ZENOSENSE, INC. - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13
OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016
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 000-54936
Zenosense, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
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26-3257291
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(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer
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incorporation or organization)
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Identification No.)
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Avda Cortes Valencianas 58, Planta 5, Valencia, Spain
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N/A
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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011-34-960-454-202
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(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of each class
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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None
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None
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Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange ActYes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No []
Indicate by check mark if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained in this form, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
[X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer [ ]
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Accelerated Filer [ ]
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Non-Accelerated Filer [ ]
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Smaller Reporting Company [ X ]
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes [ ] No [X]
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $0
Number of common voting shares issued and outstanding as of April 12, 2017 the latest practicable date: 20,083,381shares of common stock
Pages
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PART I
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Item 1.
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Business
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3
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Item 1A.
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Risk Factors
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16
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Item 1B.
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Unresolved Staff Comments
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23
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Item 2.
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Properties
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23
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Item 3.
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Legal Proceedings
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23
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Item 4.
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Mine Safety Disclosures
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23
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PART II
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Item 5.
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Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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24
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Item 6.
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Selected Financial Data
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25
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Item 7.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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25
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Item 7A.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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28
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Item 8.
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Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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28
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Item 9.
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Change in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
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30
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Item 9A.
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Controls And Procedures
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30
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Item 9B.
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Other Information
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31
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PART III
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Item 10.
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Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
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31
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Item 11.
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Executive Compensation
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32
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Item 12.
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
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33
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Item 13.
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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
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33
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Item 14.
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Principal Accountant Fees and Services
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33
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PART IV
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Item 15.
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Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
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34
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2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this annual report include, among others, statements regarding our capital needs, business plans and expectations. Such forward-looking statements involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties regarding, among others, the success of our business plan, availability of funds, the successful development of our intended products, achieving successful testing of our products, adhering to government regulations, obtaining regulatory approvals our ability to manufacture and market our products, operating costs, our ability to achieve significant revenues, our business model and products and other factors. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. All dollar amounts refer to US dollars unless otherwise indicated. Statements concerning the development of both the MIDS Medical products and the Sgenia products have been made based on information obtained from MIDS Medical and Zenon Biosystem, respectively which the Company believes to be accurate, but have not been independently verified.
In evaluating these statements, you should consider various factors, including the assumptions, risks and uncertainties outlined in this annual report on Form 10-K under "Risk Factors". These factors or any of them may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement made in this prospectus. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding future events, our actual results will likely vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested herein. The forward-looking statements in this prospectus are made as of the date of this prospectus and we do not intend or undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results, except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States.
As used in this annual report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “the Company”, and “Zenosense” mean Zenosense, Inc., unless otherwise indicated.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Corporate History
Zenosense, Inc. was incorporated on August 11, 2008 in the State of Nevada. Our authorized common stock currently consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares of common stock, with par value of $0.001.
The original purpose of the company was to acquire and to develop mineral properties and to engage in the exploration for gold and other mineral properties. On May 15, 2013, our mining lease expired and we lost our right to explore the mining property. We then became a shell company, as defined under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, until December 4, 2013, when we entered into the transaction with Sgenia described below.
In the summer of 2013, we started to look for a new business opportunity. We became interested in sensory technology devices for use in hospitals and health care environments. During the latter part of that year, we began to negotiate a license agreement with the developers of such technology (the “Sgenia Technology”), and in December 2013, we entered into a Development and Exclusive License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Sgenia Industrial, S.L. (“Sgenia”) and its subsidiaries Sgenia Soluciones, S.L. (“Sgenia Subsidiary”) and ZENON Biosystem, S.L. (“Zenon”), all of which are formed under the laws of Spain. Under the License Agreement product development to date include one to be used in the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus/Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA/SA”) in the healthcare environment and another for use to detect lung cancer in patients. Under the terms of the License Agreement, we have provided Zenon with capital for the development of the devices that utilizes the Sgenia Technology (the “Sgenia Products”), in exchange for a worldwide, exclusive license to manufacture, market and sell the resulting products, subject to certain limitations and a royalty arrangement on a revenue sharing basis. The License Agreement gives us additional rights to improvements and developments to the Sgenia Products and future products using the Sgenia Technology. The Company is not currently funding any further development of the Sgenia Technology as certain milestones set forth in the License Agreement have not yet been achieved. Currently, we cannot estimate if and when those milestones will be met, and we have not sought financing for our funding obligations under the License Agreement at this time.
In May 2016, we were presented with the opportunity to participate with a third party in the development of a novel Point of Care medical diagnostic device targeting cardiac markers with the aim of developing a device for the rapid diagnosis of heart attack and cardiac related illnesses. On June 20, 2016, the Company entered into a joint venture arrangement by way of a Subscription and Shareholders’ Agreement (“MML SSA”) with a third party medical detection device developer (“Partner”) utilizing a joint venture vehicle, MIDS Medical Ltd (“MML”), a UK Limited company of which the Company owns a 40% interest awarded on July 1, 2016, in exchange for our participation in management and funding obligation to support MML during a Phase 1 and prospectively during a Phase 2 development of the Partner’s MIDS universal immunoassay detection technology platform (“MIDS”) and the development of a cardiac device (“MIDS Cardiac”) for use at the Point of Care (“POC”).
To date, our principal operations have been the management of our obligations under the MML SSA and the License Agreement, including the product review, budget determination and capital funding of the development of the MML and Sgenia Products.
In December 2013, we filed an amendment to our charter to change our name from “Braeden Valley Mines, Inc.” to “Zenosense, Inc.” and to increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock from 50,000,000 shares to 500,000,000 shares. The amendments were approved by our stockholders in November 23, 2013 at the annual meeting of the stockholders. We also entered into capital contribution agreements to reduce the number of outstanding shares held by our prior management, converted some outstanding debt and raised initial working capital, in part to be able to finalize the License Agreement and make the initial development payment.
As a result of the change of our corporate name to Zenosense, Inc., the trading symbol of the company changed to “ZENO.”
Business
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, we actively were engaged in the development of our Point of Care medical diagnostic business. Our core focus, through our joint venture entity, MML, is the development of a novel Point of Care medical diagnostic device targeting cardiac markers which can deliver a high sensitivity assay for the rapid diagnosis of heart attack and cardiac related illnesses. The trend toward greater POC testing is driven by the faster diagnostic benefits it provides. Other reasons have also emerged for the high demand of POC testing, including clinical staff shortages, an ageing population, long-term healthcare cost savings and a decrease in reliance on conventional laboratory services.
3
MML SSA
We entered into the MML SSA with the Partner, effective June 20, 2016, as subsequently amended on September 28, 2016 and January 31, 2017. These amendments primarily reflected changes in the timings of funds required under the development budget which included a change to the original plan to allow MML to explore a potential enhancement to the MIDS nanoparticle detection method and the exploration of the potential development of a “Magnetic Bridge” detection technique based on the MIDS technology. On January 19, 2017 MML submitted a patent application for this new detection method: "Device and method for accurate measurement of magnetic particles in assay apparatus". Under the terms of the SSA, we were was awarded a 40% equity interest in MML in exchange for management participation and providing funding to support MML during a Phase 1 and prospectively during a Phase 2 development of the Partner’s MIDS universal immunoassay detection technology. MML will have the right, under license, to use the MIDS Intellectual Property (“MIDS IP”) during the development and the MIDS IP will be transferred to MML in the event MML concludes a commercial deal for MIDS with a third party. At no time prior to a sale will the Company’s ownership interest in MML be an equity interest of less than 30%, unless the Company is in default. As a condition of the SSA, MML has entered into a Supply of Services Agreements under which it receives the services of key personnel related to the MIDS development.
Provided that each Phase 1 Payment is made within 14 days of falling due, the Company also has additional control rights over MML including representation on the board of directors, rights over the appointment and employment of senior management persons, indebtedness, major transactions, budget approval rights, accounting practices and general operational management supervisory rights. The SSA also provides for a Phase 1 contingency funding (the “Contingency”) to be available after March 31, 2017 in an aggregate amount of up to £45,000 (approximately $64,000) to be paid by the Company within 20 days of receiving a written notice from MML.
The SSA contains various provisions to govern the funding obligations of the Company: if any Phase 1 Payment is not made within 14 days of it falling due (“Default”), the Company’s shareholding in MML may be reduced to zero; if no Contingency is drawn during Phase 1 the Partner will be awarded an enduring 2.5% profit after tax right in MML (“Override”) which will increase to a 15% Override if the Company declines to fund Stage 2; if the Company declines to fund Phase 2 and any Contingency has been drawn, the Partner will be awarded a 15% Override decreased by 0.5% for each £7,500 tranche of Contingency drawn down during Phase 1. Any Override will convert on a ratio of 1% Override to 1% of ordinary shares in the event of a sale of MML.
The Company’s funding obligation for product development under Phase 1 is subject to an approved budget under the SSA, as amended. Through December 31, 2016, the Company has provided funding for the MML development of $292,500, and as of that date it has a potential future current obligation to fund approximately $357,500 through the remainder of 2017 for Phase 1 development. The budget may be modified, but only after agreement between us and our Partner. A Phase 2 development is envisaged and subject to the successful conclusion of Phase 1, the Company and the Partner will formulate a new budget at which point MML may independently elect to obtain funding for Phase 2 at MML’s option.
The License Agreement is governed by English law, and the venue for actions based on the SSA will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
Background of MML
MML has licensed in (from the Partner) a Point of Care (POC), universal immunoassay reader platform (“MIDS”) that intends to deliver gold standard laboratory analyzer levels of precision and sensitivity in a hand held device. The MIDS platform will initially be developed to read high sensitivity assays for the main cardiac biomarker troponin I (cTnI, and Troponin T, cTnT), a critical marker for myocardial infarction (“MI”, “Heart Attack”). A further aim is to create a system capable of testing a panel of up to three cardiac biomarkers from the same sample.
MML comprises of a small technical team with deep expertise and knowledge in the application of magnetism and electronics into immunoassay POC testing.
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Dr. Nasser Djennati is a UMIST graduate with extensive experience in instrumentation design, analogue and digital electronics, IT, sensor design and specifically in magnetic nanoparticle applications within the medical POC device area. He has 20 years expertise in Hall Effect technology and magnetic field measurement and experience in the regulatory approvals process for Class II- a medical device products.
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Dr. Andrew Mitchell is a UMIST graduate with a background in the Aerospace and Energy Generation Sectors. Andrew has a proven track record in design and implementation of a range of high specification, complex electronics and data communication systems operating to a strict safety and type approval standards.
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MML’s team is supported by subcontracting companies expert in the fields of nano-magnetic sensor design and production, microfluidics and assay development.
MML’s board of directors includes Dr. Nasser Djennati, Dr. Andrew Mitchell and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Gil.
MML’s offices and laboratory are located at the UK Government supported Sci-Tech Daresbury campus in the UK. Sci-Tech Daresbury is internationally recognized for leading-edge scientific research and commercial development.
4
Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Markers
There are over 175,000 heart attacks in the UK each year, equating to one every three minutes1. This means that each day, approximately 480 people will go to hospital after suffering a heart attack - equivalent to one person every three minutes2.
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The number of heart attack survivors has doubled in the last 40 years as research and healthcare continues to improve.
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A 2012 NHS report showed the mortality rate in England during 2002-10 fell by 50% in men and 53% in women3.
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Time is of the essence when someone has had or is having a heart attack. Immediate action is critical to limit damage and optimize a better recovery for the patient4. Health care professionals refer to this time frame as the “Golden Hour,“5 which described the critical one hour from the onset of a heart attack. Most deaths occur during this period if not treated properly6.
Clinical guidelines on chest pain of recent onset recommend taking a blood sample for troponin I or T measurement on initial assessment in hospital as the preferred biochemical markers to diagnose acute MI7. The guideline further recommends a second troponin measurement to be taken 10 to 12 hours after the onset of symptoms8.
This guidance offers the following guidelines for assessment in hospital for people with suspected ACS;
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Take a resting 12-lead ECG and a blood sample for troponin I or T measurement on arrival in hospital
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Carry out a physical examination
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Take a detailed clinical history unless ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction is confirmed from the resting 12-lead ECG
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However, the diagnostic sensitivity of an ECG has been reported as only 55 – 75% for acute myocardial infarction9.
Cardiovascular diseases represent more than 30% of all deaths globally, which is larger than the combined deaths of other diseases such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory diseases and digestive diseases10.
Cardiac markers are biomarkers measured to evaluate heart function. They are used in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with chest pain and suspected acute coronary syndrome11.
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A troponin test measures the levels troponin T or troponin I proteins in the blood12. These proteins are released when the heart muscle has been damaged, such as occurs with a heart attack13.
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The more damage there is to the heart, the greater the amount of troponin there will be in the blood.
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Troponins are preferred over traditional markers, such as CK-MB or myoglobin, due to their greater specificity and sensitivity14.
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Death from cardiovascular diseases can be preventable with accurate early-stage diagnosis and subsequent proper treatment15.
1 https://www.bhf.org.uk/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2014/august/35-per-cent-more-heart-attacks
2 https://www.bhf.org.uk/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2014/august/35-per-cent-more-heart-attacks
3 http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/01January/Pages/heart-attack-death-rate-reduction.aspx
4 http://www.justforhearts.org/2013/07/hour-after-heart-attack-golden-hour-after-heart-attack/
5 http://www.justforhearts.org/2013/07/hour-after-heart-attack-golden-hour-after-heart-attack/
6 http://www.justforhearts.org/2013/07/hour-after-heart-attack-golden-hour-after-heart-attack/
7 http://madox.org/horizon-scanning-reports/20110013/point-of-care-test-for-cardiac-troponin
8 http://madox.org/horizon-scanning-reports/20110013/point-of-care-test-for-cardiac-troponin
9 http://www.bivda.co.uk/GeneralInformation/Laboratory/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/127/Default.aspx
10 BCC Research (2013). HLC007H - Global Markets for Rapid Medical Diagnostic Kits
11 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/811905-overview
12 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007452.htm
13 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007452.htm
14 Cardiac Biomarkers Technologies and Global Markets, 2014. BCC Research, BIO128A.
15 BCC Research (2013). HLC007H - Global Markets for Rapid Medical Diagnostic Kits
5
Troponin tests
Due to their increased sensitivity and specificity compared with CK-MB and other conventional biomarkers, troponins have been the preferred choice for the diagnosis of heart attacks16. The financial pressure on the NHS of patients occupying beds and requiring monitoring during a traditional 12–24 hour troponin test window is clear17.
Large cost savings can be made by reducing amount of time a patient would normally spend in A&E waiting for the results of a laboratory troponin test.
If MIDS Medical’s rapid POCT was introduced many patients could avoid undergoing further tests, and beds could be cleared faster. It is estimated it could save the NHS around £200 million a year18, notwithstanding that a MIDS POC troponin test would command a substantial premium in price over a standard laboratory troponin test.
Proposed MML Product Development
MML’s immunoassay diagnostic platform is being developed into a novel POC cardiac device, MIDS Cardiac, which aims to detect extremely low levels (nano-Tesla) of magnetic field disturbance caused by assay test particles. This is expected to enable high sensitivity assays, previously only available on central laboratory analyzers, in a POC setting, on a small, hand-held device. The system is fully automated from the point of application of a small finger-stick blood sample to a test strip - encompassing sample collection, pre-treatment, analyte specific reaction, signal production, signal reaction and final result.
The technology will incorporate microfluidic strip design, displacement flow immunoassay, magnetic nanoparticle manipulation and a double detection technique comprised of bespoke ‘Hall Effect’ sensors and an optical sensor, which, when combined, will increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the result. The platform’s microfluidic strip will include a sample deposition area, where antibody coated magnetic nanoparticles will be bonded onto the surface. These nanoparticles will only be dislodged if a biomarker is present within the patient’s sample. Upon displacement, the fluid containing the nanoparticles and biomarker will move downstream along the strip’s adapted channels towards collection/sensing areas. These areas will be placed into an external bias magnetic field, which will enable the Hall Effect sensors to detect any magnetic field disturbances caused by the nanoparticles. The level of displacement, and hence the biomarker’s presence, will also be quantified using an optical sensor at the sample deposition surface by taking a reading before and after the progression of the assay.
MIDS Cardiac will initially be developed using the main cardiac biomarker troponin I (cTnI), a critical marker for myocardial infarction. The aim is to create a system capable of testing a range of cardiac biomarkers from the same sample.
The MIDS technology’s aims to deliver certain key USPs as follows:
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Improve the accuracy of immunoassay biomarker detection to provide quantitative measurements of samples, effectively combining the accuracy of high sensitivity cardiac biomarker assays performed on central laboratory analyzers (“CL”) with the speed and convenience of a POC, hand held device;
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Rapid analytical time; 3 minutes for a single assay test, much faster than existing, less sensitive POC tests19 and very much faster than CL analyzer tests;
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Accuracy and sensitivity will permit the use, for the first time, of rapid HS cTnI tests able to rule / in rule out MI, at the POC;
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Ability to use just a 5 ul (a small drop) of finger-stick blood for a single assay test on an easy to use microfluidic test strip, no other POC cTnI device can do this as they require venous draw20;
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Ability to multiplex up to three assays on a single test strip using a <15ul finger stick blood sample in under 8 minutes; and
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Very simple operation by relatively untrained operative - can be used very easily at first contact with patient delivering fully automated results with no requirement for expert interpretation by a highly skilled operative.
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16 Cardiac Biomarkers Technologies and Global Markets, 2014. BCC Research, BIO128A.
17 Getting to the heart of point-of-care testing in A&E (2009). The Biomedical Scientist.
18 http://www.britishcardiacresearch.org/Treadmill%20-%20MailOnline.pdf
19 Amundson and Apple 2014
20 Amundson and Apple 2014
6
Emergency department
Patients presenting symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represent a sizable proportion of total attendees in the emergency department21.
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In the UK, around 700,000 patients attend hospital emergency departments each year with chest pains22.
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The current standard policy for dealing with patients admitted in these circumstances is to take a troponin measurement on admission and then again 12 hours afterwards to rule out acute myocardial infarction23.
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A typical district general hospital will see around 6,500 patients present with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin each year24.
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NHS Glasgow had reported a lower number of 3,000 patients every year who come to the hospital as an emergency with chest pain25.
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Approximately 70% of patients who are admitted to A&E with suspicion of ACS are later ruled out after further investigation26. Conversely, a significant number of patients with ACS are mistakenly discharged home from the emergency department, resulting in avoidable patient mortality27.
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Approximately 2 to 4% of patients with an ACS are mistakenly discharged28.
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Around 14,000 and 50,000 patients a year are wrongly sent home by doctors having suffered a mild heart attack that has been missed by current testing methods29.
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Subsequently, medical litigation arising from missed diagnosis is increasing at the rate of 20%30.
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A way of rapidly and accurately assessing risk status in suspected patients with ACS would benefit efficiency of the emergency department, patient care, and outcomes31.
Many of the existing practices, including current POC technologies available, lack the required sensitivity and accuracy to provide fully quantitative measurements; a pre requisite now demanded by healthcare professionals of future POC devices. Many use lateral flow systems that limit the ability of the technology to quantify and detect biomarkers requiring multiple reagents.
Cardiac Biomarker Market
The global market for in vitro diagnostic tests (both lab based and POC) for cardiac biomarkers was estimated at $3.1 billion in 2012 and nearly $4 billion in 2013. This market is predicted to reach $7.2 billion by 2018, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% over the five-year period from 2013 to 201832. The main growth drivers will be new congestive heart failure (CHF) biomarkers, approvals of stroke biomarkers, the growing market in point-of-care testing and the rising awareness of medical care in China and other developing countries33.
The cardiac marker market is expected to be the fastest growing point of care market segment through to 201834.
The U.S. has the largest share of the cardiac biomarker market, estimated at roughly $2.0 billion in 2013 with a CAGR of 9.6% forecast from 2013–2018, which will help the U.S. maintain its leading position in the market35.
In 2013, the European market was valued at about $800 million barely beating out China as the second-largest market behind the U.S.
21 http://ccforum.com/content/18/6/692
22 https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/2-million-study-to-check-if-chest-scans-can-cut-heart-attack-risk
23 Getting to the heart of point-of-care testing in A&E (2009). The Biomedical Scientist.
24 Getting to the heart of point-of-care testing in A&E (2009). The Biomedical Scientist.
25 NHS Great Glasgow and Clyde. (2014). Health News.
26 http://ccforum.com/content/18/6/692
27 http://ccforum.com/content/18/6/692
28 http://nihlibrary.ors.nih.gov/jw/POC/Uacs.htm
29 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/10842637/Thousands-of-womens-lives-to-be-saved-by-heart-attack-test.html
30 http://www.bivda.co.uk/GeneralInformation/Laboratory/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/127/Default.aspx
31 http://ccforum.com/content/18/6/692
32 Cardiac Biomarkers: Technologies and Global Markets, 2014. BCC Research, BIO128A.
33 Cardiac Biomarkers: Technologies and Global Markets, 2014. BCC Research, BIO128A.
34 BCC Research (2012). HLCO43C - Point of Care Diagnostics.
35 Cardiac Biomarkers: Technologies and Global Markets, 2014. BCC Research, BIO128A.
7
Development stage
Initial development has commenced on the MIDS project, including the specification of a bench rig designed to support first stage testing of a sample of Hall Effect Sensors already supplied to MML in order to examine their behavior in the detection of magnetic nanoparticles – the core MIDS technology – and to determine how these Hall Effect Sensors should be optimized prior to integration in a micro fluidic test strip.
Initial testing of 15.2 nm magnetite nanoparticles in 5 mg/ml aqueous solution has shown excellent linearity of average system output signal against sample drop volume and high levels of output signal, even at sample volumes down to 15 nanolitre size.
The next stage of the Phase 1 development program will be to develop a “Hybrid Strip” to be used in conjunction with a newly designed test rig, to simulate a final Lab-on-Chip design which is expected to result in greatly improved detection of low numbers of nano-particles.
Under our arrangement with MML, either MML or our Partner currently is responsible for determining the commercialization strategy. Therefore, they will be the primary party responsible for the regulatory approval process, other aspects of licensing, manufacturing or other production and marketing. The Company will have a secondary management and oversight role in the aspects of commercialization.
Sgenia License Agreement
We entered into the License Agreement, effective December 4, 2013, which was subsequently amended, with Sgenia, Sgenia Subsidiary and Zenon that was initially oriented towards the development of a MRSA/SA detection device. Because the License Agreement covered improvements and variations to the device and other devices based on the Sgenia Technology for use in the hospital and health care environments, the License Agreement was amended and specifically extended to include an additional product to be used for the detection of lung cancer in patients. In exchange for our funding the development of the Sgenia Products, we obtain a worldwide, exclusive license to manufacture, market and sell the resulting products, subject to certain limitations and a royalty arrangement on a revenue sharing basis.
Under the License Agreement, as amended, based on our capital resources and the success of the research activities, we will fund the development of the Sgenia Products pursuant to a research and development plan proposed by Sgenia. Development includes the testing of a potential device. The funding will be provided on an advance basis, per month, based on three development stages during the period to be funded. In return, we will have the exclusive right to manufacture, formulate, package, market and sell the Sgenia Products world-wide, for 40 years, subject to a limitation on the inclusion of Spain. All intellectual property developed by Sgenia and/or Zenon at any time during the term related to the manufacturing, formulating and/or packaging processes shall be shared ownership and licensed to us on a royalty-free basis. Sgenia will also supply to us, at a negotiated price based on quantity, all of the requirements for the integrated circuits on microchips that are necessary for the operation of the Sgenia Products. Sgenia, Zenon and the Company will also work together to research and develop the Sgenia Products and establish written plans and reviewing committees for the management of the overall development project and commercialization of the Sgenia Products.
The Company’s funding obligation for product development is subject to an approved budget and achieving each stage of development. Through December 31, 2016, the Company provided funding for the Sgenia Products of approximately $769,787, and as of that date it has a potential future current obligation to fund approximately €656,000 euros through the remainder of 2016 and early part of 2017. The budget may be modified, but only after collaboration and approval by us in our sole discretion. As future products are determined, the Company will formulate new budget obligations and funding requirements.
In light of our current inability to fund our operations and fund the Sgenia license and the fact that the Sgenia research is delayed, we reviewed with Sgenia the development schedule and funding requirements for the initial products and requirements to develop the cancer sensory devices, and have agreed in principle to an alternative development schedule which would result in the lengthening of the developmental schedule for these products and an increase of the budget requirements. The schedule and funding will be finalized once we have obtained sufficient funding, for which we cannot give any assurance that we will be able to obtain.
Sgenia and Zenon are responsible for regulatory filings in jurisdictions selected by the Company, subject to the collaborative process and any regulatory approvals are jointly owned by the parties to the License Agreement.
The expenses of meeting the regulatory requirements will be borne by the Company, subject to its right to approve the regulatory budget, which is separate from the development funding budget.
In addition to providing the development and regulatory funding, the Company will also pay Zenon royalties for completed sales of the Sgenia Products, payable 60 days after each fiscal quarter of the Company (the “Royalties”). The Royalties will be 20% of net sales, which is calculated based on gross sales of the device and the installation and training for the Sgenia Products, less various expenses, including manufacturing, components acquired from Sgenia, commissions, refunds and discounts and sales taxes. If the Sgenia Products are sold by Sgenia or Zenon in Spain for original use in Spain, then the Royalties will be reduced. The Company also has the right to sublicense to other parties throughout the world, except in Spain if and when, if at all, Sgenia or Zenon seek to act as the distributor in that territory.
Sgenia and Zenon have granted the Company the first right to negotiate for a license to any improvements and variations of the Sgenia Products that are not currently included in the license or other commercial uses of the sensory technology that is based on the Sgenia patents for use in relation to hospital acquired infections, which currently are not licensed under the License Agreement, and for products developed for any other commercial uses for the sensory technology based on the patents held by Sgenia Soluciones and its affiliates.
The License Agreement may be terminated by either party if a party commits a material breach that is not cured in 90 days after the non-breaching party provides a notice of the breach. Upon the termination of the License Agreement for any reason other than the Company’s failure to cure a material breach, the Company has the right to dispose of any of the Sgenia Products then on hand, and to complete orders for Sgenia Products then on order.
All the parties have agreed to various collaboration obligations to assure and maintain the quality of the Sgenia Products, to oversee manufacturing, marketing and pricing and achieving marketing objectives. The obligations extend to the budgeting and expense of development of the Sgenia Products.
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Sgenia will be the exclusive supplier of the integrated circuits for the Sgenia Products, which it will be responsible for manufacturing and imprinting with the necessary circuitry.
The Sgenia Products, once manufactured and distributed, may only be sold under the limited warranties of having been manufactured in accordance with specifications, practices and procedures established by the parties, to be free of material defects and free from contamination and to be manufactured and labeled in accordance with applicable health laws and regulations.
Sgenia is responsible for prosecuting, maintaining and protecting its patents and patent applications on which the Sgenia Products are based. The Company may request Sgenia to take action to stop competitive infringement of the Sgenia Products, and take over the responsibility for such action if Sgenia does not act, and retain any award achieved by Company action.
The License Agreement is governed by New York law, and the venue for actions based on the License Agreement is to be in New York.
Background of Sgenia
Sgenia and its subsidiaries are known for its sensor development and is a supplier of sensors related to the control of the Tokamak device used in a nuclear fusion research project. The Tokamak is one of several types of magnetic confinement devices, and is one of the most-researched candidates for producing controlled thermonuclear fusion power. Sgenia is a developer and supplier of the sensors, as well as the sensor technology, applied to the control system. Sgenia has also produced an algal contamination detector for use in water supply applications. The algal sensor scans for the volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) emitted by the target algae. The VOCs form a unique “chemical signature” which may be detected to rapidly and effectively determine the presence or absence of the algae. The Sgenia detector is effectively an electronic “nose” that can “smell” this signature. This algae sensor system underwent a successful eighteen month trial and is under contract with a Madrid area water supplier in Spain. It is likely to be rolled out as a networked solution across the water company’s operations.
The Sgenia team of engineers and scientists are considered very skilled and have years of experience. The team that will be employed in the development of our product will include Mr. J. Lama, MBA, BSc, a materials engineer, Ms. M. I. Gil, a specialist in sensor technologies and advanced technical and software development and Mr. G. Roman Perez, a physicist. In addition, the team requires several biologists contracted to Zenon, including molecular biologists and biochemists specializing in bacterial physiology and genetics, clinical microbiology and molecular biology. The team’s combined skillset includes deep knowledge of the clinical genetics to be addressed in order to program and refine the sensory technology so that it can detect SA and ideally discriminate between MRSA and SA in the health care delivery environment and so that it can be used to detect lung cancer in patients. Variously, members of the team are business (biotechnology) management qualified, have co-authored numerous scientific publications, taught as professor, have experience of the practical clinical setting in hospital and have co-invented patents for others.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer in both men and women in the United States, with an estimated 226,160 new cases and 164,770 deaths in 2012. The five year survival rate for lung cancer is 16%36, killing more people than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined37. The primary reason lung cancer is so deadly is that only 30% of diagnoses are made in the early stages (Stages I and II). Stage I lung cancer has a 70% cure rate, but by Stage III or later fewer than 25% of cases can be cured.
Consequently there is a huge need to find a solution to detect lung cancer at an early stage. In 2002 the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) was launched, using Computed Tomography (CT) for rapid screening at low dose38. The study looked at 53,454 current or former heavy smokers from 33 medical centers in the US. Results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on August 4, 2011 which reported that low-dose CT scanning was associated with a 20% decrease in deaths from lung cancer. However, there are a number of uncertainties and apparent limits of lung CT screening. These include39:
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High rates of false positives – a non-calcified nodule of any size will be found in 50% of those screened and 98% of those will be false positives
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Over diagnosis – cancers identified and treated which, if left alone, would not have impacted long-term morbidity or mortality
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Radiation Risks – concern over the risks of radiation exposure associated with serial CT imaging and its role in the development of future lung or other cancer
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Cost-effectiveness – the NLST found that the number of high-risk patients needed to be screened with CT to save one life from lung cancer was 320. Consequently, estimates of the cost of CT screening vary from as low as $19,000 up to about $169,000 per life-year saved
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36 http://www.mayoclinic.org/documents/mc2985-1012-pdf/doc-20079003),
http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2016/02/27/want-to-live-long-and-prosper-dont-smoke/).
38 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lung_Screening_Trial
39 http://www.mayoclinic.org/documents/mc2985-1012-pdf/doc-20079003
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Healthcare –Associated Infections (HAI’s) and MRSA
HAI’s or infections acquired in healthcare settings are the most frequent adverse event in healthcare delivery worldwide, with hundreds of millions of patients affected by healthcare-associated infections, leading to significant mortality and financial losses for health systems. Of every 100 hospitalized patients at any given time, 7 in developed and 10 in developing countries will acquire at least one HAI40.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the US Department of Health and Human Sciences, estimate that one in every 20 patients treated in U.S. hospitals develop an HAI. Approximately 2 million HAIs are associated with nearly 100,000 deaths each year and directly responsible for at least 23,000 deaths per year in the United States alone (http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#page=11).
The CDC takes the view that advanced molecular detection technologies, which can identify threats much faster than current practice, are not being used as widely as necessary in the United States, and that developing better diagnostic tools to rapidly and accurately find sources of contamination will improve antibiotic use41.
Recent studies suggest that implementing prevention practices can lead to up to a 70 per cent reduction in certain HAIs42 43. The financial benefit of using these prevention practices is estimated in a report released by CDC to be as high as $25.0 billion to $31.5 billion in medical cost savings in the United States44.
MRSA continues to account for a significant proportion of HAIs and is regarded as one of the most important causes of antimicrobial-resistant HAIs worldwide45.Furthermore, MRSA is becoming resistant to a growing number of antibiotics46.
Proposed Zenosense MRSA/SA Product
Under our license agreement, Sgenia will develop a MRSA/SA device for Zenosense based on the sensor platform already developed by Sgenia, but with modifications so that it can use a single low cost sensor to sample the air and continuously monitor for the airborne the VOC signatures emitted by MRSA/SA. The MRSA/SA VOC signatures are emitted when the bacteria has infected and expressed itself as a disease in the patient. We believe that MRSA/SA can be detected prior to the patient being obviously symptomatic, enabling an earlier intervention to contain and control its effect and spread.
Our MRSA/SA detection device is intended to be low cost because it will employ standard components, with the only proprietary elements being the Sgenia chip with its pre-loaded processing software. Essentially, the device is intended to work by utilizing a single standard sensor to continuously scan for the MRSA/SA signature spectrum of the VOC. In the proposed Sgenia developed MRSA/SA device a single sensor will perform the entire VOC spectrum scan, as Sgenia’s adaptive processing software enables it to perform an effectively infinite number of scans, creating tens of thousands of “virtual sensors” from a single sensor. The proposed product is being designed to eliminate the need for 8 to 32 sensors (as in competitor devices) with all the supporting processors, circuit boards and power supply, where each sensor is pre-set to detect a certain part of the MRSA/SA spectrum of VOCs. It is expected that our product will result in a huge cost saving compared to a product requiring an array of individual sensors.
At the detection stage the VOC detection will be electronically processed and will be pattern processed in a neural network on the patented applied for Sgenia hardware. The patent application was made on the January 17, 2013, under the reference P201330048with the title (translated from Spanish) “Method of Analysis of a gas and artificial nose”.
The patent application description refers to: a method that allows the use of a single sensor to act as an unlimited number of sensors: a method of analysis of a gas through an artificial bio-inspired “nose” of general application that uses strategies for adaptive modulation of the sensor's parameters to fit the detection purpose of the nose. This enables an artificial nose of smaller dimensions than one with multiple sensors resulting in good portability, a wide range of applicability and reduced production costs.
The proposed device will also be designed to effectively “learn” to identify the MRSA/SA VOC signature. The VOC signature is referenced to parameters in Sgenia’s software so as to enable continual scanning across the MRSA/SA VOC spectrum to recognize the VOC patterns and contamination positioning - the system will be designed to be able to discriminate between bacterial VOCs and contamination. The algorithmic software will be protected as an Industrial Secret by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) “lock and key” encryption on Sgenia’s chip.
The device is intended to be produced in two forms: 1) a low cost wearable / bed positioned device, powered by a rechargeable battery to be positioned on the person; patients and medical staff, and in the event of any infection, the MRSA device will detect the VOCs produced by the infected person and express an audio/visual alarm; and 2) an adapted, fixed device positioned in the room, mains powered, with culture-amplification of any MRSA/SA presence, to monitor the room volume, which would be network monitored.
The device is intended to detect MRSA or SA. In the event of a positive detection further personal, conventional tests would be used to discriminate between MRSA and SA, as both infections require specific treatment. The MRSA/SA VOC detection range is estimated to correlate to an approximate 3 meter “bubble” around an infected patient, ideal for a wearable device. However, it is our intention to explore during the development program whether MRSA versus SA VOC signatures can be discriminated by the device. The Sgenia detection technology is very sensitive. If the VOC signature of the genetically different MRSA can be separated from the signature of SA, there is a prospect that such a discriminatory device can be developed.
A prototype device was created, which in the laboratory setting successfully achieved a sensibility detection rate greater than 95% on cultured headspace in a series of tests over a two week period in a clinical setting. The next major developmental step is to progress to Quartz Crystal Microbalance sensor testing, sensitivity testing against VOC biomarkers, assessment of accuracy and repeatability, and review the sensitivity to temperature, humidity and gas interference factors. This developmental step will be difficult to achieve in a technical sense, and if this is not successful, the design of the device may have to be altered or it may be determined that the device cannot be manufactured and used on a commercial scale. At this time it is early to formulate a conclusion about the device.
40 http://www.who.int/gpsc/country_work/gpsc_ccisc_fact_sheet_en.pdf?ua=1
41 http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#page=27
42 http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=17
43 http://medicalworldamericas.com/hospital-acquired-infections/
44 http://www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/hai/scott_costpaper.pdf
45 http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/annual-epidemiological-report-2013.pdf
46 http://www.pewhealth.org/reports-analysis/issue-briefs/mrsa-a-deadly-pathogen-with-fewer-and-fewer-treatment-options-85899380134
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Proposed Zenosense Cancer Detection Product
As a result of the work performed by Zenon for the MRSA/SA product and based on the Sgenia Technology, an additional product has been developed intended for use in detecting lung cancer in patients. The Company believes that a cost-effective lung cancer detector that analyzes exhaled breath could meet or exceed the accuracy of low dose Computed Tomography (CT) scanning. The Company further believes that such a device will have wide appeal and be in significant demand for the early detection of lung cancer.
The lung cancer detection device incorporates components designed to filter out the VOCs that must be excluded for optimized detection of target VOC biomarkers found in exhaled breath and associated with the incidence of lung cancer. These components and their elements include molecular sieves incorporated in complementary layered and mixed sensor structures to screen incoming VOCs, and a nanometric sensing mesh to maximize the detective area. Zenon has developed new metal oxide materials and combinations of metal oxides, a complementary quartz crystal sensor employing a gas sorbent substrate and a micro gas chromatography chip for pre-detection screening. All components are of a relatively low cost consistent with the Company's intent to create cost effective products.
Zenon manufactured prototype devices and, thereafter, entered into a collaboration agreement for a lung cancer detection trial in December 2015. The agreement for the trial is with a large university hospital and several associated hospitals located in the region of Madrid, Spain. The trial aims to identify certain distinctive volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, using standard laboratory instruments and techniques, alongside the Zenon lung cancer detection devices. Standard techniques will be used to identify lung cancer biomarkers previously determined to be of interest, and the Zenon devices will be tested as to their ability to detect those biomarkers. The results will be analyzed to determine the relative efficacy of the devices to detect lung cancer.
The initial trial is expected to take nine months and was scheduled for 2016. However, the trial commenced only in a limited capacity primarily due to Zenon failing to complete certain milestones in Stage One of the development plan. The Company believes this has impacted its ability to raise further funds to progress the development. We have received confirmation from Zenon that they can still proceed as planned once we secure adequate funding however this will be subject to cooperation and agreement from certain relevant hospitals which at this time cannot be relied upon. The trial is designed to examine samples from a 400 subject population split into four groups to cover apparently healthy smokers, non-smokers, and those with diagnosed lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Initially a total of three hospitals will be involved in the trial, the collaborating university hospital and two hospitals associated with it; the trial has been approved by the ethics committee of the university hospital which allows participation by any public hospital in Spain without further approvals. The intention, given this opportunity, is to considerably increase the size of the trial beyond the 400 subject population, subject to positive initial results. The costs to the Company associated with the 400 subject trial are expected to be lower than the amount set out in its development budget previously approved by the Company in July 2015 due to several factors. First, as a result of the hospital collaboration and the use of their equipment, there will no longer be a requirement to purchase SIFT/MA (or PTRMS) equipment resulting in a saving of approximately $269,000 as set out in the July budget. Secondly, there has been a significant strengthening of the United States Dollar which at this point also results in a significant reduction in the budget due to costs being paid in Euros.
During 2016 the Company only provided minimal development funding to Zenon under the Company’s License Agreement with Sgenia because of Zenon’s not completing Stage One of the development plan. The funds provided were to maintain the development project, and to assist Zenon in its efforts to complete Stage One and to begin work on Stage Two, in the expectation that the development project would progress once full funding was available. During 2016, the Company focused much of its efforts on trying to raise those funds.
Highlights of the development work in 2014 and 2015 included:
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A new sensor for MRSA was manufactured and tested (in-vivo) with 20 selected subjects, half of whom were carrying MRSA. There was no improvement of results and the target of 95% sensibility has not been achieved.
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A series of ten new nanosensors for the lung cancer device were manufactured and a final prototype of the lung cancer device was finished and two devices were manufactured. These two devices are intended to be used in the testing of patients during the hospital trial.
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Development of the algorithms to improve pattern recognition.
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Approval of the Ethical Committee to allow testing in three national hospitals in Spain.
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Preparation for and assessment of applying for intellectual property protection.
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Potential Revenue Lines
The Company currently does not generate any revenue. The potential for any revenue is dependent on the development of the MML and Sgenia Products, for which no assurance can be given. If the development of the MML and Sgenia Products is successful, the Company believes that its principal sources of revenues will be from sales of the Sgenia Products and service fees from the training of personnel in the use of the Sgenia Products. There is no assurance that a marketable product will be developed, approved by regulatory authorities, manufactured or successfully distributed and sold. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to generate any revenues in the future. The Company will need substantial funding for all the phases of its business plan before it is able to generate any revenues. The Company has no identified sources of capital for all aspects of its financial needs under the current business plan.
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Sgenia Manufacturing and Supplies
Under the License Agreement, the Company has the right to manufacture the Sgenia Products. The development plan of the Sgenia Products includes the obligation of the developer to create the manufacturing design and provide it to the Company for use by the selected product manufacture. The manufacturing design is to be provided on a royalty free basis. The Company and Sgenia and Zenon will collaborate on the manufacturing design, process and selection of manufacturer. Neither the Company nor Sgenia and Zenon have manufactured devices similar to the proposed Sgenia Products, therefore there can be no assurance that they will be successful in their designing of a product that can be manufactured on a commercial scale.
One of the essential components in the Sgenia Products is a microchip that carries the integrated circuits necessary for their operation. Sgenia and Zenon will provide the necessary microchip integrated circuit with the required microprocessing circuitry, which will be imprinted by Sgenia and Zenon at their facilities with the circuitry based on the intellectual property of Sgenia. Sgenia and Zenon will supply the chip to the Company on an as required basis, from time to time, at fixed, negotiated prices depending on the quantities ordered. Sgenia and Zenon have only obtained microchips on a test basis, to date, and therefore there can be no assurance of their ability to obtain the necessary quantities of the microchips and imprint them at their facilities in commercial quantities at the necessary quality level. While we believe Sgenia and Zenon will be able to adequately supply the Company requirements for this component, if they fail in their obligation, then under the terms of the License Agreement the Company has the right to obtain the microchip component from other suppliers and obtain the design of the circuitry from Sgenia and Zenon for our own manufacture of the microchips. No assurance can be given that in the event of a default by Sgenia and Zenon that the Company will be able to obtain the circuitry and to be able to continue to produce the Sgenia Products.
The Company plans to subcontract commercial manufacturing of the Sgenia Products. It is anticipated that a number of the parts will be standard electronic components that are readily available in the manufacturing market. For those components that are not obtained from open sources and not obtained from Sgenia and Zenon, the Company believes that there are numerous manufacturers throughout the world that are capable of producing the necessary additional parts that will comprise the Sgenia Products and that are capable of assembling the Sgenia Products, at a high quality level and efficient rate of production for prices that will work commercially within the projected pricing of the Sgenia Products. Notwithstanding this belief, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to locate all the necessary parts or be able to locate a competent manufacturer to assemble the devices at prices and quality levels to ensure product acceptance in the market.
MML Manufacturing and Sales
The MML technology is in development, design having taken place in mind for manufacturing, but with no manufacturing planned as yet. With the exception of the Sgenia specific microchip supply, any MML manufactured products will be subject to broadly the same risks as above. In addition, MML will rely on the supply of a bespoke nano-magnetic sensor from a particular chosen manufacturer. If required, there is no assurance a suitable alternative supplier can be found, as there are a limited number of suppliers in this field.
Regulation
The Company expects that both the MML and Sgenia Products (together the “Products”) will be subject to differing levels of regulation in each of their intended markets. Regulation will be oriented towards the efficacy of the Products for their intended purpose, in the healthcare environment and safety. Currently, the first market being contemplated for the MML Products is outside of the United States, followed by the United States and for the Sgenia products the United States. This will require obtaining approvals from the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) in advance of the manufacture and marketing and sale of the Sgenia Products. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”) and other federal and state statutes and regulations govern the research, design, development, preclinical and clinical testing, manufacturing, safety, approval or clearance, labeling, packaging, storage, record keeping, servicing, promotion, import and export, and distribution of medical devices.
In respect of the MRSA/SA device, because it is not based on in vitro analysis, the Company does not believe it will be subject to the FDA guidance relating to the analytical and clinical performance of nucleic acid-based in vitro diagnostic devices (“IVDs”) intended for the detection and differentiation of MRSA and SA, which was issued in 2011. That regulation is oriented to culture based, blood sample based analytics in laboratory settings. Notwithstanding that, we anticipate that our Sgenia Products will be regulated as a medical device.
Under the License Agreement, Sgenia and Zenon are responsible for obtaining the required regulatory approvals for the Sgenia Products. We have the right of notice and to participate in the regulatory process, and we will be responsible for funding the associated expenses. Sgenia and Zenon, as well as ourselves, have not ever before sought regulatory approval from the FDA or any other agency for any medical devices, including those in Europe. We plan to engage professionals to help or take over the regulatory process, which will add expense to our development costs that we cannot estimate at this time. There is no assurance that we will be able to pursue regulatory approval or obtain the necessary licensing.
Under the SSA, MML will be solely responsible for obtaining the required regulatory approvals for the MML Products.
FDA Regulation
Unless an exemption applies, we believe that each medical device that we plan to commercially distribute in the U.S. will require prior pre-market notification and 510(k) clearance from the FDA. Although we cannot determine with certainty at this time because the Products are still in the development stage, we believe that they will be categorized as either a Class I or Class II device.
The FDA classifies medical devices into one of three classes. Devices being placed in Class I or II require fewer controls because they are deemed to pose lower risk. Class I devices are subject to general controls such as labeling, pre-market notification, and adherence to the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (a set of current good manufacturing practice requirements put forth by the FDA, which governs the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the design, manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, installation and servicing of finished devices) (“QSR”). Class II devices are subject to special controls such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, FDA guidelines, as well as general controls. Some Class I and Class II devices are exempted by regulation from the premarket notification, or 510(k), clearance requirement or the requirement of compliance with certain provisions of the QSR. Devices will be placed in Class III and will require approval of a PMA application (i) if insufficient information exists to determine that the application of general controls or special controls of the device are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness, or (ii) if they are life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices, or (iii) if the FDA deems these devices to be “not substantially equivalent” either to a previously 510(k) cleared device or to a “pre-amendment” Class III device in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, for which PMA applications have not been required.
Clinical trials are sometimes required for a 510(k) clearance. These trials generally require submission of an application for an Investigational Device Exemption (“IDE”) to the FDA. An IDE application must be supported by appropriate data, such as laboratory testing results, and a testing protocol that is scientifically sound. The IDE application must be approved in advance by the FDA, unless the product is deemed a non-significant risk device and eligible for more abbreviated IDE requirements. The FDA’s approval of an IDE allows clinical testing to go forward, but does not bind the FDA to accept the results of the trial as sufficient to prove the product’s safety and effectiveness, even if the trial meets its intended success criteria.
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Any clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s IDE regulations that govern investigational device labeling, prohibit promotion of the investigational device, and specify an array of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring responsibilities of study sponsors and study investigators.
The withdrawal of previously received approvals or failure to comply with existing or future regulatory requirements would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
After a device is approved or cleared and placed in commercial distribution, numerous regulatory requirements apply. These include:
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establishment registration and device listing;
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QSR, which requires manufacturers to follow design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures;
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labeling regulations, which prohibit the promotion of products for unapproved or “off-label” uses and impose other restrictions on labeling;
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medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if a device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur; and
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corrections and removal reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA field corrections and product recalls or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FD&C Act that may present a risk to health.
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The FDA enforces regulatory requirements by conducting periodic, unannounced inspections and market surveillance. Inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of our subcontractors. Thus, we must continue to spend time, money, and effort to maintain compliance.
Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements may result in enforcement action by the FDA, which may lead to any of the following sanctions:
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warning letters;
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fines and civil penalties;
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unanticipated expenditures;
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delays in approving or refusal to approve our applications, including supplements;
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withdrawal of FDA approval;
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product recall or seizure;
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interruption of production;
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operating restrictions;
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injunctions; and
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criminal prosecution.
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Contract manufacturers, specification developers, and some suppliers of components will be required to manufacture the Segnia and MML's Products in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMP”) requirements set forth in the QSR. The QSR requires a quality system for the design, manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, installation and servicing of marketed devices, and includes extensive requirements with respect to quality management and organization, device design, equipment, purchase and handling of components, production and process controls, packaging and labeling controls, device evaluation, distribution, installation, complaint handling, servicing, and record keeping. The FDA enforces the QSR through periodic unannounced inspections that may include the manufacturing facilities of our subcontractors. We expect that subcontractors’ manufacturing facilities will be subject to domestic and international regulatory inspection and review. If the FDA believes contract manufacturers or regulated suppliers are not in compliance with these requirements, it can shut down the manufacturing operations of contract manufacturers, require recall of products, refuse to approve new marketing applications, institute legal proceedings to detain or seize products, enjoin future violations, or assess civil and criminal penalties against us or our officers or other employees. Any such action by the FDA would have a material adverse effect on our business. We cannot assure you that we or MML will be able to comply with all applicable FDA regulations.
Non-FDA United States Government Regulation
The advertising of our products will be subject to both FDA and Federal Trade Commission regulations. In addition, the sale and marketing of medical devices are subject to a complex system of federal and state laws and regulations intended to deter, detect, and respond to fraud and abuse in the healthcare system. These laws and regulations restrict and may prohibit pricing, discounting, commissions and other commercial practices that may be typical outside of the healthcare business. In particular, anti-kickback and self-referral laws and regulations will limit our flexibility in crafting promotional programs and other financial arrangements in connection with the sale of our products and related services, especially with respect to customers seeking reimbursement, if available, through Medicare or Medicaid and other government programs. Sanctions for violating federal laws include criminal and civil penalties that range from punitive sanctions, damage assessments, money penalties, imprisonment, denial of Medicare and Medicaid payments, or exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, or both. These laws also impose an affirmative duty on those receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding to ensure that they do not employ or contract with persons excluded from the Medicare and other government programs.
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Many states have adopted or are considering legislative proposals similar to the federal fraud and abuse laws, some of which extend beyond the Medicare and Medicaid programs. These state laws typically impose criminal and civil penalties similar to the federal laws.
In the ordinary course of their business, medical device manufacturers and suppliers have been and are subject regularly to inquiries, investigations and audits by federal and state agencies that oversee these laws and regulations. Federal and state legislation has increased funding for investigations and enforcement actions, which have increased dramatically over the past several years. This trend is expected to continue. Private enforcement of healthcare fraud also has increased, due in large part to amendments to the Civil False Claims Act in 1986 that were designed to encourage private persons to sue on behalf of the government. These whistleblower suits by private persons, known as qui tam relaters, may be filed by almost anyone, including physicians and their employees and patients, our employees, and even competitors.
International Device Regulation
The medical device regulatory process for international distribution is subject to government regulations that will vary by country from those having few or no regulations to those having extensive pre-market controls and pre-market acceptance.
In the EU, for example, medical devices require a Conformité Européenne (“CE”) Mark in order to be placed in the market. The CE Mark certifies that a product has met EU consumer safety, health and environmental requirements. CE marking requires meeting the conditions of the European Directive which relates to the medical device to be approved. These directives generally regulate the design, manufacture, clinical trials, labeling, and post-market surveillance reporting activities for medical devices. Once the CE mark has been duly applied to a device, the manufacturer may commercially distribute the product in all countries that are members of the European Union, and in several other countries that recognize the CE Mark, such as Switzerland and Turkey. Similar to the US, once the device has received the CE mark, companies are required to report certain serious adverse events, are required to conduct post-market surveillance, and in some countries are required to register or list the products.
The CE mark allows manufacturers to place products on the market and permits free movement of goods. The manufacturer/product owner and its authorized representative in the EU are responsible for all aspects of the product assessment, testing, documentation, declaration of conformity and CE marking, even where a formal processing agent, the notified body, is required, as in the case of non-European based manufacturers. In all cases the manufacturer and representative assume the full responsibility and liability even when using the services of a consultant or test laboratory. Liability is not transferrable to third parties, including the notified body which is required for processing the certification. Generally, there is strict liability applied to medical devices subject to the CE marking by directive 85/374/EEC, and testing and reporting does not change or reduce this liability.
The European Commission has proposed a new regulatory scheme for medical devices. The proposals, which are currently being discussed by the Council of the European Union, will impose significant additional obligations on medical device companies. The changes being proposed will increase from the current regulation stricter requirements for clinical evidence and pre-market assessment of safety and performance, new classifications to indicate risk levels, requirements for third party testing by government accredited groups for some types of medical devices, and tightened and streamlined quality management system assessment procedures. Additionally, the new regulations will require clinical evidence as well as analytical performance levels, the details of which are yet to be provided. If additional provisions proposed by the European Parliament are included in the new regulatory scheme, then there will be involvement of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in regulation of some types of medical devices, in the qualification and monitoring of notified bodies (NBs), and enhancing the roles of other bodies, including a new Medical Devices Coordination Group (MDCG). The European Parliament’s proposed revisions would impose enhanced competence requirements for NBs and “special notified bodies” (SNBs) for specific categories of devices. Although the extent of the proposed regulations is currently uncertain the medical device industry anticipates that there will be significant changes under these initiatives to the regulation of medical devices which will increase the time and costs for obtaining CE marking.
To facilitate CE Mark approval, it may be beneficial or necessary to complete the International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”) certification process for the Company’s comprehensive management system for the design and manufacture of medical devices.
Sgenia Marketing and Customers
We intend to seek as our first customers the distributors of medical devices and hospitals. The use of medical device distributors is an efficient way to market and to place our device into the mix of products available to health care providers and to gain immediate exposure to the end users based on a distributor’s network of clients. We also will seek entry directly with hospitals, hospital medical clinical chains and cancer centers, as they are the most likely to be interested in our products. The Company currently does not have any distribution agreements or other arrangements of any kind in place and has not done any marketing to any distributors or specific end users. There can be no assurance given that the Company will be able to establish any distribution agreements or arrangements, or that health care providers will be interested in our products.
As a supplement to the use of distributors, we plan to use other forms of direct sales, presentations and appointments with healthcare associations and distributors in the healthcare industry to generate recognition and acceptance of our products. We also plan to use print media and brochures in conjunction with our distribution and sales efforts.
We plan to use trade shows, demonstration opportunities and similar venues to increase brand awareness and product understanding and recognition. These venues can also foster valuable business partnerships. Generally, these trade shows are held on a regular annual basis and attract the important companies and users within the industry, which will provide a valuable venue for the Company to showcase the company and its products.
We also plan to offer training in the use of the Sgenia Products. We believe that this will be necessary not only at the initial installation of the devices but on an ongoing basis as personnel at the health care facilities in which our products are being used changes over time. We anticipate being able to charge for the initial and on-going training, and anticipate it being an important, supplemental revenue source.
For our MRSA/SA product, we also anticipate having to provide certain consulting services with respect to the environment design and installation of our products. Although installation will be the responsibility of the end user, the placement of a device can be important in its efficiency to detect MRSA/SA. We plan on charging separately for this service.
Being able to offer training on an ongoing basis and installation consulting will be an additional marketing tool because most medical device users do not want to be unable to obtain training for their personnel on a regular basis or mis-install a device so as to get the full benefit of their capital commitment in medical devices. The assurance that we will be able to help them get the full benefits of their devices, in terms of placement and use, will provide the end user comfort in that they will have the necessary support from the device manufacturer and seller.
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Competition
The Company is aware of a number of companies attempting to develop lung cancer detection devices and other detection technologies that are based similar “electronic nose” principles to the Sgenia Products. At this time there are a number of producers of MRSA/SA detection devices that rely on blood, swab and DNA testing rather than e-nose technologies. Because hospital acquired infections are such a growing problem and deadly in many instances, it is likely that there will be other entrants into the market for developing and selling detection systems, whether based on in vitro or other technologies. We anticipate that many of these companies, including those identified above, will be better capitalized, have established market presence and have internal development teams able to develop new and different products in competition with the product anticipated to be developed under the License Agreement. Moreover, such companies have an established market presence with products that have received FDA approval and are perceived by health care providers to be working to solve the problem. Therefore, the Company, in marketing its product, will have to overcome the established positions of then current products and establish a reputation among its customers that the Sgenia Product is reliable, cost effective and problem solving.
The POC cardiac testing market proposed to be addressed by the MML MIDS technology, particularly POC troponin testing in the first instance, is serviced by a number of international companies which have devices in the market. However, in the Company’s considered view, none of these products achieve the levels of sensitivity and accuracy that are required to conduct true high sensitivity troponin tests at the POC. As far as the Company is aware a nano-magnetic detection technology as embodied in the MIDS system and proposed to achieve the required levels of sensitivity and accuracy to perform high sensitivity troponin tests is not available in the market.
Intellectual Property
MIDS Technology
The MIDS technology platform, which MML has under license, is protected by patent applications that are now in the national phase in key geographic areas and already granted in China.
• PCT application number PCT/GB2011/050749
• EP application number 11724436.8
• USA application number 13809367
• China application number 201180025701.5 (Granted)
• India application number 9624/CHENP/2012
MML will have the right, under license, to use the MIDS Intellectual Property (“MIDS IP”) during the development and the MIDS IP will be transferred to MML in the event MML concludes a commercial deal for MIDS with a third party.
In January, 2017 MML submitted a UK Intellectual Property Office patent application for an additional MIDS detection method: "Device and method for accurate measurement of magnetic particles in assay apparatus". The method is a variation of the magnetic detection method whereby the magnetic detection is carried out by a Hall Sensor in a "Magnetic Bridge" structure.
Sgenia License Agreement
The Company will not have any ownership rights in the underlying technology on which the Sgenia Product relies, but will only have a license agreement with respect to the products derived therefrom and within the scope of the license. If Sgenia or Zenon ceases operations, then under the terms of the License Agreement, the Company will have the right to copies of the underlying technology to use for the term of the license arrangement for the manufacture and marketing of the Sgenia Products. The Company will have joint ownership in the manufacturing designs and processes and in the regulatory permits. In the future, the Company may develop trademarks and service marks in connection with its business, which it will own and which it will seek to protect by usage and registration.
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Employees
We currently have one employee/officer and one director, Mr. Carlos Jose Gil. We currently have engaged various consultants to help with various accounting, business and public reporting tasks at an at-will basis for the fiscal year of 2016.
We have not generated any revenues and have incurred losses for the period since inception, there is uncertainty about whether we will be able to continue as a going concern and, as a result, a possibility that shareholders may lose some or all of their investment in our Company.
We did not generate any revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 and had a net loss of $249,362. We have had no revenues and have a total accumulated deficit of $1,560,392, since inception. We anticipate generating losses for at least the next 18 months and thereafter, as our principal activity will be funding the development, regulatory approval and manufacturing of the Sgenia Products without sales or other revenue making operations and funding our interest in MML. Therefore, we may be unable to continue operations in the future as a going concern. We will need a substantial amount of financing, and if financing is available, it may involve issuing securities senior to our common stock. In addition, in the event we do not raise additional capital, there is a likelihood that our growth will be restricted and we may be forced to scale back or curtail implementing our business plan. Without adequate capital, we may be in default under our funding obligations under the License Agreement. If we fail to fully fund the development expenses, the funds previously invested in development will be lost. If we cannot continue as a viable entity, our shareholders may lose some or all of their investment in the Company.
Our auditors have expressed doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
The independent registered public accounting firm for the Company issued its report in connection with our audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, subject to the opinion that substantial doubt exists as to whether we can continue as a going concern. Because we have been issued an opinion by our auditors that substantial doubt exists as to whether we can continue as a going concern, it may be more difficult to attract investors. If we are not able to continue our business as a going concern, we may have to liquidate our assets and may receive less than the value at which those assets are carried on our financial statements, and it is likely that investors will lose all or a part of their investment.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We have no independent directors, which poses a significant risk for us from a corporate governance perspective.
Our single executive officer, namely Mr. Carlos Gil, serves as our chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer and secretary, and as a dingle director. Our director and executive officer is required to make interested party decisions, such as the approval of related party transactions, their level of compensation, and oversight of our accounting function. Our director and executive officer also exercises control over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the nomination of directors and the approval of significant corporate transactions. We have chosen not to implement various corporate governance measures, the absence of which may cause stockholders to have more limited protections against transactions implemented by our board of directors, conflicts of interest and similar matters. Stockholders should bear in mind our current lack of corporate governance measures in formulating their investment decisions.
We may find it difficult to attract senior management in the absence of Directors and Officers Insurance.
We do not presently maintain directors and officers insurance. This may deter or preclude persons from joining our management or cause them to demand additional compensation to join our management.
We will need to increase our size, and may experience difficulties in managing growth.
We are a smaller reporting company with no direct employees as of December 31, 2016. We hope to experience a period of expansion in headcount, facilities, infrastructure and overhead to develop our diagnostic businesses and to address potential growth and market opportunities. Future growth will impose significant added responsibilities on members of management, including the need to identify, recruit, maintain and integrate additional independent contractors and managers. Our future financial performance and our ability to compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to manage any future growth effectively. Inability to manage future growth could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial results or operations.
Our business is headquartered in Spain and our officer and director is not resident in the United States; accordingly it may be difficult to enforce any liabilities against him.
If an event occurs that gives rise to any liability on the part of our officer and director is not resident in the United States, including liabilities arising under the US securities laws, stockholders would likely have difficulty in enforcing such liabilities. Stockholders may not be able to obtain jurisdiction in the United States over such non-resident officers and directors, and any judgment obtained against such persons in the United States may not be recognized or enforceable in the foreign jurisdiction where such person's assets are located.
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR POINT MRSA AND LUNG CANCER DETECTION BUSINESS
The Company will need a substantial amount of capital to fulfill its obligation under the License Agreement.
Under the License Agreement and for the implementation of our business plan, the Company's capital requirements will be significant over the longer term. The Company does not have any commercial products at this time, and, therefore, it is not currently generating any revenues or cash flow to fund its operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to generate revenues from operations in the future, which will be sufficient to fund its business activities. In connection with the License Agreement, the Company has determined that currently it is required to raise at least €656,000 to support the development of the Sgenia Products through the current budget period anticipated to end during the first quarter of 2017 (subject to the completion of each phase by Zenon). Thereafter, the Company will need to raise additional funds to continue development, as needed, obtain regulatory approvals, manufacture, market and distribute the Sgenia Products. Therefore, the Company plans from time to time over the next 36 months, if not also thereafter, to seek additional equity capital to fund its business development and operations. There is no assurance that it will be able to obtain financing in the amounts required or on terms acceptable to the Company. If financing is not obtained, then the Company may not be able to fulfill its obligations under the License Agreement and may lose its license arrangement with Sgenia and Zenon. Any funds provided to Sgenia and Zenon or spent on other aspects of product development, regulatory approval, manufacturing design and components, as well as marketing, will be lost in the event that the License Agreement is terminated. The Company has no current arrangements with respect to additional financing. There can be no assurance that any sources of additional financing will be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all.
We are dependent on the continuing innovation and input from Sgenia.
The success of our business initially depends on the success of Sgenia and its technologies, and if a development of a licensed and marketable product is achieved, continued innovation and technological maintenance by Sgenia. Although the Company and Sgenia and Zenon will collaborate in the research and development of Sgenia technologies, we do not have any ownership interest or corporate control over Sgenia or Zenon and their respective day-to-day operations. We have certain collaborative rights through various joint committees to influence the process and results of the licensing arrangements, but only for some do we have the final determinative power. If there is a breakdown of cooperation or if Sgenia fails to retain its innovation talents or continue its operation, these will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition and the License Agreement may be terminated, in which case we would lose our rights thereunder.
The Sgenia technologies are not yet verified in practice or on a commercial scale in the medical field.
The success of our Company depends on whether Sgenia and Zenon can successfully apply its technologies to develop MRSA/SA and lung cancer detection devices. Although the Sgenia technologies have been deployed in other arenas, for the type of sensory detection that is contemplated for Sgenia Products, they are in the early stages of development and their application is not certain. The technologies that we hope to rely on have not been tested in a commercial setting or manufactured on a commercial scale for medical uses. There is no assurance that Sgenia will be able to fully develop commercial products that produce the anticipated objective of MRSA/SA and lung cancer detection, on a timely basis or at all. There is no assurance that we will be able to successfully obtain regulatory approval, manufacture, promote and sell the Sgenia Products. You should understand that your investment is in a development-stage technology company, with no assurances of an ability to develop a commercial product or obtain commercial revenues, and such revenues may be insufficient for our operations to continue.
Laboratory conditions differ from commercial manufacturing conditions and field conditions, which could affect the effectiveness of our product. Failures to effectively move from laboratory to the field would harm our business.
Observations and developments that may be achievable under laboratory circumstances may not be able to be replicated in the testing environment, in commercial manufacturing facilities, or in the use of products in the field. The efficacy of the end products that is likely to be used in commercial settings, such as hospitals and other medical care environments, is not currently verified in a larger testing context. No assurance can be given that the devices will successfully detect the bacteria that causes MRSA/SA or lung cancer. Additionally, no assurance can be given that our devices will be superior to current methods of detecting MRSA/SA or lung cancer. The inability of our development stage products to be manufactured in contract manufacturing facilities or meet the demands of users in the field would harm our business and business prospects.
Test results may not be favorable.
Zenon has commenced only limited hospital testing in 2016 on one of the proposed Sgenia Products, designed for detecting lung cancer. No assurance can be given that adequate future testing will be completed; and no assurance can be given that the device will be able to detect lung cancer at the levels of sensitivity and specificity that we believe will be required in a commercial product, despite encouraging laboratory test results. We cannot predict whether or not our product will equal or be superior in comparison to other devices and methods used to diagnose lung cancer in a patient. Further research and development is required to establish this, which will incur additional and unpredictable costs. If the proposed Lung Cancer Sgenia product is abandoned, we will lose the value of our investment in that proposed Sgenia Product, and this will result in limited prospects for the Company.
The Sgenia Products will be subject to regulatory approval and monitoring as they are marketed, and there is no assurance that Sgenia and Zenon will be able to obtain the necessary licensing and we will be able to maintain that license.
For the Sgenia Products to be sold in the United States, unless they will qualify for an exception, will have to be licensed under of the Food and Drug Act and the regulations of the United States FDA. We believe licensing would be under the 510(k) process, but there is no assurance that the Sgenia Products will be able to qualify for this procedure; consequently they may have to be licensed under a more complicated regulatory regime. The 510(k) process is one by which the efficacy of the product will be reviewed and verified, based on the underlying science and possible clinical testing. There is no assurance that the necessary regulatory approval of the Sgenia Products will be obtained. If obtained, the Company and its manufacturers will have to comply with various good manufacturing requirements, labeling and other regulation, both at the federal and state levels. If not approved, the proposed products may have to be redesigned, if that is determined possible. The Company expects that the regulatory requirements will cause a considerable expense and obstacle to having a marketable product, and may delay the anticipated launch of the product. Such delay may stretch into years. Additionally, if the Company does not adhere to the legal requirements for the manufacture and marketing of the products, the regulatory approval may be terminated, and the Company may be subject to different kinds of penalties and sanctions.
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The Company will have to comply with regulatory approval processes in other countries where it might want to sell the Sgenia Products. The European Union has a comprehensive approval process that is similar in scope and testing to that of the US, although in some respects it may be considered faster and more cost effective. However, there may be changes to the current regulation which will increase the time period and compliance requirements for the CE mark, and correspondingly increase the cost of approval, manufacturing and marketing devices in the EU and other countries the adopt the CE mark for their markets.
Sgenia, Zenon and the Company do not have prior experience in seeking or obtaining regulatory approval in any jurisdiction for medical devices. This lack of experience may prevent or make more expensive our obtaining any necessary regulatory approval.
Sgenia and Zenon, as well as ourselves, have not sought regulatory approval before the FDA or any other US or EU regulatory agency having authority over the development, testing, manufacturing or sale of medical devices. There is no assurance that we, ourselves, will be able to pursue regulatory approval or obtain the necessary licensing. We may have to engage professionals to help or take over the regulatory process, which will add expense to our development costs, which we cannot estimate at this time. We may not be able to fund this additional cost, in which case the development expense will be lost.
We will rely on subcontractors to manufacture the Sgenia Products, and market launch could be adversely affected if the subcontractors decline to or unable to manufacture our designs.
Although we will be responsible for the manufacturing, marketing and selling of the Sgenia Products, we will not manufacture any products directly. Our business model contemplates outsourcing the manufacturing process to subcontractors. It is not guaranteed that we will be able to find competent subcontractors that have the technical and manufacturing capacity to produce the Sgenia Products at a profitable price for us. Any reluctance or inability by subcontractors to manufacture our designs could adversely affect the market acceptance of our designs.
We will rely on Sgenia and Zenon for a critical component, which if we are not able to purchase from them or obtain the underlying technology according to the License Agreement, we will not be able to manufacture the Sgenia Products.
The Sgenia Products rely on certain patents and intellectual property held exclusively by Sgenia. The License Agreement provides that Sgenia and Zenon will obtain microchips and imprint them with critical circuitry that is essential to the operations of the Sgenia Products and provide this component to us at negotiated prices, as we need it from time to time for our manufacturing of the Sgenia Products. If we are not able to obtain the microchips in the quantity and quality needed, on a timely basis, then we will not be able to manufacture the Sgenia Products. There is no assurance that Sgenia and Zenon will be able to produce the microchips. Although we have the right to obtain the technology to produce our own microchips in the event that Sgenia terminates its business or breaches the License Agreement, there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain that technology from Sgenia and if obtained to produce the microchips. The inability to obtain these microchips will cause us irreparable harm, and investors likely will lose their investment in the Company.
To successfully implement our business plan, we will need to hire new personnel to establish and implement the manufacturing, marketing and sales plans for the Sgenia Products.
The Company does not have any full-time employees, and our current executive officer is providing his services on a part-time, as needed basis. In the future, we will need to hire employees to further our new business venture. Specifically, we will need employees to monitor the development of the Sgenia Products and to help design the manufacturing protocols and establish a manufacturing plan for the Sgenia Products. Although Sgenia and Zenon are responsible for the regulatory approval, we will need our employees to participate in the regulatory process. Additionally, we will need employees to identify and monitor the selected manufacturers, establish marketing plans and implement sales. Since we have the worldwide exclusive license to manufacture, market and sell the Sgenia Products, we might need to set up offices in different countries and hire talent from different countries to implement our business plans. Our ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate highly skilled technical, managerial, sales, marketing and customer service personnel is uncertain. Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully attract, assimilate or retain sufficiently qualified personnel. The failure to attract and retain necessary technical, managerial, sales, marketing and service personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
The strategic relationships we rely on may not be developed, and if developed, may not be successful.
To successfully manufacture, market and sell the Sgenia Products in the international market, we need to develop strategic relationships with supply chain companies, distribution companies, regional providers, hospitals, healthcare professionals and others to help establish our market presence and enhance the efforts of our own market penetration, business development, implementation, manufacturing, and sales. These relationships are expected to, but may not, succeed. There can be no assurance that these relationships will develop and mature, or that any of our existing relationships will be successful or that potential competitors will not develop more substantial relationships with attractive partners. Our inability to successfully implement our strategy of building valuable strategic relationships could harm our business.
The complexity and technicality of our products could result in unforeseen delays or expenses from undetected defects or errors in our technology designs, which could reduce the market acceptance for our new products, damage our reputation with prospective customers and adversely affect our operating costs.
Highly complex and technical products such as our proposed detection device may contain defects and errors when they are first introduced or as new versions are released. We may in the future experience the occurrence of defects, errors and bugs in our products. If any of our proprietary features contain defects or errors when first introduced or as new versions are released, we may be unable to correct these problems or result in unreasonable delays in their use by our end-users. Consequently, our reputation may be damaged and hospitals may be reluctant to buy or use our products in the future. Market reputational damage is also likely to harm our ability to attract new customers and negatively impact our financial results. In addition, defects or errors could interrupt or delay pending sales while corrections are undertaken. These problems in installed devices may also result in claims against us by the hospital, healthcare professional and patients, with resulting damages for breach of contract and tort liabilities. Claims where we are found liable or otherwise, which may be regardless of our responsibility for such failure, could cause us to incur substantial costs in defending against such lawsuits and the payment of settlements.
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Until the Company has developed and launched the Sgenia Products at commercial levels, there is uncertainty of market acceptance and the efficacy of the commercialization strategy.
As the Company is a start-up, company, it has not yet launched any of its products at a commercial level. Until it has consistent, proven sales, there is uncertainty of the product acceptance in the intended markets and the ability of the Company to commercialize any of its products. Until then, the Company believes it will have to fund its operations from capital rather than revenues. If there are no, or only low levels of, product acceptance and sales, the Company will have to alter its business plan. As is typical of any new business concept, demand and market acceptance for newly introduced products and services is subject to great uncertainty. Achieving market acceptance will require the Company to undertake substantial marketing efforts and to make significant expenditures to create awareness of and demand for its products. The Company has limited marketing experience and limited financial, personnel and other resources to undertake extensive marketing activities. The Company's efforts will be subject to all of the risks associated with the commercialization of new products, including unanticipated delays, expenses, technical problems or difficulties and technological obsolescence due to changing technology and the evolution of industry standards. There can be no assurance that markets for the Company's products will not be limited, or that the Company's strategies will result in successful product commercialization or in initial or continued market acceptance for the Sgenia Products.
We may be subject to intellectual property rights claims by third parties, which are extremely costly to defend, could require us to pay significant damages and could limit our ability to use certain technologies.
The success of the Sgenia Products depends on Sgenia maintaining and obtaining the necessary patents and its ability to protect its intellectual property worldwide. There can be no assurance as to the breadth or degree of protection which existing or future patents, if any, and other trade secrets may afford the Company under the terms of the License Agreement, that any patent applications that may be made in the future will result in issued patents, that the Company's future trademarks, if any, will be upheld if challenged, or that competitors will not develop similar or superior methods or products outside the protection of any patent issued in relation to the Sgenia Products.
Although the Company believes, based on representations in the License Agreement, that the intellectual property Sgenia is using in developing Sgenia Products does not infringe any patents, trademarks, or violate proprietary rights of others, it is possible that its existing intellectual property may not be valid or that infringement of existing or future patents, trademarks or proprietary rights may occur. In the event the Sgenia Products infringe patents or proprietary rights of others, Sgenia and the Company may be required to modify the design of the Sgenia Products, change the name of its products or obtain a license. There can be no assurance that Sgenia and the Company will be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions or at all. The failure to do any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect upon the Company. In addition, there can be no assurance that either Sgenia or the Company will have the financial or other resources necessary to defend a patent infringement or proprietary rights violation action. Moreover, if the Company's products infringe patents, trademarks or proprietary rights of others, the Company could, under certain circumstances, become liable for damages, which also could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Both Sgenia and the Company rely on proprietary know-how and employ various methods to protect the source codes, concepts, ideas and documentation of their respective intellectual property and proprietary technologies. However, such methods may not afford complete protection, and there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop similar know-how or obtain access to Sgenia’s or the Company's know-how or software codes, concepts, ideas and documentation. Although the Company has and expects to have confidentiality agreements with its employees and appropriate vendors, there can be no assurance that such arrangements will adequately protect the Company's trade secrets or those on which it relies owned by others.
SPECIFIC RISKS RELATED TO OUR MML JOINT VENTURE BUSINESS
MML is subject to broadly the same risks, where relevant, as our Sgenia Products related business. These include those risks related to development, testing, manufacturing, regulatory approval, commercialization and market acceptance and intellectual property rights, among others. In addition the below risk factors should be considered by investors in the Company.
Our MIDS Medical Shareholders and Subscription Agreement contains a term that protects each joint venture partner against insolvency of the other, which could result in the Company’s loss of its interest in MML.
In the event of an insolvency event (defined as the inability of either joint venture partner to pay its debts as they fall due) affecting the Company, its interest in MML could be transferred to the other partner for a nominal sum.
The Company will require an unknown, substantial amount of capital to fund MML through a second phase of development which, if not raised and invested in MML, may reduce its interest in MML.
Under the MIDS Medical Shareholders and Subscription Agreement and for the implementation of the MML business plan the Company contemplates it will fund a phase 2 of development. Accordingly the Company's capital requirements will be significant over the short and medium term. The Company does not have any commercial products at this time, and, therefore, it is not currently generating any revenues or cash flow to fund its operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to generate revenues from operations in the future, which will be sufficient to fund its MML business activities. In connection with the MIDS Medical Shareholders and Subscription Agreement the Company has determined that currently it is required to raise up to an estimated €1,000,000 to support a MML phase 2 development. If financing is not obtained, then the Company may not be able to exercise its opportunity to fund phase 2 under the MIDS Medical Shareholders and Subscription Agreement and may lose part of its 40% interest in any value generated by MML. Furthermore, MML has the right to choose to independently fund Phase 2, which would have the same effect.
MML is dependent on patents and other intellectual property right protections. The failure to obtain or maintain patent protection could have a material adverse effect on the MML business, financial condition and results of operations.
MML seeks to protect its intellectual property rights through a combination of patent filings, trademark registrations, confidentiality agreements and inventions agreements. However, no assurance can be given that such measures will be sufficient to protect our intellectual property rights. If MML cannot protect its rights, it may lose its competitive advantage. Moreover, if it is determined that its products infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties, MML may be prevented from marketing or licensing its intellectual properties to others.
The failure to protect MML patents, trademarks and trade names, may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and operating results. Litigation may be required to enforce its intellectual property rights, protect its trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others. Any action it may take to protect its intellectual property rights could be costly and could absorb significant amounts of our and MML’s management’s time and attention. In addition, as a result of any such litigation, we and MML could lose any proprietary rights we have. If any of the foregoing occurs, we and MML may be unable to execute our business plan and investors could lose their investment.
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The MML intellectual properties may become obsolete if it is unable to stay abreast of technological developments.
The biomedical industry is characterized by rapid and continuous scientific and technological development. If we are unable to stay abreast of such developments, its technologies may become obsolete. MML lacks the substantial research and development resources of some of its competitors. This may limit its ability to remain technologically competitive.
The development of MML products and technology is uncertain.
MML’s development efforts are subject to unanticipated delays, expenses or technical or other problems, as well as the possible insufficiency of funding to complete development. In addition to having the necessary funding, MML’s success will depend upon its products and technologies being differentiated from similar products and technologies and then meeting acceptable cost and performance criteria and timely introduction into the marketplace. MML’s proposed products and technologies may never be successfully developed, and even if developed, they may not satisfactorily perform the functions for which they are designed. Additionally, these products may not meet applicable price or performance objectives. Unanticipated technical or other problems may accrue which would result in increased costs or material delays in their development or commercialization. If development activities are unsuccessful, MML may need to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate some or all of its development program and significant monies and management time invested may be rendered unproductive and worthless. Diagnostic devices must be tested for safety and performance in laboratory and clinical trials before regulatory clearance for marketing is achieved. Such studies are costly, time consuming and unpredictable. Clinical trials may not be successful and marketing authorization may not be granted which may result in MML not being profitable, or trigger dissolution of partnerships or collaborative relationships. The outcome of early clinical trials may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials. Failed clinical trials may result in considerable investments of time and money being rendered unproductive and worthless.
Additionally, unanticipated trial costs or delays could cause substantial additional expenditure that is not reimbursed by a partner, may cause MML to miss milestones which may trigger a financial payment or cause MML or a partner to delay or modify its plans significantly. This would harm MML’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
MML will rely on third parties to support product delivery.
Under the current business plan, MML may not manufacture or self-distribute its products. Consequently, MML will rely on third parties for the manufacture and distribution of its products on an ongoing basis. Any failure on their part would disrupt product delivery and availability. To the extent MML is able to enter into collaborative or strategic arrangements with respect to its products, it will be exposed to risks and uncertainties related to those arrangements which it will attempt to manage, as far as possible, by contractual arrangement. However, the customer or partner will generally make the key decisions on product choice, regulatory approvals, product launch, product manufacture and marketing and promotion. Decisions made by a partner with respect to the commercialization of the products MML develops with them will significantly affect the extent and timing of revenues to MML. For example, a partner may choose not to launch new products MML develop, may choose to launch the products in a limited number of jurisdictions, may delay the launch of products, may undertake only limited sales and marketing efforts to commercialize the products, all of which would have a material adverse effect on MML’s business and financial position. Collaborative arrangements, licensing agreements or strategic alliances will subject MML to a number of risks, including the risk that:
·
|
MML do not control the amount and timing of resources that our strategic partners may devote to its products;
|
·
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MML do not control the decision to pursue or amend a product, the timing of development activities, product launches and extent of marketing and sales activities;
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·
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MML partners may experience financial difficulties;
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·
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business combinations or significant changes in a partner’s business strategy may also adversely affect a collaborator’s willingness or ability to complete its obligations under any arrangement;
|
·
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a collaborator could independently move forward with a competing product developed either independently or in collaboration with others, including MML’s competitors; and
|
·
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collaborative arrangements are often terminated or allowed to expire, which would delay the development and may increase the cost of developing MML’s products.
|
20
GENERAL BUSINESS RISK FACTORS
We may not be able to manage growth and expansion effectively.
Rapid growth of our business may significantly strain our management, operational and technical resources. If we are successful in obtaining rapid market penetration of our products, we will be required to manufacture and deliver large volumes of quality products to our customers on a timely basis at a reasonable cost. Our strategy is to create partnerships with manufacturers. This could potentially strain our operational, management and financial systems and controls.
The Company has paid no cash dividends to date.
The Company has paid no cash dividends on its common stock to date. Payment of dividends on the common stock is within the discretion of the board of directors and will depend upon the Company's earnings, its capital requirements and financial condition, and other relevant factors. The Company does not currently intend to declare any dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future.
There is not now or may never be an active market for our common stock.
We are providing no assurances of any kind or nature whatsoever that an active market for our common stock will ever develop. We have been a public registered company since August 2012 and have been issued a trading symbol, but there have been very infrequent trades in our common stock. Investors should understand that there may be no market or alternative exit strategy for them to recover or liquidate their investments in the common stock of the Company. Accordingly, investors must be prepared to bear the entire economic risk of an investment in the common stock for an indefinite period of time. If a public or private market ever develops for our common stock, we anticipate that our then financial condition, product offerings, and product roll out strategy and implementation will greatly impact the value of the stock, which may not reflect our business prospects.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the United States securities laws, which will require expenditure of capital and other resources.
We are a public reporting company subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other federal securities laws, including, without limitation, compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The costs of preparing and filing annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC and furnishing audited reports to stockholders will cause our expenses to be substantially higher than they would otherwise be if we were privately-held. It will be difficult, costly, and time-consuming for us to develop and implement internal controls and reporting procedures required by Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and we will require additional staff and third-party assistance to develop and implement appropriate internal controls and procedures. If we fail to or are unable to comply with Sarbanes, we will not be able to obtain independent accountant certifications that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires publicly-traded companies to obtain.
The price of our common stock may be volatile and the value of your investment could decline.
The common stock of technology related and medical device companies have historically experienced high levels of volatility. The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our common stock. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include the following:
·
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announcements of new offerings, products, services or technologies, commercial relationships, acquisitions or other events by us or our competitors;
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·
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price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
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·
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significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of technology companies in general;
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·
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whether our results of operations meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors;
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·
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actual or anticipated changes in the expectations of investors or securities analysts;
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·
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litigation involving us, our industry, or both;
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·
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regulatory developments in the United States, foreign countries, or both;
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·
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general economic conditions and trends;
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·
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departures of key employees; and
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·
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an adverse impact on the company from any of the other risks cited herein.
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The trading price of our common stock might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. If our stock price is volatile, we may become the target of securities litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources from our business. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
21
We currently have outstanding promissory notes that may be convertible into our common stock, which if converted may result in a large increase in our outstanding common stock and result in a downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.
To finance our operations, we entered into a number of promissory notes in each of the last three years. These notes can be converted, at prices of $0.007 and $0.07 per share, into shares of common stock of the Company. As of the date of this report, the Company has issued an aggregate amount of 3,406,042 shares of common stock through conversions of these notes. If the balance of these convertible notes were to be converted in full, it would increase the outstanding shares of common stock by approximately 22,149,386 shares. The effect of the issuance of these shares will therefore be a substantial dilution to the current shareholders. In addition the conversion prices of $0.007 and $0.07 per share could result in substantial downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the market place. Investors should evaluate the Company and its ability to fund its operations and their investment in light of the currently outstanding promissory notes.
We will be required to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and any adverse results from such evaluation could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports and have an adverse effect on our stock price.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we will be required to furnish a report by our management on our internal control over financial reporting at the later of the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC, or the date we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. When required, such report will contain, among other matters, an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of our fiscal year, including a statement as to whether or not our internal control over financial reporting is effective. This assessment must include disclosure of any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified by management. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could have an adverse effect on our stock price.
Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the later of the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC, or the date we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating. Our remediation efforts may not enable us to avoid a material weakness in the future.
Our common stock is traded on OTC Markets (Ticker: ZEN.QB) and our shares are characterized as a penny stock. As such, we are subject to the risks associated with "penny stocks". Regulations relating to "penny stocks" limit the ability of our stockholders to sell their shares and, as a result, our stockholders may have to hold their shares indefinitely.
Our common stock is deemed to be "penny stock" as that term is defined in Regulation Section 240.3a51-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Penny stocks are stocks: (a) with a price of less than U.S. $5.00 per share; (b) that are not traded on a "recognized" national exchange; (c) whose prices are not quoted on the NASDAQ automated quotation system (NASDAQ - where listed stocks must still meet requirement (a) above); or (d) in issuers with net tangible assets of less than U.S. $2,000,000 (if the issuer has been in continuous operation for at least three years) or U.S. $5,000,000 (if in continuous operation for less than three years), or with average revenues of less than U.S. $6,000,000 for the last three years.
Section 15(g) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Regulation 240.15g(c)2 of the Securities and Exchange Commission require broker dealers dealing in penny stocks to provide potential investors with a document disclosing the risks of penny stocks and to obtain a manually signed and dated written receipt of the document before effecting any transaction in a penny stock for the investor's account. Potential investors in our Common Stock are urged to obtain and read such disclosure carefully before purchasing any common shares that are deemed to be "penny stock".
Moreover, Regulation 240.15g-9 of the Securities and Exchange Commission requires broker dealers in penny stocks to approve the account of any investor for transactions in such stocks before selling any penny stock to that investor. This procedure requires the broker dealer to: (a) obtain from the investor information concerning his or her financial situation, investment experience and investment objectives; (b) reasonably determine, based on that information, that transactions in penny stocks are suitable for the investor and that the investor has sufficient knowledge and experience as to be reasonably capable of evaluating the risks of penny stock transactions; (c) provide the investor with a written statement setting forth the basis on which the broker dealer made the determination in (ii) above; and (d) receive a signed and dated copy of such statement from the investor confirming that it accurately reflects the investor's financial situation, investment experience and investment objectives. Compliance with these requirements may make it more difficult for investors in our common stock to resell their shares to third parties or to otherwise dispose of them. Stockholders should be aware that the market for penny stocks is susceptible to patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include:
(i) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer;
(ii) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases;
(iii) boiler room practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons;
(iv) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differential and mark-ups by selling broker-dealers; and
(v) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, along with the resulting inevitable collapse of those prices and with consequent investor losses.
Although we are not in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established with respect to our securities.
Adverse economic conditions may harm our business.
Market and economic conditions have been challenging worldwide. Continuing concerns have led to increased market volatility and diminished expectations for world economies. These factors may include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, inflation, interest rates, rate of economic growth, taxation laws, consumer spending, unemployment rates, government fiscal, monetary and regulatory policies and consumer and business sentiment. Any of these factors have the potential to cause costs to increase or revenues to decline. Continued turbulence in the international markets and economies may adversely affect our ability to enter into or maintain collaborative arrangements, the behavior and financial condition of our current and any future customers and partners and the spending patterns of users of the products we are developing. This may adversely impact demand for our services and for products developed by us.
22
Not applicable.
The Company currently does not own any real properties, and operates from a shared office in Spain for which it is not obligated to pay rent.
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. As of the filing date of this Form 10-K, there were no pending or threatened lawsuits that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the results of our operations. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.
Not applicable.
23
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Currently, there is a very limited public market for our common shares. Our common stock is quoted under the symbol “ZENO”. Trading in stocks on platforms other than a securities exchange is often thin and is characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices due to many factors that may be unrelated to a company’s operations or business prospects. We cannot assure you that there will be a market in the future for our common stock.
The following table shows the recorded high and low bid quotations of our common shares on the OTC Bulletin Board from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, however, the trading activity is minimal and therefore the prices may not be meaningful of market value or a represent price at which an investor will pay for or realize on the sale of a share.
The following quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions:
Quarter Ended
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High Bid
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Low Bid
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||||||
December 31, 2016
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$
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0.24
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$
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0.10
|
||||
September 30, 2016
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$
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0.20
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$
|
0.10
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||||
June 30, 2016
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$
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0.19
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$
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0.14
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||||
March 31, 2016
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$
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0.21
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$
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0.09
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||||
December 31, 2015
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$
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0.56
|
$
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0.19
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||||
September 30, 2015
|
$
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0.68
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$
|
0.35
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||||
June 30, 2015
|
$
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1.26
|
$
|
0.57
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||||
March 31, 2015
|
$
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1.40
|
$
|
0.98
|
As of April 12, 2017, there were 20,083,381 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. There are 14 shareholders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
We did not issue any cash dividends during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of dividends on shares of our common stock will be made at the discretion of our board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. We are under no contractual obligations or restrictions to declare or pay dividends on our shares of common stock. In addition, we currently have no plans to pay such dividends. Our board of directors currently intends to retain all earnings for use in the business for the foreseeable future. See “Risk Factors.”
On August 4, 2016, the Company completed a reverse split of its common stock, at a ratio of one share for seven then outstanding shares.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
We currently do not have any securities issued or authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Not applicable
24
Not applicable.
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to the historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus.
Plan of Operations
Our business plan is to develop devices to be used at the POC in hospitals and other medical care centers to detect AMI, MRSA/SA and the signs of lung cancer, and where necessary, to fund the medical trials of those medical devices. Up to June 20, 2016, our principal activity was funding the development of the Sgenia Products. Because the development activities of the Sgenia Products has slowed, and certain milestones have not been achieved, one of which is the start of hospital testing, we have not been providing additional funding for the development of the Sgenia Products as provided in the License Agreement. Additionally, because of the development status we have not been successful in obtaining our funding for further development of the Sgenia Products.
As a result of the our participation in MML, our primary focus since June 2016 has shifted to the funding and co-development of the MIDS technology platform to develop a hand held device, MIDS Cardiac™, to be used at the POC for the early detection of low levels of certain cardiac biomarkers, using high sensitivity cardiac assays for the diagnosis of AMI. Utilizing a magnetic nanoparticle detection technology (“MIDS”), the intention is to deliver a test platform that can produce laboratory accuracy standard results or better in a handheld device in less than eight minutes. The technology platform is already protected by one patent grant and several patent applications now in the national phase in key geographic areas. The initial cardiac device, if successful, would target a global market for cardiac biomarker testing predicted to reach $7.2 billion by 2018.47 The test platform is also expected be applicable to a multiplicity of immunoassay tests representing a potential overall market opportunity estimated to be worth $23.7 billion per annum worldwide by 2019.48
The MML SSA provides for a series of payments (“Phase 1 Payments”) in an aggregate amount of £450,500 (approximately $650,000 based on the rate of exchange on entering the MML SSA). The Company made a Phase 1 Payment to MML, of $130,000 (the “First Payment”), which was converted to £92,857. Subsequent Phase 1 Payments were expected to be received as follows; (a) on or before September 20, 2016, a payment £106,093, (b) on or before November 20, 2016, a payment of £100,640; (c) on or before January 20, 2017 a payment of £100,640; and (d) on or before March 20, 2017 a payment of £50,320. The MML SSA also provides for a contingency funding (the “Contingency”) to be available after March 31, 2017 in an aggregate amount of up to £45,000 (approximately $58,000) to be paid by us within 20 days of receiving a written notice from MML.
The MML SSA provides for a series of payments (“Phase 1 Payments”) in an aggregate amount of £450,500 (approximately $650,000 based on the rate of exchange on entering the MML SSA). The Company made a Phase 1 Payment to MML, of $130,000 (the “First Payment”), which was converted to £92,857. Subsequent Phase 1 Payments were expected to be received as follows; (a) on or before September 20, 2016, a payment £106,093, (b) on or before November 20, 2016, a payment of £100,640; (c) on or before January 20, 2017 a payment of £100,640; and (d) on or before March 20, 2017 a payment of £50,320. The MML SSA also provides for a contingency funding (the “Contingency”) to be available after March 31, 2017 in an aggregate amount of up to £45,000 (approximately $58,000) to be paid by us within 20 days of receiving a written notice from MML.
The MML SSA was subsequently amended on September 28, 2016 and January 31, 2017 (the “Amendments”) to postpone certain anticipated Phase 1 Payments. The Amendments primarily reflected changes in the timings of funds required under the development budget which included a change to the original plan to allow MML to explore a potential enhancement to the MIDS nanoparticle detection method and the exploration of the potential development of a “Magnetic Bridge” detection technique based on the MIDS technology. On September 28, 2016 the outstanding Phase 1 Payments were amended to be in the following amounts on specified dates: (a) on September 30, 2016, a payment of $30,000, which has been paid; (b) on or before October 30, 2016, a payment of $110,000; (c) on or before November 30, 2016, a payment of $152,500; (d) on or before January 30, 2017 a payment of $152,500; and (e) on or before March 31, 2017, a payment of $75,000, making the aggregated Phrase 1 Payments, including the first payment of $130,000, equal to $650,000. All other provisions and terms of the MML SSA, including the Contingency, remain in force. On January 31, 2017 the outstanding Phase 1 Payments were amended to be in the following amounts on specified (a) on or before March 15, 2017, a payment of $130,000; (b) on or before April 15, 2017, a payment of $152,500; and (d) on or before May 15, 2017, a payment of $75,000. MML retained the right to draw down all or part of the earliest of any undrawn Phase 1 Payments in advance of the payment due date, with 14 days advance notice to the Company (the “Accelerated Payment”). All other provisions and terms of the MIDS Agreement and the aggregate amount of the Phase 1 Payments remained the same
The parties to the MML SSA envisage a second phase of development (“Phase 2”) to follow Phase 1. This is expected to be over a similar timeframe and at a similar cost. MML may independently obtain funding for Phase 2 at MML’s option, or invite the Company to fund.
47 http://www.bccresearch.com/pressroom/bio/global-market-for-vitro-cardiac-biomarkers-reach-$7.2-billion-2018
48http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/immunoassay.asp
25
The MML SSA contains various provisions to govern our funding obligations: if any Phase 1 Payment is not made within 14 days of it falling due (“Default”), our shareholding in MML may be reduced to zero unless otherwise agreed with the Partner; if no Contingency is drawn during Phase 1 the Partner will be awarded an enduring 2.5% profit after tax right in MML (“Override”) which will increase to a 15% Override if we decline to fund Stage 2; if we decline to fund Phase 2 and any Contingency has been drawn, the Partner will be awarded a 15% Override decreased by 0.5% for each £7,500 tranche of Contingency drawn down during Phase 1. Any Override will convert on a ratio of 1% Override to 1% of ordinary shares in the event of a sale of MML.
At no time prior to a sale will the Company’s ownership interest in MML’s shares be less than 30% unless the Company is in Default. Provided that each Phase 1 Payment is made within 14 days of falling due, the Company also has additional investor control rights over MML, including representation on the board of directors, rights over the appointment and employment of senior management persons, incurring indebtedness, entry into major transactions, budget approval rights, accounting practices and general operational management supervisory rights. Our Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Gil, is a director of MML.
As a condition of the MML SSA, MML has entered into Supply of Services Agreements under which it receives the services of key personnel related to the MIDS development.
At December 31, 2016, we had a working capital of $18,801. Our current cash assets are not sufficient to cover our current and expected expenses, including the contractual funding obligation under the License Agreement and the MML SSA, and therefore, we will need to obtain further financing, without which we will not be able to execute our business plan.
In light of our current inability to fund our operations and fund the Sgenia license and the fact that the Sgenia research is delayed, we reviewed with Sgenia the development schedule and funding requirements for the initial products and requirements to develop the cancer sensory devices, and have agreed in principle to an alternative development schedule which would result in the lengthening of the developmental schedule for these products and an increase of the budget requirements. The schedule and funding will be finalized once we have obtained sufficient funding, for which we cannot give any assurance that we will be able to obtain. We have been attempting to secure the necessary funding to continue either the existing development schedule and corresponding budget or the alternative development schedule.
Assuming that we are able to obtain operational funding, in addition to any funding necessary to maintain our status as a public company, subject to regular review and additional assessment of requirements, currently we anticipate that we will incur the following expenses over the twelve (12) month period following funding in connection with the development of the Sgenia Products and the MIDS technology: (1) we will have to fund our obligations under the terms of the MML SSA as amended in a minimum total additional amount of $75,000, as of April 14, 2017,(2) we will have to fund the future development expenses of Sgenia in the approximate amount of €683,000, (3) payment of compensation to our officers, employees, and consultants of approximately $100,000, (4) legal, audit and reporting expenses of approximately $50,000, and (5) general working capital. Additional unknown expenses may arise from time to time, which we cannot currently identify or determine a possible expense. We will need additional funding to cover our anticipated expenses mentioned above, and for future development and implementation of our business plan.
Results of Operations
We have not yet earned any revenues. We are presently in the development stage of our business and we can provide no assurance that we will successfully develop, manufacture and market the Sgenia Products or that MML will be able to commercialize its products.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
2016 and 2015
Our cash was $10,271 and $989 as of the December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, we had working capital of $18,801, compared to negative working capital of $256,145 as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, our current liabilities consisted of accounts payable of $23,691, accounts payable to a related party of $85,671, loan payable of $73,319, stock payable of 67,500, compared to, as of December 31, 2015, current liabilities consisting accounts payable of $33,850, accounts payable to a related party of $49,951, loan payable $110,000 and stock payable of $67,500. At December 31, 2016, we had an accumulated deficit of $1,560,392 compared to an accumulated deficit of $1,311,030 at December 31, 2015.
26
For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash used in operating activities was $118,218. For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash used in operating activities was $93,434.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, cash used in investing activities was $292,500 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, the net cash used in investing activities was $0.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash provided by financing activities was $420,000, from subscriptions of stock and loans. For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash provided by financing activities was $90,000, from proceeds of convertibles loans. Future advances from these sources may not be available to us in the future.
Based on our current operating plan, we do not expect to generate any revenue for at least the next twelve months. We do not have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. We will need to obtain additional financing to operate our business for the next twelve months. We hope to obtain the capital necessary to fund our business through private placements and public offerings of our common stock. Additional financing, whether through public or private equity or debt financing, arrangements with stockholders or other sources to fund operations, may not be available, or if available, may be on terms unacceptable to us. Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity is dependent on our ability to raise additional capital. If we issue additional equity securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders would be reduced. New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of our common stock. Debt incurred by us would be senior to equity in the ability of debt holders to make claims on our assets. The terms of any debt issued could impose restrictions on our operations. If adequate funds are not available to satisfy either short or long-term capital requirements, our operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected and we could be forced to cease operations.
In March 2016, we received notice of default on various notes for $110,000 in aggregate principal amount, plus accrued interest, with a due date in June 2016 (the “Prior Notes”). We entered into discussions with the holder of the Prior Notes (the “Noteholder ”) and in the absence of any alternative, and the unlikelihood of completing on a main funding by the due date (which required the flexibility to repay all amounts due under the notes), agreed on May 17, 2016, to exchange them for two new convertible notes (the “May Senior Notes”), one for the principal amount of $53,197 and the other for the principal amount of $62,547, with a maturity date of May 16, 2018 (the “Exchange”). The May 2016 Notes bear a 5% interest per annum, are due on May 16, 2018 and may be prepaid at any time within 90 days of the issue date. As of the issue date, the May Senior Notes can be convertible into shares of Common Stock of the Company, at the discretion of the holder, at a price of $0.007 per share subject to a blocker provision that limits the amount issued at any time to 4.99% percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. The May Senior Notes also contain standard anti-dilution provisions and other customary representations, warranties and covenants by, among and for the benefit of the parties. Additionally, the Investor has the right of first refusal in any future equity financing and the May Senior Notes impose restrictions on the Company’s ability to make distributions to its shareholder, repurchase shares of Common Stock, incur certain liabilities or sell assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is permitted to raise additional capital relating to the Segnia License Agreement, effective December 4, 2013, as amended. The May Senior Notes also include customary event of default provisions and impose penalties on the Company in certain default events.
Additionally, we received $40,000 as a further cash investment from the Noteholder holding the Prior Notes on April 26, 2016 (the “Investment”), which was subscribed for after the investor declared the default. In consideration of the Investment and upon the Closing, the Company issued a convertible note (the “April Senior Note”) in a principal amount of $40,000.00 to the Investor. The decision to accept the Investment was based on an urgent need to clear immediate liabilities, become current in our filing obligations and provide certain working capital while we continued to seek a main funding, which, if obtained, would allow us to repay all the outstanding notes and commence the lung cancer and MRSA device development.
On June 6, 2016, we received a cash investment of $150,000 from an accredited investor, (the “ Investor”) in exchange for the issuance of 9,589,512 of common stock. The use of proceeds required the funds to be applied to participating in the MML project and for general working capital. The Investor was required to provide Commitment Loans, subject to a right of first refusal from the Noteholder, in an aggregate amount of $640,000 to be applied to the Company’s ongoing obligations under the MML SSA and for general working capital. On September 29, 2016 the Noteholder took up this right and, the Company issued a note in the principal amount of $60,000 (the “September 2016 Note”) to the Noteholder, in exchange of a loan of $60,000. Under the September 2016 Note, the Company also granted an option to the Noteholder to provide the Option Loans to the Company: (a) on or before October 31, 2016, an amount of $140,000; (b) on or before November 30, 2016, an amount of $170,000 (c) on or before January 31, 2017, an amount of $180,000; and (d) on or before March 31, 2017, an amount of $100,000. Simultaneously the Investor, the Company and the Noteholder entered into an amendment to the SPA pursuant to which the Investor, the Noteholder and the Company agreed that should the Noteholder elect to provide the Option Loans, the Investor will not be required to, nor will it be permitted to, provide the Commitment Loans. In the event the Noteholder does not provide the Option Loans, the Investor will be required to provide the Commitment Loans in an amended aggregate amount of $580,000, on dates and in amounts to be agreed between the Investor and the Company.
27
On October 27, 2016, the Company issued an unsecured note (the “October 2016 Note”) in the principal amount of $140,000, to the Noteholder in exchange of a loan of $140,000. The October 2016 Note was the first out of the four Option Loans and the Noteholder retains the option to provide the balance of the Option Loans.
On December 6, 2016, the Company and the Noteholder entered into an amendment to the September 2016 Note (the “Note Amendment”) reflecting the change in the Phase 1 Payments schedule. The Note Amendment revised the Option Loan schedule and amount and allowed the Noteholder to provide four unsecured convertible loans to the Company (the “New Option Loans”): (a) on December 6, 2016, a Conversion Loan of $30,000; (b) on or before January 31, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $180,000; (c) on or before February 28, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $140,000; and (d) on or before March 31, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $100,000. All other terms and conditions of the New Option Loans are the same as the Option Loans. Simultaneously with the execution of the amendment, the Company issued a New Option Loan in the principal amount of $30,000 (the “December 2016 Note”) in exchange of a loan of $30,000.
Going Concern
The audit report of the independent accounting firm for the Company includes a qualification as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Significant Accounting Policies
Research and Development
Research and development costs, which include expenditures in connection with an in-house research and development laboratory, salaries and staff costs, application and filing for regulatory approval of proposed products, purchased in-process research and development, regulatory and scientific consulting fees, clinical samples as well as clinical collaborators and insurance, are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 730-10-55-2, Research and Development. We do not currently have any commercial products. Accordingly our research and development costs are expensed as incurred. While certain of our research and development costs may have future benefits, our policy of expensing all research and development expenditures is predicated on the fact that we have no history of successful commercialization of products to base any estimate of the number of future periods that would be benefited.
ASC Topic 730, Research and Development requires that non-refundable advance payments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities should be deferred and capitalized. As the related goods are delivered or the services are performed, or when the goods or services are no longer expected to be provided, the deferred amounts would be recognized as an expense.
Not applicable for smaller reporting companies.
The financial statements required by this Item begin on Page F-1 of this Form 10-K, and include (1) the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to the Company; (2) Balance Sheets; (3) Statements of Operations, (4) Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit; (5) Statements of Cash Flows, and (6) Notes to Financial Statements
28
ZENOSENSE, INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
F-1
|
Balance Sheets
|
F-2
|
Statements of Operations
|
F-3
|
Statement of Stockholders’ (Deficit)
|
F-4
|
Statements of Cash Flows
|
F-5
|
Notes to Financial Statements
|
F-6 to F-13
|
29
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Zenosense, Inc.
Valencia, Spain
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Zenosense, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years then ended. Zenosense, Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Zenosense, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that Zenosense, Inc. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, Zenosense, Inc. has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net capital deficiency that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ GBH CPAs, PC
GBH CPAs, PC
www.gbhcpas.com
Houston, Texas
April 17, 2017
F-1
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Balance Sheets
December 31, 2016
|
December 31, 2015
|
|||||||
Assets
|
||||||||
Current assets:
|
||||||||
Cash
|
$ | 10,271 | $ | 989 | ||||
Prepaid expense
|
9,375 | 4,167 | ||||||
Investment in joint venture
|
249,336 | - | ||||||
Total current assets
|
268,982 | 5,156 | ||||||
Total assets
|
$ | 268,982 | $ | 5,156 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
|
||||||||
Current liabilities:
|
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
$ | 23,691 | $ | 33,850 | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses - related party
|
85,671 | 49,951 | ||||||
Loans payable
|
- | 110,000 | ||||||
Convertible notes, net of discount
|
73,319 | - | ||||||
Stock payable
|
67,500 | 67,500 | ||||||
Total current liabilities
|
250,181 | 261,301 | ||||||
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
|
||||||||
Common stock, 500,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value,
16,677,339 and 7,087,919, shares issued and outstanding respectively
|
16,677 | 7,088 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital
|
1,562,516 | 1,047,797 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit
|
(1,560,392 | ) | (1,311,030 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
|
18,801 | (256,145 | ) | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
|
$ | 268,982 | $ | 5,156 |
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
F-2
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Statements of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2016
|
Year ended December 31, 2015
|
|||||||
Revenues
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
Expense:
|
||||||||
Research and development
|
- | 32,215 | ||||||
General and administrative expenses
|
134,353 | 114,261 | ||||||
Total expenses
|
134,353 | 146,476 | ||||||
Loss from operations
|
(134,353 | ) | (146,476 | ) | ||||
Other expense:
|
||||||||
Interest expense
|
(71,845 | ) | (3,729 | ) | ||||
Loss in equity method investment
|
(43,164 | ) | - | |||||
Total other expense
|
(115,009 | ) | (3,729 | ) | ||||
Net loss
|
$ | (249,362 | ) | $ | (150,205 | ) | ||
Net loss per common share:
|
||||||||
Basic and diluted
|
$ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
|
||||||||
Basic and diluted
|
12,563,806 | 7,087,828 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
F-3
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Common Stock
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Amount
|
Additional Paid-in Capital
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
Stockholders’ Equity(Deficit)
|
||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2014
|
7,087,828 | $ | 7,088 | $ | 1,047,798 | $ | (1,160,825 | ) | $ | (105,940 | ) | |||||||||
Net Loss
|
- | - | - | (150,205 | ) | (150,205 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2015
|
7,087,828 | 7,088 | 1,047,798 | (1,311,030 | ) | (256,145 | ) | |||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash
|
9,589,511 | 9,590 | 140,410 | - | 150,000 | |||||||||||||||
Beneficial conversion features of convertible debt
|
- | - | 374,308 | - | 374,308 | |||||||||||||||
Net Loss
|
- | - | - | (249,362 | ) | (249,362 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2016
|
16,677,339 | $ | 16,678 | $ | 1,562,516 | $ | (1,560,392 | ) | $ | 18,801 | ||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
F-4
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Statements of Cash Flows
Year ended December 31, 2016
|
Year ended December 31, 2015
|
|||||||
Operating Activities
|
||||||||
Net loss
|
$ | (249,362 | ) | $ | (150,205 | ) | ||
Adjustment to reconcile to net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
||||||||
Amortization of debt discount
|
60,462 | - | ||||||
Loss in equity method investment
|
43,164 | - | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||
Prepaid expense
|
(5,208 | ) | (4,167 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
(2,994 | ) | 16,432 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses - related party
|
35,720 | 44,506 | ||||||
Cash used in operating activities
|
(118,218 | ) | (93,434 | ) | ||||
Investing Activities
|
||||||||
Investment in joint venture
|
(292,500 | ) | - | |||||
Cash used in investing activities
|
(292,500 | ) | - | |||||
Financing Activities
|
||||||||
Proceeds from third party loan
|
- | 90,000 | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of common stock
|
150,000 | |||||||
Proceeds from convertible notes payable
|
270,000 | - | ||||||
Cash provided by financing activities
|
420,000 | 90,000 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash
|
9,282 | (3,434 | ) | |||||
Cash, beginning of year
|
989 | 4,423 | ||||||
Cash, end of year
|
$ | 10,271 | $ | 989 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information
|
||||||||
Cash paid for income taxes
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
Cash paid for interest
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
|
||||||||
Beneficial conversion features of convertible debt
|
$ | 374,308 | $ | - | ||||
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
F-5
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Notes to the Financial Statements
1.
|
Nature of operations
|
Zenosense, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on August 11, 2008 for the purpose of acquiring and developing mineral properties. The Company's mineral rights agreement was terminated on May 15, 2013, and as a result, the Company was no longer a pre-exploration stage company.
On November 22, 2013, the Company filed a certificate of amendment with the State of Nevada and (1) changed its name from Braeden Valley Mines, Inc. to Zenosense, Inc. and (2) effected an increase in the Company’s authorized shares from 50,000,000 to 500,000,000, with par value of $0.001 per share.
Effective December 4, 2013, the Company entered into a development and exclusive license agreement (“License Agreement”) whereby the Company will provide a third party with capital for the development of sensory technology for a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA/SA”) detection device and a cancer detective device and other improvements and variations to the products (the “Sgenia Products”) to be used in the hospital and health care environments, in exchange for a worldwide, exclusive license to manufacture, market and sell the resulting products, subject to certain limitations and a royalty arrangement on a revenue sharing basis. The License Agreement was modified in April 2015 and July 2015 to extend to additional cancer sensory products and to modify and extend the development schedule and change the research funding budget to accommodate the lung cancer product as well as MRSA/SA product.
On June 20, 2016, the Company entered into a joint venture arrangement by way of a Subscription and Shareholders’ Agreement (“MML SSA”) with a third party medical detection device developer (“Partner”) utilizing a joint venture vehicle, MIDS Medical Ltd (“MML”), a UK Limited company of which the Company owns a 40% interest awarded on July 1, 2016, in exchange for its participation and funding to support MML during a Phase 1 and prospectively during a Phase 2 development of the Partner’s MIDS universal immunoassay detection technology platform (“MIDS”). MML will have the right, under license, to use the MIDS Intellectual Property (“MIDS IP”) during the development and the MIDS IP will be transferred to MML in the event MML concludes a commercial deal for MIDS with a third party. The SSA was modified in September 2016 and January 2017 to amend the amount and timings of certain payments, to reflect the cash requirements of MML.
2.
|
Going concern
|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to meet its obligations and continue its operations for its next fiscal year. Realization values may be substantially different from carrying values as shown and these financial statements do not give effect to adjustments that would be necessary to the carrying values and classification of assets and liabilities should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. At December 31, 2016, the Company had not yet achieved profitable operations, had accumulated losses of $1,560,392 since its inception, had a working capital of $18,801 and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business, all of which raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate future profitable operations and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due.
The Company expects to continue to incur substantial losses as it executes its business plan and does not expect to attain profitability in the near future. Since its inception, the Company has funded operations through short-term borrowings, advances, and equity investments in order to meet its strategic objectives. The Company's future operations are dependent upon external funding and its ability to execute its business plan, realize sales and control expenses. Management believes that sufficient funding will be available from additional borrowings and private placements to meet its business objectives including anticipated cash needs for working capital, for the next fiscal year. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain sufficient funds to continue the development of its business operation, or if obtained, upon terms favorable to the Company.
F-6
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Notes to the Financial Statements
3.
|
Summary of significant accounting policies
|
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform with the current year presentation.
Research and development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between their financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. 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.
Loss per common share
Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common stock equivalents and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during each period.
Equity method accounting for joint venture
As of December 31, 2016, the Company has a 40% interest in a joint venture with Bio-AMD UK Holdings Limited by way of subscription and shareholders agreement in a third party medical detection device developer, MIDS Medical Limited (“MML”). The investment in MML is accounted for using the equity method.
Subsequent events
The Company evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after December 31, 2016 through the date these financial statements were issued for disclosure purposes.
Recently adopted accounting standards
The Company does not believe that there are any new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
F-7
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Notes to the Financial Statements
4.
|
Equity Method Investment
|
On June 20, 2016, the Company entered into a joint venture arrangement by way of a Subscription and Shareholders’ Agreement (“MML SSA”) with a third party medical detection device developer (“Partner”) utilizing a joint venture vehicle, MIDS Medical Ltd, a UK Limited company of which the Company owns a 40% interest awarded on July 1, 2016, in exchange for its participation and funding to support MML during a Phase 1 and prospectively during a Phase 2 development of the Partner’s MIDS universal immunoassay detection technology platform (“MIDS”). MML will have the right, under license, to use the MIDS Intellectual Property (“MIDS IP”) during the development and the MIDS IP will be transferred to MML in the event MML concludes a commercial deal for MIDS with a third party. The SSA was modified in September 2016 and January 2017 to amend the amount and timings of certain payments, to reflect the cash requirements of MML.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s equity share of the net losses in MML totaled $43,164, combined with the Company’s investment during the year of $292,500 for a net investment of $249,336 as of December 31, 2016. The summarized balance sheet of MML as of December 31, 2016 is as follows:
Current Assets
|
||||
Cash
|
$ | 165,334 | ||
Prepaid expenses
|
5,813 | |||
171,147 | ||||
Property and equipment
|
17,818 | |||
Intellectual property
|
975,000 | |||
Total Assets
|
$ | 1,163,965 | ||
Current Liabilities
|
||||
Accounts payable - trade
|
$ | 3,523 | ||
Accrued liabilities
|
18,286 | |||
Total Current Liabilities
|
21,809 | |||
Equity
|
||||
Share capital
|
1,625,000 | |||
Subscription receivable
|
(357,500 | ) | ||
Other comprehensive income
|
(17,433 | ) | ||
Accumulated deficit
|
(107,911 | ) | ||
Total equity
|
1,142,156 | |||
Total Equity and Liabilities
|
$ | 1,163,965 |
The summarized statement of operations for MML for the period July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 is as follows:
Revenue
|
$ | – | ||
General and administrative expenses
|
107,911 | |||
Net loss
|
$ | (107,911 | ) |
F-8
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Notes to the Financial Statements
On December 1, 2014, the Company received $20,000 pursuant to a promissory note issued to a third party. The note is unsecured, bears interest at 5% per annum and is due on demand. At November 2, 2015, the Company accrued interest of $1,083 in connection with the promissory note.
On February 27, 2015, the Company received $20,000 pursuant to a promissory note issued to a third party. The note is unsecured, bears interest at 5% per annum and is due on demand. At November 2, 2015, the Company accrued interest of $841 in connection with the promissory note.
On May 22, 2015, the Company received $10,000 pursuant to a promissory note issued to a third party. The note is unsecured, bears interest at 5% per annum and is due on demand. At November 2, 2015, the Company accrued interest of $299 in connection with the promissory note.
On July11, 2015, the Company received $60,000 pursuant to a promissory note issued to a third party. The note is unsecured, bears interest at 5% per annum and is due on demand. At November 2, 2015, the Company accrued interest of $1,422 in connection with the promissory note.
On November 2, 2015, these four promissory notes (the “Prior Notes”) were assigned to a new party (the “Noteholder”) for a total of $110,000 in principal, plus accrued interest of $3,647 as of that date. The Prior Notes bear interest of 5% and are due on demand.
On March 29, 2016, the Noteholder gave notice that it demanded repayment of all principal amounts and accrued interest outstanding on the Prior Notes, due within 90 days of the demand notice. No further action was taken in respect of the demand. However, on May 17, 2016, the Noteholder agreed to exchange the Prior Notes and accrued interest then totalling $115,744 for two new convertible notes.
6.
|
Convertible Debt
|
On April 20, 2016, the Noteholder agreed to a loan of $40,000, and the Company issued the convertible 2016 April Senior Note in a principal amount of $40,000. The April Senior Note bears interest at 5% per annum and is due on April 19, 2018. The April Senior Note may not be prepaid. As of September 20, 2016, the April Senior Note became convertible into shares of common stock of the Company, at the discretion of the holder, at a price of $0.007 per share, subject to a blocker provision that limits the amount of common stock that may be issued at any time to 4.99% of the then outstanding shares of common stock. The Company has initially reserved 5,714,286 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion feature.
On May 17, 2016, the Noteholder agreed to exchange the Prior Notes (see Note 5) for two new convertible notes, the May Senior Notes under two separate Securities Exchange Agreements. One note is for the principal amount of $53,197 (the “May $53,197 Senior Note”) and the other for the principal amount of $62,547 (the “$62,547 May Senior Note”), for a combined aggregate principal amount of $115,744. The May Senior Notes bear interest at 5% per annum, are due on May 16, 2018 and may not be prepaid by the Company. The May Senior Notes can be converted into shares of common stock of the Company at the discretion of the holder, at a price of $0.007 per share, subject to a blocker provision that limits the amount of common stock that may be issued at any time to 4.99% percent of the outstanding shares of common stock. The Company has initially reserved 16,534,857 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion feature.
On October 18, 2016, the Noteholder entered into a Debt Purchase and Assignment Agreement (the “Assignment Agreement”) with an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of the 1933 Securities Act (the “Junior holder”), whereby the Junior holder purchased $42,000 of the principle amount of the $62,547 May Senior Note. Under the terms of the Assignment Agreement; (a) the portion of the $62,547 May Senior Note 2 held by the Junior holder (such portion being referred to as the “Junior Note”) will be subordinate to the portion of the $62,547 May Senior Note held by the Noteholder (such portion being referred to as the “Senior Note”) and all other debt of the Noteholder issued by the Company at all times that the Company has any obligations under the Senior Note or any other debt securities issued to the Noteholder, and all actions requiring permission from the Noteholder as set out in the $62,547 May Senior Note and the Exchange Agreement will remain in place and the Junior Note will be amended to reflect these rights; and (b) the Junior Note will be amended whereby the Junior holder will not be permitted to convert any of the Junior Note into shares of common stock of the Company unless the trading price of the Company’s securities is equal to or greater than $0.15 per share based on the average volume weighted price of the preceding five trading days.
F-9
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Notes to the Financial Statements
On November 1, 2016, after notice from the Noteholder, the Company reissued the $62,547 May Senior Note in the amounts of $42,000 (the “Junior Note”) and $21,968 (which includes the full amount of the interest due through November 1, 2016 on the $62,547 May Senior Note) under two separate new notes. The terms of the $42,000 note were modified to make it subordinate to the note in principal amount of $21.968 (the “November Senior Note), but otherwise the two notes are basically the same and generally carry forward the terms of the May 2016 Notes.
On September 29, 2016, the Company issued an unsecured convertible note (the “September 2016 Note”) in the principal amount of $60,000, to the Noteholder in exchange of a loan of $60,000. Under the September 2016 Note, the Company also granted an option to the Noteholder to provide four additional unsecured convertible loans to the Company (the “Option Loans”), in the following amounts: (a) on or before October 31, 2016, an amount of $140,000; (b) on or before November 30, 2016, an amount of $170,000 (c) on or before January 31, 2017, an amount of $180,000; and (d) on or before March 31, 2017, an amount of $100,000.
On October 27, 2016, the Noteholder exercised the first Option Loan and Company issued an unsecured note (the “October 2016 Note”) in the principal amount of $140,000, to the Noteholder in exchange of a loan of $140,000.
On December 6, 2016, the Company and the holder entered into an amendment to the Note (the “Note Amendment”) reflecting the change in the Phase 1 Payments schedule. The Note Amendment revised the Option Loan schedule and amount and allowed the holder to provide four unsecured convertible loans to the Company (the “New Option Loans”): (a) on December 6, 2016, a Conversion Loan of $30,000; (b) on or before January 31, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $180,000; (c) on or before February 28, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $140,000; and (d) on or before March 31, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $100,000. All other terms and conditions of the New Option Loans are the same as the Option Loans.
Simultaneously with the execution of the amendment, the Company issued a New Option Loan in the principal amount of $30,000 (the “December 2016 Note”).
See note 11 for the discussion of the Second Note Amendment entered into in February 2017.
The terms and conditions of certain commitment loans (see Note 8 below), the Option Loans, the New Option Loans, the September 2016 Note, the October 2016 Note and the December 2016 Note (collectively the “New Loans”) are the same (conversion and floor prices having been adjusted in line with the terms of the commitment loans at the time of the reverse stock split completed on August 4, 2016), and bear an interest rate of 10% per annum, based on a 360 day year, and are due four years from the issuance date (the “Maturity Date”). The Company may, at any time prior to the Maturity Date, prepay any unconverted amount of the New Loans in full or in part. The Noteholder may, at any time prior to the Maturity Date convert any or all of the New Loans into shares of common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”) at either (a) $0.07 per share (subject to adjustment), or (b) a 15% discount to the 10-day Volume Weighted Average Price per share, provided that any such conversion is not at a price of less than $0.035 per share (subject to adjustment). In either scenario the total number of shares of Common Stock issued on conversion may not cause the total beneficial ownership held by the Investor and its affiliates, or the Noteholder and its affiliates to exceed 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. On the Maturity Date of each of the New Loans any outstanding amount shall automatically and mandatorily convert into Common Stock at a price of $0.07 per share (subject to adjustment). The New Loans also contain standard anti-dilution provisions.
The Company evaluated the notes to have beneficial conversion features with an intrinsic value exceeding the principal balances. The intrinsic value is based upon the difference between the market price of Zenosense’s common stock on the date of issuance and the conversion price of $0.07. The total discount is being amortized through an interest expense using the interest method over the term of the notes. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded amortization of $60,462 the debt discount. The summary of convertible notes payable for the year ended December 31, 2016 is as follows:
Principal balances of the convertible notes
|
$ | 387,165 | ||
Less discount related to beneficial conversion features
|
(374,308 | ) | ||
Add amortization of debt discount
|
60,462 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2016
|
$ | 73,319 |
F-10
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Notes to the Financial Statements
7.
|
Common stock
|
Zenosense’s authorized capital consists of 500,000,000 shares of common stock, with par value of $0.001.
In February 2014, the Company issued 423,529 shares of common stock to an investor for cash proceeds of $180,000.
On April 8, 2014, a third party purchased 55,556 shares of the Company’s common stock for cash proceeds of $25,000. The third party also committed to purchase an additional 900,000 shares of Company’s common stock in four tranches for an aggregate purchase price of $450,000, subject to certain conditions.
On July 28, 2014, the loan from a third party investor, in the principal amount of $13,000, and the accrued interest of $100 was converted into 65,500 shares of our common stock. The shares were issued as restricted stock, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws
On July 28, 2014, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement under which the investor committed to purchase an aggregate of 1,370,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $274,000. The initial purchase of shares was made on July 28, 2014 for 357,000 shares for a purchase price of $71,500. Two additional purchase installments were made in August and September. Each installment was for 337,500 shares at a purchase price of $67,500 per installment. The shares when issued are pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws. On November 11, 2014, the Company received $67,500 for 337,500 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 the shares in connection with the final investment have not been issued.
On June 6, 2016, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) with an accredited investor (the “Investor”). The transaction closed on June 8, 2016.
On August 3, 2016, the Company implemented a 1-for-7 reverse split of its common stock. All share and per share data in these financial statements and footnotes have been retrospectively adjusted to account for this reverse stock split.
Under the terms of the SPA; the Investor purchased 9,589,512 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, for a purchase price of $150,000 and a commitment by the Investor to provide a series of unsecured convertible loans (the “Commitment Loans”) in an aggregate loan amount of $640,000, payable in four individual amounts, the first payment due by September 20, 2016, the Noteholder retaining the right of first refusal on the Commitment Loans. The first Commitment Loan was not entered into due to the capital requirements of the Company being less than anticipated, primarily due to lower than expected MML development costs during the quarter, which allowed for an amendment to the MML funding obligations of the Company. Consequently, the Company issued the October 2016 Note in the amount of $60,000 rather than draw upon the Commitment Loans which was provided by the Noteholder. Subsequently the Noteholder has exercised its right to provide a number of loans (see Note 5 above).
On September 29, 2016, the Investor, the Company and the Noteholder entered into an amendment to the SPA pursuant to which the Investor, the Noteholder and the Company agreed that should the Noteholder elect to provide the Option Loans, as amended, the Investor will not be required to, or will it be permitted to, provide the Commitment Loans. In the event the Noteholder does not provide the Option Loans, the Investor will be required provide the Commitment Loans in an amended aggregate amount of $580,000, on dates and in amounts to be agreed between the Investor and the Company.
8.
|
Commitments
|
MML Funding Arrangement
The Company’s funding of MML was limited to an initial committed aggregate payment of £450,500 (approximately $650,000 at exchange rates prevailing at the time of the MML SSA) for Phase 1 of which $160,000 has been paid. In addition, the Company may be required to provide an additional £45,000 (approximately $55,000 at current exchange rates) to be available after March 31, 2017, payable within 20 days after the Company receives written notice from MML.
On September 29, 2016, the MML SSA commitment was amended (the “First Amendment”) to provide for the total amount of $650,000, payable under an amended timetable; all the other provisions of the MML SSA remained in force. Under the First Amendment, the Company had made payments to MML of $130,000 on August 2, 2016 and $30,000 on October 1, 2016. Subsequent payments were amended to be made as follows; (a) on or before October 31, 2016, a payment $110,000, (b) on or before November 30, 2016, a payment of $152,500; (c) on or before January 31, 2017 a payment of $152,500; and (d) on or before March 31, 2017 a payment of $75,000.
F-11
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Notes to the Financial Statements
On December 6, 2016, the MML SSA commitment was amended (the “Second Amendment”) to provide for the total amount of $650,000, payable under an amended timetable; all the other provisions of the MML SSA remained in force. Under the Second Amendment, the Company had made payments to MML of $130,000 on August 2, 2016, $30,000 on October 1, 2016 and $110,000 on October 30, 2016. Subsequent payments were amended to be made as follows; (a) within 10 days of December 6, 2016, a payment of $22,500; (b) on or before January 31, 2017, a payment of $152,500; (c) on or before February 31, 2017, a payment of $130,000; and (d) on or before March 31, 2017, a payment of $75,000.
See Note 11 for the discussion of the Third Amendment entered into in January 2017.
Sgenia License Agreement
In December 4, 2013, the Company entered into the License Agreement with Sgenia Industrial S.L. and its subsidiaries, Sgenia Soluciones S.L and ZENON Biosystem S.L (collectively, “Sgenia”) for the development of an MRSA/SA detection device and cancer detective device and other improvements and variations to the devices (the “Sgenia Products”), to be based on the Sgenia sensory technology. Pursuant to the License Agreement, the Company will have a worldwide exclusive license to manufacture, market and sell the resulting products, subject to certain limitations and a royalty arrangement on a revenue sharing basis. The Company entered into amendments (the “Amendments”) to the License Agreement to modify and extend the Sgenia Products to include a lung cancer product and change the product development schedule and the research funding budget to accommodate the additional lung cancer product as well as the continuation of the development of the MRSA product. Additionally, the development stage objectives and milestones were modified to reflect the current state of development of each of the Sgenia Products.
Under the License Agreement, the Company is funding the development of the Sgenia Products pursuant to a research and development plan proposed by Sgenia and accepted by the Company. The funding will be provided on an advance basis, per month, based on agreed development stages. In return, the Company will have the exclusive right to manufacture, formulate, package, market and sell the Sgenia Products world-wide, for 40 years, subject to a limitation on the inclusion of Spain in the territory. All intellectual property developed by Sgenia at any time during the term related to manufacturing, formulating and/or packaging process shall be shared ownership and licensed to the Company on a royalty-free basis. Sgenia will also supply to the Company, at a negotiated price based on quantity, all of the requirements for the integrated circuits on microchips that are necessary for the operation of the Sgenia Products. Sgenia and the Company will also work together to research and develop the Sgenia Products and establish written plans and reviewing committees for the management of the overall development project and commercialization of the Sgenia Products.
The Company’s funding of the MRSA product development was limited to an initial approved budget of $1,256,438, of which $526,846 was advanced by the Company. As a result of the Amendment of July 2015, at the date of this report, the revised and approved budget is approximately $1,142,143, of which $769,787 has been advanced (including the amount advanced under the prior budget) as of September 30, 2016. The Company is currently committed to advancing approximately EUR656,000, for research and development under the revised and approved budget, and subject to Sgenia meeting certain milestones. Some of the milestones have not been met as of September 30, 2016. The aggregate of the advances paid by the Company are recorded as research and development expenses. The budget may be changed by mutual agreement from time to time.
In addition to providing the development funding, the Company will also pay royalties for completed sales of the Sgenia Products, payable 60 days after each fiscal quarter of the Company (the “Royalties”). The Royalties will be 20% of net sales, which is calculated based on gross sales of the device and the installation and training for the Sgenia Products, less various expenses, including manufacturing, components acquired from Sgenia, commissions, refunds and discounts and sales taxes. If the Sgenia Products are sold by Sgenia in Spain for original use in Spain, then the Royalties on those sales will be reduced. The Company also has the right to sublicense to other parties throughout the world, except in Spain if and when, if at all, Sgenia seeks to act as the distributor in that territory.
The Company has the option to fund the development of future proposed products based on the Sgenia intellectual property, and if funded the Company will obtain the right to manufacture, market and sell the resulting devices.
F-12
ZENOSENSE, INC.
Notes to the Financial Statements
9.
|
Income taxes
|
Our deferred tax assets consist of the benefit from net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forwards. The related deferred tax assets of approximately $546,100 and $458,900, respectively, have been fully offset by a valuation allowance.
The NOL carry-forwards begin to expire in 2029.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had net operating loss carry-forwards of $1,560,392 and $1,311,030, respectively.
10.
|
Related party transactions
|
On December 5, 2013, the Company entered into a one-year service agreement with Mr. Carlos Jose Gil, through his consulting firm, Ksego Engineering S.L., under which the Company will obtain his services as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Gil will receive a base salary and additional compensation equal to 10% of the net sales generated from the License Agreement. On August 12, 2016, the Company amended Mr. Carlos Jose Gil’service agreement to include additional compensation, if any, to be equal to 10% of the revenue received by Zenosense, Inc. from MML as a result of any future commercialization of the MIDS project.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded $61,124 of general and administrative expenses related to amounts paid/owed to Ksego Engineering S.L. for services rendered by Mr. Gil. As of December 31, 2016, the Company owes Mr. Gil $85,671. No additional compensation based on net sales has been earned to date.
11.
|
Subsequent events
|
On January 31, 2017, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the SSA. MML, with the agreement of the Company, had been exploring a potential enhancement to the MIDS nanoparticle detection method and the development of a “Magnetic Bridge” detection technique, based on the MIDS technology and consequently there had been a surplus of development cash on account with no immediate requirement for additional funding. Under the Third Amendment, subsequent payments were amended to be payable in the following amounts on these dates; (a) on or before March 15, 2017, a payment of $130,000; (b) on or before April 15, 2017, a payment of $152,500; and (d) on or before May 15, 2017, a payment of $75,000. MML has the right to draw down all or part of the earliest of any undrawn Phase 1 Payments in advance of the payment due date, with 14 days advance notice to the Company (the “Accelerated Payment”). All other provisions and terms of the MIDS Agreement and the aggregate amount of the Phase 1 Payments remain the same.
On February 1, 2017, the Company and the Holder entered into a further amendment to the Note (the “Second Note Amendment”) reflecting the change in the Company’s cash requirements brought about by the change in the Phase 1 Payments schedule detailed above. The Second Note Amendment revised the Conversion Loan schedule and amount to allows the Holder to provide three unsecured convertible loans to the Company (the “New Option Loans”): (a) on or before March 15, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $160,000; (b) on or before April 15, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $170,000; and (c) on or before May 15, 2017, a Conversion Loan of $90,000. All other terms and conditions of the New Option Loans are the same as the Option Loans and are listed in note 5 above. In the event the Company receives a notice of Accelerated Payment, the Company will immediately inform the Investor which agrees to either provide or decline to provide the funds required within 3 calendar days of such request being received.
On March 3, 2017, the Company issued an unsecured note (the “March 2017 Note”) in the principal amount of $160,000, to the Noteholder in exchange of a loan of $160,000. The Noteholder retained the option to provide the balance of the New Option Loans. On receipts of these funds, a payment of $130,000 was made to MML in line with the terms of the Third Amendment.
On April 2, 2017, the Company issued an unsecured note (the “April 2017 Note”) in the principal amount of $170,000, to the Noteholder in exchange of a loan of $170,000. The Noteholder retained the option to provide the final amount of $90,000 of the New Option Loans. On receipt of these funds, a payment of $152,500 was made to MML in line with the terms of the Third Amendment.
On February 16, 2017, the Company issued 828,571 shares of common stock in exchange for the conversion of $5,800 of the principal amount due under the Junior Note. Consequently, the principal amount owing on the Junior Note reduced to $36,200 plus accrued interest.
On February 16, the Company issued 832,000 shares of common stock in exchange for the conversion of $5,824 of the principal amount due under the May $53,197 Senior Note. Consequently, the principal amount owing on the Senior Note reduced to $47,373 plus accrued interest.
On April 4, 2017, the Company issued 916,900 shares of common stock in exchange for the conversion of $6,418 of the principal amount due under the May $53,197 Senior Note. Consequently, the principal amount owing on the May $53,197 Senior Note reduced to $40,955 plus accrued interest.
On April 6, 2017, the Company issued 828,571 shares of common stock in exchange for the conversion of $5,800 of the principal amount due under the May $22,300 Junior Note. Consequently, the principal amount owing on the May $22,300 Junior Note reduced to $16,500 plus accrued interest.
F-13
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Pursuant to Rule 131-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer, the sole officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on management's evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, our principal executive officer, who is also our principal financial officer, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act were ineffective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Furthermore, smaller reporting companies face additional limitations. Smaller reporting companies employ fewer individuals and find it difficult to properly segregate duties. Smaller reporting companies tend to utilize general accounting software packages that lack a rigorous set of software controls.
Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer, the sole officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, our internal controls over financial reporting were ineffective because: (1) the Company lacks a functioning audit committee and there is a lack of independent directors on the board of directors, resulting in ineffective oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures; (2) due to the lack of employees, the Company has inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives; and (3) the Company has ineffective controls over its period end financial disclosure and reporting processes. The aforementioned material weaknesses were identified by our Chief Executive Officer in connection with the review of our financial statements as of December 31, 2016. Because of our overall limited financial resources, we cannot estimate when we may begin to remediate any of the foregoing deficiencies and the time frame in which they will be remediated if and when begun.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permanently exempt smaller reporting companies from such requirement.
Changes in internal controls
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation described above that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
30
None
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, CONTROL PERSONS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
Information about our current Executive Officers and Directors is as follows:
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
Carlos Jose Gil
|
46
|
Chief Executive Officer, Director
|
At present, we have one Executive Officer and one person on our Board of Directors. Our Bylaws provide for a Board of Directors ranging from one to twelve members, with the exact number to be specified by the board. Our directors do not have length of term of office requirements or limitations and will hold office until the next annual meeting of the stockholders following their election and until their successors have been elected and qualified. The Board of Directors appoints our officers. Officers will hold office until the next annual meeting of our Board of Directors following their appointment and until their successors have been appointed and qualified.
Set forth below is a brief description of the recent employment and business experience of our sole executive officer and our directors:
Carlos Jose Gil — Director and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Gil joined the Company in October 2013 as a member of the Board. On December 7, 2013, Mr. Gil became the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. He has experience of high level sales management and the development of sales teams in the health care sector. From 2012 to 2013, Mr. Gil served as a Managing Director of Porsche Car Spain. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Gil was Sales Manager at Pharmaceutic Laboratory PersanFarma. From 1994 to 2009 Mr. Gil was a Medical Consultant in Medical Affairs and then Account Manager at Pharmaceutic Laboratory Janssen-Cilag (Johnson & Johnson). Mr. Gil holds a BSc in Chemical Science from Valencia University, Spain.
Significant Employees
None.
Family Relationships
None.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
None.
31
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our equity securities that are registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, Mr. Carlos Jose Gil was subject to Section (16)(a) compliance. Mr. Gill has filed the required reports on Forms 3 and 4.
Code of Ethics
We have not yet prepared a written code of ethics and employment standards. We expect to implement a Code of Ethics in the future, when our operations are more involved with the regulatory, manufacturing and marketing processes related to our products.
Corporate Governance; Audit Committee and Other Committees
We are not required to have and we do not have a separately-designated standing Audit Committee nor an Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Company’s Board of Directors performs some of the same functions of an Audit Committee, such as recommending a firm of independent certified public accountants to audit the financial statements; reviewing the auditors’ independence, the financial statements and their audit report; and reviewing management’s administration of the system of internal accounting controls. The Company does not currently have a written audit committee charter or similar document.
We are not required to have and we do not have any other committees of the board of directors, such as compensation or nomination committees. The functions of these types of committees are currently carried out by the Board of Directors.
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the total annual compensation paid or accrued by us to or for the account of the Chief Executive Officer, who is also our Principal Financial Officer (“PFO”), during the past completed fiscal years of 2015 and 2016.
Summary Compensation
Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Total
|
|||||||||
Carlos Jose Gil
|
2016
|
$
|
61,124
|
$
|
-0-
|
$
|
61,124
|
||||||
2015
|
$
|
59,404
|
$
|
-0-
|
$
|
59,404
|
On December 5, 2013, the Company has entered into a service agreement with Mr. Carlos Jose Gil, under which it will obtain the services of Mr. Carlos Jose Gil as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, through his consulting firm, Ksego Engineering S.L. Mr. Gil will be compensated with a monthly base amount of €4,500, and will be provided with additional cash compensation equal to 10% of the net sales generated from the sales of the Company of the products licensed under the License Agreement, based on the same definition of “net sales” in the License Agreement. The employment arrangement is for a period of one year, which is automatically extended on a month to month basis, unless advance notice is given to not extend the agreement. Mr. Gil may terminate the agreement on three months’ notice and the Company may terminate the agreement on one months’ notice. Mr. Gil will spend a majority of his time on the business affairs of the Company, but there is no specified number of days or hours to be so expended, and Mr. Gil has the right to pursue other business activities directly or through his consulting firm, Ksego Engineering S.L. The agreement contains standard provisions to terminate for cause and disability and reimbursement for expenses.
We will not pay compensation to our Directors for attendance at meetings. We will reimburse Directors for reasonable expenses incurred during the course of their performance. However, as the business plan is implemented, we may change this policy to attract new and seasoned directors, in which case, we will implement a program of cash and equity compensation and expense reimbursement and additional consideration for supplemental activities such as committee membership and committee leadership.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we paid our sole officer, Mr. Carlos Jose Gil, $61,124 for services during 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we paid our sole officer, Mr. Carlos Jose Gil, $59,404 for services during 2015.
32
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 12, 2017, for:
·
|
each of our directors;
|
·
|
each of our named executive officers;
|
·
|
all of our current directors and executive officers as a group; and
|
·
|
each person, or group of affiliated persons, who beneficially owned more than 5% of our common stock.
|
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares of common stock that they beneficially owned, subject to applicable community property laws.
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner(s)
|
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Owner(s) (1)
|
Percentage of Beneficial Ownership (1)
|
Carlos José Gil, CEO and Director (2)
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
All officers and directors (1 person)
|
-0-
|
-0-
|
Valley Heights, Inc (3) 9, 589,512 47.74%
(1)
|
This table is based on 20,083,381 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of the date indicated above.
|
(2)
|
Mr. Gil’s address is Avda Cortes Valencianas 58, Planta 5, Valencia, Spain.
(3) Valley Heights, Inc. address is Suite 1-A, 5, Eusebio A Morales, El Cangrego, Panama City, Republic of Panama
|
We have hired Mr. Gil though the service agreement among Ksego, Mr. Gil and the Company, which is described above in Item 11.
Because the Board of Directors has not established an audit committee, the Board of Directors has undertaken the responsibility to review related party transactions.
Audit Fees.
The aggregate fees billed by our auditor, GBH CPAs, PC, for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, was $13,250 and $12,000, respectively.
Audit Related Fees.
We incurred $0 and $0 to our auditors for audit related fees during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Tax Fees.
N/A
All Other Fees.
N/A
The Board of Directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.
Since there is no audit committee, there are no audit committee pre-approval policies and procedures.
33
Exhibit
Number
|
Description
|
3.1*
|
Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Form -S1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2009).
|
3.2*
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2013).
|
3.3*
|
Amended and Restated By-laws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2013).
|
3.4* | Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of hte Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commision on August 4, 2016). |
3.5* | Certificate of Correction to Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Form 8-K filed with teh Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2016). |
10.1*
|
Development and Exclusive License Agreement, by and among the Company, Sgenia Solutions, S.L., and ZENON Biosystem, S.L., dated November 26, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2013).
|
10.2*
|
Amendment No. 1 to Development and Exclusive License Agreement, dated December 4, 2013, delaying the effective date and adding Sgenia Industrial, S.L. as a party (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2013).
|
10.3*
|
Form of Employment Agreement with Mr. Carlos Jose Gil, dated December 5, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2013).
|
10.4*
|
Form of Debt Conversion Agreement dated December 4, 2013, between B. Alejandro Vasquez and the Company, for the issuance of 366,340 shares (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2013).
|
10.5*
|
Form of Debt Conversion Agreement dated December 4, 2013, for the issuance of 796,872 shares (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2013).
|
10.6*
|
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated December 4, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2013).
|
10.7*
|
Amendment No. 2 to Development and Exclusive License Agreement, dated April 28, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2015)
|
10.8*
|
Amendment No. 3 to Development and Exclusive License Agreement, dated July 21, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 2015)
|
10.9*
|
Form Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 20, 2016.
|
10.10*
|
Form Securities Exchange Agreement, dated May 17, 2016.
|
10.11*
|
Form Convertible Note, issued on April 20, 2016.
|
10.12*
|
Form Convertible Note, issued on May 17, 2016.
|
23.1**
|
Consent from GBH CPAs, PC
|
31.1**
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Exchange Act pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
32.1**
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
EX-101.INS
|
Instance Document**
|
EX-101.SCH
|
Taxonomy Extension Schema**
|
EX-101.CAL
|
Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase**
|
EX-101.DEF
|
Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase**
|
EX-101.LAB
|
Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase**
|
EX-101.PRE
|
Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase**
|
* Previously filed.
** Filed herewith
34
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on the date indicated.
ZENOSENSE, INC.
|
|||
Date: April 17, 2017
|
By:
|
/s/ Carlos Jose Gil | |
Carlos Jose Gil | |||
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Accounting/Financial Officer, and Sole Director | |||
35