Theriva Biologics, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One) 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

OR

For the transition period from   ____________ to  ____________

Commission File Number: 001-12584

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGICS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(301) 417-4364

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes   x    No  ¨

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

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

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

Yes ¨       No x

As of November 6, 2020, the registrant had 19,993,390 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGICS, INC.

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In particular, statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including but not limited to, statements regarding the timing of our clinical trials, the development and commercialization of our pipeline products, the sufficiency of our cash, our ability to finance our operations and business initiatives and obtain funding for such activities and the timing of any such financing, our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plan prospects, or costs and objectives of management for future research, development or operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and may be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “goals,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” and “continue” or similar words. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those identified below, under Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and those identified under Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the “2019 Form 10-K”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 20, 2020. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed, projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

NOTE REGARDING COMPANY REFERENCES

Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “Synthetic Biologics,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Synthetic Biologics, Inc.

NOTE REGARDING TRADEMARKS

All trademarks, trade names and service marks appearing in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the property of their respective owners.

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGICS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I–FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands except share and par value amounts)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity (Deficit)

(In thousands, except share and par value amounts)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Organization, Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (the “Company” or “Synthetic Biologics”) is a diversified clinical-stage company developing therapeutics designed to prevent and treat gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in areas of high unmet need. The Company’s lead clinical development candidates are: (1) SYN-004 (ribaxamase) which is designed to degrade certain commonly used intravenous (IV) beta-lactam antibiotics within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to prevent (a) microbiome damage, (b) Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), (c) overgrowth of pathogenic organisms, (d) the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and (e) acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, and (2) SYN-020, a recombinant oral formulation of the enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) produced under cGMP conditions and intended to treat both local GI and systemic diseases. .

The Company was also developing SYN-010 to reduce the impact of methane-producing organisms in the gut microbiome to treat an underlying cause of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). On September 30, 2020, Cedars Sinai Medical Center’s (CSMC) (the Company’s SYN-010 clinical development partner) informed the Company that it agreed to discontinue the ongoing Phase 2b investigator-sponsored clinical study of SYN-010 IBS-C patients. Based on the results of a planned interim futility analysis, it was concluded that although SYN-010 was well tolerated, it was unlikely to meet its primary endpoint by the time enrollment is completed.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, comprised of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary by management to fairly state the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K. The interim results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the amounts of revenue and expenses in the periods presented. The Company believes that the accounting estimates employed are appropriate and the resulting balances are reasonable; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in making estimates, actual results may differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to these balances in future periods. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Developments 

In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-06 Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. This ASU amends the guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity and improves and amends the related EPS guidance for both Subtopics. The ASU will be effective for annual reporting periods after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within those annual periods and early adoption is permitted in annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2020-06 on our consolidated financial statements.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China (the COVID-19 outbreak or “COVID-19”) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure globally.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted. The CARES Act is an emergency economic stimulus package that includes spending and tax breaks to strengthen the United States’ economy and fund a nationwide effort to curtail the effect of COVID-19. While the CARES Act provides sweeping tax changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the more significant provisions include removal of certain limitations on utilization of net operating losses, increasing the loss carryback period for certain losses to five years, and increasing the ability to deduct interest expense, as well as amending certain provisions of the previously enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company has assessed the impact of the CARES Act and, based upon our initial assessment, we do not believe that it will have a significant effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company continues to evaluate its impact as new information becomes available.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets include property, equipment and right-of-use assets. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360 - Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), management reviews the Company’s recorded long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company determines the extent to which an asset may be impaired based upon its expectation of the asset’s future usability as well as whether there is reasonable assurance that the future cash flows associated with the asset will be in excess of its carrying amount. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset. During the quarter ending March 31, 2020 the Company identified COVID-19 as a triggering event and performed a qualitative assessment of the fair value of its long-lived assets. The results from this analysis determined that it is still more likely than not that the fair value of its long-lived assets remain higher than the carrying value of these assets. As a result, no impairment charges were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.

2. Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company continues to incur losses and, as of September 30, 2020, the Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately $245 million. Since inception, the Company has financed its activities primarily from the proceeds from the issuance of equity securities.

The Company does not have sufficient capital to fund its operations for the next twelve months following the issuance date of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, address its capital needs, and execute the required clinical trials, is therefore dependent upon the Company’s ability to obtain capital through the issuance of debt and/or additional equity offerings. The Company is actively pursuing additional equity or debt financing in the form of either a private placement or a public offering and the Company continues ongoing discussions with strategic institutional investors and investment banks with respect to such possible offerings. Included in these options is utilizing the “at-the-market” Issuance Sales Agreement (the “FBR Sales Agreement”) that the Company entered into with B. Riley Securities (formerly FBR Capital Markets & Co.) in August 2016. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that such capital will be available in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to the Company when and if needed or that the Company will meet the requirements for use of the FBR Sales Agreement.

If the Company is unable to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms under such circumstances, the Company’s operating results and prospects will be adversely affected. These factors individually and collectively, including the Company’s dependence on its ability to raise additional capital to fund its operations for the next twelve months following the issuance date of these financial statements raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of the recorded assets or the classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

In January 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic for the novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19. Since then, COVID-19 has spread to the United States and countries worldwide. As COVID-19 continues to spread around the globe, the Company has experienced disruptions that impact our business and clinical trials, including the temporary halt of the enrollment of new patients in its SYN-010 Phase 2b clinical study during the quarter ended June 30, 2020_and the postponement of clinical site initiation for its SYN-004 Phase 1b/2a clinical study. While the Company has experienced limited financial impact at this time, given the global economic slowdown, the overall disruption of global healthcare systems and the other risks and uncertainties associated with the pandemic, the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects could be materially adversely affected, including its ability to raise capital. To maximize patient participation and safeguard the trial’s integrity and patient safety, initiation of the Company’s Phase 1b/2a clinical study of SYN-004 to be conducted by Washington University in Allogeneic HCT Recipients is deferred until Q1 2021, pandemic conditions permitting.

At September 30, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $6.0 million. Management has been able to extend its cash runway since its clinical development partners CSMC and Washington University continued to limit non-essential activities during the third quarter, which included the SYN-010 Phase 2b clinical study and SYN-004 Phase 1b/2a clinical study. The Company anticipates its current cash will allow it to cover overhead costs, manufacturing costs for clinical supply, commercial scale up costs and limited research efforts, including funding requirements to initiate its planned Phase 1b/2a clinical study of SYN-004 in allogeneic HCT recipients and Phase 1-enabling assay development and manufacturing of drug supply in support of the planned Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) study of SYN-020 intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP).

The Company does not anticipate any additional expense related to the Phase 1b/2a SYN-004 (ribaxamase) clinical trial until the trial is cleared for commencement by Washington University (expected Q1 2021). Commencement of the FDA-agreed Phase 3 clinical trial of SYN-004 for the prevention of C. difficile infection in the future is subject to the Company’s successful pursuit of opportunities that will allow it to establish the clinical infrastructure and financial resources necessary to successfully initiate and complete its plan. The Company will be required to obtain additional funding in order to continue the development of its current product candidates beyond its planned Phase 1b/2a clinical study of SYN-004 in allogeneic HCT recipients, its planned Phase 1 SAD study of SYN-020 IAP in healthy volunteers, and to continue to fund operations at the current cash expenditure levels. Currently, the Company does not have commitments from any third parties to provide it with capital. If the Company fails to obtain additional funding for its clinical trials, it will not be able to fully execute its business plan as planned and will be forced to cease certain development activities until funding is received. 

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

2. Going Concern – (continued)

Further, on September 30, 2020, the Company and CSMC agreed to discontinue the ongoing Phase 2b investigator -sponsored clinical study of SYN-010 following the results of a planned interim futility analysis. Although it was concluded that SYN-010 was well tolerated, it was also concluded that SYN-010 is unlikely to meet its primary endpoint by the time enrollment is completed. The Company anticipates additional reductions in clinical development expense during the remainder of 2020 as a result of the discontinuation of this clinical program.

The actual amount of funds the Company will need to operate is subject to many factors, some of which are beyond its control. These factors include the following:

The Company has based its estimates of funding requirements on assumptions that may prove to be wrong. The Company may need to obtain additional funds sooner or in greater amounts than it currently anticipates.

If the Company raises funds by selling additional shares of Common Stock or other securities convertible into Common Stock, the ownership interest of the existing stockholders will be diluted. If the Company is not able to obtain financing when needed, it may be unable to carry out its business plan. As a result, the Company may have to significantly limit its operations and its business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially harmed.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is determined based upon assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Fair value measurements are rated on a three-tier hierarchy as follows:

In many cases, a valuation technique used to measure fair value includes inputs from multiple levels of the fair value hierarchy described above. The lowest level of significant input determines the placement of the entire fair value measurement in the hierarchy.  

The carrying amounts of the Company’s short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity for these instruments.

Cash and cash equivalents include money market accounts of $114,000 as of September 30, 2020 and $98,000 as of December 31, 2019 that are measured using Level 1 inputs. 

4. Selected Balance Sheet Information

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (in thousands)

Amounts prepaid to clinical research organizations (CROs) were classified as current assets. The Company makes payments to the CROs based on agreed upon terms that include payments in advance of study services.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

4. Selected Balance Sheet Information – (continued)

Property and equipment, net (in thousands)

Accrued expenses (in thousands)

Accrued employee benefits (in thousands)

5. Stock-Based Compensation 

Stock Incentive Plans

On March 20, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Stock Plan”) for the issuance of up to 71,429 shares of Common Stock to be granted through incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to officers, other employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. This plan was approved by the stockholders on November 2, 2007. The exercise price of stock options under the 2007 Stock Plan is determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors and may be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date the option is granted. The total number of shares of stock with respect to which stock options and stock appreciation rights may be granted to any one employee of the Company or a subsidiary during any one-year period under the 2007 plan shall not exceed 7,143. Options become exercisable over various periods from the date of grant, and generally expire ten years after the grant date. As of September 30, 2020, there were 7,052 options issued and outstanding under the 2007 Stock Plan.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

5. Stock-Based Compensation – (continued)

On November 2, 2010, the Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (“2010 Stock Plan”) for the issuance of up to 85,714 shares of Common Stock to be granted through incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to officers, other employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. On October 22, 2013, the stockholders approved and adopted an amendment to the Company’s 2010 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan from 85,714 to 171,429. On May 15, 2015, the stockholders approved and adopted an amendment to the Company’s 2010 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan from 171,429 to 228,572. On August 25, 2016, the stockholders approved and adopted an amendment to the 2010 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2010 Stock Plan from 228,572 to 400,000. On September 7, 2017, the stockholders approved and adopted an amendment to the 2010 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2010 Stock Plan from 400,000 to 500,000. On September 24, 2018, the stockholders approved and adopted an amendment to the 2010 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2010 Stock Plan from 500,000 to 1,000,000. On September 5, 2019, the stockholders approved and adopted an amendment to the 2010 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of the Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2010 Stock Plan from 1,000,000 to 4,000,000. The exercise price of stock options under the 2010 Stock Plan is determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors and may be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date the option is granted. Options become exercisable over various periods from the date of grant, and expire between five and ten years after the grant date. As of September 30, 2020, there were 2,453,273 options issued and outstanding under the 2010 Stock Plan.

On September 17, 2020, the stockholders approved and adopted the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (“2020 Stock Plan”) for the issuance of up to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock to be granted through incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to officers, other employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2020, there were no options issued and outstanding under the 2020 Stock Plan.

In the event of an employee’s termination, the Company will cease to recognize compensation expense for that employee. Stock forfeitures are recognized as incurred. There is no deferred compensation recorded upon initial grant date. Instead, the fair value of the stock-based payment is recognized as compensation expense over the stated vesting period.

The Company has applied fair value accounting for all stock-based payment awards since inception. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. There were no options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

5. Stock-Based Compensation – (continued)

The Company records stock-based compensation based upon the stated vesting provisions in the related agreements. The vesting provisions for these agreements have various terms as follows:

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

5. Stock-Based Compensation – (continued)

A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019 is as follows:

Stock-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses relating to stock options issued to employees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $41,000 and $120,000, respectively, and $59,000 and $165,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense included in research and development expenses relating to stock options issued to employees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $14,000 and $45,000, respectively, and $22,000 and $52,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

Stock-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses relating to stock options issued to consultants for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $26,000 and $79,000, respectively, and $9,000 and $28,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense included in research and development expenses relating to stock options issued to consultants for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $1,000 and $7,000, respectively, and $1,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

5. Stock-Based Compensation – (continued)

As of September 30, 2020, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $406,000, which is expected to be expensed through August 2022.

The FASB’s guidance for stock-based payments requires cash flows from excess tax benefits to be classified as a part of cash flows from operating activities. Excess tax benefits are realized tax benefits from tax deductions for exercised options in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock compensation costs for such options. The Company did not record any excess tax benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. 

6. Stock Warrants

On October 15, 2018, the Company closed its underwritten public offering pursuant to which it received gross proceeds of approximately $18.6 million before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses payable by the Company and sold an aggregate of (i) 2,520,000 Class A Units (the “Class A Units”), with each Class A Unit consisting of one share of Common Stock, and one five-year warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.38 per share (each a “Warrant” and collectively, the “Warrants”), with each Class A Unit to be offered to the public at a public offering price of $1.15, and (ii) 15,723 Class B Units (the “Class B Units”, and together with the Class A Units, the “Units”), with each Class B Unit offered to the public at a public offering price of $1,000 per Class B Unit and consisting of one share of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), with a stated value of $1,000 and convertible into shares of Common Stock at the stated value divided by a conversion price of $1.15 per share, with all shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into an aggregate of 13,672,173 shares of Common Stock, and issued with an aggregate of 13,672,173 Warrants. In addition, pursuant to the underwriting agreement that the Company had entered into with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (the “Underwriters”), as representative of the underwriters, the Company granted the Underwriters a 45 day option (the “Over-allotment Option”) to purchase up to an additional 2,428,825 shares of Common Stock and/or additional Warrants to purchase an additional 2,428,825 shares of Common Stock. The Underwriters partially exercised the Over-allotment Option by electing to purchase from the Company additional Warrants to purchase 1,807,826 shares of Common Stock.

The Warrants are immediately exercisable at a price of $1.38 per share of Common Stock (which is 120% of the public offering price of the Class A Units) and expire on October 15, 2023. If, at the time of exercise, there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the issuance of the shares of Common Stock to the holder, then the Warrants may only be exercised through a cashless exercise. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a Warrant. In lieu of fractional shares, the holder will receive an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the fair market value of any such fractional shares. The Company has concluded that the Warrants are required to be equity classified. The Warrants were valued on the date of grant using Monte Carlo simulations.

On November 18, 2016, the Company completed a public offering of 714,286 shares of Common Stock in combination with accompanying warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,428,571 shares of Common Stock. The stock and warrants were sold in combination, with two warrants for each share of Common Stock sold, a Series A warrant and a Series B warrant, each representing the right to purchase one share of Common Stock. The purchase price for each share of common stock and accompanying warrants was $35.00. The shares of Common Stock were immediately separable from the warrants and were issued separately. The initial per share exercise price of the Series A warrants is $50.05 and the per share exercise price of the Series B warrants is $60.20, each subject to adjustment as specified in the warrant agreements. The Series A and Series B warrants may be exercised at any time on or after the date of issuance. The Series A warrants are exercisable until the four-year anniversary of the issuance date. The Series B warrants expired on December 31, 2017 and none were exercised prior to expiration. The warrants include a provision that if the Company were to enter into a certain transaction, as defined in the agreement, the warrants would be purchased from the holder for cash. Accordingly, the Company recorded the warrants as a liability at their estimated fair value on the issuance date of $15.7 million and changes in estimated fair value are being recorded as non-cash income or expense in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations at each subsequent period. At September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, the fair value of the warrant liability was nominal. In 2020 and 2019, the Monte Carlo simulations were not used as the value of the warrants were deemed to be minimal based on the historical fair value of the warrants and the Company’s current stock price.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

6. Stock Warrants – (continued)

On October 10, 2014, the Company raised net proceeds of $19.1 million through the sale of 14,059,616 units at a price of $1.47 per unit to certain institutional investors in a registered direct offering. Each unit consisted of one share of the Company’s Common Stock and a warrant to purchase 0.50 shares of Common Stock. The warrants, exercisable for an aggregate of 200,852 shares of Common Stock, had an exercise price of $61.25 per share and a life of five years. The warrants vested immediately and expired on October 10, 2019.

A summary of all warrant activity for the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019 is as follows:

On December 26, 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement for advisory services for a period of six months. As compensation for such services, the consultant was paid an upfront payment, was paid a monthly fee, and on January 24, 2018 was issued a warrant exercisable for 714 shares of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of issuance. The warrant is equity classified and the fair value of the warrant approximated $9,000 on the date of grant and was measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This entire expense was recorded in the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

A summary of all outstanding and exercisable warrants as of September 30, 2020 is as follows:

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

7. Net Loss per Share

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding including the effect of common share equivalents. Diluted net loss per share assumes the issuance of potential dilutive common shares outstanding for the period and adjusts for any changes in income and the repurchase of common shares that would have occurred from the assumed issuance, unless such effect is anti-dilutive. Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 excludes net loss attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million and includes the accretion of Series B preferred discount of $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, on converted shares and Series A preferred stock accrued dividends of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 excludes net loss attributable to non-controlling interest of $0.1 million and includes the accretion of Series B preferred discount of $0.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, on converted shares and Series A preferred stock accrued dividends of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The number of shares of common stock underlying Series B Preferred shares convertible to common stock that were excluded from the computations of net loss per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were 3,605,217 and 6,641,739, respectively. The number of options and warrants for the purchase of common stock that were excluded from the computations of net loss per common share and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 were 2,460,325 and 18,714,999, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were 803,577 and 18,915,851, respectively, because their effect is anti-dilutive.

8. Non-controlling Interest 

The Company’s non-controlling interest is accounted for under ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), and represents the minority shareholder’s ownership interest related to the Company’s subsidiary, Synthetic Biomics, Inc. (“SYN Biomics”). In accordance with ASC 810, the Company reports its non-controlling interest in subsidiaries as a separate component of equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and reports both net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest and net loss attributable to the Company’s common stockholders on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. On September 5, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) for an investigator-sponsored Phase 2b clinical study of SYN-010 to be co-funded by the Company and CSMC (the “Study”). The Study was to provide further evaluation of the efficacy and safety of SYN-010, the Company’s modified-release reformulation of lovastatin lactone, which is exclusively licensed to the Company by CSMC. SYN-010 was designed to reduce methane production by certain microorganisms (M. smithii) in the gut to treat an underlying cause of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). After the 2018 transaction with CSMC, the Company’s equity interest in SYN Biomics was 83% and the non-controlling stockholder’s interest is 17%. As of September 30, 2020, the accumulated net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest is $2.8 million.

In consideration of the support provided by CSMC for the Study, the Company agreed to pay $441,000 to support the Study and the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with CSMC pursuant to which the Company, upon the approval of the Study protocol by the Institutional Review Board (IRB): (i) issued to CSMC fifty thousand (50,000) shares of common stock of the Company; and (ii) transferred to CSMC an additional two million four hundred twenty thousand (2,420,000) shares of common stock of its subsidiary SYN Biomics, Inc. (“Synbiomics”) owned by the Company, such that after such issuance CSMC owns an aggregate of seven million four hundred eighty thousand (7,480,000) shares of common stock of SYN Biomics, representing seventeen percent (17%) of the issued and outstanding shares of SYN Biomics’ common stock. The services rendered are recorded to research and development expense in proportion with the progress of the study and based overall on the fair value of the shares ($285,000) as determined at the date of IRB approval. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, research and development expense recorded related to this transaction approximated $134,000 and $225,000, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, research and development expense recorded related to this transaction approximated $108,000 and $318,000, respectively. On September 30, 2020, CSMC MAST formally agreed to discontinue the ongoing Phase 2b investigator-sponsored clinical study of SYN-010 following the results of a planned interim futility analysis. Although it was concluded that SYN-010 was well tolerated, it was also concluded that SYN-010 is unlikely to meet its primary endpoint by the time enrollment is completed. As a result, the Company anticipates additional reductions in clinical development expense during the remainder of 2020 resulting from the discontinuation of this clinical program.

The Agreement also provides CSMC with a right, commencing on the six month anniversary of issuance of the stock under certain circumstances in the event that the shares of stock of SYN Biomics are not then freely tradeable, and subject to NYSE American, LLC approval, to exchange its SYN Biomics shares for unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock, with the rate of exchange based upon the relative contribution of the valuation of SYN Biomics to the public market valuation of the Company at the time of each exchange. The Stock Purchase Agreement also provides for tag-along rights in the event of the sale by the Company of its shares of SYN Biomics.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

9. Common and Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

On October 15, 2018, the Company closed its underwritten public offering pursuant to which it received gross proceeds of approximately $18.6 million before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses payable by the Company and sold an aggregate of (i) 2,520,000 Class A Units, with each Class A Unit offered to the public at a public offering price of $1.15, and (ii) 15,723 Class B Units, with each Class B Unit offered to the public at a public offering price of $1,000 per Class B Unit and consisting of one share of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock, with a stated value of $1,000 and convertible into shares of Common Stock at the stated value divided by a conversion price of $1.15 per share, with all shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into an aggregate of 13,672,173 shares of Common Stock, and issued with an aggregate of 13,672,173 October 2018 Warrants. Since the above units are equity instruments, the proceeds were allocated on a relative fair value basis which created the Series B Preferred Stock discount.

In addition, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement that the Company entered into with the Underwriters on October 10, 2018, the Company granted the Underwriters a 45 day option (the “Over-allotment Option”) to purchase up to an additional 2,428,825 shares of Common Stock and/or additional warrants to purchase an additional 2,428,825 shares of Common Stock. Each Warrant is exercisable for one share of common stock. The Underwriters partially exercised the Over-allotment Option by electing to purchase from the Company additional Warrants to purchase 1,807,826 shares of Common Stock.

The Units were offered by the Company pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-227400), as amended, filed with the SEC, which was declared effective by the SEC on October 10, 2018.

The conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock and exercise price of the October 2018 Warrants are subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of recapitalization events, stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications, reorganizations or similar events affecting the Common Stock. The exercise price of the Warrants is subject to adjustment in the event of certain dilutive issuances.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, 1,379 and 3,492 Series B shares, respectively, have been converted into common stock resulting in the recognition of $519,000 and $1,315,000, respectively, of unamortized discount from the conversion. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, 185 and 1,523 Series B shares, respectively, have been converted into common stock resulting in the recognition of $71,000 and $585,000, respectively, of unamortized discount from the conversion. As of September 30, 2020, 11,577 shares have been converted resulting in the recognition of $4.4 million of unamortized discount. This is recorded as a deemed dividend in accumulated deficit. 

The October 2018 Warrants are immediately exercisable at a price of $1.38 per share of common stock (which is 120% of the public offering price of the Class A Units) and will expire on October 15, 2023. If, at the time of exercise, there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the issuance of the shares of common stock to the holder, then the October 2018 warrants may only be exercised through a cashless exercise. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of any October 2018 warrants. In lieu of fractional shares, the holder will receive an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the fair market value of any such fractional shares.

The Company may not effect, and the holder will not be entitled to, exercise any Warrants or conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, which, upon giving effect to such exercise, would cause (i) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, or (ii) the combined voting power of the Company’s securities beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of the combined voting power of all of the Company’s securities then outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise or conversion, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the October 2018 Warrants or Series B Preferred Stock. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99% upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to the Company. The holders of the Series B Preferred will participate, on an as-if-converted-to-common stock basis, in any dividends to the holders of common stock. Upon a defined Fundamental Transaction, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to the same consideration as are holders of Common Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock ranks junior to existing Series A Preferred Stock but on parity with common stock. Liquidation preference is equal to an amount pari passu with the common stock on an as converted basis (i.e., there is no preference to common stock).

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

9. Common and Preferred Stock – (continued)

Since the effective conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock was less than the fair value of the underlying common stock at the date of issuance, there was a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) at the issuance date. Because the Series B Preferred Stock had no stated maturity or redemption date and was immediately convertible at the option of the holder, the discount created by the BCF is immediately charged to accumulated deficit as a “deemed dividend” and impacts earnings per share. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a discount of $9.1 million and immediately amortized the discount to record the deemed dividend.

Series A Preferred Stock

On September 11, 2017, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with an investor (the “Investor”), pursuant to which the Company offered and sold in a private placement 120,000 shares of its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) for an aggregate purchase price of $12 million, or $100 per share.

The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to the shares of the Company’s common stock, and any other class or series of stock issued by the Company with respect to dividend rights, redemption rights and rights on the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to a cumulative dividend at the rate of 2.0% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, as set forth in the Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holders at any time into shares of common stock at an initial conversion price of $18.90 per share, subject to certain customary anti-dilution adjustments.

Any conversion of Series A Preferred Stock may be settled by the Company in shares of common stock only.

On or at any time after (i) the VWAP (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) for at least 20 trading days in any 30 trading day period is greater than $70.00, subject to adjustment in the case of stock split, stock dividends or the like the Company has the right, after providing notice not less than 6 months prior to the redemption date, to redeem, in whole or in part, on a pro rata basis from all holders thereof based on the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then held, the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, for cash, at a redemption price per share of Series A Preferred Stock of $7,875, subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or (ii) the five year anniversary of the issuance date, the Company has the right to redeem, in whole or in part, on a pro rata basis from all holders thereof based on the number of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock then held, the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, for cash, at a redemption price per share equal to the Liquidation Value (as defined in the Certificate of Designations).

The Series A Preferred Stock is classified as temporary equity due to the shares being redeemable based on contingent events outside of the Company’s control. Since the effective conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock is less than the fair value of the underlying common stock at the date of issuance, there is a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) at the issuance date. Because the Series A Preferred Stock has no stated maturity or redemption date and is immediately convertible at the option of the holder, the discount created by the BCF is immediately charged to accumulated deficit as a “deemed dividend” and impacts earnings per share. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a discount of $6.9 million. Because the Series A Preferred Stock is not currently redeemable, the discount arising from issuance costs was allocated to temporary equity and will not be accreted until such time that redemption becomes probable. The stated dividend rate of 2% per annum is cumulative and the Company accrues the dividend on a quarterly basis (in effect accreting the dividend regardless of declaration because the dividend is cumulative). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company accrued dividends of $64,000 and $189,000, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company accrued dividends of $63,000 and $185,000, respectively. Once the dividend is declared, the Company will reclassify the declared amount from temporary equity to a dividends payable liability. When the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock becomes probable, the temporary equity will be accreted to redemption value as a deemed dividend.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

9. Common and Preferred Stock – (continued)

B. Riley FBR Sales Agreement

On August 5, 2016, the Company entered into the B. Riley FBR Sales Agreement with FBR Capital Markets & Co. (now known as B. Riley Securities), which enables the Company to offer and sell shares of the Company’s common stock with an aggregate sales price of up to $40.0 million from time to time through B. Riley FBR, Inc. as the Company’s sales agent. Sales of common stock under the B. Riley FBR Sales Agreement are made in sales deemed to be “at-the-market” equity offerings as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act. B. Riley FBR, Inc. is entitled to receive a commission rate of up to 3.0% of gross sales in connection with the sale of the Company’s common stock sold on the Company’s behalf. The Company has not sold any shares during 2020 and 2019 through the B. Riley FBR Sales Agreement.

10. Related Party Transactions

On September 5, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with CSMC for an investigator-sponsored Phase 2b clinical study of SYN-010 to be co-funded by the Company and CSMC (the “Study”). The Study was intended to provide further evaluation of the efficacy and safety of SYN-010, the Company’s modified-release reformulation of lovastatin lactone, which is exclusively licensed to the Company by CSMC. SYN-010 was designed to reduce methane production by certain microorganisms (M. smithii) in the gut to treat an underlying cause of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

In consideration of the support provided by CSMC for the Study, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with CSMC pursuant to which the Company, upon the approval of the Study protocol by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to: (i) issued to CSMC fifty thousand (50,000) shares of common stock of the Company; and (ii) transferred to CSMC an additional two million four hundred twenty thousand (2,420,000) shares of common stock of its subsidiary Synthetic Biomics, Inc. (“SYN Biomics”) owned by the Company, such that after such issuance CSMC owns an aggregate of seven million four hundred eighty thousand (7,480,000) shares of common stock of SYN Biomics, representing seventeen percent (17%) of the issued and outstanding shares of SYN Biomics’ common stock.  

The Agreement also provides CSMC with a right, commencing on the six month anniversary of issuance of the stock under certain circumstances in the event that the shares of stock of SYN Biomics are not then freely tradeable, and subject to NYSE American, LLC approval, to exchange its SYN Biomics shares for unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock, with the rate of exchange based upon the relative contribution of the valuation of SYN Biomics to the public market valuation of the Company at the time of each exchange. The Stock Purchase Agreement also provides for tag-along rights in the event of the sale by the Company of its shares of SYN Biomics.

On September 30, 2020, CSMC MAST formally agreed to discontinue the ongoing Phase 2b investigator-sponsored clinical study of SYN-010 following the results of a planned interim futility analysis. Although it was concluded that SYN-010 was well tolerated, SYN-010 is unlikely to meet its primary endpoint by the time enrollment is completed. The Company anticipates additional reductions in clinical development expense during the remainder of 2020 and an acceleration of expense recognition of $141,000 as a result of the discontinuation of this clinical program.

In December 2013, through the Company’s subsidiary, Synthetic Biomics, Inc., the Company entered into a worldwide exclusive license agreement with CSMC and acquired the rights to develop products for therapeutic and prophylactic treatments of acute and chronic diseases, including the development of SYN-010 to target IBS-C. The Company licensed from CSMC a portfolio of intellectual property comprised of several U.S. and foreign patents and pending patent applications for various fields of use, including IBS-C, obesity and diabetes. An investigational team led by Mark Pimentel, M.D. at CSMC discovered that these products may reduce the production of methane gas by certain GI microorganisms. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not owe and did not pay CSMC for milestone payments related this license agreement.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

All of the Company’s existing leases as of September 30, 2020 are classified as operating leases. As of September 30, 2020, the Company has one material operating lease for facilities with a remaining term expiring in 2022. The existing lease has fair value renewal options, none of which are considered certain of being exercised or included in the minimum lease term. The discount rate used in the calculation of the lease liability was 9.9%. The rates implicit within the Company's leases are generally not determinable, therefore, the Company's incremental borrowing rate is used to determine the present value of lease payments. The determination of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate requires judgment. Because the Company currently has no outstanding debt, the incremental borrowing rate for each lease is primarily based on publicly-available information for companies within the same industry and with similar credit profiles. The rate is then adjusted for the impact of collateralization, the lease term and other specific terms included in the Company’s lease arrangements. The incremental borrowing rate is determined at lease commencement, or as of January 1, 2019 for operating leases in existence upon adoption of ASC 842, Leases (ASC 842). The incremental borrowing rate is subsequently reassessed upon a modification to the lease arrangement. ROU assets are subsequently assessed for impairment in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy for long-lived assets. Operating lease costs are presented as part of general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 approximated $50,000 and $151,000, respectively, and for three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 approximated $50,000 and $151,000, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, operating cash flows used for operating leases approximated $77,000 and $231,000, respectively, and for three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 approximated $75,000 and $224,000, respectively.

A maturity analysis of our operating leases as of September 30, 2020 is as follows (amounts in thousands of dollars):

Risks and Uncertainties

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China (the COVID-19 outbreak) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure globally.

As the COVID-19 continued to spread around the globe, the Company experienced disruptions that impact its business and clinical trials, including halting the postponement of clinical site initiation of the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of SYN-004. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Company’s business, the clinical development of SYN-004 (ribaxamase) and SYN-020, the business of the Company’s suppliers and other commercial partners, the Company’s corporate development objectives and the value of and market for the Company’s common stock, will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time, such as the ultimate duration of the pandemic, travel restrictions, quarantines, social distancing and business closure requirements in the United States, Europe and other countries, and the effectiveness of actions taken globally to contain and treat the disease. The global economic slowdown, the overall disruption of global healthcare systems and the other risks and uncertainties associated with the pandemic could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. In addition, to the extent the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects the Company’s business and results of operations, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks and uncertainties which the Company faces.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

12. Subsequent Events

On November 9, 2020, the Company and its subsidiary, Synthetic Biomics, Inc. and CSMC mutually agreed to terminate the exclusive license agreement dated December 5, 2013 and all amendments thereto and the clinical trial agreement relating to SYN-010. The determination to terminate the SYN-010 license agreement was agreed following the completion of a planned interim futility analysis of the Phase 2b investigator-sponsored clinical trial of SYN-010. On September 30, 2020, CSMC (the Company’s SYN-010 clinical development partner) informed the Company that it discontinued the ongoing Phase 2b investigator-sponsored clinical study of SYN-010 IBS-C patients. Based on the results of a planned interim futility analysis, it was concluded that although SYN-010 was well tolerated, it was unlikely to meet its primary endpoint by the time enrollment is completed. The patent rights previously licensed to the Company covering the use of SYN-010 will remain the property of CSMC.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in our 2019 Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to important factors and risks including, but not limited to, those set forth below under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere herein, and those identified under Part I, Item 1A of our 2019 Form 10-K. All share and per share numbers set forth in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations reflect the one-for-thirty five reverse stock split effected August 10, 2018. 

Overview

We are a diversified clinical-stage company developing therapeutics designed to treat gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in areas of high unmet need. Our lead clinical development candidates are: (1) SYN-004 (ribaxamase) which is designed to degrade certain commonly used intravenous (IV) beta-lactam antibiotics within the GI tract to prevent microbiome damage, Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), overgrowth of pathogenic organisms, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, and (2) SYN-020, a recombinant oral formulation of the enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) produced under cGMP conditions and intended to treat both local GI and systemic diseases.

We were also developing SYN-010 to reduce the impact of methane-producing organisms in the gut microbiome to treat an underlying cause of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). On September 30, 2020, Cedars Sinai Medical Center’s (CSMC) (the Company’s SYN-010 clinical development partner) informed the Company that it agreed to discontinue the ongoing Phase 2b investigator-sponsored clinical study of SYN-010 in IBS-C patients. Based on the results of a planned interim futility analysis, it was concluded that although SYN-010 was well tolerated, it was unlikely to meet its primary endpoint by the time enrollment is completed.

As a result of the decision to discontinue the ongoing Phase 2b investigator-sponsored clinical study of SYN-010, we plan to explore and evaluate a range of strategic options, which may include: in-licensing opportunities; evaluation of potential acquisitions; or other potential strategic transactions. In the meantime, we remain focused on working with our clinical development partners to advance the planned Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of SYN-004 (ribaxamase) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients, and advancing the clinical development program for SYN-020 intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) in multiple potential indications. Both of these programs are unrelated to SYN-010, and therefore, we remain encouraged by the outlook and potential for these programs in addressing large, underserved markets.

We are in close contact with our clinical sites and are assessing the impact of COVID-19 on our studies and current timelines and costs. To maximize patient participation and safeguard the trials integrity and patient safety, initiation of the Company’s Phase 1b/2a clinical study of SYN-004 to be conducted by Washington University in Allogeneic HCT Recipients is deferred until Q1 2021, pandemic conditions permitting. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues and persists for an extended period of time, we could experience significant disruptions to our clinical development timeline, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

In response to the spread of COVID-19 as well as public health directives and orders, we have implemented a number of measures designed to ensure employee safety and business continuity. We have limited access to our offices and are allowing our administrative employees to continue their work outside of our offices in order to support the community efforts to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and protect employees, complying with guidance from federal, state and local government and health authorities. The effects of the governmental orders and our work-from-home policies may negatively impact productivity, disrupt our business and delay our clinical programs and timelines, the magnitude of which will depend, in part, on the length and severity of the restrictions and other limitations on our ability to conduct our business in the ordinary course.

Our Product Pipeline:

aGVHD acute graft-vs-host disease; allo-HCT allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patients; AMR antimicrobial resistance; CDI Clostridioides difficile infection. SAD single ascending dose

¹Additional products with preclinical proof-of-concept include SYN-006 (carbapenemase) to prevent aGVHD and infection by vancomycin resistant enterococci and SYN-007 (ribaxamase) DR to prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea with oral β-lactam antibiotics.

²Dependent on funding/partnership.

³Announced option-license agreement with Massachusetts General Hospital to develop SYN-020 in several potential indications related to inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction.

*Based on management’s current beliefs and expectations.

Summary of Current Clinical and Preclinical Programs

Our Gastrointestinal (GI) and Microbiome-Focused Pipeline

Our SYN-004 (ribaxamase) and SYN-020 clinical programs are focused on the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and the gut microbiome, which is home to billions of microbial species and composed of a natural balance of both “good” beneficial species and potentially “bad” pathogenic species. When the natural balance or normal function of these microbial species is disrupted, a person’s health can be compromised. All of our programs are supported by our growing intellectual property portfolio. We are maintaining and building our patent portfolio through: filing new patent applications; prosecuting existing applications; and licensing and acquiring new patents and patent applications.

Recent Developments

Clinical and Pre-Clinical Update

SYN-004 (ribaxamase) — Prevention of antibiotic-mediated microbiome damage, C. difficile infections (CDI), overgrowth of pathogenic organisms, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic HCT recipients 

Phase 1b/2a Clinical Study in Allogeneic HCT Recipients

In August 2019, we entered into a Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA) with the Washington University School of Medicine (Washington University) to conduct a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of SYN-004 (ribaxamase). Under the terms of this agreement, we will serve as the sponsor of the study and supply SYN-004 (ribaxamase). Dr. Erik R. Dubberke, Professor of Medicine and Clinical Director, Transplant Infectious Diseases at Washington University and a member of the SYN-004 (ribaxamase) steering committee will serve as the principal investigator of the clinical trial in collaboration with his Washington University colleague Dr. Mark A. Schroeder, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Leukemia.

On January 7, 2020, we announced the receipt of official meeting minutes from the FDA following a Type-C meeting held on December 2, 2019 at our request to discuss the development of SYN-004 (ribaxamase) for treatment of allogeneic HCT recipients who are administered IV beta-lactam antibiotics in response to fever. Based on the final meeting minutes, the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial will comprise a single center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial of oral SYN-004 (ribaxamase) in up to 36 evaluable adult allogeneic HCT recipients. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability and potential absorption into the systemic circulation (if any) of 150 mg oral SYN-004 (ribaxamase) administered to allogeneic HCT recipients four times per day who receive an IV beta-lactam antibiotic to treat fever. Study participants will be enrolled into three sequential cohorts administered a different study-assigned IV beta-lactam antibiotic. Eight participants in each cohort will receive SYN-004 (ribaxamase) and four will receive placebo. On July 30, 2020 we received written notification from the FDA informing us that they determined the Phase 1b/2a clinical program in adult allogeneic HCT recipients may proceed per the submitted clinical program protocol.

Safety and pharmacokinetic data for each cohort will be reviewed by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC), which will make a recommendation on whether to proceed to the next IV beta-lactam antibiotic. The clinical trial will also evaluate potential protective effects of SYN-004 (ribaxamase) on the gut microbiome as well as generate preliminary information on potential therapeutic benefits and patient outcomes of SYN-004 (ribaxamase) in allogeneic HCT recipients.

Due to the unique challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Washington University continues to evaluate non-essential activities, which may have a direct impact on planned and ongoing clinical trials. Initiation of the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial remains largely at their discretion and is contingent upon Washington University’s ability to conduct this clinical program free from the impact of COVID-19, and approval from their IRB and the FDA. At this time, we have determined that postponing the initiation of the planned Phase 1b/2a clinical trial in allogeneic HCT recipients until at least the first quarter of 2021 remains the appropriate course of action in the current operating environment. We remain in close contact with Washington University and are actively monitoring the crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19 and its impact to the clinical development plans for our SYN-004 (ribaxamase) program.

SYN-010 — Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)

On September 5, 2018, we entered into an agreement with CSMC for an investigator-sponsored Phase 2b clinical study of SYN-010 to be co-funded by us and CSMC. The Phase 2b study was being conducted out of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at CSMC and was a 12-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial to evaluate two dose strengths of oral SYN-010 21 mg and 42 mg in as many as 150 patients diagnosed with IBS-C using a breath methane screening level as a criterion for patient enrollment.

The primary objective for the study was to determine the efficacy of SYN-010, measured as an improvement from baseline in the weekly average number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) during the 12-week treatment period for SYN-010 21 mg and 42 mg daily doses relative to placebo. Secondary efficacy endpoints for both dose strengths of SYN-010 were intended measure changes from baseline in abdominal pain, bloating, stool frequency as well as the use of rescue medication relative to placebo. Exploratory outcomes included Adequate Relief and quality of life measures using the well-validated EQ-5D-5L and PAC-SYM patient questionnaires. Importantly, this study was intended to generate a comprehensive and meaningful data set to provide additional insights and address specific queries into potential SYN-010 clinical efficacy, including dose response, length of treatment and microbiome effects, intended to be evaluated in the FDA-agreed Phase 2b/3 adaptive design clinical program.

Enrollment in this study commenced in January 2019 and was temporarily halted during the first and second quarter of 2020 due to the unique challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic which required CSMC to temporarily limit all non-essential activities, directly impacting their ability to actively recruit and screen new patients. During this time, active study participants who did not complete the study prior to the decision to halt all non-essential activities were given the opportunity to complete the study as CSMC took steps to ensure data from this group was collected in accordance with the clinical trial protocol.

During the third quarter of 2020, a planned interim futility analysis of the Phase 2b investigator-sponsored clinical study was completed. Based on the review of the interim analysis, it was concluded that although SYN-010 was well-tolerated, it failed to meet the prespecified efficacy criteria and was unlikely to meet the primary objective of the study by the time enrollment is completed. On September 30, 2020 CSMC formally agreed to discontinue the study. CSMC has been unblinded and intends to conduct a comprehensive review of the data set and publish its findings.

SYN-020 — Oral Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase

SYN-020 is a quality-controlled, recombinant version of bovine Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase (IAP) produced under cGMP conditions and formulated for oral delivery. The published literature indicates that IAP functions to diminish GI inflammation, tighten the gut barrier to diminish “leaky gut,” promote a healthy microbiome, and diminish GI and systemic inflammation. Based on these known mechanisms as well as our own supporting animal model data, we are initially developing SYN-020 to mitigate the intestinal damage caused by radiation therapy that is routinely used to treat pelvic cancers, including the treatment and prevention of radiation enteropathy secondary to cancer therapy. Despite its broad therapeutic potential, a key hurdle to commercialization has been the high cost of IAP manufacture which is commercially available for as much as $10,000 per gram. We believe we have developed technologies to traverse this hurdle and now have the ability to produce more than 3 grams per liter of SYN-020 for roughly a few hundred dollars per gram at commercial scale.

On June 30, 2020, we submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA in support of an initial indication for the treatment of radiation enteropathy secondary to pelvic cancer therapy. On July 30, 2020 we announced that we received a study-may-proceed letter from the FDA to conduct a Phase 1 single ascending dose study in healthy volunteers designed to evaluate SYN-020 for safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters. The Phase 1 clinical program is anticipated to commence during the first quarter of 2021 and is intended to support the clinical development of SYN-020 for multiple indications.

During the second quarter of 2020, we also announced that we entered into an agreement with Massachusetts General Hospital (“MGH”) granting us an option for an exclusive license to intellectual property and technology related to the use of IAP to maintain GI and microbiome health, diminish systemic inflammation, and treat age-related diseases. Research published by a team of investigators led by Richard Hodin, MD, Chief of the Massachusetts General Hospital Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery and Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, evaluated long-term oral supplementation of IAP, including SYN-020, in mice. Dr. Hodin’s research demonstrated that IAP administration, starting at 10 months of age, slowed the microbiome changes, gut-barrier dysfunction, and gastrointestinal and systemic inflammation that normally accompany aging. Additionally, the IAP administration resulted in improved metabolic profiles in the aged mice, diminished frailty, and extended lifespan. Under the terms of the agreement, we are granted exclusive rights to negotiate a worldwide license with MGH to commercially develop SYN-020 to treat and prevent metabolic and inflammatory diseases associated with aging. If executed, we plan to use this license in the advancement of an expanded clinical development program for SYN-020. In addition, we continue to explore and evaluate potential future indications that have been associated with decreased IAP expression and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Such potential indications include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease, as well as metabolic syndrome and associated non-alcoholic fatty liver-disease (NAFLD).