See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2019
Note A. OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS
D
escription
of the Business
Capstone Therapeutics Corp. (the “Company”,
“we”, “our” or “us”) is a biotechnology company committed to developing a pipeline of novel
peptides and other molecules aimed at helping patients with under-served medical conditions. Previously, we were focused on the
development and commercialization of two product platforms: AZX100 and Chrysalin (TP508). In 2012, we terminated the license for
Chrysalin (targeting orthopedic indications). In 2014, we terminated the license for AZX100 (targeting dermal scar reduction).
Capstone no longer has any rights to or interest in Chrysalin or AZX100.
On August 3, 2012, we entered into a joint
venture, LipimetiX Development, LLC, (now LipimetiX Development, Inc.), (the “JV”), to develop Apo E mimetic peptide
molecule AEM-28 and its analogs. The JV has a development plan to pursue regulatory approval of AEM-28, or an analog, as treatment
for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, other hyperlipidemic indications, and acute coronary syndrome/atherosclerosis regression.
The initial AEM-28 development plan extended through Phase 1a and 1b/2a clinical trials and was completed in the fourth quarter
of 2014. The clinical trials had a safety primary endpoint and an efficacy endpoint targeting reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides.
In early 2014, the JV received allowance
from regulatory authorities in Australia permitting the JV to proceed with the planned clinical trials. The Phase 1a clinical trial
commenced in Australia in April 2014 and the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial commenced in Australia in June 2014. The clinical trials
for AEM-28 were randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics of six escalating single doses (Phase 1a in healthy patients with elevated cholesterol) and multiple ascending
doses of the three highest doses from Phase 1a (Phase 1b/2a in patients with hypercholesterolemia and healthy volunteers with elevated
cholesterol and high Body Mass Index). The Phase 1a clinical trial consisted of 36 patients and the Phase 1b/2a consisted of 15
patients. Both clinical trials were completed in 2014 and the Medical Safety Committee, reviewing all safety-related aspects of
the clinical trials, observed a generally acceptable safety profile. As first-in-man studies, the primary endpoint was safety;
yet efficacy measurements analyzing pharmacodynamics yielded statistical significance in the pooled dataset favoring AEM-28 versus
placebo in multiple lipid biomarker endpoints.
Concurrent with the clinical development
activities of AEM-28, the JV has performed pre-clinical studies that have identified analogs of AEM-28, and new formulations, that
have the potential of increased efficacy, higher human dose toleration and an extended composition of matter patent life (application
filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2014).
The JV and the Company are exploring fundraising,
partnering or licensing, to obtain additional funding to continue development activities and operations.
The JV and the Company do not have sufficient
funding at this time to continue additional material development activities. The JV may conduct future clinical trials in Australia,
the USA, and other regulatory jurisdictions if regulatory approvals, additional funding, and other conditions permit.
The
Company, funding permitting, intends to continue limiting its internal operations to a virtual operating model while monitoring
and participating in the management of JV’s development activities.
Description of Current Peptide Drug Candidates.
Apo E Mimetic Peptide Molecule –
AEM-28 and its analogs
Apolipoprotein E is a 299 amino acid protein
that plays an important role in lipoprotein metabolism. Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) is in a class of protein that occurs throughout
the body. Apo E is essential for the normal metabolism of cholesterol and triglycerides. After a meal, the postprandial (or post-meal)
lipid load is packaged in lipoproteins and secreted into the blood stream. Apo E targets cholesterol and triglyceride rich lipoproteins
to specific receptors in the liver, decreasing the levels in the blood. Elevated plasma cholesterol and triglycerides are independent
risk factors for atherosclerosis, the buildup of cholesterol rich lesions and plaques in the arteries. AEM-28 is a 28 amino acid
mimetic of Apo E and AEM-28 analogs are also 28 amino acid mimetics of Apo E (with an aminohexanoic acid group and a phospholipid).
Both contain a domain that anchors into a lipoprotein surface while also providing the Apo E receptor binding domain, which allows
clearance through the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) receptors (Syndecan-1) in the liver. AEM-28 and its analogs, as Apo E
mimetics, have the potential to restore the ability of these atherogenic lipoproteins to be cleared from the plasma, completing
the reverse cholesterol transport pathway, and thereby reducing cardiovascular risk. This is an important mechanism of action for
AEM-28 and its analogs. Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and cerebral artery
disease, and can cause heart attack, loss of limbs and stroke. Defective lipid metabolism also plays an important role in the development
of adult onset diabetes mellitus (Type 2 diabetes), and diabetics are particularly vulnerable to atherosclerosis, heart and peripheral
artery diseases. Our joint venture has an Exclusive License Agreement with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Research Foundation
for a broad domain of Apo E mimetic peptides, including AEM-28 and its analogs.
Company History
Prior to November 2003, we developed, manufactured
and marketed proprietary, technologically advanced orthopedic products designed to promote the healing of musculoskeletal bone
and tissue, with particular emphasis on fracture healing and spine repair. Our product lines, which included bone growth stimulation
and fracture fixation devices, are referred to as our “Bone Device Business.” In November 2003, we sold our Bone Device
Business.
In August 2004, we purchased substantially
all of the assets and intellectual property of Chrysalis Biotechnology, Inc., including its exclusive worldwide license for Chrysalin,
a peptide, for all medical indications. Subsequently, our efforts were focused on research and development of Chrysalin with the
goal of commercializing our products in fresh fracture healing. (In March 2012, we returned all rights to the Chrysalin intellectual
property and no longer have any interest in, or rights to, Chrysalin.)
In February 2006, we purchased certain assets
and assumed certain liabilities of AzERx, Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, we acquired an exclusive license for the core
intellectual property relating to AZX100, an anti-fibrotic peptide. In 2014, we terminated the License Agreement with AzTE (Licensor)
for the core intellectual property relating to AZX100 and returned all interest in and rights to the AZX100 intellectual property
to the Licensor.
On August 3, 2012, we entered into a joint
venture (As described in Note B below) to develop Apo E mimetic peptide molecule AEM-28 and its analogs.
Our development activities represent a single
operating segment as they shared the same product development path and utilized the same Company resources. As a result, we determined
that it is appropriate to reflect our operations as one reportable segment.
OrthoLogic Corp. commenced doing business
under the trade name of Capstone Therapeutics on October 1, 2008, and we formally changed our name from OrthoLogic Corp. to Capstone
Therapeutics Corp. on May 21, 2010.
In these notes, references to “we”,
“our”, “us”, the “Company”, “Capstone Therapeutics”, “Capstone”, and
“OrthoLogic” refer to Capstone Therapeutics Corp. References to our joint venture or “JV”, refer to LipimetiX
Development, Inc. (formerly LipimetiX Development, LLC).
Basis of presentation, Going Concern,
and Management’s Plans.
The accompanying financials statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue
as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
Management has determined that the Company
will require additional capital above its current cash and working capital balances to further develop AEM-28 and its analogs or
to continue operations. Accordingly, the Company has significantly reduced its development activities. The Company’s corporate
strategy is to raise funds by possibly engaging in a strategic/merger transaction or conducting a private or public offering of
debt or equity securities for capital. As described in Note D below, the Company, on July 14, 2017, raised $3,440,000, with net
proceeds of approximately $2,074,000, after paying off the Convertible Promissory Notes, and transaction costs of $287,000. As
discussed in Note B below, in August 2017, the Company used $1,000,000 of the net proceeds to purchase 93,458 shares of LipimetiX
Development, Inc.’s Series B-2 Preferred Stock. The additional funds, as well as a commitment of additional funding from
the same investor group on an as needed basis of up to $700,000, (Through an increase in its outstanding long-term debt. As described
in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2019, on March 15, 2019 the Company
entered into the Second Amendment to Securities Purchase, Loan and Security Agreement with Brookstone which provides additional
funding for our operations up to a Maximum Amount of $700,000.) alleviated the substantial doubt about the entity’s ability
to continue as a going concern. However, additional funds will be required for the joint venture to reach its development goals
and for the Company to continue its planned operations.
In the opinion of management, the unaudited
condensed interim financial statements include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position, results
of operations, and cash flows, and all adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the complete fiscal year. The financial statements include
the consolidated results of Capstone Therapeutics Corp. and our approximately 60% owned subsidiary, LipimetiX Development, Inc.
Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed
or omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures herein
are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2018. Information presented as of December 31, 2018 is derived from audited financial statements.
Use
of estimates.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America requires that management make a number of assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, and expenses in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience
and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management’s assumptions regarding
current events and actions that may impact the Company in the future, actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Our significant estimates include accounting
for stock-based compensation.
Legal and Other Contingencies
The Company is subject to legal proceedings
and claims, as well as potential inquires and action by the Securities and Exchange Commission, that arise in the course of business.
The Company records a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. There
is significant judgment required in both the probability determination and as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated.
In the opinion of management, there was not at least a reasonable possibility the Company may have incurred a material loss with
respect to loss contingencies. However, the outcome of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Company are subject to
significant uncertainty.
Legal costs related to contingencies are
expensed as incurred and were not material in either 2019 or 2018.
Joint Venture Accounting.
The Company
entered into a joint venture in which it has contributed $6,000,000, and the noncontrolling interests have contributed certain
patent license rights. As discussed in Note B below, in August 2017, the Company purchased 93,458 shares of LipimetiX Development,
Inc.’s Series B-2 Preferred Stock for $1,000,000. Neither the Company nor the noncontrolling interests have an obligation
to contribute additional funds to the joint venture or to assume any joint venture liabilities or to provide a guarantee of either
joint venture performance or any joint venture liability. The financial position and results of operations of the joint venture
are presented on a consolidated basis with the financial position and results of operations of the Company. Intercompany transactions
have been eliminated. Joint venture losses were recorded on the basis of common ownership equity interests until common ownership
equity was reduced to $0. Subsequent joint venture losses were allocated to the Series A preferred ownership. Subsequent to March
31, 2013, all joint venture losses had been allocated to the Company. On August 25, 2016, the JV raised $1,012,000 ($946,000 net
of issuance costs) in a Series B-1 Preferred Stock and Warrant offering and in 2016, $946,000 in losses were allocated to the Series
B-1 Preferred Stock ownership interests. As of March 31, 2018, losses incurred by the JV exceeded the capital accounts of the JV.
The Company has a revolving loan agreement with the joint venture and advanced the joint venture funds for operations, with the
net amount originally due December 31, 2016. As described in Note B below, the due date of the revolving loan has been extended
to July 15, 2020, with early payment required upon certain additional funding of the joint venture by non-affiliated parties. Losses
incurred by the joint venture in excess of the capital accounts of the joint venture will be allocated to the Company to the extent
of net outstanding advances.
Cash.
Cash consists of balances held in commercial
bank accounts.
Other Current Assets.
Other Current Assets at June 30, 2019 includes $320,000 reimbursable under the Cooperation Agreement discussed below, and
this amount will be used to satisfy certain obligations that are included in accounts payable or have been paid for by the
Company as of June 30, 2019.
Accounts Payable.
Accounts
payable includes accrued and deferred officer compensation of
$
185,000 and $135,000 at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018,
respectively, that is payable at various times and amounts through December 2020 and payable earlier on occurrence of certain transactions
or approval by the Company’s Board of Directors. Accounts payable at June 30, 2019 also includes a $480,000 payable associated
with the Cooperation Agreement discussed below.
Stockholders’ Equity.
During the first six months of 2019 and 2018 Additional paid-in capital increased by $7,000 and $6,000,
respectively, due to the amortization of the cost of Warrants issued as part of the First Amendment to Securities Purchase, Loan
and Security Agreement as described in Note D in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. During the first six months
of 2019 and 2018 Accumulated deficit increased (decreased) by $1,523,000 and ($691,000), respectively, due to the net loss (income)
incurred in those first six months.
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU 606”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts
from Customers”. Pursuant to ASC 606, revenue is recognized by the Company when a customer obtains control of promised goods
or services. The amount of revenue that is recorded reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange
for those goods or services. The Company applies the following five-step model in order to determine this amount: (i) identification
of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance
obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including
the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition
of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.
Upfront License Fees
: If a license to the Company’s
intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company
recognizes revenues from nonrefundable, upfront license fees based on the relative value prescribed to the license compared to
the total value of the arrangement. The revenue is recognized when the license is transferred to the collaborator and the collaborator
is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are not distinct from other obligations identified in
the arrangement, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether
the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time. If the combined performance obligation is satisfied
over time, the Company applies an appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from nonrefundable,
upfront license fees. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts
the measure of performance and related revenue recognition.
Cooperation Agreement
In May 2018 the Company’s joint venture
(“JV”) entered into an agreement to cooperate with Anji Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“ANJI”) (see Note E below)
in the development of AEM-28 and its analogs. The JV entered into a License Agreement (the “Sub-License”) with ANJI
to sublicense, under its Exclusive License Agreement with the UAB Research Foundation, the use of the JV’s AEM-28 and analogs
intellectual property in the Territory of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong (the “Territory”).
As both parties intend to develop AEM-28 and its analogs, conducting independent development activities would result in both parties
performing the same or similar pre-clinical work and clinical trial drug development. As such, the parties agreed to cooperate
by the JV agreeing to perform certain preclinical work at its expense and for ANJI to cover the cost of clinical trial drug development.
For efficiency and cost effectiveness the JV has agreed to manage the initial clinical trial drug development. Accordingly, the
vendors performing the clinical trial drug development will bill the JV and ANJI will reimburse the JV. As provided for in ASC
606 and ASC 808 Cooperation Arrangements, the JV will net the reimbursements against the clinical trial drug development costs
in Operating Expenses – Research & Development in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the cash flow effect
will be shown net in Operating Activities – Net Loss in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the Financial Statements
included in this Current Report on Form 10-Q. ANJI cost and reimbursement activity under the Cooperation Agreement as of June 30,
2019 and December 31, 2018 totaled $134,000 and $52,000, respectively, and has been shown net. In the first six months of 2019
the Company charged costs totaling $740,000 to research and development expense related to its activities under the Cooperation
Agreement.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-18 Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808)
- Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606. This ASU is effective for effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. As provided for in the ASU, the Company has elected to early
adopt the ASU. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements at June 30, 2019
or December 31, 2018.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Leases.
In February 2016 the
FASB issued ASU 2016-02
Leases (Topic 842)
and subsequently amended the guidance relating largely to transition considerations
under the standard in January 2018 and July 2018. The objective of this update is to increase the transparency and comparability
among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about
leasing arrangements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within
those annual periods and is to be applied utilizing a modified retrospective approach. The new standard was adopted by the Company
in the 1
st
quarter of 2019 and the adoption did not have a material effect on its financial position or operating results.
The Company, at June 30, 2019, has recorded a right to use asset of $20,000 in Other Current Assets and a lease liability of $20,000
in Other Accrued Liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The adoption
of the new standard is a non-monetary transaction and will have no effect on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Note B. JOINT VENTURE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF APO E MIMETIC PEPTIDE MOLECULE AEM-28 AND ANALOGS
On August 3, 2012, we entered into a Contribution
Agreement with LipimetiX, LLC to form a joint venture, LipimetiX Development, LLC (“JV”), to develop Apo E mimetic
molecules, including AEM-28 and its analogs. In June 2015, the JV converted from a limited liability company to a corporation,
LipimetiX Development, Inc. The Company contributed $6 million, which included $1 million for 600,000 voting common ownership units
(now common stock), representing 60% ownership in the JV, and $5 million for 5,000,000 non-voting preferred ownership units (now
Series A Preferred Stock), which have preferential distribution rights. On March 31, 2016, the Company converted 1,500,000 shares
of its preferred stock into 120,000 shares of common stock, increasing its common stock ownership from 60% to 64%. On August 11,
2017, the remaining $3,500,000 (3,500,000 shares) of Series A preferred stock became convertible, at the Company’s option,
into common stock, at the lower of the Series B Preferred Stock Conversion Price, as may be adjusted for certain events, or the
price of the next LipimetiX Development, Inc. financing, exceeding $1,000,000 on independently set valuation and terms. On August
11, 2017, the Company purchased 93,458 shares of LipimetiX Development, Inc.’s Series B-2 Preferred Stock for $1,000,000
(LipimetiX Development, Inc. incurred $15,000 in transaction costs as part of the Series B-2 Preferred Stock issuance, which was
been shown as a reduction of Additional Paid in Capital on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and a cash flow provided
by financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows at December 31, 2017). As discussed below, the JV Series B-1
and B-2 Preferred Stock issuances, because of the participating and conversion features of the preferred stock, effectively changes
the Company’s ownership in the JV to 62.2%. With the Series B-1 and B-2 Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis, and the
Company converting its Series A Preferred Stock to common stock, the Company’s ownership would change to 69.75%. The JV 2016
Equity Incentive Plan has 83,480 shares of the JV’s common stock available to grant, of which, at December 31, 2018, options
to purchase JV common stock shares totaling 81,479 have been granted and are fully vested. All options were granted with an exercise
price of $1.07, vested 50% on the date of grant and monthly thereafter in equal amounts over a twenty-four-month period and are
exercisable for ten years from the date of grant. If all stock available to grant in the JV 2016 Equity Incentive Plan were granted
and exercised, and the Series B-1 Preferred Stock Warrants were exercised, the Company’s fully diluted ownership (on an as-converted
basis) would be approximately 65.11%. On October 27, 2017 the Board granted Mr. Holliman an option to purchase 14,126 shares of
the LipimetiX Development, Inc. Series B-2 Preferred Stock it currently owns, at an exercise price of $10.70 per share, subject
to adjustment and other terms consistent with the Series B-2 Preferred Stock. The option is exercisable for a five-year period
from the date of grant. If exercised, this option would reduce the Company’s fully diluted ownership (on an as-converted
basis including assumed exercise of other options and warrants) to approximately 64.31%.
LipimetiX, LLC was formed by the principals
of Benu BioPharma, Inc. (“Benu”) and UABRF to commercialize UABRF’s intellectual property related to Apo E mimetic
molecules, including AEM-28 and analogs. Benu is currently composed of Dennis I. Goldberg, Ph.D. and Eric M. Morrel, Ph.D. LipimetiX,
LLC contributed all intellectual property rights for Apo E mimetic molecules it owned and assigned its Exclusive License Agreement
between The University of Alabama at Birmingham Research Foundation (“UABRF”) and LipimetiX, LLC, for the UABRF intellectual
property related to Apo E mimetic molecules AEM-28 and its analogs to the JV, in return for 400,000 voting common ownership units
(now common stock), representing a 40% ownership interest in the JV at formation, and $378,000 in cash (for certain initial patent-related
costs and legal expenses).
On August 25, 2016, LipimetiX Development,
Inc. closed a Series B-1 Preferred Stock offering, raising funds of $1,012,000 ($946,000 net of issuance costs of approximately
$66,000). Individual accredited investors and management participated in the financing. This initial closing of the Series B-1
Preferred Stock offering resulted in the issuance of 94,537 shares of preferred stock, convertible to an equal number of the JV’s
common stock at the election of the holders and warrants to purchase an additional 33,088 shares of JV preferred stock, at an exercise
price of $10.70, with a ten-year term.
As disclosed above, on August 11, 2017,
the Company purchased 93,458 shares of LipimetiX Development, Inc.’s Series B-2 Preferred Stock for $1,000,000.
Series B (B-1 and B-2) Preferred Stock is
a participating preferred stock. As a participating preferred, the preferred stock will earn a 5% dividend, payable only upon the
election by the JV or in liquidation. Prior to the JV common stock holders receiving distributions, the participating preferred
stockholders will receive their earned dividends and payback of their original investment. Subsequently, the participating preferred
will participate in future distributions on an equal “as-converted” share basis with common stock holders. The Series
B Preferred Stock has “as-converted” voting rights and other terms standard to a security of this nature.
The Exclusive License Agreement assigned
by LipimetiX, LLC to the JV on formation of the JV, as amended, calls for payment of patent filing, maintenance and other related
patent fees, as well as a royalty of 3% on Net Sales of Licensed Products during the Term of the Agreement. The Agreement terminates
upon the expiration of all Valid Patent Claims within the Licensed Patents, which are currently estimated to expire between 2019
and 2035. The Agreement, as amended, also calls for annual maintenance payments of $25,000, various milestone payments of $50,000
to $500,000 and minimum royalty payments of $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year commencing on January 1 of the first calendar year
following the year in which the First Commercial Sale occurs. UABRF will also be paid 5% of Non-Royalty Income received.
Concurrent with entering into the Contribution
Agreement and the First Amendment and Consent to Assignment of Exclusive License Agreement between LipimetiX, LLC, UABRF and the
Company, the Company and LipimetiX, LLC entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement for JV which established a Joint Development
Committee (“JDC”) to manage JV development activities. Upon conversion by the JV from a limited liability company to
a corporation, the parties entered into a Stockholders Agreement for the JV, and the JDC was replaced by a Board of Directors (JV
Board). The JV Board is composed of three members appointed by the non-Company common stock ownership group, three members appointed
by the Company and one member appointed by the Series B-1 Preferred Stockholders. Non-development JV decisions, including the issuance
of new equity, incurrence of debt, entry into strategic transactions, licenses or development agreements, sales of assets and liquidation,
and approval of annual budgets, will be decided by a majority vote of the common and Series B Preferred Stock (voting on an “as
-converted” basis) stockholders.
The JV, on August 3, 2012, entered into
a Management Agreement with Benu to manage JV development activities and an Accounting Services Agreement with the Company to manage
JV accounting and administrative functions. The services related to these agreements have been completed. New Management and Accounting
Services Agreements were entered into effective June 1, 2016. However, no Management or Accounting Services fees are due or payable
except to the extent funding is available, as unanimously approved by members of the JV Board of Directors and as reflected in
the approved operating budget in effect at that time. In August 2017 the Accounting Services Agreement monthly fee was increased
to $20,000 and will thereafter be accrued but not payable, until certain levels of joint venture funding are obtained from non-affiliated
parties. At June 30, 2019, accounting fees of $460,000 were earned but unpaid. In August 2017, a Management Fee of $300,000 was
approved by the joint venture’s Board of Directors with $150,000 paid and charged to expense in the third quarter of 2017
and $150,000 paid and expensed in the first quarter of 2018. In the 1
st
quarter of 2019 a Management Fee of $50,000
was charged to expense and paid in the second quarter of 2019..
The joint venture formation was as follows
($000’s):
|
Patent license rights
|
|
$
|
1,045
|
|
|
|
Noncontrolling interests
|
|
|
(667
|
)
|
|
|
Cash paid at formation
|
|
$
|
378
|
|
|
Patent license rights were recorded at their
estimated fair value and were amortized on a straight-line basis over the key patent life of eighty months (fully amortized at
June 30, 2019).
The financial position and results of operations
of the joint venture are presented on a consolidated basis with the financial position and results of operations of the Company.
Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. In the Company’s consolidated financial statements, joint venture losses
were recorded on the basis of common ownership equity interests until common ownership equity was reduced to $0. Subsequent joint
venture losses were being allocated to the Series A preferred ownership equity (100% Company). Subsequent to March 31, 2013, all
joint venture losses had been allocated to the Company. On August 25, 2016 the JV raised $1,012,000, ($946,000 net of issuance
costs) in a Series B-1 Preferred Stock and Warrant offering and in 2016, $946,000 of losses were allocated to the Series B-1 Preferred
Stock ownership interests. As of December 31, 2018, losses incurred by the JV exceeded the capital accounts of the JV. The Company
has a revolving loan agreement with the joint venture, with the loan due December 31, 2016. The due date of the revolving loan
was extended to July 15, 2020, with early payment required upon certain additional funding of the joint venture by non-affiliated
parties. Subsequent to June 30, 2017, interest due on the revolving loan will be accrued and payable only upon certain additional
funding of the joint venture by non-affiliated parties. Until repayment, the outstanding revolving loan and interest balance is
convertible, at the Company’s option, into Series B Preferred Stock at the Series B-1 conversion price. Losses incurred by
the joint venture in excess of the capital accounts of the joint venture will be allocated to the Company to the extent of the
unpaid loan and accrued interest balance. At June 30, 2019, the revolving loan agreement balance, including accrued interest subsequent
to June 30, 2017 of $160,000, was $1,760,000.
The joint venture incurred net operating
income (expenses), prior to the elimination of intercompany transactions, of ($1,191,000) in 2019 and ($10,789,000) for the period
from August 3, 2012 (inception) to June 30, 2019, of which ($1,191,000), and ($9,177,000), respectively, have been recorded by
the Company. The joint venture operating expenses are included in research and development expenses in the condensed consolidated
statements of operations.
Neither the Company nor the noncontrolling
interests have an obligation to contribute additional funds to the joint venture or to assume any joint venture liabilities or
to provide a guarantee of either joint venture performance or any joint venture liability. Losses allocated to the common stock
noncontrolling interests represent an additional potential loss for the Company as the common stock noncontrolling interests are
not obligated to contribute assets to the joint venture and, depending on the ultimate outcome of the joint venture, the Company
could potentially absorb all losses associated with the joint venture. From formation of the joint venture, August 3, 2012, through
June 30, 2019, losses totaling $667,000 have been allocated to the common stock noncontrolling interests. If the joint venture
or Company is unable to obtain additional funding, the ability of the joint venture to continue development of AEM-28 and its analogs
would be impaired as would the joint venture’s ability to continue operations. If the joint venture does not continue as
a going concern, at June 30, 2019, the Company would incur an additional loss of $667,000 for the joint venture losses allocated
to the common stock noncontrolling interests.
Note C
Australian
Refundable Research & Development Credit
In March 2014, LipimetiX Development LLC,
(Now LipimetiX Development, Inc. - see Note B above) formed a wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, Lipimetix Australia Pty Ltd,
to conduct Phase 1a and Phase1b/2a clinical trials in Australia. Currently Australian tax regulations provide for a refundable
research and development tax credit equal to 43.5% of qualified expenditures. Subsequent to the end of its Australian tax years,
Lipimetix Australia Pty Ltd submits claims for a refundable research and development tax credit. The expected refundable research
and development tax credits for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were AUD$0 and AUD$4,000, respectively.
Note D
SALE OF COMMON
STOCK AND ISSUANCE OFSECURED debT
As described in our Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2017, on July 14, 2017, the Company entered into a Securities
Purchase, Loan and Security Agreement (the “Agreement”) with BP Peptides, LLC (“Brookstone"). The net proceeds
have been used to fund our operations, infuse new capital into our joint venture, LipimetiX Development, Inc. ("JV")
(As described in Note B above, in August 2017, the Company used $1,000,000 of the net proceeds to purchase 93,458 shares of LipimetiX
Development, Inc.’s Series B-2 Preferred Stock.), to continue its development activities, and pay off the Convertible Promissory
Notes totaling $1,000,000, plus $79,000 in accrued interest.
Pursuant to the
Agreement, Brookstone funded an aggregate of $3,440,000, with net proceeds of approximately $2,074,000, after paying off the Convertible
Promissory Notes and transaction costs, of which $1,012,500 was for the purchase of 13,500,000 newly issued shares of our Common
Stock, and $2,427,500 was in the form of a secured loan, due October 15, 2020. On July 14, 2017 Brookstone also purchased 5,041,197
shares of the Company’s Common Stock directly from Biotechnology Value Fund affiliated entities, resulting in ownership of
18,541,197 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, representing approximately 34.1% of outstanding shares of the Company’s
Common Stock at March 31, 2019.
As described in
our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2018, on January 30, 2018, the
Company entered into the First Amendment to Securities Purchase, Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amendment”) with
Brookstone. Interest on the Secured Debt was payable quarterly. The Amendment defers the payment of interest until the Secured
Debt’s maturity, October 15, 2020. In consideration for the deferral, the Company issued a Warrant to Brookstone to purchase
up to 6,321,930 shares of the Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $.075 per share. The warrant expires October
15, 2025 and provides for quarterly vesting of shares in amounts approximately equal to the amount of quarterly interest payable
that would have been payable under the Agreement, converted into shares at $0.75. At June 30, 2019, 3,405,151 shares are fully
vested and exercisable.
The fair value
of the Warrants was determined to be $43,000. The fair value of the Warrants will be amortized over the deferral period, January
30, 2018 to October 15, 2020, on the straight-line basis, as additional interest expense. Amortization expenses totaled $7,000
and $6,000 in the first six months of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is included in Interest and other expenses, net, in the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
As described in our Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2019, on March 15, 2019 the Company entered into the Second
Amendment to Securities Purchase, Loan and Security Agreement with Brookstone which provides additional funding for our operations
up to a Maximum Amount of $500,000. Any additional amounts advanced will be added to the current Loan and subject to the same terms
and conditions. At Brookstone’s sole discretion, the Maximum Amount may be increased to an amount not to exceed $700,000.
The Company borrowed $50,000 in March 2019 against the Maximum Amount of $500,000. In August 2019 the lender agreed to increase
the Maximum Amount to $700,000.
Transaction costs of $287,000 have been
deferred and will be written off over the life of the secured loan, thirty-nine months from July 14, 2017 to October 20, 2020,
on the straight-line basis. Additional transaction costs of $12,000 were incurred with the Amendment and will be written off over
the period of the date of the Amendment, January 30, 2018, to October 15, 2020. At June 30, 2019 transaction costs of $179,000
has been amortized, and $45,000 in the first six months of 2019 and 2018 has been included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements
of Operations in Interest and Other Expenses. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, unamortized transaction costs of $120,000
and $165,000, respectively, have been netted against the outstanding Secured Debt balance on the Condensed Consolidated Balance
Sheets. Interest payable on the Secured Debt is now due at loan maturity, October 15, 2020, and, at June 30, 2019 and December
31, 2018, accrued interest of $287,000 and $213,000, respectively, has been included in the Secured Debt balance on the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The interest on the secured debt of $73,000, and $72,000 in the first six months of 2019 and 2018,
respectively, has been included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in Interest and Other Expenses.
A summary of the Secured Debt activity is as follows (000’s):
|
|
|
June 30, 2019
|
|
December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secured Debt
|
|
$
|
2,477
|
|
|
$
|
2,427
|
|
|
|
Transaction costs
|
|
|
(299
|
)
|
|
|
(299
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,178
|
|
|
$
|
2,128
|
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
179
|
|
|
|
134
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,357
|
|
|
$
|
2,262
|
|
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
287
|
|
|
|
213
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,644
|
|
|
$
|
2,475
|
|
|
The secured loan bears interest at 6% per
annum, with interest payable quarterly (now due at loan maturity) and is secured by a security interest in all of our assets. As
part of the Agreement, the Company and Brookstone entered into a Registration Rights Agreement granting Brookstone certain demand
and piggyback registration rights.
A provision in the Agreement entered into with Brookstone
also requires the Company to nominate two candidates for a director position that have been recommended by Brookstone as long as
Brookstone beneficially owns over 20% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and to nominate one candidate for a director
position that has been recommended by Brookstone as long as Brookstone beneficially owns over 5% but less than 20% of the Company’s
outstanding common stock.
On April 18, 2017,
the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent (the “Rights Agent”) entered into Tax Benefit Preservation
Plan Agreement (the “Plan”), dated as of April 18, 2017, between the Company and the Rights Agent, as described in
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 19, 2017. The Plan
is intended to act as a deterrent to any person (together with all affiliates and associates of such person) acquiring “beneficial
ownership” (as defined in the Plan) of 4.99% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock without the approval of the
Board (an “Acquiring Person”), in an effort to protect against a possible limitation on the Company’s ability
to use its net operating loss carryforwards. The Board, in accordance with the Plan, granted an Exemption to Brookstone with
respect to the share acquisition described above, and Brookstone’s acquisition of 5,041,197 shares of the Company’s
Common Stock from Biotechnology Value Fund affiliated entities, making Brookstone an Exempt Person in respect of such transactions.
Note E LIPIMETIX DEVELOPMENT, INC.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
As described in our Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2018, on May 2, 2018, our JV, LipimetiX Development, Inc., entered
into a License Agreement (the “Sub-License”) with Anji Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“ANJI") to sublicense, under
its Exclusive License Agreement with the UAB Research Foundation, the use of the JV’s AEM-28 and analogs intellectual property
in the Territory of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong (the “Territory”). The Sub-License calls
for an initial payment of $2,000,000, payment of a royalty on future Net Sales in the Territory and cash milestone payments based
on future clinical/regulatory events. ANJI will perform all development activities allowed under the Sub-License in the Territory
at its sole cost and expense. The JV recorded the receipt of the $2,000,000 payment as revenue in the second quarter of 2018. Transaction
costs related to the revenue totaled $254,000 and consisted of a $100,000 payment to the UAB Research Foundation, as required by
the UAB Research Foundation Exclusive License Agreement, a $100,000 advisory fee and $54,000 in legal fees. As described in Note
B above JV net losses exceed the JV capital accounts and all losses are being allocated to the Company. Revenue recorded for the
$2,000,000 payment reduced the amount of JV net losses previously allocated to the Company.
A copy of the UAB Research Foundation Exclusive
License Agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June
30, 2012 filed with Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC”) on August 10, 2012. A copy of the First Amendment and
Consent to Assignment of the Exclusive License Agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2012 filed with the SEC on August 10, 2012. The Second Amendment to the Exclusive License
Agreement was attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 30, 2015.