assumptions, assessments and projections of future revenues are subject to uncertainties, difficult to predict, and require significant judgment. The use of different assumptions, applying different judgment to inherently subjective matters and changes in future market conditions could result in significantly different estimates of fair value and the differences could be material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

The following tables provide the fair value measurements of applicable financial liabilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

	Financial liabilities at fair value as of March 31, 2017
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
5% Notes	$--	$--	$174,657	$174,657
Total	$--	$--	$174,657	$174,657

 

	Financial liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2016
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
5% Notes	$--	$--	$68,875	$68,875
Total	$--	$--	$68,875	$68,875

 

 

The Level 3 amounts above represent the fair value of the 5% Notes and related accrued interest.

 

 

13

 

The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 instruments during the three months ended March 31, 2017:

 

Fair value at December 31, 2016	$68,875
Interest accrued on face value of 5% Notes	202,748
Change in fair value of Level 3 liabilities	(96,966)
Fair value at March 31, 2017	$174,657

 

The change in the fair value of the Level 3 liabilities is reported in other (income) expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

 

NOTE 5 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value, with rights senior to those of our common stock, issuable in one or more series. Upon issuance, we can determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof. These rights, preferences and privileges could include dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of common stock.

 

Common Stock

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 150,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock.

 

In December 2014, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the "2015 S-3"), which was declared effective in January 2015. Under the 2015 S-3, the Company may sell up to a total of $250 million of its securities. In connection with the 2015 S-3, we amended our 2013 At-the-Market Issuance Sales Agreement with MLV & Co. LLC (the "2015 ATM") such that we may issue and sell additional shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $175.0 million, from time to time through MLV & Co. LLC ("MLV") and FBR Capital Markets & Co. ("FBR", each of MLV and FBR individually an "Agent" and collectively the "Agents"), acting as the sales agents. Under the 2015 ATM we pay the Agents a commission rate of up to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of any shares of common stock sold through the Agents.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we sold a total of 3,104,253 shares of common stock under the 2015 ATM for total gross proceeds of approximately $31.6 million at an average selling price of $10.18 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $31.0 million after deducting commissions and other transaction costs.

 

On March 9, 2017, we announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 5,128,206 shares of our common stock (plus a 30-day underwriter option to purchase up to an additional 769,230 shares of common stock, which was exercised) at a price of $9.75 per share. Net proceeds from this offering, including the overallotment, were approximately $54 million, net of underwriting discounts and offering expenses of approximately $3.5 million. The offering closed on March 14, 2017.

 

The 2015 S-3 is currently our only active shelf registration statement. After deducting shares already sold, including under the 2015 ATM, there is approximately $88.2 million of common stock that remains available for sale under the 2015 S-3. We may offer the securities under the 2015 S-3 from time to time in response to market conditions or other circumstances if we believe such a plan of financing is in the best interests of our stockholders. We believe that the 2015 S-3 provides us with the flexibility to raise additional capital to finance our operations as needed.

 

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Equity Incentive Plans

 

The TG Therapeutics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2012 Incentive Plan (“2012 Incentive Plan”) was approved by stockholders in June 2015. As of March 31, 2017, no options were outstanding and up to an additional 2,180,005 shares may be issued under the 2012 Incentive Plan.

 

Effective as of January 1, 2017, we entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the employment agreement entered as of December 15, 2011 (together with the Amendment, the “Employment Agreement”) with Michael S. Weiss, our Executive Chairman and interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. Under the Amendment, Mr. Weiss will remain as Chief Executive Officer and President, removing the interim status. Simultaneously, we entered into a Strategic Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with Caribe BioAdvisors, LLC (the “Advisor”) owned by Mr. Weiss to provide the services of Mr. Weiss as Chairman of the Board and as Executive Chairman. As part of the Amendment, Mr. Weiss also agreed to forfeit 3,381,866 restricted shares previously granted under the Employment Agreement that were predominantly subject to time-based vesting over the next three years. Simultaneously, (i) Mr. Weiss was issued 418,371 restricted shares under the Employment Agreement that vest in 2018 and 2019 and (ii) the Advisor was issued 2,960,000 restricted shares under the Advisory Agreement that vest on market capitalization thresholds ranging from $375 million to $750 million. Collectively, Mr. Weiss and the Advisor were granted fewer shares than Mr. Weiss forfeited. In accordance with GAAP, there was no incremental stock compensation expense recognition as a result of the modification.

 

Restricted Stock

 

Certain employees, directors and consultants have been awarded restricted stock. The restricted stock vesting consists of milestone and time-based vesting. The following table summarizes restricted share activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017:

 

	Number of Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	8,642,055	$7.20
Granted	111,254	4.80
Vested	(3,629,798)	5.10
Forfeited	(4,495)	4.65
Outstanding at March 31, 2017	5,119,016	$6.21

 

Total expense associated with restricted stock grants was approximately $6.0 million and $1.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of March 31, 2017, there was approximately $9.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested time-based restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. This amount does not include, as of March 31, 2017, 305,000 shares of restricted stock outstanding which are milestone-based and vest upon certain corporate milestones; and 2,397,583 shares of restricted stock outstanding issued to non-employees, the expense for which is determined each reporting period at the measurement date. The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached for milestone awards, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. We record compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date.

 

Warrants

 

The following table summarizes warrant activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017:

 

	Warrants	Weighted average exercise price	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	913,381	$2.41	$1,961,403
Issued	--	--
Exercised	(887,585)	2.41
Expired	(25,796)	--
Outstanding at March 31, 2017	--	$--	$--

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We did not grant any stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense information about restricted stock and stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

	Three months ended March 31,
	2017	2016
Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted stock	$5,995,455	$1,698,965
Total	$5,995,455	$1,698,965

 

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NOTE 6 – NOTES PAYABLE

 

The following is a summary of notes payable:

 

	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	Current portion, net	Non-current portion, net	Total	Current portion, net	Non-current portion, net	Total
Convertible 5% Notes Payable	$174,657	$-	$174,657	$68,875	$-	$68,875
Total	$174,657	$-	$174,657	$68,875	$-	$68,875

 

 

Convertible 5% Notes Payable

 

The 5% Notes and accrued and unpaid interest thereon are convertible at the option of the holder into common stock at the conversion price of $1,125 per share. We have no obligation under the 5% Notes aside from (a) 50% of the net product cash flows from Ariston’s product candidates, if any, payable to noteholders; and (b) the conversion feature, discussed above. Interest accrues monthly, is added to principal on an annual basis, every March 8, and is payable at maturity, which was March 8, 2015 (see Note 4 for further details).

 

The cumulative liability including accrued and unpaid interest of these notes was approximately $16.9 million at March 31, 2017 and $16.7 million at December 31, 2016. No payments have been made on the 5% Notes as of March 31, 2017.

 

In December 2011, we elected the fair value option for valuing the 5% Notes. The fair value option was elected in order to reflect in our financial statements the assumptions that market participants use in evaluating these financial instruments (see Note 4 for further details).

 

NOTE 7 – LICENSE AGREEMENTS

 

BET

 

In May 2016, as part of a broader agreement with Jubilant Biosys (“Jubilant”), an India-based biotechnology company, we entered into a sub-license agreement (“JBET Agreement”) with Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. (“Checkpoint”), (see Note 8), for the development and commercialization of Jubilant’s novel BET inhibitor program in the field of hematological malignancies.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, we paid Checkpoint an up-front licensing fee of $1.0 million and will make additional payments contingent on certain preclinical, clinical, and regulatory milestones, including commercial milestones totaling up to approximately $177 million and a single-digit royalty on net sales. TG will also provide funding to support certain targeted research efforts at Jubilant.

 

16

 

TG-1101

 

In November 2012, we entered into an exclusive (within the territory) sublicense agreement with Ildong relating to the development and commercialization of TG-1101 in South Korea and Southeast Asia. Under the terms of the sublicense agreement, Ildong has been granted a royalty bearing, exclusive right, including the right to grant sublicenses, to develop and commercialize TG-1101 in South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

 

An upfront payment of $2.0 million which was received in December 2012 (net of $0.3 million of income tax withholdings), is recognized as license revenue on a straight-line basis over the life of the agreement, which is through the expiration of the last licensed patent right or 15 years after the first commercial sale of a product in such country, unless the agreement is earlier terminated, and represents the estimated period over which we will have certain ongoing responsibilities under the sublicense agreement. We recorded license revenue of approximately $38,000 for each of the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and, at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, have deferred revenue of approximately $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, associated with this $2.0 million payment (approximately $0.2 million of which has been classified in current liabilities at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016).

 

NOTE 8 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

LFB Biotechnologies

 

On January 30, 2012, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with LFB Biotechnologies, GTC Biotherapeutics and LFB/GTC LLC, all wholly-owned subsidiaries of LFB Group, relating to the development of ublituximab (the “LFB License Agreement”). In connection with the LFB License Agreement, LFB Group was issued 5,000,000 shares of common stock, and a warrant to purchase 2,500,000 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $0.001 per share. In addition, on November 9, 2012, we nominated Dr. Yann Echelard to our Board of Directors as LFB Group’s nominee. LFB Group maintains the right to nominate a board member until such time as LFB Group owns less than 10% of the outstanding common stock.

 

Under the terms of the LFB License Agreement, we utilize LFB Group for certain development and manufacturing services. We incurred expenses of approximately $27,000 and no such expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which have been included in other research and development expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had approximately $17,000 and $0.4 million, respectively, recorded in accounts payable related to the LFB License Agreement. In conjunction with the development and manufacturing services discussed above, certain agreements between us and LFB Group require payments in advance of services performed or goods delivered. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we recorded approximately $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in prepaid research and development for such advance payments.

 

Other Parties

 

In March 2014, we entered into a shared services agreement (the “Opus Shared Services Agreement”) with Opus Point Partners Management, LLC (“Opus”) in which the parties agreed to share the costs of a rented facility and certain other services. Our Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer is a Managing Member of Opus. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we incurred expenses of approximately $0 and $0.1 million, respectively, principally for rent, related to this agreement. The Opus Shared Services Agreement is no longer in effect as we began occupying new space in April 2016.

 

In October 2014, we entered into an agreement (the “Office Agreement”) with Fortress Biotech, Inc. (“Fortress”), to occupy approximately 45% of the 24,000 square feet of New York City office space leased by Fortress, which is now our corporate headquarters. The Office Agreement requires us to pay our respective share of the average annual rent and other costs of the 15-year lease. We approximate an average annual rental obligation of $1.1 million under the Office Agreement. We began to occupy this new space in April 2016, with rental payments beginning in the third quarter of 2016. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recorded rent expense of approximately $0.4 million and at March 31, 2017, have deferred rent of approximately $1.3 million. Mr. Weiss, our Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, is also Executive Vice Chairman of Fortress.

 

17

 

NOTE 9 – LITIGATION

 

On January 6, 2017, a purported securities class action complaint was filed in New York federal court against the Company and certain of its directors, officers or consultants on behalf of all shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired TG Therapeutics common stock between September 15, 2014 and October 12, 2016 (the “Class Period”). The case was captioned John Lyon v. TG Therapeutics, Michael S. Weiss, Sean A. Power and Robert Niecestro, Case No. 1:17-cv-00112-VM (S.D.N.Y.). The complaint alleged that, throughout the Class Period various statements made by the Company regarding its GENUINE Phase 3 trial were materially false or misleading when made in violation of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. On January 24, 2017, a second purported class action complaint was filed in New York federal court against the Company and certain of its directors, officers or consultants on behalf of all shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired TG Therapeutics common stock between September 15, 2014 and October 12, 2016. The case was captioned Kenneth C. Wyzgoski v. TG Therapeutics, Michael S. Weiss, Sean A. Power and Robert Niecestro, Case No. 1:17-cv-00508-VM (S.D.N.Y.). The claims and allegations in the Wyzgoski complaint were substantially identical to those in the Lyon case. By order dated March 23, 2017, the court consolidated the Lyon and Wyzgoski cases into one action, captioned In re TG Therapeutics Securities Litigation, Case No. 1:17-cv-00112-VM (S.D.N.Y.), appointed lead plaintiffs in the case, and approved lead plaintiffs’ selection of lead counsel. On April 5, 2017 the Court so ordered a stipulation pursuant to which lead plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the consolidated action in its entirety without prejudice. The Company denies the allegations and claims made in the above-referenced actions and no consideration was given by the Company in connection with lead plaintiffs’ voluntary dismissal of the consolidated action.

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements about our plans and expectations of what may happen in the future. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and our results could differ materially from the results anticipated by our forward-looking statements as a result of many known or unknown factors, including, but not limited to, those factors discussed in “Risk Factors.” See also the “Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” set forth at the beginning of this report.

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the related footnotes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this report, and in conjunction with management’s discussion and analysis and the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of novel treatments for B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Currently, we are developing two therapies targeting hematologic malignancies. TG-1101 (ublituximab) is a novel, glycoengineered monoclonal antibody that targets a specific and unique epitope on the CD20 antigen found on mature B-lymphocytes. We are also developing TGR-1202, an orally available PI3K delta inhibitor. The delta isoform of PI3K is strongly expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin and is believed to be important in the proliferation and survival of B-lymphocytes. Both TG-1101 and TGR-1202 are in clinical development for patients with hematologic malignancies, with TG-1101 also in clinical development for autoimmune disorders. The Company also has pre-clinical programs to develop IRAK4 (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4) inhibitors, BET inhibitors, and anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR antibodies.

 

We also actively evaluate complementary products, technologies and companies for in-licensing, partnership, acquisition and/or investment opportunities. To date, we have not received approval for the sale of any of our drug candidates in any market and, therefore, have not generated any product sales from our drug candidates.

 

 

18

 

In oncology settings, anti-CD20 therapy is generally used in combination with other anti-cancer agents where it demonstrates maximum activity as opposed to single agent usage. As a result, subsequent clinical development for TG-1101 has focused on combination therapy. Currently, our priority combination trials for TG-1101 are:

 

 

In addition, TG-1101 is being evaluated in a Phase 2 study for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and in an investigator initiated Phase 1 study for the treatment of acute neuromyelitis optica (NMO) relapses, with additional autoimmune related indications planned to be studied.

 

Manufacturing of TG-1101 is currently performed by our partner, LFB Biotechnologies, and a secondary contract manufacturer based in the US.

 

Further details on our priority ongoing trials for TG-1101 are as follows:

 

TG-1101 + Ibrutinib Phase 3 Study Program – The GENUINE Trial

 

The GENUINE trial is a randomized controlled clinical trial in patients with previously treated CLL with specific high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, with patients randomized to receive either TG-1101 plus ibrutinib or ibrutinib alone. In October 2016, we announced revisions to the design of the GENUINE study to accelerate its completion. Initially the study was being conducted pursuant to a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and was designed to enroll approximately 330 patients, with a two-part analysis of both overall response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). The trial was amended in October 2016 to enroll approximately 120 patients, with the PFS analysis component removed. Following the revisions, the sole primary endpoint of the study is ORR, and the SPA is no longer in effect. We have communicated with the FDA regarding our intention to file a Biologics Licensing Application (BLA) for accelerated approval and the FDA has agreed that a pre-BLA meeting can be requested based on ORR data from the GENUINE study.

 

On March 6, 2017, we announced positive topline results from our Phase 3 GENUINE clinical trial of TG-1101 plus ibrutinib in patients with previously treated high-risk CLL. For the study, high-risk was defined as having any one or more of the following cytogenetic abnormalities: 17p deletion, 11q deletion or p53 mutation. The multicenter, randomized trial (NCT02301156), which assessed the efficacy and safety of TG-1101 plus ibrutinib, met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in Overall Response Rate (ORR) compared to ibrutinib alone in both the Intent to Treat (ITT) population (p=0.001) and Treated population (p < 0.001). The ITT population includes all 126 randomized patients (64 in the TG-1101 + ibrutinib arm and 62 in the ibrutinib alone arm) while the Treated population includes all ITT patients that received at least one dose of either study drug (59 in the TG-1101 + ibrutinib arm and 58 in the ibrutinib alone arm).

 

Overall Response Rates

 

	TG-1101 plus Ibrutinib	Ibrutinib	P-value
Treated Population (n)	n=59	n=58
Overall Response Rate	80%	47%	P < 0.001

 

 

All responses were assessed by independent blinded central review using the iwCLL 2008 guidelines. Per iwCLL guidelines, responders require confirmation of response for a minimum duration of 2 months. As of the date of the analysis, each arm had responders that were awaiting confirmation visits which are scheduled to occur over the next two months. During the study it was infrequent (less than 3% in the combination arm) for initial responses to fail to be confirmed. Median follow-up for the study was approximately 12 months.

 

In addition to ORR, observed advantages were seen for the combination in a number of secondary and other efficacy measures, including radiographic Complete Response (CR) rate, Progression Free Survival and Time to Response. Sufficient data on MRD negative status and bone marrow confirmation of radiographic CRs were not available at the time of analysis. From a safety standpoint, the combination was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with the Phase 2 study of ublituximab plus ibrutinib recently published in the British Journal of Haematology.

 

A full analysis of the Phase 3 GENUINE data along with detailed efficacy and safety results will be presented in an oral presentation at the upcoming 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (“ASCO”) and we plan to request a meeting with the FDA as soon as possible thereafter to discuss the filing of the data for accelerated approval.

 

 

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TG-1101 in Combination with TGR-1202 Phase 3 Study Program – The UNITY-CLL Trial

 

In September 2015, we reached an agreement with the FDA regarding an SPA on the design, endpoints and statistical analysis approach of a Phase 3 clinical trial for the proprietary combination of TG-1101 plus TGR-1202, for the treatment of CLL. The SPA provides agreement that the Phase 3 trial design adequately addresses objectives that, if met, would support the regulatory submission for drug approval of both TG-1101 and TGR-1202 in combination.

 

The Phase 3 trial, called the UNITY-CLL trial, is a randomized controlled clinical trial that includes two key objectives: first, to demonstrate contribution of each agent in the TG-1101 + TGR-1202 regimen (the combination sometimes referred to as "1303"), and second, to demonstrate superiority in Progression Free Survival (PFS) over the standard of care to support the submission for full approval of the combination. The study will randomize patients into four treatment arms: TG-1101 + TGR-1202, TG-1101 alone, TGR-1202 alone, and an active control arm of obinutuzumab (GAZYVA®) + chlorambucil. An early interim analysis will assess contribution of each single agent in the TG-1101 + TGR-1202 combination regimen, which, if successful, will allow early termination of both single agent arms. A second interim analysis will be conducted following full enrollment into the study, which, if positive, we plan to utilize for accelerated approval. Assuming early termination of the TG-1101 and TGR-1202 single agent arms, the study will enroll approximately 450 patients to be utilized for the interim analysis and primary analysis data sets, not accounting for over enrollment anticipated in the single agent arms while the interim analysis data set is obtained.

 

TG-1101 in Combination with TGR-1202 Phase 2b Registration-Directed Program – The UNITY-DLBCL Trial

 

In June 2016, we commenced a registration-directed UNITY-DLBCL Phase 2b clinical study evaluating TG-1101 in combination with TGR-1202, as well as TGR-1202 alone, in patients with previously treated DLBCL.

 

The study, entitled "A Phase 2b Randomized Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Ublituximab + TGR-1202 and TGR-1202 alone in Patients with Previously Treated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma," is being led by Owen A. O'Connor, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Experimental Therapeutics, and Director of the Center for Lymphoid Malignancies at Columbia University Medical Center. The primary objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of TGR-1202 alone and in combination with TG-1101 in patients with previously treated DLBCL as measured by Overall Response Rate (ORR). The study will also provide important information as to the contribution of each agent, TGR-1202 and TG-1101, to the combination regimen of both agents. In addition to monitoring for safety and efficacy this study will analyze the impact of cell of origin (GCB vs. non-GCB), mutational status and select biomarkers of efficacy.

 

Single Agent TG-1101 in Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis

 

In May 2016, we commenced our first study of TG-1101 in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS).

 

The study, entitled "A Placebo-Controlled Multi-Center Phase 2 Dose Finding Study of Ublituximab, a Third-Generation Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients with Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis," is being led by Edward Fox, MD, PhD, Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic of Central Texas and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Round Rock, TX. The primary objective of the study is to determine the optimal dosing regimen for TG-1101 with a focus on accelerating infusion times. In addition to monitoring for safety and tolerability at each dosing cohort, B-cell depletion and established MS efficacy endpoints will also be evaluated.

 

In January 2017, we announced the completion of enrollment into Part 1 of this study and B-cell depletion data from patients treated to date. Part 1 of the study explored TG-1101 at an initial dose of 600 mg administered as a 150 mg infusion on day 1 and 450 mg infusion on day 15, followed by either 450 mg or 600 mg at week 24. The day 15 and week 24 doses were subject to accelerated infusion times by cohort, down to a 1-hour infusion by cohort 3. The median B-cell depletion for all patients in Part 1 was 99% and TG-1101 was well-tolerated with no grade 3/4 adverse events reported, including in patients receiving the one-hour infusion at the target Phase 3 dose and infusion rate. For Part 2 of the trial, the Company has added expansion cohorts and will explore accelerated dosing of the initial 150mg dose.

 

In April 2017, we presented additional data from the study at the American Academy of Neurology 69th Annual meeting, with additional data presentations expected at upcoming medical conferences.

 

Updates for the combination of TG-1101 and TGR-1202

 

In January 2017, we announced that the FDA has granted orphan drug designation covering the combination of TG-1101 and TGR-1202 for the treatment of patients with CLL and DLBCL.

 

TGR-1202

 

Overview

 

The phosphoinositide-3-kinases (“PI3Ks”) are a family of enzymes involved in various cellular functions, including cell proliferation and survival, cell differentiation, intracellular trafficking, and immunity. There are four isoforms of PI3K (alpha, beta, delta, and gamma), of which the delta isoform is strongly expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin, and often implicated in B-cell related lymphomas.

 

TGR-1202 is an orally available PI3K delta inhibitor with nanomolar potency to the delta isoform and high selectivity over the alpha, beta, and gamma isoforms. TGR-1202 has demonstrated activity in several pre-clinical models and primary cells from patients with hematologic malignancies.

 

We hold exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize TGR-1202 for all indications worldwide, except for India which has been retained by Rhizen Pharmaceuticals S A.

 

20 

 

Clinical Trials Overview and Recent Developments

 

Initial clinical development of TGR-1202 focused on establishing preliminary safety and efficacy in a wide variety of hematologic malignancies. Upon identification of safe and active doses of TGR-1202, a combination clinical trial program was opened, exploring TGR-1202 in combination with a variety of agents. In addition to the previously described studies in combination with TG-1101, our current priority clinical trials that are ongoing or have been completed for TGR-1202 include:

 

 

Single Agent TGR-1202 in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Hematologic Malignancies

 

In January 2013, the Company initiated a Phase I, open label, multi-center, first-in-human clinical trial of TGR-1202 in patients with hematologic malignancies. The study entitled TGR-1202-101, "A Phase I Dose Escalation Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of TGR-1202 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hematologic Malignancies," is being run in collaboration with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, TN with Howard “Skip” Burris, MD, Executive Director, Drug Development as the acting Study Chair. Enrollment is open to patients with relapsed or refractory NHL, CLL, and other select hematologic malignancies. As of February 2016, this study has closed to enrollment.

 

Data from this ongoing Phase I study was most recently presented at the 57th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting held in December 2015, with updated data presented as part of an integrated analysis as described below.

 

TGR-1202 Long-term Follow-up Integrated Analysis in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Hematologic Malignancies

 

In June 2016, at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and at the 21st Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA), the Company presented integrated data with long term follow-up from 165 patients exposed to TGR-1202 monotherapy or the combination of TGR-1202 plus TG-1101, which continued to demonstrate high response rates in CLL, NHL, and DLBCL coupled with a favorable safety profile.

 

TGR-1202 in Combination with obinutuzumab and chlorambucil in patients with CLL

 

In March 2014, the Company initiated a Phase I/Ib, open label, multi-center, clinical trial of TGR-1202 in combination with obinutuzumab and chlorambucil in patients with CLL, both treatment naïve and relapsed. The study entitled TGR-GA-106, "A Multi-center Phase I/Ib Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of TGR-1202, a Novel PI3K Delta Inhibitor, in Combination with Obinutuzumab and Chlorambucil in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)," is being led by Dr. Daruka Mahadevan of the West Clinic in Memphis, TN. As of February 2016, this study has completed enrollment.

 

Data from the study was presented at the 57th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting held in December 2015.

 

TGR-1202 Combination Trials

 

TGR-1202 is being evaluated in combination with the anti-CD30 antibody drug conjugate, brentuximab vedotin, in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma; in combination with the BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib, in patients with CLL and MCL; and in combination with the JAK inhibitor, ruxolitinib, in patients with Myelofibrosis or Polycythemia Vera. Additional investigator sponsored trials are also underway which are combining TGR-1202 with other approved agents for the treatment of B-cell malignancies.

 

Preliminary data from studies evaluating TGR-1202 + brentuximab vedotin and TGR-1202 + ibrutinib were presented at the 58th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting held in December 2016. Both combinations appeared well tolerated. In particular, the combination of TGR-1202 + ibrutinib resulted in an 88% (15 of 17) Overall Response Rate (ORR) (including Complete Response (CR), Partial Response (PR), and Partial Response with lymphocytosis (PR-L)) in patients with CLL, with 1 patient achieving a bone marrow confirmed CR and 5 patients with a > 80% nodal reduction, nearing radiographic CR.

 

It is anticipated that results from these studies will be presented or updated at future medical conferences.

 

TGR-1202 in Solid Tumors

 

In addition to the exploration of TGR-1202 in various hematologic malignancies, a study was opened in October 2015 to evaluate TGR-1202 as a single agent as well as in combination with various chemotherapies for the treatment of select solid tumors. The study, entitled TGR-1202-102, “A Phase I Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of TGR-1202 Alone and in Combination with either nab-paclitaxel + Gemcitabine or with FOLFOX in Patients with Select Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors” is being run in collaboration with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, TN with Johanna Bendell, MD, Director of GI Oncology Research as the acting study chair.

 

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IRAK4

 

We hold global rights to develop and commercialize the IRAK4 program, which was licensed from Ligand Pharmaceuticals. Our IRAK4 program is currently in pre-clinical development.

 

PD-L1 and GITR

 

In March 2015, we entered into a global collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR antibody research programs in the field of hematological malignancies. Our anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR programs are currently in pre-clinical development, with pre-clinical data most recently presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in March 2017.

 

BET

 

In May 2016, as part of a broader agreement with Jubilant Biosys (“Jubilant”), an India-based biotechnology company, we entered into a sub-license agreement (“JBET Agreement”) with Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. (“Checkpoint”), a subsidiary of Fortress, for the development and commercialization of Jubilant’s novel BET inhibitor program in the field of hematological malignancies.  The BET inhibitor program is the subject of a family of patents covering compounds that inhibit BRD4, a member of the BET (Bromodomain and Extra Terminal) domain for cancer treatment.  Our BET inhibitor program is currently in pre-clinical development.

 

GENERAL CORPORATE

 

Our license revenues currently consist of license fees arising from our agreement with Ildong. We recognize upfront license fee revenues ratably over the estimated period in which we will have certain significant ongoing responsibilities under the sublicense agreement, with unamortized amounts recorded as deferred revenue.

 

We have not earned any revenues from the commercial sale of any of our drug candidates.

 

Our research and development expenses consist primarily of expenses related to in-licensing of new product candidates, fees paid to consultants and outside service providers for clinical and laboratory development, facilities-related and other expenses relating to the design, development, manufacture, testing and enhancement of our drug candidates and technologies. We expense our research and development costs as they are incurred.

 

Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses for executive, finance and other administrative personnel, recruitment expenses, professional fees and other corporate expenses, including investor relations, legal activities and facilities-related expenses.

 

Our results of operations include non-cash compensation expenses as a result of the grants of restricted stock. Compensation expense for awards of options and restricted stock granted to employees and directors represents the fair value of the award recorded over the respective vesting periods of the individual awards. The expense is included in the respective categories of expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We expect to continue to incur significant non-cash compensation expenses.

 

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For awards of options and restricted stock to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. We record compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date. The awards to consultants and other third-parties are then revalued, or the total compensation is recalculated based on the then current fair value, at each subsequent reporting date. This results in a change to the amount previously recorded in respect of the equity award grant, and additional expense or a reversal of expense may be recorded in subsequent periods based on changes in the assumptions used to calculate fair value, such as changes in market price, until the measurement date is reached and the compensation expense is finalized.

 

In addition, certain restricted stock issued to employees vest upon the achievement of certain milestones; therefore, the total expense is uncertain until the milestone is probable.

 

Our clinical trials will be lengthy and expensive. Even if these trials show that our drug candidates are effective in treating certain indications, there is no guarantee that we will be able to record commercial sales of any of our drug candidates in the near future. In addition, we expect losses to continue as we continue to fund in-licensing and development of new drug candidates. As we continue our development efforts, we may enter into additional third-party collaborative agreements and may incur additional expenses, such as licensing fees and milestone payments. In addition, we may need to establish the commercial infrastructure required to manufacture, market and sell our drug candidates following approval, if any, by the FDA, which would result in us incurring additional expenses. As a result, our quarterly results may fluctuate and a quarter-by-quarter comparison of our operating results may not be a meaningful indication of our future performance.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

 

License Revenue. License revenue was $38,095 for each of the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. License revenue is related to the amortization of an upfront payment of $2.0 million received in 2012 associated with our license agreement with Ildong. The upfront payment from Ildong will be recognized as license revenue on a straight-line basis through December 2025, which represents the estimated period over which the Company will have certain ongoing responsibilities under the sublicense agreement.

 

Noncash Compensation Expense (Research and Development). Noncash compensation expense (research and development) related to equity incentive grants totaled $2,306,099 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $386,925 during the comparable period in 2016. The increase in noncash compensation expense was primarily related to restricted stock grants to personnel in 2017 and an increase in the measurement date fair value of certain consultant restricted stock during the period ended March 31, 2017.

 

Other Research and Development Expenses. Other research and development expenses increased by $9,145,379 to $20,375,794 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $11,230,415 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase was mainly due to the ongoing clinical development programs and related manufacturing costs for TG-1101 and TGR-1202 during the three months ended March 31, 2017. We expect our other research and development costs to increase modestly for the remainder of 2017 as the enrollment of additional patients in our Phase 3 clinical trials increases and we prepare for launch.

 

Noncash Compensation Expense (General and Administrative). Noncash compensation expense (general and administrative) related to equity incentive grants increased by $2,377,316 to $3,689,356 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $1,312,040 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in noncash compensation expense was primarily related to an increase in the measurement date fair value of certain consultant restricted stock and restricted stock granted to executive personnel during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

Other General and Administrative Expenses. Other general and administrative expenses increased by $232,397 to $1,333,268 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $1,100,871 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase was due primarily to rent related expenses of our new office space, as well as increased personnel and other general and administrative costs. We expect our other general and administrative expenses to remain at a comparable level for the remainder of 2017.

 

Other (Income) Expense. Other income decreased by $204,581 to $61,087 of expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to $143,494 of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease is mainly due to a decrease in the change in fair value of notes payable and a decrease in interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary sources of cash have been from the sale of equity securities, warrant exercises, and the upfront payment from our Sublicense Agreement with Ildong. We have not yet commercialized any of our drug candidates and cannot be sure if we will ever be able to do so. Even if we commercialize one or more of our drug candidates, we may not become profitable. Our ability to achieve profitability depends on a number of factors, including our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our drug candidates, successfully complete any post-approval regulatory obligations and successfully commercialize our drug candidates alone or in partnership. We may continue to incur substantial operating losses even if we begin to generate revenues from our drug candidates.

 

As of March 31, 2017, we had approximately $109.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, and interest receivable.

 

As of March 31, 2017 we anticipate that our cash and cash equivalents and investments will be sufficient to fund the Company’s planned operations through 2018. The actual amount of cash that we will need to operate is subject to many factors, including, but not limited to, the timing, design and conduct of clinical trials for our drug candidates. We are dependent upon significant financing to provide the cash necessary to execute our current operations, including the commercialization of any of our drug candidates.

 

Cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $22,302,364 as compared to $16,673,541 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in cash used in operating activities was due primarily to increased expenditures associated with our clinical development programs for TG-1101 and TGR-1202.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash provided by investing activities was $6,000,000 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1,923,531 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in net cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to the maturity and sale of treasury securities during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net cash provided by financing activities of $86,908,656 related to net proceeds from the issuance of common stock as part of our underwritten public offering in March 2017 and our ATM program, as well as proceeds from the exercise of warrants.

 

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

We have not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby we have financial guarantees, subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments or other contingent arrangements that expose us to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities, or any other obligations under a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides us with financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the applicable period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

We define critical accounting policies as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and which may potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. In applying these critical accounting policies, our management uses its judgment to determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in making certain estimates. These estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Our critical accounting policies include the following:

 

Revenue Recognition. We recognize license revenue in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance of the FASB Codification. We analyze each element of our licensing agreement to determine the appropriate revenue recognition. The terms of the license agreement may include payments to us of non-refundable up-front license fees, milestone payments if specified objectives are achieved, and/or royalties on product sales. We recognize revenue from upfront payments over the period of significant involvement under the related agreements unless the fee is in exchange for products delivered or services rendered that represent the culmination of a separate earnings process and no further performance obligation exists under the contract. We recognize milestone payments as revenue upon the achievement of specified milestones only if (1) the milestone payment is non-refundable, (2) substantive effort is involved in achieving the milestone, (3) the amount of the milestone is reasonable in relation to the effort expended or the risk associated with achievement of the milestone, and (4) the milestone is at risk for both parties. If any of these conditions are not met, we defer the milestone payment and recognize it as revenue over the estimated period of performance under the contract.

 

Stock-Based Compensation. We have granted stock options and restricted stock to employees, directors and consultants, as well as warrants to other third parties. For employee and director grants, the value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model takes into account volatility in the price of our stock, the risk-free interest rate, the estimated life of the option, the closing market price of our stock and the exercise price. We base our estimates of our stock price volatility on the historical volatility of our common stock and our assessment of future volatility; however, these estimates are neither predictive nor indicative of the future performance of our stock. For purposes of the calculation, we assumed that no dividends would be paid during the life of the options and warrants. The estimates utilized in the Black-Scholes calculation involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those equity awards expected to vest. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, our recorded stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different from that reported. In addition, because some of the options and warrants issued to employees, consultants and other third-parties vest upon the achievement of certain milestones, the total expense is uncertain.

 

Total compensation expense for options and restricted stock issued to consultants is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period for the options and restricted stock. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. We record stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the equity awards at the reporting date. These equity awards are then revalued, or the total compensation is recalculated based on the then current fair value, at each subsequent reporting date. This results in a change to the amount previously recorded in respect of the equity award grant, and additional expense or a reversal of expense may be recorded in subsequent periods based on changes in the assumptions used to calculate fair value, such as changes in market price, until the measurement date is reached and the compensation expense is finalized.

 

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Accruals for Clinical Research Organization and Clinical Site Costs. We make estimates of costs incurred in relation to external clinical research organizations, or CROs, and clinical site costs. We analyze the progress of clinical trials, including levels of patient enrollment, invoices received and contracted costs when evaluating the adequacy of the amount expensed and the related prepaid asset and accrued liability. Significant judgments and estimates must be made and used in determining the accrued balance and expense in any accounting period. We review and accrue CRO expenses and clinical trial study expenses based on work performed and rely upon estimates of those costs applicable to the stage of completion of a study. Accrued CRO costs are subject to revisions as such trials progress to completion. Revisions are charged to expense in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. With respect to clinical site costs, the financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation and vary from contract to contract. Payments under these contracts may be uneven, and depend on factors such as the achievement of certain events, the successful recruitment of patients, the completion of portions of the clinical trial or similar conditions. The objective of our policy is to match the recording of expenses in our financial statements to the actual services received and efforts expended. As such, expense accruals related to clinical site costs are recognized based on our estimate of the degree of completion of the event or events specified in the specific clinical study or trial contract.

 

Accounting Related to Goodwill. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was $799,391 of goodwill on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually, or when events arise that could indicate that an impairment exists. We test for goodwill impairment using a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit with the unit's carrying value, including goodwill. When the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than fair value, the unit’s goodwill may be impaired, and the second step must be completed to measure the amount of the goodwill impairment charge, if any. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared with the carrying amount of the unit’s goodwill. If the carrying amount is greater than the implied fair value, the carrying value of the goodwill must be written down to its implied fair value.

 

We are required to perform impairment tests annually, at December 31, and whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For all of our acquisitions, various analyses, assumptions and estimates were made at the time of each acquisition that were used to determine the valuation of goodwill and intangibles. In future years, the possibility exists that changes in forecasts and estimates from those used at the acquisition date could result in impairment indicators.

 

Accounting For Income Taxes. In preparing our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves management estimation of our actual current tax exposure and assessment of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the consolidated statements of operations. Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We have fully offset our deferred tax assets with a valuation allowance. Our lack of earnings history and the uncertainty surrounding our ability to generate taxable income prior to the reversal or expiration of such deferred tax assets were the primary factors considered by management in maintaining the valuation allowance.

 

Fair Value of 5% Notes Payable. We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis in the financial statements. The hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of inputs, or assumptions, used in the determination of fair value and requires financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value to be classified and disclosed in one of three categories.

 

We elected the fair value option for valuing the 5% Notes. We elected the fair value option in order to reflect in our financial statements the assumptions that market participants use in evaluating these financial instruments.

 

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RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, ASU 2017-04:

 

ASU 2017-04 is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Other pronouncements issued by the FASB or other authoritative accounting standards group with future effective dates are either not applicable or not significant to our consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while maximizing our income from investments and minimizing our market risk. We invest in government and investment-grade corporate debt in accordance with our investment policy. Some of the securities in which we invest have market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates, and/or credit risk, may cause the fair value of the investment to fluctuate. For example, if we hold a security that was issued with a fixed interest rate at the then-prevailing rate and the prevailing interest rate later rises, the fair value of our investment will probably decline. As of March 31, 2017, our portfolio of financial instruments consists of cash equivalents, including bank deposits, and investments. Due to the short-term nature of our investments, we believe there is no material exposure to interest rate risk, and/or credit risk, arising from our investments.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of March 31, 2017, management carried out, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We, and our subsidiaries, are not a party to, and our property is not the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the following risks and uncertainties. If any of the following occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially harmed. These factors could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

 

Because we have in-licensed our product candidates from third parties, any dispute with or non-performance by our licensors will adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize the applicable product candidates.

 

Our product candidates have been in-licensed from third parties. Under the terms of our license agreements, the licensors generally will have the right to terminate such agreement in the event of a material breach by us. The licensors will also have the right to terminate the agreement in the event we fail to use diligent and reasonable efforts to develop and commercialize the product candidate worldwide.

 

If there is any conflict, dispute, disagreement or issue of non-performance between us and our licensing partners regarding our rights or obligations under the license agreements, including any such conflict, dispute or disagreement arising from our failure to satisfy payment obligations under such agreement, our ability to develop and commercialize the affected product candidate and our ability to enter into collaboration or marketing agreements for the affected product candidate may be adversely affected. Any loss of our rights under these license agreements would delay or completely terminate its product development efforts for the affected product candidate.

 

We do not have full internal development capabilities, and are thus reliant upon our partners and third parties to generate clinical, preclinical and quality data necessary to support the regulatory applications needed to conduct clinical trials and file for marketing approval.

 

In order to submit and maintain an IND, Biologics License Application (“BLA”), or New Drug Application (“NDA”) to the FDA, it is necessary to submit all information on the clinical, non-clinical, chemistry, manufacturing, controls and quality aspects of the product candidate. We rely on our third party contractors and our licensing partners to provide a significant portion of this data. If we are unable to obtain this data, or the data is not sufficient to meet the regulatory requirements, we may experience significant delays in our development programs. Additionally, an IND must be active in each division in which we intend to conduct clinical trials. Currently we do not have an active IND for any of the IRAK4 or BET inhibitors, nor for our anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR antibodies. Additionally, there can be no assurance given that any of the molecules under development in our IRAK4 or BET inhibitor program or in our anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR antibody research program will demonstrate sufficient pharmacologic properties during pre-clinical evaluation to advance to IND enabling studies, or that such IND enabling studies, if any are conducted, will provide data sufficient to support the filing of an IND, or that such IND, if filed, would be accepted by any FDA division under which we would seek to develop any product candidate. While we maintain an active IND for TG-1101 and TGR-1202 enabling the conduct of studies in the FDA’s Division of Hematology and Oncology, and an active IND for TG-1101 under the FDA’s Division of Neurology, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining an active IND for TG-1101 or TGR-1202 in any other division under whose supervision we may seek to develop our product candidates, or that the FDA will allow us to continue the development of our product candidates in those divisions where we maintain an active IND.

 

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We are highly dependent on the success of our product candidates and cannot give any assurance that these or any future product candidates will be successfully commercialized.

 

We are a development-stage biopharmaceutical company, and do not currently have any commercial products that generate revenues or any other sources of revenue. We may never be able to successfully develop marketable products. Our pharmaceutical development methods are unproven and may not lead to commercially viable products for any of several reasons.

 

If we are unable to develop, or receive regulatory approval for or successfully commercialize any of our product candidates, we will not be able to generate product revenues.

 

Because the results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future results, any product candidate we advance into clinical trials may not have favorable results in later clinical trials, if any, or receive regulatory approval.

 

Pharmaceutical development has inherent risk. We will be required to demonstrate through adequate and well-controlled clinical trials that our product candidates are effective with a favorable benefit-risk profile for use in diverse populations for their target indications before we can seek regulatory approvals for their commercial sale. Success in early clinical trials does not mean that later clinical trials will be successful because product candidates in later-stage clinical trials may fail to demonstrate sufficient safety or efficacy despite having progressed through initial clinical testing. Companies frequently suffer significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials, even after earlier clinical trials have shown promising results. In addition, there is typically an extremely high rate of failure of pharmaceutical candidates proceeding through clinical trials.

 

We plan on conducting additional Phase I, II and III clinical trials for TG-1101 and TGR-1202. Early clinical results seen with TG-1101 and TGR-1202 in a small number of patients may not be reproduced in expanded or larger clinical trials. Additionally, individually reported outcomes of patients treated in clinical trials may not be representative of the entire population of treated patients in such studies. Further, larger scale Phase III studies, which are often conducted internationally, are inherently subject to increased operational risks compared to earlier stage studies, including the risk that the results could vary on a region to region, or country to country basis which could materially adversely affect the study’s outcome or the opinion of the validity of the study results by applicable regulatory agencies. Additionally, many of the results reported in our early clinical trials rely on local investigator assessed safety and efficacy outcomes which may differ from results assessed in a blinded, independent, centrally reviewed manner, often required of adequate and well controlled registration directed clinical trials which may be undertaken at a later date. If the results from expansion cohorts or later trials are different from those found in the earlier studies of TG-1101 and TGR-1202, we may need to terminate or revise our clinical development plan, which could extend the time for conducting our development program and could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our IRAK4, BET, anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR programs are all in pre-clinical development and no assurance can be given that they will advance into clinical development. If the results from additional pre-clinical studies or early clinical trials differ from those found in earlier studies, our clinical development plans and timelines for this program could be adversely affected which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Many drugs fail in the early stages of clinical development for safety and tolerability issues, accordingly if our pre-clinical assets advance into clinical development, no assurance can be made that a safe and efficacious dose can be found.

 

If we are unable to successfully complete our clinical trial programs, or if such clinical trials take longer to complete than we project, our ability to execute our current business strategy will be adversely affected.

 

Whether or not and how quickly we complete clinical trials is dependent in part upon the rate at which we are able to engage clinical trial sites and, thereafter, the rate of enrollment of patients, and the rate we collect, clean, lock and analyze the clinical trial database. Patient enrollment is a function of many factors, including the size of the patient population, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the study, the existence of competitive clinical trials, and whether existing or new drugs are approved for the indication we are studying. We are aware that other companies are currently conducting or planning clinical trials that seek to enroll patients with the same diseases that we are studying. Certain clinical trials are designed to continue until a pre-determined number of events have occurred in the patients enrolled. Trials such as this are subject to delays stemming from patient withdrawal and from lower than expected event rates. They may also incur additional costs if enrollment is increased in order to achieve the desired number of events. If we experience delays in identifying and contracting with sites and/or in patient enrollment in our clinical trial programs, we may incur additional costs and delays in our development programs, and may not be able to complete our clinical trials in a cost-effective or timely manner. In addition, conducting multi-national studies adds another level of complexity and risk. We are subject to events affecting countries outside the U.S. Negative or inconclusive results from the clinical trials we conduct or unanticipated adverse medical events could cause us to have to repeat or terminate the clinical trials.

 

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The sufficiency of our GENUINE trial design and results are subject to FDA’s discretion.

 

On March 6, 2017, we announced topline data from our Phase 3 “GENUINE” clinical trial of TG-1101 in combination with ibrutinib as a treatment for patients with previously treated high risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, or CLL. This trial, as originally designed, was prepared under FDA’s SPA procedures, in which FDA agrees in advance of commencement of a Phase III clinical trial that the trial’s design, clinical endpoints and statistical analyses will constitute a pivotal study for purposes of regulatory approval, assuming that the resulting data is sufficiently favorable. In October 2016, after consulting with the FDA, we amended the protocol which had the effect of reducing the number of enrolled patients to approximately 120 and eliminating progression-free survival as a primary endpoint, leaving overall response rate as the sole primary endpoint. In doing so, the trial’s SPA was rescinded.

 

We believe that the revised trial design and the resulting data could support FDA approval, but that is a question wholly within FDA’s discretion to determine. Whether or not FDA accepts the data for filing will depend on FDA’s views on the adequacy of the filing. Consequently, there can be no assurance that FDA will approve TG-1101, or even whether FDA will agree to meet with us to discuss the matter.

 

A critical area of inquiry in the GENUINE clinical trial will be the overall response rate observed. As per applicable disease evaluation criteria, responders require confirmation of response for a minimum duration of two months. As of the date of analysis, nine patients that demonstrated a response in the combination therapy arm of the trial were awaiting confirmation visits, which are expected to occur over the two months following the analysis of the primary endpoint. During the study, less than 3% of patients who demonstrated a response in the combination therapy arm of the trial failed to be a confirmed response at subsequent follow-up. Nevertheless, if one or more of the nine patients awaiting confirmation do not maintain their response at the next checkpoint, our previously reported results could be adversely affected, perhaps materially so, which could adversely affect the likelihood of regulatory approval.

 

Any product candidates we may advance through clinical development are subject to extensive regulation, which can be costly and time consuming, cause unanticipated delays or prevent the receipt of the required approvals or “fast track” status to commercialize our product candidates.

 

The clinical development, manufacturing, labeling, storage, record-keeping, advertising, promotion, import, export, marketing and distribution of our product candidates or any future product candidates are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA in the United States and by comparable health authorities worldwide or in foreign markets. In the United States, we are not permitted to market our product candidates until we receive approval of a BLA or NDA from the FDA. The process of obtaining BLA and NDA approval is expensive, often takes many years and can vary substantially based upon the type, complexity and novelty of the products involved. Approval policies or regulations may change and the FDA has substantial discretion in the pharmaceutical approval process, including the ability to delay, limit or deny approval of a product candidate for many reasons. Even with “fast track” or “priority review” status which we intend to seek for our product candidates, where possible, including with regard to TG-1101, such designations do not necessarily mean a faster development process or regulatory review process or necessarily confer any advantage with respect to approval compared to conventional FDA procedures. In addition, the FDA may require post-approval clinical trials or studies which also may be costly. The FDA approval for a limited indication or approval with required warning language, such as a boxed warning, could significantly impact our ability to successfully market our product candidates. Finally, the FDA may require adoption of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (“REMS”) requiring prescriber training, post-market registries, or otherwise restricting the marketing and dissemination of these products. Despite the time and expense invested in clinical development of product candidates, regulatory approval is never guaranteed. Assuming successful clinical development, we intend to seek product approvals in countries outside the United States. As a result, we would be subject to regulation by the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”), as well as the other regulatory agencies in many of these countries, and other regulatory agencies around the world.

 

Approval procedures vary among countries and can involve additional product testing and additional administrative review periods. The time required to obtain approval in other countries might differ from that required to obtain FDA approval. Regulatory approval in one country does not ensure regulatory approval in another, but a failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one country may negatively impact the regulatory process in others. As in the United States, the regulatory approval process in Europe and in other countries is a lengthy and challenging process. The FDA, and any other regulatory body around the world can delay, limit or deny approval of a product candidate for many reasons, including:

 

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In addition, recent events raising questions about the safety of certain marketed pharmaceuticals may result in increased cautiousness by the FDA and other regulatory authorities in reviewing new pharmaceuticals based on safety, efficacy or other regulatory considerations and may result in significant delays in obtaining regulatory approvals. Regulatory approvals for our product candidates may not be obtained without lengthy delays, if at all. Any delay in obtaining, or inability to obtain, applicable regulatory approvals would prevent us from commercializing our product candidates.

 

Any product candidate we advance into clinical trials may cause unacceptable adverse events or have other properties that may delay or prevent their regulatory approval or commercialization or limit their commercial potential.

 

Unacceptable adverse events caused by any of our product candidates that we take into clinical trials could cause either us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay, modify or halt clinical trials and could result in the denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other regulatory authorities for any or all targeted indications. This, in turn, could prevent us from commercializing the affected product candidate and generating revenues from its sale.

 

We have not completed testing of any of our product candidates for the treatment of the indications for which we intend to seek product approval in humans, and we currently do not know the extent that adverse events, if any, will be observed in patients who receive any of our product candidates. To date, clinical trials using TG-1101 and TGR-1202 have demonstrated a toxicity profile that was deemed acceptable by the investigators performing such studies. Such interpretation may not be shared by future investigators or by the FDA and in the case of TG-1101 and TGR-1202, even if deemed acceptable for oncology applications, it may not be acceptable for diseases outside the oncology setting, and likewise for any other product candidates we may develop. Additionally, the severity, duration and incidence of adverse events may increase in larger study populations. With respect to both TG-1101 and TGR-1202, the toxicity when manufactured under different conditions and in different formulations is not known, and it is possible that additional and/or different adverse events may appear upon the human use of those formulations and those adverse events may arise with greater frequency, intensity and duration than in the current formulation. Further, with respect to TGR-1202, although several hundred patients have been dosed amongst all ongoing TGR-1202 studies, the full adverse effect profile of TGR-1202 is not known. It is also unknown as additional patients are exposed for longer durations to TGR-1202, whether greater frequency and/or severity of adverse events are likely to occur. Common toxicities of other drugs in the same class as TGR-1202 include high levels of liver toxicity, infections and colitis, the latter of which notably has presented with later onset, with incidence increasing with duration of exposure. To date, the incidence of these events has been limited for TGR-1202, however no assurance can be given that this safety and tolerability profile will continue to be demonstrated in the future as higher doses, longer durations of exposure, and multiple drug combinations are explored. If any of our product candidates cause unacceptable adverse events in clinical trials, we may not be able to obtain marketing approval and generate revenues from its sale, or even if approved for sale may lack differentiation from competitive products, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and operations.

 

Additionally, in combination clinical development, there is an inherent risk of drug-drug interactions between combination agents which may affect each component’s individual pharmacologic properties and the overall efficacy and safety of the combination regimen. Both TG-1101 and TGR-1202 are being evaluated in combination together, as well as with a variety of other active anti-cancer agents, which may cause unforeseen toxicity, or impact the severity, duration, and incidence of adverse events observed compared to those seen in the single agent studies of these agents. Further, with multi-drug combinations, it is often difficult to interpret or properly assign attribution of an adverse event to any one particular agent, introducing the risk that toxicity caused by a component of a combination regimen could have a material adverse impact on the development of our product candidates. There can be no assurances given that the combination regimens being studied will display tolerability or efficacy suitable to warrant further testing or produce data that is sufficient to obtain marketing approval.

 

If any of our product candidates receives marketing approval and we, or others, later identify unacceptable adverse events caused by the product, a number of significant negative consequences could result, including:

 

Any one or a combination of these events could prevent us from obtaining or maintaining regulatory approval and achieving or maintaining market acceptance of the affected product or could substantially increase the costs and expenses of commercializing the affected product, which in turn could delay or prevent us from generating any revenues from the sale of the affected product.

 

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We may experience delays in the commencement of our clinical trials or in the receipt of data from preclinical and clinical trials conducted by third parties, which could result in increased costs and delay our ability to pursue regulatory approval.

 

Delays in the commencement of clinical trials and delays in the receipt of data from preclinical or clinical trials conducted by third parties could significantly impact our product development costs. Before we can initiate clinical trials in the United States for our product candidates, we need to submit the results of preclinical testing, usually in animals, to the FDA as part of an IND, along with other information including information about product chemistry, manufacturing and controls and its proposed clinical trial protocol for our product candidates.

 

We plan to rely on preclinical and clinical trial data from third parties, if any, for the IND submissions for our product candidates. If receipt of that data is delayed for any reason, including reasons outside of our control, it will delay our plans for IND filings, and clinical trial plans. This, in turn, will delay our ability to make subsequent regulatory filings and ultimately, to commercialize our products if regulatory approval is obtained. If those third parties do not make this data available to us, we will likely, on our own, have to develop all the necessary preclinical and clinical data which will lead to additional delays and increase the costs of our development of our product candidates.

 

Before we can test any product candidate in human clinical trials the product candidate enters the preclinical testing stage. Preclinical tests include laboratory evaluations of product chemistry, toxicity and formulation, as well as in-vitro and animal studies to assess the potential safety and activity of the pharmaceutical product candidate. The conduct of the preclinical tests must comply with federal regulations and requirements including good laboratory practices (“GLP”).

 

We must submit the results of the preclinical tests, together with manufacturing information, analytical data, any available clinical data or literature and a proposed clinical protocol, to the FDA as part of the IND. The IND automatically becomes effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, unless the FDA places the IND on a clinical hold within that 30-day time period. In such a case, we must work with the FDA to resolve any outstanding concerns before the clinical trials can begin. The FDA may also impose clinical holds on a product candidate at any time before or during clinical trials due to safety concerns or non-compliance. Accordingly, we cannot be sure that submission of an IND will result in the FDA allowing clinical trials to begin, or that, once begun, issues will not arise that suspend or terminate such clinical trial.

 

The FDA may require that we conduct additional preclinical testing for any product candidate before it allows us to initiate the clinical testing under any IND, which may lead to additional delays and increase the costs of our preclinical development.

 

Even assuming an active IND for a product candidate, we do not know whether our planned clinical trials for any such product candidate will begin on time, or at all. The commencement of clinical trials can be delayed for a variety of reasons, including delays in:

 

 

Any delays in the commencement of our clinical trials will delay our ability to pursue regulatory approval for our product candidates. In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of a product candidate.

 

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Delays in the completion of clinical testing could result in increased costs and delay our ability to generate product revenues.

 

Once a clinical trial has begun, patient recruitment and enrollment may be slower than we anticipate. Clinical trials may also be delayed as a result of ambiguous or negative interim results. Further, a clinical trial may be suspended or terminated by us, an IRB, an ethics committee or a Data Safety and Monitoring Committee overseeing the clinical trial, any of our clinical trial sites with respect to that site or the FDA or other regulatory authorities due to a number of factors, including:

 

Changes in regulatory requirements and guidance also may occur and we may need to amend clinical trial protocols to reflect these changes. Amendments may require us to resubmit our clinical trial protocols to IRBs for re-examination, which may impact the costs, timing and successful completion of a clinical trial. If we experience delays in the completion of, or if we must terminate, any clinical trial of any product candidate that we advance into clinical trials, our ability to obtain regulatory approval for that product candidate will be delayed and the commercial prospects, if any, for the product candidate may be harmed. In addition, many of these factors may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of a product candidate. Even if we ultimately commercialize any of our product candidates, other therapies for the same indications may have been introduced to the market during the period we have been delayed and such therapies may have established a competitive advantage over our product candidates.

 

We intend to rely on third parties to help conduct our planned clinical trials. If these third parties do not meet their deadlines or otherwise conduct the trials as required, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our product candidates when expected or at all.

 

We intend to use CROs to assist in the conduct of our planned clinical trials and will rely upon medical institutions, clinical investigators and contract laboratories to conduct our trials in accordance with our clinical protocols. Our future CROs, investigators and other third parties may play a significant role in the conduct of these trials and the subsequent collection and analysis of data from the clinical trials.

 

There is no guarantee that any CROs, investigators and other third parties will devote adequate time and resources to our clinical trials or perform as contractually required. If any third parties upon whom we rely for administration and conduct of our clinical trials fail to meet expected deadlines, fail to adhere to its clinical protocols or otherwise perform in a substandard manner, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated, and we may not be able to commercialize our product candidates.

 

If any of our clinical trial sites terminate for any reason, we may experience the loss of follow-up information on patients enrolled in our ongoing clinical trials unless we are able to transfer the care of those patients to another qualified clinical trial site. In addition, principal investigators for our clinical trials may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and receive cash or equity compensation in connection with such services. If these relationships and any related compensation result in perceived or actual conflicts of interest, the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site may be jeopardized.

 

As all of our product candidates are still under development, manufacturing and process improvements implemented in the production of those product candidates may affect their ultimate activity or function.

 

Our product candidates are in the initial stages of development and are currently manufactured in small batches for use in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Process improvements implemented to date have changed, and process improvements in the future may change, the activity profile of the product candidates, which may affect the safety and efficacy of the products. No assurance can be given that the material manufactured from any of the optimized processes will perform comparably to the product candidates as manufactured to date and used in currently available pre-clinical data and or in early clinical trials reported in this or any previous filing. Additionally, future clinical trial results will be subject to the same level of uncertainty if, following such trials, additional process improvements are made. In addition, we have recently engaged a secondary manufacturer for TG-1101 to meet our current clinical and future commercial needs and anticipate engaging additional manufacturing sources for TGR-1202 to meet expanded clinical trial and commercial needs. While material produced from this secondary manufacturer for TG-1101 has to date demonstrated acceptable comparability, no assurance can be given that any additional manufacturers will be successful or that material manufactured by the additional manufacturers will perform comparably to TG-1101 or TGR-1202 as manufactured to date and used in currently available pre-clinical data and or in early clinical trials reported in this or any previous filing, or that the relevant regulatory agencies will agree with our interpretation of comparability. If a secondary manufacturer is not successful in replicating the product or experiences delays, or if regulatory authorities impose unforeseen requirements with respect to product comparability from multiple manufacturing sources, we may experience delays in clinical development.

 

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If we fail to adequately understand and comply with the local laws and customs as we expand into new international markets, these operations may incur losses or otherwise adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

We expect to operate a portion of our business in certain countries through subsidiaries or through supply and marketing arrangements. In those countries, where we have limited experience in operating subsidiaries and in reviewing equity investees, we will be subject to additional risks related to complying with a wide variety of national and local laws, including restrictions on the import and export of certain intermediates, drugs, technologies and multiple and possibly overlapping tax structures. In addition, we may face competition in certain countries from companies that may have more experience with operations in such countries or with international operations generally. We may also face difficulties integrating new facilities in different countries into our existing operations, as well as integrating employees hired in different countries into our existing corporate culture. If we do not effectively manage our operations in these subsidiaries and review equity investees effectively, or if we fail to manage our alliances, we may lose money in these countries and it may adversely affect our business and results of our operations.

 

If our competitors develop treatments for the target indications for which any of our product candidates may be approved, and they are approved more quickly, marketed more effectively or demonstrated to be more effective than our product candidates, our commercial opportunity will be reduced or eliminated.

 

We operate in a highly competitive segment of the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical market. We face competition from numerous sources, including commercial pharmaceutical and biotechnology enterprises, academic institutions, government agencies, and private and public research institutions. Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial, product development, manufacturing and marketing resources. Large pharmaceutical companies have extensive experience in clinical testing and obtaining regulatory approval for drugs. Additionally, many universities and private and public research institutes are active in cancer research, some in direct competition with us. We may also compete with these organizations to recruit scientists and clinical development personnel. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies.

 

The cancer indications for which we are developing our products have a number of established therapies with which we will compete. Most major pharmaceutical companies and many biotechnology companies are aggressively pursuing new cancer development programs for the treatment of NHL, CLL, and other B-cell proliferative malignancies, including both therapies with traditional, as well as novel, mechanisms of action. Additionally, numerous established therapies exist for the autoimmune disorders for which we are developing TG-1101, including and in particular, multiple sclerosis (MS).

 

If approved, we expect TG-1101 to compete directly with Roche Group’s Rituxan® (rituximab) and Gazyva® (obinutuzumab or GA-101), and Novartis’ Arzerra® (ofatumumab) among others, each of which is currently approved for the treatment of various diseases including NHL and CLL. In addition, a number of pharmaceutical companies are developing antibodies targeting CD20, CD19, and other B-cell associated targets, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) immunotherapy, and other B-cell ablative therapy which, if approved, would potentially compete with TG-1101 both in oncology settings as well as in autoimmune disorders. Recently, the Roche Group’s anti-CD20 antibody ocrelizumab was approved for the treatment of MS. Genmab and GSK’s (ofatumumab) is also under clinical development for patients with MS. New developments, including the development of other pharmaceutical technologies and methods of treating disease, occur in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries at a rapid pace.

 

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With respect to TGR-1202, there are several PI3K delta targeted compounds both approved, such as Gilead’s Zydelig™ (idelalisib), and in development, including, but not limited to, Verastem’s duvelisib which if approved we would expect to compete directly with TGR-1202. In addition, there are numerous other novel therapies targeting similar pathways to TGR-1202 both approved and in development, which could also compete with TGR-1202 in similar indications, such as the BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib (FDA approved for MCL, CLL, Marginal Zone Lymphoma and WM and marketed by AbbVie and Janssen), the BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib (under development by AstraZeneca), or the BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-199 (FDA approved for CLL and marketed by AbbVie and Roche).

 

These developments may render our product candidates obsolete or noncompetitive. Compared to us, many of our potential competitors have substantially greater:

 

As a result of these factors, our competitors may obtain regulatory approval of their products more rapidly than us or may obtain patent protection or other intellectual property rights that limit our ability to develop or commercialize our product candidates. Our competitors may also develop products for the treatment of lymphoma, CLL, or other B-cell and autoimmune related disorders that are more effective, better tolerated, more useful and less costly than ours and may also be more successful in manufacturing and marketing their products. Our competitors may succeed in obtaining approvals from the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities for their product candidates sooner than we do for our products.

 

We will also face competition from these third parties in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, establishing clinical trial sites and enrolling patients for clinical trials and in identifying and in-licensing new product candidates.

 

We rely completely on third parties to manufacture our preclinical and clinical pharmaceutical supplies and we intend to rely on third parties to produce commercial supplies of any approved product candidate, and our commercialization of any of our product candidates could be stopped, delayed or made less profitable if those third parties fail to obtain approval of the FDA, fail to provide us with sufficient quantities of pharmaceutical product or fail to do so at acceptable quality levels or prices.

 

The facilities used by our contract manufacturers to manufacture our product candidates must be approved by the FDA pursuant to inspections that will be conducted only after we submit a BLA or NDA to the FDA, if at all. We do not control the manufacturing process of our product candidates and are completely dependent on our contract manufacturing partners for compliance with the FDA’s requirements for manufacture of finished pharmaceutical products (good manufacturing practices, GMP). If our contract manufacturers cannot successfully manufacture material that conforms to our target product specifications, patent specifications, and/or the FDA’s strict regulatory requirements of safety, purity and potency, we will not be able to secure and/or maintain FDA approval for our product candidates. In addition, we have no control over the ability of our contract manufacturers to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. If our contract manufacturers cannot meet FDA standards, we may need to find alternative manufacturing facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to develop, obtain regulatory approval for or market our product candidates. No assurance can be given that a long-term, scalable manufacturer can be identified or that they can make clinical and commercial supplies of our product candidates that meets the product specifications of previously manufactured batches, or is of a sufficient quality, or at an appropriate scale and cost to make it commercially feasible. If they are unable to do so, it could have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

In addition, we do not have the capability to package finished products for distribution to hospitals and other customers. Prior to commercial launch, we intend to enter into agreements with one or more alternate fill/finish pharmaceutical product suppliers so that we can ensure proper supply chain management once we are authorized to make commercial sales of our product candidates. If we receive marketing approval from the FDA, we intend to sell pharmaceutical product finished and packaged by such suppliers. We have not entered into long-term agreements with our current contract manufacturers or with any fill/finish suppliers, and though we intend to do so prior to commercial launch of our product candidates in order to ensure that we maintain adequate supplies of finished product, we may be unable to enter into such an agreement or do so on commercially reasonable terms, which could have a material adverse impact upon our business.

 

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In most cases, our manufacturing partners are single source suppliers. It is expected that our manufacturing partners will be sole source suppliers from single site locations for the foreseeable future. Given this, any disruption of supply from these partners could have a material, long-term impact on our ability to supply products for clinical trials or commercial sale. If our suppliers do not deliver sufficient quantities of our product candidates on a timely basis, or at all, and in accordance with applicable specifications, there could be a significant interruption of our supply, which would adversely affect clinical development and commercialization of our products. In addition, if our current or future supply of any or our product candidates should fail to meet specifications during its stability program there could be a significant interruption of our supply of drug, which would adversely affect the clinical development and commercialization of the product.

 

We currently have no marketing and sales organization and no experience in marketing pharmaceutical products. If we are unable to establish sales and marketing capabilities or fail to enter into agreements with third parties to market and sell any products we may develop, we may not be able to effectively market and sell our products and generate product revenue.

 

We do not currently have the infrastructure for the sales, marketing and distribution of our biotechnology products, and we must build this infrastructure or make arrangements with third parties to perform these functions in order to commercialize our products. We plan to either develop internally or enter into collaborations or other commercial arrangements to develop further, promote and sell all or a portion of our product candidates.

 

The establishment and development of a sales force, either by us or jointly with a development partner, or the establishment of a contract sales force to market any products we may develop will be expensive and time-consuming and could delay any product launch, and we cannot be certain that we or our development partners would be able to successfully develop this capability. If we or our development partners are unable to establish sales and marketing capability or any other non-technical capabilities necessary to commercialize any products we may develop, we will need to contract with third parties to market and sell such products. We currently possess limited resources and may not be successful in establishing our own internal sales force or in establishing arrangements with third parties on acceptable terms, if at all.

 

If any product candidate that we successfully develop does not achieve broad market acceptance among physicians, patients, healthcare payors, and the medical community, the revenues that we generate from its sales will be limited.

 

Even if our product candidates receive regulatory approval, they may not gain market acceptance among physicians, patients, healthcare payors, and the medical community. Coverage and reimbursement of our product candidates by third-party payors, including government payors, generally is also necessary for commercial success. The degree of market acceptance of any of our approved products will depend on a number of factors, including:

 

If any product candidate is approved but does not achieve an adequate level of acceptance by physicians, hospitals, healthcare payors and patients, we may not generate sufficient revenue from these products and we may not become or remain profitable.

 

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If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we may incur substantial liabilities and may be required to limit commercialization of our product candidates.

 

We face an inherent risk of product liability exposure related to the testing of our product candidates in human clinical trials, and will face an even greater risk if we sell our product candidates commercially. Although we are not aware of any historical or anticipated product liability claims against us, if we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to cease clinical trials of our drug candidates or limit commercialization of any approved products. An individual may bring a liability claim against us if one of our product candidates causes, or merely appears to have caused, an injury. If we cannot successfully defend our self against product liability claims, we will incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:

 

We believe that we have obtained sufficient product liability insurance coverage for our clinical trials. We intend to expand our insurance coverage to include the sale of commercial products if marketing approval is obtained for any of our product candidates. However, we may be unable to obtain this product liability insurance on commercially reasonable terms and with insurance coverage that will be adequate to satisfy any liability that may arise. On occasion, large judgments have been awarded in class action or individual lawsuits relating to marketed pharmaceuticals. A successful product liability claim or series of claims brought against us could cause our stock price to decline and, if judgments exceed our insurance coverage, could decrease our cash and adversely affect our business.

 

Reimbursement may be limited or unavailable in certain market segments for our product candidates, which could make it difficult for us to sell our products profitably.

 

We intend to seek approval to market our future products in both the United States and in countries and territories outside the United States. If we obtain approval in one or more foreign countries, we will be subject to rules and regulations in those countries relating to our product. In some foreign countries, particularly in the European Union, the pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals and biologics is subject to governmental control. In these countries, pricing negotiations with governmental authorities can take considerable time after the receipt of marketing approval for a product candidate. In addition, market acceptance and sales of our product candidates will depend significantly on the availability of adequate coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors for any of our product candidates and may be affected by existing and future healthcare reform measures.

 

Government authorities and third-party payors, such as private health insurers and health maintenance organizations, decide which pharmaceuticals they will pay for and establish reimbursement levels. Reimbursement by a third-party payor may depend upon a number of factors, including the third-party payor’s determination that use of a product is:

 

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Obtaining coverage and reimbursement approval for a product from a government or other third-party payor is a time consuming and costly process that could require that we provide supporting scientific, clinical and cost-effectiveness data for the use of our products to the payor. We may not be able to provide data sufficient to gain acceptance with respect to coverage and reimbursement. If reimbursement of our future products is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, we may be unable to achieve or sustain profitability. Additionally, while we may seek approval of our products in combination with each other, there can be no guarantee that we will obtain coverage and reimbursement for any of our products together, or that such reimbursement will incentivize the use of our products in combination with each other as opposed to in combination with other agents which may be priced more favorably to the medical community.

 

In both the United States and certain foreign countries, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes to the healthcare system that could impact our ability to sell our products profitably. In particular, the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 revised the payment methodology for many products reimbursed by Medicare, resulting in lower rates of reimbursement for many types of drugs, and added a prescription drug benefit to the Medicare program that involves commercial plans negotiating drug prices for their members. Since 2003, there have been a number of other legislative and regulatory changes to the coverage and reimbursement landscape for pharmaceuticals. Most recently, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, collectively, the “Affordable Care Act,” was enacted. The Affordable Care Act contains a number of provisions, including those governing enrollment in federal healthcare programs, the increased use of comparative effectiveness research on healthcare products, reimbursement and fraud and abuse changes, and a new regulatory pathway for the approval of biosimilar biological products, all of which will impact existing government healthcare programs and will result in the development of new programs. An expansion in the government’s role in the U.S. healthcare industry may further lower rates of reimbursement for pharmaceutical and biotechnology products.

 

There have been, and likely will continue to be, legislative and regulatory proposals at the federal and state levels directed at broadening the availability of healthcare and containing or lowering the cost of healthcare products and services. We cannot predict the initiatives that may be adopted in the future. The continuing efforts of the government, insurance companies, managed care organizations and other payors of healthcare services to contain or reduce costs of healthcare may adversely affect:

 

In addition, governments may impose price controls, which may adversely affect our future profitability.

 

We will need to increase the size of our organization and the scope of our outside vendor relationships, and we may experience difficulties in managing this growth.

 

As of May 1, 2017, we had sixty-three full and part time employees. Over time, we will need to expand our managerial, operational, financial and other resources in order to manage and fund our operations and clinical trials, continue research and development activities, and commercialize our product candidates. Our management and scientific personnel, systems and facilities currently in place may not be adequate to support our future growth. Our need to effectively manage our operations, growth, and various projects requires that we:

 

 

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We may utilize the services of outside vendors or consultants to perform tasks including clinical trial management, statistics and analysis, regulatory affairs, formulation development, chemistry, manufacturing, controls, and other pharmaceutical development functions. Our growth strategy may also entail expanding our group of contractors or consultants to implement these tasks going forward. Because we rely on a substantial number of consultants, effectively outsourcing many key functions of our business, we will need to be able to effectively manage these consultants to ensure that they successfully carry out their contractual obligations and meet expected deadlines. However, if we are unable to effectively manage our outsourced activities or if the quality or accuracy of the services provided by consultants is compromised for any reason, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates or otherwise advance its business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to manage our existing consultants or find other competent outside contractors and consultants on economically reasonable terms, or at all. If we are not able to effectively expand our organization by hiring new employees and expanding our groups of consultants and contractors, we may be unable to successfully implement the tasks necessary to further develop and commercialize our product candidates and, accordingly, may not achieve our research, development and commercialization goals.

 

If we fail to attract and keep key management and clinical development personnel, we may be unable to successfully develop or commercialize our product candidates.

 

We will need to expand and effectively manage our managerial, operational, financial and other resources in order to successfully pursue our clinical development and commercialization efforts for our product candidates and future product candidates. We are highly dependent on the development, regulatory, commercial and financial expertise of the members of our senior management. The loss of the services of any of our senior management could delay or prevent the further development and potential commercialization of our product candidates and, if we are not successful in finding suitable replacements, could harm our business. We do not maintain “key man” insurance policies on the lives of these individuals. We will need to hire additional personnel as we continue to expand our manufacturing, research and development activities.

 

Our success depends on our continued ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified management and scientific personnel and we may not be able to do so in the future due to the intense competition for qualified personnel among biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other businesses. Our industry has experienced a high rate of turnover of management personnel in recent years. If we are not able to attract and retain the necessary personnel to accomplish our business objectives, we may experience constraints that will impede significantly the achievement of our development objectives, our ability to raise additional capital, and our ability to implement our business strategy.

 

If we fail to comply with healthcare regulations, we could face substantial penalties and our business, operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

In addition to FDA restrictions on the marketing of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products, several other types of state and federal laws have been applied to restrict certain marketing practices in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries in recent years, as well as consulting or other service agreements with physicians or other potential referral sources. These laws include anti-kickback statutes and false claims statutes that prohibit, among other things, knowingly and willfully offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce, or, in return for, purchasing, leasing, ordering or arranging for the purchase, lease or order of any healthcare item or service reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid or other federally-financed healthcare programs, and knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, a false claim for payment to the federal government, or knowingly making, or causing to be made, a false statement to get a false claim paid. The majority of states also have statutes or regulations similar to the federal anti-kickback law and false claims laws, which apply to items and services reimbursed under Medicaid and other state programs, or, in several states, apply regardless of the payor. Although there are a number of statutory exemptions and regulatory safe harbors protecting certain common activities from prosecution, the exemptions and safe harbors are drawn narrowly, and any practices we adopt may not, in all cases, meet all of the criteria for safe harbor protection from anti-kickback liability. Sanctions under these federal and state laws may include civil monetary penalties, exclusion of a manufacturer’s products from reimbursement under government programs, criminal fines and imprisonment. Any challenge to its business practices under these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

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We use biological and hazardous materials, and any claims relating to improper handling, storage or disposal of these materials could be time consuming or costly.

 

We use hazardous materials, including chemicals and biological agents and compounds, which could be dangerous to human health and safety or the environment. Our operations also produce hazardous waste products. Federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the use, generation, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these materials and wastes. Compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations may be expensive, and current or future environmental laws and regulations may impair our pharmaceutical development efforts.

 

In addition, we cannot entirely eliminate the risk of accidental injury or contamination from these materials or wastes. If one of our employees was accidentally injured from the use, storage, handling or disposal of these materials or wastes, the medical costs related to his or her treatment would be covered by our workers’ compensation insurance policy. However, we do not carry specific biological or hazardous waste insurance coverage and our property and casualty and general liability insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for damages and fines arising from biological or hazardous waste exposure or contamination. Accordingly, in the event of contamination or injury, we could be held liable for damages or penalized with fines in an amount exceeding our resources, and our clinical trials or regulatory approvals could be suspended, or operations otherwise affected.

 

All product candidate development timelines and projections in this report are based on the assumption of further financing.

 

The timelines and projections in this report are predicated upon the assumption that we will raise additional financing in the future to continue the development of our product candidates. In the event we do not successfully raise subsequent financing, our product development activities will necessarily be curtailed commensurate with the magnitude of the shortfall. If our product development activities are slowed or stopped, we would be unable to meet the timelines and projections outlined in this filing. Failure to progress our product candidates as anticipated will have a negative effect on our business, future prospects, and ability to obtain further financing on acceptable terms (if at all), and the value of the enterprise.

 

Risks Relating to Acquisitions

 

Acquisitions, investments and strategic alliances that we may make in the future may use significant resources, result in disruptions to our business or distractions of our management, may not proceed as planned, and could expose us to unforeseen liabilities.

 

We may seek to expand our business through the acquisition of, investments in and strategic alliances with companies, technologies, products, and services. Acquisitions, investments and strategic alliances involve a number of special problems and risks, including, but not limited to:

 

As a result of these or other problems and risks, businesses we acquire may not produce the revenues, earnings, or business synergies that we anticipated, and acquired products, services, or technologies might not perform as we expected. As a result, we may incur higher costs and realize lower revenues than we had anticipated. We may not be able to successfully address these problems and we cannot assure you that the acquisitions will be successfully identified and completed or that, if acquisitions are completed, the acquired businesses, products, services, or technologies will generate sufficient revenue to offset the associated costs or other negative effects on our business.

 

Any of these risks can be greater if an acquisition is large relative to our size. Failure to effectively manage our growth through acquisitions could adversely affect our growth prospects, business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

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Risks Relating to Our Intellectual Property

 

Our success depends upon our ability to protect our intellectual property and proprietary technologies, and the intellectual property protection for our product candidates depends significantly on third parties.

 

Our commercial success depends on obtaining and maintaining patent protection and trade secret protection for our product candidates and their formulations and uses, as well as successfully defending these patents against third-party challenges. If any of our licensors or partners fails to appropriately prosecute and maintain patent protection for these product candidates, our ability to develop and commercialize these product candidates may be adversely affected and we may not be able to prevent competitors from making, using and selling competing products. This failure to properly protect the intellectual property rights relating to these product candidates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Currently, the composition of matter patent and several method of use patents for TG-1101 and TGR-1202 in various indications and settings have been applied for but have not yet been issued, or have been issued in certain territories but not under all jurisdictions in which such applications have been filed. While composition of matter patents have been granted in the US for TG-1101 and TGR-1202, no patents to date have been issued for our IRAK4 inhibitor and anti-PD-L1 and anti-GITR programs. There can be no guarantee that any of these patents for which an application has already been filed, nor any patents filed in the future for our product candidates will be granted in any or all jurisdictions in which there were filed, or that all claims initially included in such patent applications will be allowed in the final patent that is issued. The patent application process is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that we or our partners will be successful in protecting our product candidates by obtaining and defending patents.

 

These risks and uncertainties include the following:

 

If patents are not issued that protect our product candidates, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition to patents, we and our partners also rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how. Although we have taken steps to protect our trade secrets and unpatented know-how, including entering into confidentiality agreements with third parties, and confidential information and inventions agreements with employees, consultants and advisors, third parties may still obtain this information or we may be unable to protect its rights. If any of these events occurs, or we otherwise lose protection for our trade secrets or proprietary know-how, the value of this information may be greatly reduced.

 

Patent protection and other intellectual property protection are crucial to the success of our business and prospects, and there is a substantial risk that such protections will prove inadequate.

 

If we or our partners are sued for infringing intellectual property rights of third parties, it will be costly and time consuming, and an unfavorable outcome in that litigation would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our commercial success also depends upon our ability and the ability of any of our future collaborators to develop, manufacture, market and sell our product candidates without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. Numerous United States and foreign issued patents and pending patent applications, which are owned by third parties, exist in the fields in which we are developing products, some of which may be directed at claims that overlap with the subject matter of our intellectual property. For example, Roche has the Cabilly patents in the U.S. that block the commercialization of antibody products derived from a single cell line, like TG-1101. Also, Roche, Biogen Idec, and Genentech hold patents for the use of anti-CD20 antibodies utilized in the treatment of CLL in the U.S. While these patents have been challenged, to the best of our knowledge, those matters were settled in a way that permitted additional anti-CD20 antibodies to be marketed for CLL. If those patents are still enforced at the time we are intending to launch TG-1101, then we will need to either prevail in a litigation to challenge those patents or negotiate a settlement agreement with the patent holders. If we are unable to do so we may be forced to delay the launch of TG-1101 or launch at the risk of litigation for patent infringement, which may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

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In addition, because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be currently pending applications, unknown to us, which may later result in issued patents that our product candidates or proprietary technologies may infringe. Similarly, there may be issued patents relevant to our product candidates of which we are not aware.

 

There is a substantial amount of litigation involving patent and other intellectual property rights in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries generally. If a third party claims that we or any collaborators of ours infringe their intellectual property rights, we may have to:

 

 

No assurance can be given that patents issued to third parties do not exist, have not been filed, or could not be filed or issued, which contain claims covering its products, technology or methods that may encompass all or a portion of our products and methods. Given the number of patents issued and patent applications filed in our technical areas or fields, we believe there is a risk that third parties may allege they have patent rights encompassing our products or methods.

 

Other product candidates that we may in-license or acquire could be subject to similar risks and uncertainties.

 

We may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.

 

Competitors may infringe our patents or the patents of our licensors. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement claims, which typically are very expensive, time-consuming and disruptive of day-to-day business operations. In addition, in an infringement proceeding, a court may decide that a patent of ours or our licensors is not valid or is unenforceable, or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patents do not cover the technology in question. An adverse result in any litigation or defense proceedings could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, held unenforceable, or interpreted narrowly. The adverse result could also put related patent applications at risk of not issuing.

 

Interference proceedings provoked by third parties or brought by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions with respect to our patents or patent applications or those of our collaborators or licensors. An unfavorable outcome could require us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to it from the prevailing party. Our business could be harmed if the prevailing party does not offer us a license on commercially reasonable terms. Litigation or interference proceedings may fail and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and other employees. We may not be able to prevent, alone or with our licensors, misappropriation of our trade secrets or confidential information, particularly in countries where the laws may not protect those rights as fully as in the United States.

 

Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

 

We may be subject to claims that our consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their other clients or former employers to it.

 

As is common in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, we engage the services of consultants to assist us in the development of our product candidates. Many of these consultants were previously employed at, may have previously been, or are currently providing consulting services to, other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although no claims against us are currently pending, we may be subject to claims that these consultants or we have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers or their former or current customers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and day-to-day business operations.

 

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Risks Relating to Our Finances and Capital Requirements

 

We will need to raise additional capital to continue to operate our business.

 

As of March 31, 2017, we had approximately $109.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, investment securities, and interest receivable, which we believe will be sufficient to fund the company’s planned operations through 2018. As a result, we will need additional capital to continue our operations beyond that time. Required additional sources of financing to continue our operations in the future might not be available on favorable terms, if at all. If we do not succeed in raising additional funds on acceptable terms, we might be unable to complete planned preclinical and clinical trials or obtain approval of any of our product candidates from the FDA or any foreign regulatory authorities. In addition, we could be forced to discontinue product development, reduce or forego sales and marketing efforts and forego attractive business opportunities. Any additional sources of financing will likely involve the issuance of our equity securities, which would have a dilutive effect to stockholders.

 

Currently, none of our product candidates have been approved by the FDA or any foreign regulatory authority for sale. Therefore, for the foreseeable future, we will have to fund all of our operations and capital expenditures from cash on hand and amounts raised in future offerings or financings.

 

We have a history of operating losses, expect to continue to incur losses, and are unable to predict the extent of future losses or when we will become profitable, if ever.

 

We have not yet applied for or demonstrated an ability to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize a product candidate. Our short operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our business prospects and consequently, any predictions about our future performance may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a history of successfully developing and commercializing pharmaceutical or biotechnology products. Our prospects must be considered in light of the uncertainties, risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stages of operations and the competitive environment in which we operate.

 

We have never been profitable and, as of March 31, 2017, we had an accumulated deficit of $264.1 million. We have generated operating losses in all periods since we were incorporated. We expect to make substantial expenditures resulting in increased operating costs in the future and our accumulated deficit will increase significantly as we expand development and clinical trial efforts for our product candidates. Our losses have had, and are expected to continue to have, an adverse impact on our working capital, total assets and stockholders’ equity. Because of the risks and uncertainties associated with product development, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when we will become profitable, if ever. Even if we achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on an ongoing basis.

 

We have not generated any revenue from our product candidates and may never become profitable.

 

Our ability to become profitable depends upon our ability to generate significant continuing revenues. To obtain significant continuing revenues, we must succeed, either alone or with others, in developing, obtaining regulatory approval for and manufacturing and marketing our product candidates (or utilize early access programs to generate such revenue). To date, our product candidates have not generated any revenues, and we do not know when, or if, we will generate any revenue. Our ability to generate revenue depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

 

If we are unable to generate significant continuing revenues, we will not become profitable and we may be unable to continue our operations without continued funding.

 

We will need substantial additional funding and may be unable to raise capital when needed, which would force us to delay, reduce or eliminate our development programs or commercialization efforts.

 

We expect to spend substantial amounts on development, including significant amounts on conducting clinical trials for our product candidates, manufacturing clinical supplies and expanding our pharmaceutical development programs. We expect that our monthly cash used by operations will continue to increase for the next several years. We anticipate that we will continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future.

 

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We will require substantial additional funds to support our continued research and development activities, as well as the anticipated costs of preclinical studies and clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and eventual commercialization. We anticipate that we will incur operating losses for the foreseeable future. We have based these estimates, however, on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could expend our available financial resources much faster than we currently expect. Further, we will need to raise additional capital to fund our operations and continue to conduct clinical trials to support potential regulatory approval of marketing applications. Future capital requirements will also depend on the extent to which we acquire or in-license additional product candidates. We currently have no commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions.

 

The amount and timing of our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

 

Until we can generate a sufficient amount of product revenue and achieve profitability, we expect to finance future cash needs through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or corporate collaboration and licensing arrangements, as well as through interest income earned on cash balances. If we were to be unable to raise additional capital, we would have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue one or more of our pharmaceutical development programs. We also may be required to relinquish, license or otherwise dispose of rights to product candidates or products that it would otherwise seek to develop or commercialize itself on terms that are less favorable than might otherwise be available.

 

Raising additional funds by issuing securities or through licensing or lending arrangements may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish proprietary rights.

 

We may raise additional funds through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, the share ownership of existing stockholders will be diluted. Any future debt financing we enter into may involve covenants that restrict our operations, including limitations on our ability to incur liens or additional debt, pay dividends, redeem our stock, make certain investments and engage in certain merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions, among other restrictions.

 

In addition, if we raise additional funds through licensing arrangements, it may be necessary to relinquish potentially valuable rights to our product candidates, or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us. If adequate funds are not available, our ability to achieve profitability or to respond to competitive pressures would be significantly limited and we may be required to delay, significantly curtail or eliminate the development of one or more of our product candidates.

 

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 

We are controlled by current officers, directors and principal stockholders.

 

Our directors, executive officers, their affiliates, and our principal stockholders beneficially own approximately 45% of our outstanding voting stock, including shares underlying outstanding options and warrants. Our directors, officers and principal stockholders, taken as a whole, have the ability to exert substantial influence over the election of our Board of Directors and the outcome of issues submitted to our stockholders.

 

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Our stock price is, and we expect it to remain, volatile, which could limit investors’ ability to sell stock at a profit.

 

The trading price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

 

 

We will not be able to control many of these factors, and we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our financial results will not necessarily be indicative of our future performance.

 

In addition, the stock market in general, and the market for biotechnology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that may have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of individual companies. These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.

 

We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends in the future, and any return on investment may be limited to the value of your stock.

 

We have never paid dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any dividends for the foreseeable future. You should not rely on an investment in our stock if you require dividend income. Further, you will only realize income on an investment in our stock in the event you sell or otherwise dispose of your shares at a price higher than the price you paid for your shares. Such a gain would result only from an increase in the market price of our common stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable.

 

Certain anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law could make a third-party acquisition of us difficult. This could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our common stock.

 

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, or control us. These factors could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation allows us to issue preferred stock without the approval of our stockholders. The issuance of preferred stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of our common stock or could adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of such holders. In certain circumstances, such issuance could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common stock. Our restated bylaws eliminate the right of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders, which could make it more difficult for stockholders to effect certain corporate actions. Any of these provisions could also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.

 

On July 18, 2014, the Board of Directors declared a distribution of one right for each outstanding share of common stock. The rights may have certain anti-takeover effects. The rights will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by the Board of Directors unless the offer is conditioned on a substantial number of rights being acquired. However, the rights should not interfere with any merger, statutory share exchange or other business combination approved by the Board of Directors since the rights may be terminated by us upon resolution of the Board of Directors. Thus, the rights are intended to encourage persons who may seek to acquire control of the Company to initiate such an acquisition through negotiations with the Board of Directors. However, the effect of the rights may be to discourage a third party from making a partial tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain a substantial equity position in the equity securities of, or seeking to obtain control of, the Company. To the extent any potential acquirers are deterred by the rights, the rights may have the effect of preserving incumbent management in office.

 

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index are included with this report.

 

	31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated May 10, 2017.
	31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated May 10, 2017.
	32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated May 10, 2017.
	32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated May 10, 2017.
	101	The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	TG THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Date: May 10, 2017	By:	/s/ Sean A. Power
		Sean A. Power Chief Financial Officer Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The following exhibits are included as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

	31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated May 10, 2017.
	31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated May 10, 2017.
	32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated May 10, 2017.
	32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated May 10, 2017.
	101	The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (filed herewith).

 

 

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