UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR
15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 31 , 2023
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: 001-40700
ABVC BioPharma, Inc.
(Exact name of Company in its charter)
Nevada 26-0014658
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification)
44370 Old Warm Springs Blvd.
Fremont , CA 94538
(Address of principal executive offices, including
zip code)
Registrant’s Telephone number, including
area code: (510) -668-0881
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share ABVC The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g)
of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a
well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not
required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at
least the part 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405
of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒
No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.
See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,”
and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller Reporting Company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check
mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial
reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or
issued its audit report. ☐
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error
corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s
executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the common stock
held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of registrant’s common stock as quoted on the Nasdaq Stock
Market as of June 30, 2023 was $ 5.2 .
As of March 12, 2024, the registrant had 10,560,421
shares of common stock outstanding and 0 shares of convertible preferred stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None .
ABVC BioPharma, Inc.
Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023
Table
of Contents
Page
Part I
Item 1.
Business
3
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
19
Item 1B.
Unresolved staff comments
43
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity
43
Item 2.
Properties
43
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
43
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
43
Part II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholders Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
44
Item 6.
[Reserved]
45
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
45
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
67
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
F-1
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
68
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
68
Item 9B.
Other Information
69
Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections
69
Part III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
70
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
77
Item 12.
Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
80
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
81
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
83
Part IV
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
84
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
87
Signatures
88
i
CONVENTIONS
Except where the context otherwise requires and
for purposes of this annual report only:
“APR” or “annual percentage
rate” refers to the annual rate that is charged to borrowers, including a fixed interest rate and a transaction fee rate, expressed
as a single percentage number that represents the actual yearly cost of borrowing over the life of a loan;
“BioKey” means BioKey, Inc. refers
to a California corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of ABVC;
“BioLite” means BioLite Holding, Inc.
refers to a Nevada corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABVC;
The “Board” or “Board of Directors”
refers to the board of directors of the Company;
“CDMO” refers to the Contract Development&
Manufacturing Organization services BioKey provides, such as a API characterization, pre-formulation studies, formulation development,
analytical method development, stability studies, IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions, and manufacturing clinical trial materials (phase I through
phase III) and commercial manufacturing.
“China” and “P.R.C.” refer
to the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region,
unless referencing specific laws and regulations adopted by the PRC and other legal or tax matters only applicable to mainland China,
excluding Taiwan for purposes of this report;
“Common Stock” is the Common Stock
of ABVC Biopharma, Inc., par value US$0.001 per share;
“Lind” refers to Lind Global Fund
II, LP;
“Merger Agreement” means the Agreement
and Plan of Merger dated as of January 31, 2018, pursuant to which the Company, BioLite, BioKey, “BioLite Acquisition Corp.”
a Nevada corporation, and BioKey Acquisition Corp.” a California corporation completed a business combination on February 8, 2019
where ABVC acquired BioLite and BioKey via the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock to the shareholders of BioLite and BioKey;
“Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”
is the Series A convertible preferred stock of ABVC Biopharma, Inc., par value US$0.001 per share;
The terms “we,” “us,”
“our,” “the Company,” “our Company” or “ABVC” refers to ABVC Biopharma, Inc., a Nevada
corporation, and all of the Subsidiaries as defined herein unless the context specifies;
“R.O.C.” or “Taiwan” refers
to Taiwan, the Republic of China;
“Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries,”
refer to American BriVision Corporation, sometimes referred to as “BriVision”, BioLite Holding, Inc. or BioLite and BioKey,
Inc. or BioKey;
All references to “NTD” and “New
Taiwan Dollars” are to the legal currency of R.O.C.; and
All references to “U.S. dollars”,
“dollars”, and “$” are to the legal currency of the U.S.
This report specifies certain NTD amounts and
in parenthesis the approximate U.S. dollar amounts at the exchange rate on the date of this report. The conversion rates regarding NTD
and U.S. dollars are subject to change and, therefore, we can provide no assurance that U.S. dollar amounts specified in this report will
not change.
For clarification, this report follows English
naming convention of first name followed by last name, regardless of whether an individual’s name is Chinese or English.
This report does not discuss any affiliates of
the Company that are not controlled by the Company.
ii
PART I
Except for statements of historical fact, the
information presented herein constitutes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases
such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “foresees,”
“intends,” “plans,” or other words of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe our business
strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include,
but are not limited to, our ability to: successfully commercialize our technology; generate revenues and achieve profitability in an intensely
competitive industry; compete in products and prices with substantially larger and better capitalized competitors; secure, maintain and
enforce a strong intellectual property portfolio; attract additional capital sufficient to finance our working capital requirements, as
well as any investment of plant, property and equipment; develop a sales and marketing infrastructure; identify and maintain relationships
with third party suppliers who can provide us a reliable source of raw materials; acquire, develop, or identify for our own use, a manufacturing
capability; attract and retain talented individuals; continue operations during periods of uncertain general economic or market conditions,
and; other events, factors and risks previously and from time to time disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Although we believe the expectations reflected
in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
Summary of Risk Factors
The following summarizes some, but not all, of
the risks provided below. Please carefully consider all of the information discussed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this annual
report for a more thorough description of these and other risks.
Risks Related to the Company’s Business
●
Risks relating to unfavorable global economic conditions, including health and safety concerns on the business, financial condition, and results of operations.
●
Risks relating to no history in obtaining regulatory approval for, or commercializing, any new drug candidate.
●
Risks relating to dependence on successful development, acquisition or licensing of new drugs.
●
Risks relating to side effects associated with current or future products that could impact growth.
●
Risks relating to product liability claims and substantial liabilities
●
Risks relating to conducting clinical trials at sites outside the United States.
●
Risks relating to failure in demonstrating safety and efficacy of product candidates in clinical trials.
●
Risks relating to failure to achieve market acceptance.
●
Risks relating to failure to enter successful collaborations or establish and maintain additional strategic partnerships
●
Risks relating to termination of license agreements.
●
Risks relating to dependence on one supplier for API of certain drug candidates.
●
Risks relating to claims relating to improper handling, storage or disposal of hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
●
Risks relating to failure to maintain and monitor the sample of drug candidates.
1
Risks Related to Intellectual Property
●
Risks relating to improper disclosure and misappropriation of confidential information or trade secrets
●
Risks relating to protection of our IP or infringement of IP rights of other parties
●
Risks relating to unable to protect and enforce our IP rights throughout the world.
Regulatory Risks Relating to Biopharmaceutical Business
●
Risks relating to fail or delay to obtain regulatory approval
●
Risks relating to competition from more established and well-resourced companies.
Risks Relating to Doing Business Outside the United States
●
Risks relating to international operations.
Risks Related to the Company’s Financial Condition
●
Risks relating to our existing indebtedness.
●
Risks relating to our disclosure controls and procedures and internal financial reporting controls.
●
Risks relating to creation of new series of preferred stock.
●
Risks relating to failure in safeguarding our computer network system.
Risks Related to the Company’s Common Stock
●
Risks relating to volatility of share price.
●
Risks relating to certain shareholders have substantial influence over our Company and their interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders
●
Risks relating to future sales and issuances of our common stock or rights to purchase common stock
2
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Industry Overview
The
biotechnology industry focuses on developing breakthrough products and technologies to combat various diseases through efficient industrial
manufacturing. Biotechnology is an important business sector in the world’s economies and is vital to human health. Companies
engaged in biotechnology generally require large amounts of capital investment for their research & development activities.
Developing and commercializing a new drug or medical device may take up to tens of years. ABVC (“we” or the “Company”)
is an early stage biotechnology company with a pipeline of seven new drugs and one medical device under development, all of which are
licensed from related parties of the Company.
Our Mission
We devote our resources to building a sophisticated
biotech company and becoming a pioneer in the biopharmaceutical industry. Dr. Uttam Patil, our Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Tsung-Shann
Jiang, the founder and majority shareholder of the Company, understand the challenges and opportunities of the biotech industry and intend
to provide therapeutic solutions to significant unmet medical needs and to improve health and quality of human life by developing innovative
botanical drugs to treat central nervous system (“CNS”) and oncology/ hematology diseases.
Business
As of the date of this Report, the Company’s
minimal revenue has come from selling CDMO services through BioKey. However, the Company focuses on developing a product pipeline by carefully
tracking new medical discoveries or medical device technologies in research institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. Pre-clinical, disease
animal model and Phase I safety studies are examined closely by the Company’s scientists and other specialists known to the Company
to identify drugs or medical devices that it believes demonstrate efficacy and safety based on the Company’s internal qualifications.
Once a drug or medical device is shown to be a good candidate for further development and ultimately commercialization, ABVC licenses
the drug or medical device from the original researchers and introduces the drug or medical device clinical trial plan to highly respected
principal investigators in the United States, Australia and Taiwan. In almost all cases, ABVC has found that research institutions in
each country are eager to work with the Company to move forward with Phase II clinical trials.
Institutions that have or are now conducting phase
II clinical trials in partnership with ABVC include:
●
Drug: ABV-1504, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Phase II completed. NCE drug Principal Investigators: Charles DeBattista M.D. and Alan F. Schatzberg, MD, Stanford University Medical Center, Cheng-Ta Li, MD, Ph.D – Taipei Veterans General Hospital
●
Drug: ABV-1505, Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Phase II Part 1 completed. Principal Investigators: Keith McBurnett, Ph.D. and Linda Pfiffner, Ph.D., University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. Phase II, Part 2 clinical study sites include UCSF and 5 locations in Taiwan. The Principal Investigators are Keith McBurnett, Ph.D. and Linda Pfiffner, Ph.D., University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine; Susan Shur-Fen Gau, M.D., National Taiwan University Hospital; Xinzhang Ni, M.D. Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Wenjun Xhou, M.D.; Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Ton-Ping Su, M.D., Cheng Hsin General Hospital; Cheng-Ta Li, M.D., Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Phase II, Part 2 began in the 1 st quarter of 2022 at the 5 Taiwan sites. The UCSF site joined the study in the 2 nd quarter of 2023. The subjects enrolled in the study has reached the number for interim analysis in 2023 December, and the interim analysis of the study is in progress.
●
Drug: ABV-1601, Major Depression in Cancer Patients, Phase I/II, NCE drug Principal Investigator: Scott Irwin, MD, Ph.D. – Cedars Sinai Medical Center (CSMC). The Phase I clinical study will be initiated in the 1 st quarter of 2024.
●
Medical Device: ABV-1701, Vitargus® in vitrectomy surgery, Phase
II Study has been initiated in Australia and Thailand, Principal Investigator: Duangnate Rojanaporn, M.D., Ramathibodi Hospital; Thuss
Sanguansak, M.D., Srinagarind Hospital of the two Thailand Sites and Professor/Dr. Matthew Simunovic, Sydney Eye Hospital; Dr. Elvis Ojaimi,
East Melbourne Eye Group & East Melbourne Retina. The Phase II study started in the 2nd quarter of 2023, and the company is
working on improvements to the Vitargus Product through the new batch of investigational product..
The
following trials are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024:
●
Drug: ABV-1519, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer treatment, Phase I/II Study in Taiwan, Principal Investigator: Dr. Yung-Hung Luo, M.D., Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH)
●
Drug: ABV-1703, Advanced Inoperable or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer, Phase II, Principal Investigator: Andrew E. Hendifar, MD – Cedars Sinai Medical Center (CSMC)
Upon completing a Phase II trial, ABVC will seek
a partner, typically a large pharmaceutical company, to complete a Phase III study and commercialize the drug or medical device upon approval
by the US FDA, Taiwan TFDA and other country regulatory authorities.
3
GMP Manufacturing
ABVC owns a certified GMP manufacturing facility
through BioKey that is qualified to deliver small quantities of drugs for use by its clients in clinical trials from Phase I to Phase
III. The GMP facility can manufacture direct API or blend fill-in capsules, manual and automated encapsulation, wet granulation or tray
drying, tablet compression, coating, and packaging solid dosage forms for ANDA and IND submission.
The BioKey facility comprises a GMP suite, product
development area, analytical laboratory, food processing area, caged GMP storage area receiving area and two warehouses. The facility
was remodeled in December 2008 and received its first drug manufacturing license in June 2009. ABVC’s current drug manufacturing
license allows it to manufacture drug products under IND for human clinical trials until the expiration of the license on December 2,
2024.
In 2022, BioKey began manufacturing a dietary
supplement based on the maitake mushroom. The mushrooms, supplied by Shogun Maitake Canada, Co. Ltd., are grown in a controlled
temperature and humid environment free of pesticides and chemicals. Initially, sales of the new supplement in the US and Canada will be
targeted to high-end grocery stores worldwide via online distribution. While many mushroom-based supplements are currently available to
customers, BioKey believes its new line has a significant competitive advantage since the purity and consistency of the mushrooms themselves
exceeds any maitake mushrooms currently available, and the extraction process employed by BioKey delivers a particularly strong dose.
The maitake mushroom is rich in bioactive polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans. These polysaccharides have well-documented immune-protecting
and antitumor properties. BioKey has developed both a tablet and a liquid version of the supplement. GMP manufacturing of bulk quantities
of Maitake mushroom tablets and Maitake mushroom drinks was completed in 2 and 1 batches, respectively, for commercial launches in Taiwan
and Canada in 2022.
Beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms have been shown
to reduce cholesterol, resulting in improved artery functionality and overall better cardiovascular health, lowering the risk of heart
disease. Further, studies have shown that the beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms strengthen the immune system 1 . In a trial of
postmenopausal breast cancer patients, oral administration of a maitake extract was shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In a different
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center trial, maitake extracts enhanced neutrophil and monocyte function in patients with myelodysplastic
syndrome. It boosts the production of lymphokines (protein mediators) and interleukins (secreted proteins), improving immune response. Further,
clinical trials have shown beta-glucans to lower blood glucose levels, helping to activate insulin receptors while reducing insulin resistance
in diabetes management.
BioKey has entered into a three-year distribution
agreement with Define Biotech Co. Ltd. This Taiwan-based pharmaceutical marketing company focuses on selling drugs, dietary supplements,
and medical products in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement grants Define Biotech the exclusive right to distribute this new dietary
supplement in China and Taiwan in exchange for the commitment to purchase $3.0 million of the new product over three years.
NASDAQ Listing
On August 5, 2021, we closed a public offering
(the “Offering”) of 1,100,000 units (the “Units”), with each Unit consisting of one share of our common
stock (the “Common Stock”), one Series A warrant (the “Series A Warrants”) to purchase one share of common stock
at an exercise price equal to $6.30 per share, exercisable until the fifth anniversary of the issuance date, and one Series B warrant
(the “Series B Warrants,” and together with the Series A Warrants, the “Public Warrants”) to purchase one share
of common stock at an exercise price equal to $10.00 per share, exercisable until the fifth anniversary of the issuance date; the
exercise price of the Public Warrants are subject to certain adjustment and cashless exercise provisions as described therein. The Company
completed the Offering pursuant to its registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-255112), originally filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 8, 2021 (as amended, the “Original Registration Statement”), that
the SEC declared effective on August 2, 2021 and the registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-258404) that was filed and automatically
effective on August 4, 2021 (the “S-1MEF,” together with the Original Registration Statement, the “Registration Statement”).
The Units were priced at $6.25 per Unit, before underwriting discounts and offering expenses, resulting in gross proceeds of $6,875,000.
The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. The Common Stock was approved for listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market and commenced
trading under the ticker symbol “ABVC” on August 3, 2021.
4
On August 19, 2022, we received a deficiency letter
from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department (the “ Staff ”) of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“ Nasdaq ”)
notifying us that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for our common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per
share required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (“ Rule 5550(a)(2) ”).
In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were initially given until February 14, 2023 to regain compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2).
Since we did not regain compliance by such date, we requested and received an additional 180 days, until August 14, 2023, to comply with
Rule 5550(a)(2).
On
May 24, 2023, we received a deficiency letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq
Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that it is not currently in compliance with the minimum stockholders’
equity requirement, or the alternatives of market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations, for continued listing
on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) requires listed companies to maintain stockholders’ equity of at least
$2,500,000, and the Company’s stockholders’ equity was $1,734,507 as of March 31, 2023. In accordance with Nasdaq rules, the
Company had 45 calendar days, or until July 10, 2023, to submit a plan to regain compliance. After
submitting a plan to regain compliance, on July 10, 2023,Nasdaq granted the Company an extension until August 30, 20203, to comply with
Listing Rule 5550(b)(1). On July 31, 2023, the Company issued 300,000
shares of Common Stock and 200,000 pre-funded warrants, at an exercise price of $0.01 per share, in a registered direct offering. Pursuant
to this transaction, the stockholders’ equity was increased by $1.75M. On August 1, 2023, $500,000 of Notes were converted at $3.50
per share and the holder received 142,857 shares of Common Stock. As a result of this conversion, the stockholders’ equity was increased
by $0.5M. Additionally, on August 14, 2023, the Company entered into a cooperation agreement with Zhonghui United Technology (Chengdu)
Group Co., Ltd., pursuant to which the Company acquired a 20% ownership of certain property and a parcel of the land owned by Zhonghui
in exchange for an aggregate of 370,000 shares of Common Stock. Accordingly, stockholders’ equity increased by $7.4M. On
February 23, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Lind, pursuant to which the Company issued Lind a secured,
convertible note in the principal amount of $3,704,167 (the “Lind Offering”), for a purchase price of $3,175,000 (the “Lind
Note”), that is convertible into shares of Common Stock at an initial conversion price of $1.05 per share, subject to adjustment. On
August 24, 2023, the Company started repaying Lind the monthly installments due under the Lind Notes; $308,000 was repaid via the issuance
of 176,678 shares of Common Stock (the “Monthly Shares”) at the Redemption Share Price (as defined in the Lind Note) of $1.698
per share. Pursuant to the terms of the Lind Note, Lind increased the amount of the next monthly payment to one million dollars, such
that as of September and together with the Monthly Shares, the Company repaid Lind a total of $1M by September 2023. As a result, the
stockholders’ equity increased by an additional $1M. As a result of the four transactions referenced above, the Company’ estimated
that its stockholders’ equity would increase by approximately $10.65M. On September 6, 2023, Nasdaq issued a letter that the Company
is in compliance with Rule 5550(b)(1), but noted that if at the time of the Company’s next periodic report the Company does not
evidence compliance, it may be subject to delisting.
Name Change and Cusip Number
The Company’s shareholders approved an amendment
to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to change the Company’s corporate name to “ABVC BioPharma, Inc.” and
approved and adopted the Certificate of Amendment to affect same at the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders (the “ Annual Meeting ”).
Nevada’s Secretary of State approved the name change on March 8, 2021, and FINRA processed our request for such name change on April
30, 2021. The new name was effective on May 3, 2021. Stock certificates issued before the name change remain valid and stockholders are
not required to submit their stock certificates for exchange as a result of the name change. New stock certificates issued by the
Company after the name change will be printed with the Company’s new name, ABVC BioPharma, Inc.; existing stock certificates remain
valid.
The Company’s cusip number is 0091F106. The Company’s stock
symbol remains ABVC.
5
Our Pipeline
I.
Central Nervous System
1.
ABV-1504 to treat Major Depressive Disorder (“MDD”)
We are developing and researching ABV-1504,
a botanical reuptake inhibitor that targets norepinephrine. Before clinical trials, we conducted radioligand-binding assay tests on ABV-1504.
Radioligand-binding assays are used to characterize the binding effects of a drug to its target receptor. In the case of ABV-1504, the
receptors of radioligand-binding assays are norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. The radioligand-binding assay test on norepinephrine
was conducted from May 3 to May 8, 2007, and the radioligand-binding assay test on dopamine and serotonin was administered from November
26 to December 5, 2007. The result of the radioligand-binding assay to norepinephrine of ABV-1504was 2.102 μg/ml of IC50, which indicated
ABV-1504’s high inhibitory efficiency on norepinephrine. The results of the radioligand-binding assay to dopamine and serotonin
were not as good as those for norepinephrine, which indicated lower inhibitory efficiency. Because research has shown that norepinephrine
inhibitors can alleviate the level of depression, our research team saw ABV-1504’s potential to treat depression and decided to
commence the clinical trial process of ABV-1504.
In 2013, ABVC completed the Phase I
clinical trial of ABV-1504. The primary objective of the Phase I study was to assess the safety profile of ABV-1504. The safety endpoint
was assessed based on the results of physical examinations, vital signs, laboratory data, electrocardiograms (“ECG”), Columbia-Suicide
Severity Rating Scale evaluation, and several adverse events during the study period. We began recruiting healthy people as subjects for
the Phase I trial in Taiwan on October 30, 2012. We screened 85 healthy volunteers at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital for the Phase
I trial and enrolled 30 people as trial subjects. We divided the subjects into four cohort groups and administered ABV-1504oral capsules
of 380 mg, 1140 mg, 2280 mg, and 3800 mg to the subjects in each cohort group, respectively. BioLite visited the first subject for the
first time on November 13, 2012, and the last subject for the last time on July 5, 2013. During the said period, no subject had a severe
adverse event nor discontinued the trial due to any adverse events. ABVC did not observe any clinically significant findings in physical
examinations, vital signs, electrocardiogram, laboratory measurements, and C-SSRS throughout the treatment period. However, ABVC observed
the following mild adverse events: two subjects with flatulence and one subject with constipation in the single-dose 380mg cohort of seven
subjects; one subject with somnolence and one subject with stomatitis ulcer in the single-dose 2,280 mg cohort. Comparatively, two subjects
with somnolence and one subject with stomatitis ulcer were observed in the placebo group of seven subjects. ABVC did not observe any suicidal
ideation or behavior throughout the trial period. ABV-1504’s Phase I clinical trial results reflected that the oral administration
of ABV-1504 to healthy volunteers was safe and well-tolerated at the dose levels of 380 mg to 3,800 mg.
ABVC received an IND approval to proceed
with the Phase II clinical trial of ABV-1504 from the F.D.A. in March 2014 and an IND approval for its Phase II trial from the Taiwan
F.D.A. in June 2014. For the Phase II trial, BioLite administered oral capsules to 72 MDD patients (the trial subjects) in a randomized,
double-blind study with a placebo control group to assess ABV-1504’s efficacy and safety profile, primarily under the Montgomery-Åsberg
Depression Rating Scale (“MADRS”). ABVC via BioLite began recruiting Phase II subjects in March 2015 at the following study
sites; Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei City Hospital-Songde Branch, Tri-Service General
Hospital, Wan Fang Hospital and started recruiting MDD patients at Stanford Depression Research Clinic. The first five sites are in Taiwan,
and the last one is in the United States. The primary endpoint of the Phase II trial is to see changes in the subjects’ MADRS total
scores from the baseline scores of the placebo subjects within the first six weeks. The secondary objectives of the Phase II trial are
to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of ABV-1504 on other rating scales with secondary endpoints of (i) demonstrating changes in
MADRS total scores from baseline scores within the second to seventh weeks and (ii) showing changes in the total scores on Hamilton Rating
Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale (DSSS), Clinical Global
Impression Scale (CGI) from the baseline scores in the second, fourth, sixth and seventh week. ABVC plans to measure the percentages of
partial responders (subjects with a 25% to 50% decrease in total MADRS scores from the baseline score) and responders (subjects with a
50% or more decrease in total MADRS scores from the baseline score) by the second, fourth, sixth and seventh week. Additionally, ABVC
intends to monitor the subjects’ performance following the Safety Assessments and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale from the
screening stage to each subject’s last visit as well as to analyze the differences in the mean changes of MADRS, HAM-D-17, HAM-A,
DSSS, CGI, and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale scores of the subjects administered with ABV-1504 and the placebo group in the second,
fourth, sixth and seventh week.
6
On May 23, 2019, the Company announced
the Phase II clinical study results of ABV-1504. The clinical study results showed that PDC-1421, the active pharmaceutical ingredient
of ABV-1504, met the pre-specified primary endpoint of the Phase II clinical trial and significantly improved the symptoms of MDD. The
Phase II clinical study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial, in which sixty (60) adult patients with
confirmed moderate to severe MDD were treated with PDC-1421 in either low dose (380 mg) or high dose (2 x 380 mg) compared with placebo
administration, three times a day for six weeks. PDC-1421 high dose (2 x 380 mg) met the pre-specified primary endpoint by demonstrating
a highly significant 13.2-point reduction in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score by Intention-To-Treat
(ITT) analysis, averaged over the 6-week treatment period (overall treatment effect) from baseline, as compared to the 9.2-point reduction
of the placebo group. By Per-Protocol (PP) analysis, PDC-1421 showed a dose-dependent efficacy toward MDD in which a high dose (2 x 380
mg) gave a 13.4-point reduction in MADRS total score from baseline and a low dose (380 mg) gave a 10.4-point reduction as compared to
an 8.6-point in the placebo group. Based on the trial results above, the Company has decided to use the high-dose formula for ABV-1504’s
Phase III clinical trial.
2.
ABV-1505 to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (“ADHD”)
We developed the ADHD indication from
the same API of ABV-1504. Also, ABV-1505 shares a pharmaceutical mechanism of action similar to ABV-1504 in that ABV-1505 can potentially
increase the level of norepinephrine in the human nervous system by inhibiting its reabsorption. Because of ABV-1505’s sufficient
similarity with ABV-1504, in January 2016, the FDA approved our IND application to conduct ABV-1505’s Phase II clinical trial based
on its preclinical research and the Phase I trial results of ABV-1504.
For the ADHD Phase II trial, ABVC plans
to recruit a maximum of 105 ADHD patients as trial subjects in the United States and Taiwan, to whom ABVC intends to administer ABV-1505
oral capsules. ABVC has designed a randomized, double-blind dose escalation study with a placebo-controlled group to assess the efficacy
and safety profile of ABV-1505, primarily against the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (“ADHD-RS-IV”). The primary endpoint of the Phase
II trial is a 40% or higher improvement in the ADHD-RS-IV from the respective baseline scores within up to eight weeks. The secondary
objective is to determine the efficacy and safety profile of ABV-1505 on other rating scales with secondary endpoints of (i) improvements
of the total ADHD symptom scores from the respective baseline scores on the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Self Report: Short
Version (“CAARS-S:S”) 18-Item for a treatment period of eight weeks at maximum; and (ii) achievement of scores of two or lower
on both the Clinical Global Impression-ADHD- Severity (“CGI-ADHD-S”) and Clinical Global Impression-ADHD-Improvement (“CGI-ADHD-I”)
from the subjects’ respective baseline scores. The University of California San Francisco (“UCSF”) initiated the Phase
II, Part 1 clinical trial entitled “A Phase II Tolerability and Efficacy Study of PDC-1421 Treatment in Adult Patients with Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Part I on January 14, 2020. The Part 1 trial is a single-center, open-label, dose-escalation evaluation
with two dosage levels in six subjects. Six subjects were initially evaluated for safety and efficacy assessments at low-dose (1 capsule
of PDC-1421, three times a day (TID)) for 28 days. A safety checkpoint was evaluated on day 28 for entering the high-dose (2 capsules
TID). The subjects who passed the checkpoint were evaluated for safety and efficacy assessments at high-dose (2 capsules of PDC-1421 TID)
for 28 days. On July 15, 2020, the last patient visit (LPLV) marked the final step toward the completion of the ABV-1505 Phase II Part
I clinical trial for the treatment of adult ADHD. On October 24, 2020, a full clinical study report (CSR) of ABV-1505 Phase II Part I
clinical trial was issued. The study results showed that the PDC-1421 Capsule was safe, well tolerated, and efficacious during its treatment
and follow-up with six adult patients. For the primary endpoints, the percentages of improvement in ADHD-RS-IV score from baseline to
8 weeks of treatment were 83.3% (N=5) in the ITT population and 80.0% (N=4) in the PP population. Both low and high doses of PDC-1421
Capsules met the primary end points by passing the required 40% population in ADHD-RS-IV test scores. Overall, the results from this study,
which demonstrate the therapeutic value of PDC-1421, support further Phase II Part II clinical development of ABV-1505 for the treatment
of adult ADHD.
7
The
Phase II Part II study with its clinical protocol entitled “A Phase II Tolerability and Efficacy Study of PDC-1421 Treatment in
Adult Patients with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Part II” is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel three-groups with a maximum 99 subjects to be enrolled. This study was started at five Taiwan medical centers beginning in April
2022. The University of California, San Francisco site was initiated in the 2 nd quarter of 2023. The
subjects enrolled in the study has reached the number for interim analysis (69 subjects) in 2023 December, and the interim analysis of
the study is now in progress.
3.
ABV-1601 to treat Depression
in Cancer Patients
We developed a treatment for depression
in cancer patients from the same active pharmaceutical ingredients as ABV-1504. ABV-1601 shares similar pharmaceutical mechanisms of action
as ABV-1504 in that ABV-1601 can potentially increase the level of norepinephrine in the human nervous system by inhibiting its reabsorption.
Due to ABV-1601’s similarity with ABV-1504, the FDA approved our ABV-1601-001 clinical protocol under the same IND as ABV-1504 (IND
112567) in December 2018.
For
the Phase II trial of ABV-1601, ABVC plans to recruit a maximum number of 54 cancer patients with depression, to whom ABVC intends to
administer ABV-1601 oral capsules. ABVC is engaging the Principal Investigator at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the U.S. which designed
a randomized, double-blind dose escalation study with a comparator-controlled group to assess the efficacy and safety profile of ABV-1601,
primarily against Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score. The primary endpoint of the Phase II trial is a
change in MADRS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), subscales (HADS-A and HADS-D), and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI)
total scores from baseline in patients taking PDC-1421 compared to the comparator. As of the date of this report, Part I of Phase II clinical
protocol, which is an open trial, has been approved by the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center IRB Committee. This study will be initiated
in the 3 rd quarter of 2024.
II.
Oncology
1.
ABV-1702 to treat Myelodysplastic Syndrome (“MDS”)
ABVC started the preparation for ABV-1702’s
Phase II clinical trials after receiving its IND approval from the FDA in July 2016. ABVC plans to recruit fifty-two subjects in the United
States diagnosed with either IPSS int-1, IPSS int-2 high-risk MDS, or CMML and may take azacitidine as part of the subjects’ prescription.
Azacitidine is an FDA-approved drug used to treat MDS. ABVC intends to administer ABV-1702 in the oral liquid form along with azacitidine.
The Phase II trial is divided into two parts, where Part 1 is to determine the safety and recommended dose level (“RDL”) of
ABV-1702 in combination with azacitidine and Part 2 is to determine whether ABV-1702 under the established RDL reduces bactericidal and
fungicidal infection in the subjects’ respiratory systems. The primary endpoint of the Part 1 Phase II trial is to assess the safety
and RDL profile of ABV-1702 administered with azacitidine by measuring ABV-1702’s prohibited toxicity. The secondary endpoints of
Phase II Part 1 are to determine the safety, time-to-first infection after the first dose (Day 1) of the first azacitidine treatment cycle,
reduction in treatment requirements and duration of infections, enhancement of immune responses, improvements of response rates, progression,
and survival rates of the subjects under such ABV-1702 - azacitidine combination treatment. The primary endpoint of Part 2 of Phase II
is to determine whether ABV-1702 under the established RDL reduces bactericidal and fungicidal infection risks in the subjects’
respiratory systems in combination with azacitidine as compared to the control group with incidence of infections and incidence/frequency
of inpatient hospitalization due to infections. The secondary endpoints of Part 2 of Phase II are to determine the safety, time-to-first
infection after the first dose (Day 1) of the first azacitidine treatment cycle, reduction in required dosage and duration of infection,
enhancement of immune responses, improvement of response rate, progression, and survival rates of the subjects under the trial conditions.
In April 2016, BioLite submitted a letter to the FDA responding to its queries with additional information about the proposed Phase II
trial.
The
Company expects to begin Phase II clinical trials of ABV-1702 in the fourth quarter of 2024 and
is actively looking for qualified principal investigators and an appropriate site for the study; therefore, the timing cannot be guaranteed.
8
2.
ABV-1703 to treat Pancreatic Cancer
ABVC
developed a new indication for pancreatic cancer from maitake extract, named ABV-1703, and licensed it to Rgene to prepare its IND application
with the FDA. On August 25, 2017,the FDA approved ABV-1703’s Phase II trial. According to the ABVC-Rgene Co-development Agreement,
ABVC is responsible for coordinating and conducting the clinical trials of ABV-1703 globally and Rgene is responsible for preparing the
related FDA applications. As of the date of this report, we are engaging Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the U.S. to conduct the Phase
II clinical trial and plan to initiate the Phase II trial in 2024. We
plan to submit ABV-1703’s Phase II clinical trial IND to the Taiwan FDA after we commence the clinical trials in the United States.
3.
ABV- 1501 Triple Negative Breast Cancer - Combination therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (“TNBC”)
●
ABV- 1501 is developed from BLI-1401-2, whose active pharmaceutical ingredient is Yukiguni Maitake Extract 404. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (“MSKCC”) conducted the Phase I clinical trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom), which is very similar to Yukiguni Maitake Extract 404. The Phase I trial focused on the immunological effects of Grifola frondosa extract on breast cancer patients. The results of the Phase I trial showed that oral administration of a polysaccharide extract from Maitake mushroom is associated with both immunologically stimulatory and inhibitory measurable effects in peripheral blood.
●
Our ABV-1501 Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application to the US FDA for the Phase II clinical trials referencing the MSKCC maitake research resulted in a Phase II IND approval in March of 2016 by the U.S. FDA.
●
The collaboration with BHK to file a clinical trial application to the Taiwan FDA (“TFDA”) for conducting this combination therapy trial in Taiwan was temporarily put on hold due to the lack of funding.
Our Collaborative Agreements
I.
ABV-1701 Vitreous Substitute for Vitrectomy and Collaboration Agreement with BioFirst
On July 24, 2017, BriVision, one of
our wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a collaboration agreement (the “BioFirst Agreement”) with BioFirst, under which
BioFirst granted BriVision the global license to co-develop BFC-1401 Vitreous Substitute for Vitrectomy (“BFC-1401”) for medical
purposes. BioFirst is a related party to the Company because BioFirst and YuanGene Corporation (“YuanGene”), the Company’s
controlling shareholder, are under common control, both controlled by the controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene.
According to the BioFirst Agreement,
we will co-develop and commercialize BFC-1401 or ABV-1701 with BioFirst. We must pay BioFirst $3,000,000 (the “Total Payment”)
in cash or common stock of BriVision on or before September 30, 2018 in two installments. An upfront payment of $300,000, representing
10% of the Total Payment due under the Collaboration Agreement, was to be paid upon executing the BioFirst Agreement. BriVision will receive
50% of the future net licensing income or net sales profit when ABV-1701 is sublicensed or commercialized. On June 30, 2019, the Company
and BioFirst entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), according to which the Company will issue
428,571 shares of the Company’s common stock to BioFirst in consideration for $3,000,000 owed by the Company to BioFirst in connection
with the BioFirst Collaborative Agreement. For more information about the BioFirst Agreement and Purchase Agreement, please refer to the
current reports on Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2017 and July 12, 2019.
On November 7, 2016, the Phase I clinical
trial application prepared and submitted by BioFirst was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee, Australia (“HREC”).
On November 14, 2016, it was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia (“TGA”).
We successfully finished the Phase
I clinical trial of ABV-1701 at Sydney Retina Clinic and Day Surgery, a clinic in Sydney, Australia. This was the only site for this Phase
I clinical trial. The trial started on November 17, 2016, and was completed with positive results in July 2018. The Protocol Title is
“A Phase I, single-center, safety and tolerability study of Vitargus in the treatment of Retinal Detachment.”
9
The primary endpoint of this Phase
I clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a single intravitreal dose of Vitargus in patients as a vitreous substitute
during vitrectomy surgery for retinal detachment. Intravitreal is a route of administration of a drug or other substance in which the
substance is delivered into the eyes. The secondary endpoint of this Phase I clinical trial is to assess retinal attachment and Virtagus
degradation at day 90 and to assess best corrected visual acuity (“BVCA”) after vitrectomy surgery. BVCA refers to the best
possible vision a person can achieve. HREC requires the primary and second endpoints to evaluate our Phase I clinical trial application.
We enrolled an aggregate number of 10 patient subjects in this trial. On November 17, 2016, we received approval from the Data and Safety
Monitoring Board for the first subject, and nine more subjects were enrolled after that. In this trial, Vitargus was injected into the
vitreous cavity of vitrectomised eyes, whose vitreous gel was removed from the vitreous cavity after vitrectomy surgery. On August 24,
2020, a full clinical study report (CSR) of the ABV-1701 Phase I clinical trial was issued. The study results showed that ABV-1701 (Vitargus)
was well-tolerated as a vitreous substitute without any apparent toxicity to ocular tissues. Further, there was no indication of an increased
overall safety risk with Vitargus. For efficacy, participants showed significant improvement in visual acuity. The optical properties
of Vitargus allowed the patients to see well and facilitated visualization of the fundus immediately following surgery. In addition, since
Vitargus was set as a stable semisolid gel adhering to the retina, it maintained its position without requiring the patient to remain
face-down following surgery.
ABV-1701, Vitargus® in vitrectomy
surgery, Phase II Study was started in the 2 nd quarter of 2023. Four (4) study sites in Australia and Thailand join this multi-nation
and multi-site clinical study. The company is working on improvements to the Vitargus Product through the new batch of investigational
product.
II.
Co-development Agreement
with Rgene
On May 26, 2017, American BriVision
Corporation entered into a co-development agreement (the “Co-Dev Agreement”) with Rgene Corporation (the “Rgene”),
a related party under common control by controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company. According to the
Co-Dev Agreement, BriVision and Rgene agreed to co-develop and commercialize ABV-1507 HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer Combination Therapy,
ABV-17 Pancreatic Cancer Combination Therapy and ABV-1527 Ovary Cancer Combination Therapy. Under the terms of the Co-Dev Agreement, Rgene
must pay the Company $3,000,000 in cash or stock of Rgene with equivalent value by August 15, 2017. The payment is for the compensation
of BriVision’s past research efforts and contributions made by BriVision before the Co-Dev Agreement was signed and it does not
relate to any future commitments made by BriVision and Rgene in this Co-Dev Agreement. In addition to the $3,000,000, the Company is entitled
to receive 50% of the future net licensing income or net sales profit earned by Rgene, if any, and both BriVision and Rgene shall equally
share any development costs.
By June 1, 2017, the Company had delivered
all research, technical, and development data to Rgene. Since both Rgene and the Company are related parties and under common control
by a controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company, the Company has recorded the total amount of $3,000,000
in connection with the Co-Dev Agreement as additional paid-in capital during the year ended September 30, 2017. During the year ended
December 31, 2017, the Company received $450,000 in cash. On December 24, 2018, the Company received the remaining balance of $2,550,000
in the form of newly issued shares of Rgene’s Common Stock, at the price of NT$50 (approximately equivalent to $1.60 per share),
for an aggregate number of 1,530,000 shares, which accounted for equity method long-term investment as of December 31, 2018. During the
year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized an investment loss of $549. On December 31, 2018, the Company determined to entirely
write off this investment based on the Company’s assessment of the severity and duration of the impairment, and qualitative and
quantitative analysis of the operating performance of the investee, adverse changes in market conditions and the regulatory or economic
environment, changes in operating structure of Rgene, additional funding requirements, and Rgene’s ability to remain in business.
All projects that have been initiated will be managed and supported by the Company and Rgene.
10
The Company and Rgene signed an amendment
to the Co-Dev Agreement on November 10, 2020, under which both parties agreed to delete AB-1507 HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer Combination
Therapy and AB 1527 Ovary Cancer Combination Therapy and add ABV-1519 EGFR Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Combination Therapy and
ABV-1526 Large Intestine / Colon / Rectal Cancer Combination Therapy to the products to be co-developed and commercialized. Other provisions
of the Co-Dev Agreement remain in full force and effect.
III.
Clinical
Development Service Agreement with Rgene
On June 10, 2022, the Company expanded
its co-development partnership with Rgene. BioKey entered into a Clinical Development Service Agreement with Rgene (“Service Agreement”)
to guide certain Rgene drug products, RGC-1501 for the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), RGC-1502 for the treatment of
pancreatic cancer and RGC 1503 for the treatment of colorectal cancer patients, through completion of Phase II clinical studies under
U.S. FDA IND regulatory requirements (the “Rgene Studies”).
Under the terms of the Service Agreement,
BioKey is eligible to receive payments totaling up to $3.0 million over a three years with each payment amount to be determined by certain
regulatory milestones obtained during the agreement period. Through a series of transactions over the past five years, the Company and
Rgene have co-developed the three drug products covered by the Service Agreement, which has resulted in the Company owning 31.62% of Rgene.
As part of the Rgene Studies, the Company agreed to loan $1.0 million to
Rgene, which Rgene has provided the Company with a 5% working capital convertible loan (the “Note”). The Company will own
an additional 6.4% of Rgene if the Note is fully converted. The Company is expected to receive the outstanding loan from the related party
by the first half of 2024, either by cash or conversion of shares of Rgene. The Company may convert the Note at any time into shares of
Rgene’s common stock at either (i) a fixed conversion price equal to $1.00 per share or (ii) a 20% discount of the stock price of
the then most recent offering, whichever is lower; the conversion price is subject to adjustment as outlined in the Note. The Service
Agreement shall remain in effect until the expiration date of the last patent and automatically renew for five more years unless terminated
earlier by either party with six months written notice. Either party may terminate the Service Agreement for cause by providing 30 days
written notice.
Rgene has further agreed, effective
July 1, 2022, to provide the Company with a seat on Rgene’s Board of Directors until the loan is repaid in full. The Company has
nominated Dr. Jiang, its Chief Strategy Officer and Director to occupy that seat; Dr. Jiang is also one of the Company’s largest
shareholders, owning 12.8% of the Company. For more information about the Service Agreement and Note, please refer to the current reports
on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2022.
BLEX 404, a new drug under clinical
development covered by the Service Agreement, is extracted from the Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), an edible mushroom. Its immunological
effects and safety have been demonstrated in two Phase I/II clinical studies performed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)
with breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients.
Market Distribution Strategy
We focus primarily on developing botanical drugs
intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, or treat human diseases. Together with our strategic partners, we plan to market, distribute and
sell our drug products internationally once those drug candidates comply with the local authorities regulations on drugs and foods. Currently,
many countries follow the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human
Use (the “ICH”) guidelines that European Medicines publish to guide the quality and safety of pharmaceutical development and
new drug commercialization in Japan, the United States and Europe. All of our drug candidates go through the United States FDA process
for new drug development and then seek regulatory approval from regulators equivalent to the FDA in the jurisdictions where we plan to
distribute those candidates.
11
Intellectual Property
The new drug candidates depend on or are the subject of the following
patents and patent applications.
No.
Status
Patent No.
Patent
Starting
Date
Patent
Expiration
Date
Patent Name
Territory
Patent
Owner (1)(2)
1
granted
DE202007003503 U1
8/23/2007
9/20/2026
Novel Polygalatenosides and use thereof as an antidepressant agent
Germany
MPITDC
2
granted
7531519
5/12/2009
9/20/2026
Novel Polygalatenosides and use thereof as an antidepressant agent
The U.S.
MPITDC
3
granted
4620652
11/20/2006
11/19/2026
Novel Polygalatenosides and use thereof as an antidepressant agent
Japan
MPITDC
4
granted
I 314453
9/21/2006
9/20/2026
Novel Polygalatenosides and use thereof as an antidepressant agent
Taiwan
MPITDC
5
granted
I389713
3/21/2013
10/13/2030
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute (3)
Taiwan
NHRI
6
granted
US 8197849 B2
6/12/2012
8/30/2030
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute
The U.S.
NHRI
7
granted
AU 2011/215775 B2
4/17/2014
2/9/2031
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute
Australia
NHRI
8
granted
KR 10-1428898
8/4/2014
2/9/2031
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute
Korea
NHRI
9
granted
CA 2786911 (C)
10/6/2015
2/10/2031
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute
Canada
NHRI
10
granted
WO2011100469 A1
N/A (4)
N/A (4)
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute
PCT
NHRI
11
granted
EP 2534200
4/8/2015
2/9/2031
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute
European Union (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy)
NHRI
12
granted
特許第 5885349號
2/9/2011
2/9/2031
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute
Japan
NHRI
13
granted
ZL 201180005494.7
12/24/2014
2/9/2031
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute (3)
China
NHRI
14
granted
HK1178188
3/6/2015
6/21/2030
Cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid for use as a vitreous substitute (3)
Hong Kong (5)
NHRI
15
granted
US 16/936,032
9/4/2020
9/4/2040
Polygala extract for the treatment of major depressive disorder
US
BioLite
16
granted
TW I821593
11/1/2023
7/22/2040
Polygala extract for the treatment of major depressive disorder
Taiwan
BioLite
17
granted
US17/120,965
12/20/2020
12/20/2040
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
U.S.
BioLite
18
granted
TW 110106546
2/24/2021
2/24/2041
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Taiwan
BioLite
19
granted
TW I792427
02/11/2023
07/19/2041
Storage Media For Preservation of Corneal Tissue
Taiwan
NHRI
20
granted
AU2021314052B2
04/09/2024
04/09/2041
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Australia
BioLite
12
21
applied
202180001626. 2
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
China
22
applied
特願 2023502736
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Japan
23
applied
21 846 424.6
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Europe
24
applied
110106546
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Attention-Deficient and Hyperactivity Disorder
Taiwan
25
applied
202180001615. 4
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Attention-Deficient and Hyperactivity Disorder
China
26
applied
特願 2023536203
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Attention-Deficient and Hyperactivity Disorder
Japan
27
applied
21 907 345.9
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Attention-Deficient and Hyperactivity Disorder
Europe
28
applied
2021403197
Polygala Extract for the Treatment of Attention-Deficient and Hyperactivity Disorder
Australia
(1)
“MPITDC” stands for Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry Technology and Development Center, Taiwan.
(2)
“NHRI” stands for National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan.
(3)
The patent name is translated into English and the original patent name is written as “交联氧化透明质酸作为眼球玻璃体之替代物.”
(4)
The starting date and expiration date of patents under PTC are subject to the laws of the specific participating jurisdiction where the patent application is filed. We have subsequently submitted such patent to the jurisdictions listed in No.22 herein above.
(5)
NHRI has obtained standard patent in Hong Kong based on the registration of the patent (listed as No.24 herein) granted by the State Intellectual Property Office, People’s Republic of China.
Corporate History and Structure
ABVC was incorporated under the laws of the State
of Nevada on February 6, 2002 and has three wholly-owned Subsidiaries: BriVision, BioLite Holding, Inc. and BioKey, Inc. BriVision was
incorporated in July 2015 in the State of Delaware and is in the business of developing pharmaceutical products in North America.
BioLite Holding was incorporated under the laws
of the State of Nevada on July 27, 2016, with 500,000,000 shares authorized, par value $0.0001. Its key Subsidiaries include BioLite BVI,
Inc. (“BioLite BVI”) that was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on September 13, 2016 and BioLite Inc. (“BioLite
Taiwan”), a Taiwanese corporation that was founded in February 2006. BioLite Taiwan has been in the business of developing new drugs
for over twelve years. Certain shareholders of BioLite Taiwan exchanged approximately 73% of equity securities in BioLite Taiwan for the
Common Stock in BioLite Holding in accordance with a share purchase/ exchange agreement (the “Share Purchase/ Exchange Agreement”).
As a result, BioLite Holding owns via BioLite BVI approximately 73% of BioLite Taiwan. The other shareholders who did not enter this Share
Purchase/ Exchange Agreement retain their equity ownership in BioLite Taiwan.
Incorporated in California on November 20, 2000,
BioKey has chosen to initially focus on developing generic drugs to ride the opportunity of the booming industry.
Upon closing of the Mergers on February 8, 2019,
BioLite and BioKey became two wholly-owned subsidiaries of ABVC.
In November 2023, the Company and one of its subsidiaries, BioLite,
Inc. (“BioLite”) each entered into a multi-year, global licensing agreement with AiBtl BioPharma Inc. (“AIBL”)
for the Company and BioLite’s CNS drugs with the indications of MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder) (the “Licensed Products”). The license covers the Licensed Products’ clinical trial, registration, manufacturing,
supply, and distribution rights. The parties are determined to collaborate on the global development of the Licensed Products. The parties
are also working to strengthen new drug development and business collaboration, including technology, interoperability, and standards
development. As per each of the respective agreements, each of ABVC and BioLite received 23 million shares of AIBL stock at $10 per share,
and if certain milestones are met, each may receive $3,500,000 and royalties equaling 5% of net sales, up to $100 million. Upon the
issuance of the shares, AIBL became a subsidiary of ABVC.
13
The following chart illustrates the corporate structure of ABVC:
Effective March 5, 2022, the Company’s Board
for Directors approved amending the Company’s Bylaws to remove Section 2.8, which permitted cumulative voting for directors since
cumulative voting is specifically prohibited by our Articles of Incorporation. Since it is not otherwise stated in our Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the election, as provided in the Nevada Revised Statutes.
Competition
The healthcare industry is highly competitive
and subject to significant and rapid technological change as researchers learn more about diseases and develop new technologies and treatments.
Significant competitive factors in our industry include product efficacy and safety; quality and breadth of an organization’s technology;
skill of an organization’s employees and its ability to recruit and retain key employees; timing and scope of regulatory approvals;
the average selling price of products; the availability of raw materials and qualified manufacturing capacity; manufacturing costs; intellectual
property and patent rights and their protection; and our capabilities of securing competent collaborators. Market acceptance of our current
products and product candidates will depend on a number of factors, including: (i) potential advantages over existing or alternative therapies
or tests, (ii) the actual or perceived safety of similar classes of products, (iii) the effectiveness of sales, marketing, and distribution
capabilities, and (iv) the scope of any approval provided by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities.
Since we are a small biopharmaceutical company
compared to other companies that we may compete against, it is our intention to license our products to much larger pharmaceutical, specialty
pharmaceutical and generic drug companies with the financial, technical and human resources to compete effectively in the markets we address.
We anticipate that our license partners will face
intense and increasing competition when and as our new drug candidates enter the markets, as advanced technologies become available and
as generic forms of currently branded products become available. Finally, the development of new treatment methods for the diseases we
are targeting could render our products non-competitive or obsolete. There can be no assurance that any of our new drug candidates will
be clinically superior or scientifically preferable to products developed or introduced by our competitors.
14
The following chart lists some, not all, of the
biopharmaceutical companies that research, develop, commercialize, distribute or sell drugs that are in competition with our drug candidates.
Disease
Drug Name
Pharmaceutical
Companies
Headquarters
Major Depressive Disorder
Cymbalta oral
Eli Lilly and Co., Inc.
IN
Lexapro oral
Forest Laboratories, Inc.
NJ
Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CT
Attention-Deficit
Adderall XR
Shire Development LLC
MA
Hyperactivity Disease
Ritalin
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
NJ
Dexedrine
Amedra Pharmaceuticals LLC
PA
Myelodysplastic
Vidaza
Celgene Corporation
NJ
Syndromes
Dacogen
Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CA
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Avastin
Genentech, Inc.
CA
Erbitux (Cetuximab)
ImClone Systems Incorporated
NY
Pancreatic Cancer
Abraxane, Abraxis BioScience LLC
Los Angeles
CA
Novartis Pharma Stein AG
Stein
Switzerland
Vitargus for the treatments
Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Fort Worth
TX
of Retinal Detachment or
Vitreous Hemorrhage
Arcadophta
Toulouse
France
Government Regulations
Currently, we are focusing on the research and
development of six therapeutic candidates in the fields of CNS, oncology/hematology and autoimmune, for which regulatory approval must
be received before we can commence marketing. In addition, our cGMP facility is subject to review by the FDA. Regulatory approval processes
and FDA regulations for ABVC’s current and any future product candidates are discussed below.
Approval Process for Pharmaceutical Products
FDA Approval Process for Pharmaceutical Products
In the U.S., pharmaceutical products are subject
to extensive regulation by the FDA. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FDC Act”), and other federal and state statutes
and regulations, govern, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture, storage, recordkeeping, approval, labeling,
promotion and marketing, distribution, post-approval monitoring and reporting, sampling, and import and export of pharmaceutical products.
Failure to comply with applicable U.S. requirements may subject a company to a variety of administrative or judicial sanctions, such as
FDA refusal to approve pending NDAs, warning letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or
distribution, injunctions, fines, civil penalties, and criminal prosecution. Pharmaceutical product development in the U.S. typically
involves the performance of satisfactory nonclinical, also referred to as pre-clinical, laboratory and animal studies under the FDA’s
Good Laboratory Practice, or GLP, regulation, the development and demonstration of manufacturing processes, which conform to FDA mandated
current good manufacturing requirements, or cGMPs, including a quality system regulating manufacturing, the submission and acceptance
of an IND application, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin in the U.S., obtaining the approval of Institutional
Review Boards, or IRBs, at each site where we plan to conduct a clinical trial to protect the welfare and rights of human subjects in
clinical trials, adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of the drug for each indication
for which FDA approval is sought, and the submission to the FDA for review and approval of an NDA. Satisfaction of FDA requirements typically
takes many years and the actual time required may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity, and novelty of the product or disease.
15
Pre-clinical tests generally include laboratory
evaluation of a product candidate, its chemistry, formulation, stability and toxicity, as well as certain animal studies to assess its
potential safety and efficacy. Results of these pre-clinical tests, together with chemistry, manufacturing controls and analytical data
and the clinical trial protocol, which details the objectives of the trial, the parameters to be used in monitoring safety, and the effectiveness
criteria to be evaluated, along with other requirements must be submitted to the FDA as part of an IND, which must become effective before
human clinical trials can begin. The entire clinical trial and its protocol must be in compliance with what are referred to as good clinical
practice, or GCP, requirements. The term, GCP, is used to refer to various FDA laws and regulations, as well as international scientific
standards intended to protect the rights, health and safety of patients, define the roles of clinical trial sponsors and assure the integrity
of clinical trial data.
An IND automatically becomes effective 30 days
after receipt by the FDA, unless the FDA, within the 30-day time period, raises concerns or questions about the intended conduct of the
trials and imposes what is referred to as a clinical hold. Pre-clinical studies generally take several years to complete, and there is
no guarantee that an IND based on those studies will become effective, allowing clinical testing to begin. In addition to FDA review of
an IND, each medical site that desires to participate in a proposed clinical trial must have the protocol reviewed and approved by an
independent IRB or Ethics Committee, or EC. The IRB considers, among other things, ethical factors, and the selection and safety of human
subjects. Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s GCP requirements. The FDA and/or IRB may order the temporary,
or permanent, discontinuation of a clinical trial or that a specific clinical trial site be halted at any time, or impose other sanctions
for failure to comply with requirements under the appropriate entity jurisdiction.
Clinical trials to support NDAs for marketing
approval are typically conducted in three sequential phases, but the phases may overlap.
In Phase I clinical trials, a product candidate
is typically introduced either into healthy human subjects or patients with the medical condition for which the new drug is intended to
be used. The main purpose of the trial is to assess a product candidate’s safety and the ability of the human body to tolerate the
product candidate. Phase I clinical trials generally include less than 50 subjects or patients.
During Phase 2 trials, a product candidate is
studied in an exploratory trial or trials in a limited number of patients with the disease or medical condition for which it is intended
to be used in order to: (i) further identify any possible adverse side effects and safety risks, (ii) assess the preliminary or potential
efficacy of the product candidate for specific target diseases or medical conditions, and (iii) assess dosage tolerance and determine
the optimal dose for Phase III trials.
Phase III trials are generally undertaken to demonstrate
clinical efficacy and to further test for safety in an expanded patient population with the goal of evaluating the overall risk-benefit
relationship of the product candidate. Phase III trials are generally designed to reach a specific goal or endpoint, the achievement of
which is intended to demonstrate the candidate product’s clinical efficacy and adequate information for labeling of the approved
drug.
The FDA has 60 days from its receipt of an NDA
to determine whether the application will be accepted for filing based on the FDA’s threshold determination that it is sufficiently
complete to permit substantive review. Once the submission is accepted for filing, the FDA begins an in-depth review. The FDA has agreed
to certain performance goals in the review of NDAs. Most applications for standard review drug products are reviewed within ten months;
most applications for priority review drugs are reviewed within six months. Priority review can be applied to drugs that the FDA determines
offer major advances in treatment, or provide a treatment where no adequate therapy exists. The review process for both standard and priority
review may be extended by the FDA for three additional months to consider certain late-submitted information, or information intended
to clarify information already provided in the submission. The FDA may also refer applications for novel drug products, or drug products
which present difficult questions of safety or efficacy, to an advisory committee — typically a panel that includes clinicians
and other experts — for review, evaluation, and a recommendation as to whether the application should be approved. The
FDA is not bound by the recommendation of an advisory committee, but it generally follows such recommendations. Before approving an NDA,
the FDA will typically inspect one or more clinical sites to assure compliance with GCP. Additionally, the FDA will inspect the facility
or the facilities at which the drug is manufactured. The FDA will not approve the product unless compliance with cGMPs is satisfactory
and the NDA contains data that provide substantial evidence that the drug is safe and effective in the indication studied.
16
After the FDA evaluates the NDA and the manufacturing
facilities, it issues either an approval letter or a complete response letter. A complete response letter generally outlines the deficiencies
in the submission and may require substantial additional testing or information in order for the FDA to reconsider the application. If
and when those deficiencies have been addressed to the FDA’s satisfaction in a resubmission of the NDA, the FDA will issue an approval
letter. The FDA has committed to reviewing such resubmissions in two or six months depending on the type of information included. An approval
letter authorizes commercial marketing of the drug with specific prescribing information for specific indications. As a condition of NDA
approval, the FDA may require a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS, to help ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh
the potential risks.
REMS can include medication guides, communication
plans for healthcare professionals, and elements to assure safe use, or ETASU. ETASU can include, but are not limited to, special training
or certification for prescribing or dispensing, dispensing only under certain circumstances, special monitoring, and the use of patient
registries. The requirement for a REMS can materially affect the potential market and profitability of the drug. Moreover, product approval
may require substantial post-approval testing and surveillance to monitor the drug’s safety or efficacy. Once granted, product approvals
may be withdrawn if compliance with regulatory standards is not maintained or problems are identified following initial marketing.
Post-Approval Regulations
Even if a product candidate receives regulatory
approval, the approval is typically limited to specific clinical indications. Further, even after regulatory approval is obtained, subsequent
discovery of previously unknown problems with a product may result in restrictions on its use or even complete withdrawal of the product
from the market. Any FDA-approved products manufactured or distributed by us are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA, including
record-keeping requirements and reporting of adverse events or experiences. Further, drug manufacturers and their subcontractors are required
to register their establishments with the FDA and state agencies, and are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA and state agencies
for compliance with cGMPs, which impose rigorous procedural and documentation requirements upon us and our contract manufacturers. ABVC
cannot be certain that ABVC or its present or future contract manufacturers or suppliers will be able to comply with cGMPs regulations
and other FDA regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in, among other things, total or partial suspension
of production activities, failure of the FDA to grant approval for marketing, and withdrawal, suspension, or revocation of marketing approvals.
If the FDA approves one or more of our product
candidates, ABVC must provide certain updated safety and efficacy information. Product changes, as well as certain changes in the manufacturing
process or facilities where the manufacturing occurs or other post-approval changes may necessitate additional FDA review and approval.
The labeling, advertising, promotion, marketing and distribution of a drug must be in compliance with FDA and Federal Trade Commission,
or FTC, requirements which include, among others, standards and regulations for direct-to-consumer advertising, off-label promotion, industry
sponsored scientific and educational activities, and promotional activities involving the Internet. The FDA and FTC have very broad enforcement
authority, and failure to abide by these regulations can result in penalties, including the issuance of a warning letter directing us
to correct deviations from regulatory standards and enforcement actions that can include seizures, fines, injunctions and criminal prosecution.
Foreign Regulatory Approval
Outside of the U.S., ABVC’s ability to market
our product candidates will be contingent also upon its receiving marketing authorizations from the appropriate foreign regulatory authorities,
whether or not FDA approval has been obtained. The foreign regulatory approval process in most industrialized countries generally encompasses
risks similar to those ABVC will encounter in the FDA approval process. The requirements governing conduct of clinical trials and marketing
authorizations, and the time required to obtain requisite approvals, may vary widely from country to country and differ from those required
for FDA approval.
17
ABVC will be subject to additional regulations
in other countries in which we market, sell and import our products, including Canada. ABVC or its distributors must receive all necessary
approvals or clearance prior to marketing and/or importing our products in those markets.
Other Regulatory Matters
Manufacturing, sales, promotion and other activities
following product approval are also subject to regulation by numerous regulatory authorities in addition to the FDA, including, in the
U.S., the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, other divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement
Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Occupational Safety &Health Administration,
the Environmental Protection Agency and state and local governments. In the U.S., sales, marketing and scientific/educational programs
must also comply with state and federal fraud and abuse laws. Pricing and rebate programs must comply with the Medicaid rebate requirements
of the U.S. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and more recent requirements in the Health Care Reform Law, as amended by the Health
Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act, or ACA. If products are made available to authorized users of the Federal Supply
Schedule of the General Services Administration, additional laws and requirements apply. The handling of any controlled substances must
comply with the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Products must meet applicable child-resistant
packaging requirements under the U.S. Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Manufacturing, sales, promotion and other activities are also potentially
subject to federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws.
The distribution of pharmaceutical products is
subject to additional requirements and regulations, including extensive recordkeeping, licensing, storage and security requirements intended
to prevent the unauthorized sale of pharmaceutical products.
The failure to comply with regulatory requirements
subjects firms to possible legal or regulatory action. Depending on the circumstances, failure to meet applicable regulatory requirements
can result in criminal prosecution, fines, imprisonment or other penalties, injunctions, recall or seizure of products, total or partial
suspension of production, denial or withdrawal of product approvals, or refusal to allow a firm to enter into supply contracts, including
government contracts. In addition, even if a firm complies with FDA and other requirements, new information regarding the safety or effectiveness
of a product could lead the FDA to modify or withdraw product approval. Prohibitions or restrictions on sales or withdrawal of future
products marketed by us could materially affect our business in an adverse way.
Changes in regulations, statutes or the interpretation
of existing regulations could impact our business in the future by requiring, for example: (i) changes to our manufacturing arrangements;
(ii) additions or modifications to product labeling; (iii) the recall or discontinuation of our products; or (iv) additional record-keeping
requirements. If any such changes were to be imposed, they could adversely affect the operation of our business.
Employees
As of December 31, 2023, we, including the subsidiaries,
have 19 employees, 16 of which are full-time, located in the U.S. and Taiwan.
18
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities includes a high
degree of risk. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should consider carefully the specific factors discussed
below, together with all of the other information contained in this report. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business,
financial condition, results of operations and future prospects would likely be materially and adversely affected. This could cause the
market price of our Common Stock to decline and could cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to the Company’s Business
Unfavorable global economic conditions,
including as a result of health and safety concerns, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our results of operations could be adversely affected
by general conditions in the global economy, including conditions that are outside of our control, such as the impact of health and safety
concerns from the current outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus (“COVID-19”). The spread of the COVID-19, which was declared
a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, has caused different countries and cities to mandate curfews, including “shelter-in-place”
and closures of most non-essential businesses as well as other measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The negative impact of COVID-19 on our operations
is ongoing and the extent of which remains uncertain and potentially wide-spread, including:
●
our ability to successfully execute our long-term growth strategy during these uncertain times;
●
our ability to recruit the necessary number of patients to complete future clinical trials;
●
supply chain disruptions in projects ABV-1504, ABV-1505 and ABV-1601, resulting from reduced workforces, scarcity of raw materials, and scrutiny or embargoing of goods produced in infected areas;
●
our ability to perform on-site due-diligence for project ABV-1505 (MDD Phase II completed new drug candidate) and ABV-1701 (Vitargus FIH completed medical device) with our potential partners/collaborators in US, Mainland China, and Japan;
●
our ability to access capital sources, as well as the ability of our key customers, suppliers, and vendors to do the same in regard to their own obligations; and
●
diversion of management and employee attention and resources from key business activities and risk management outside of COVID-19 response efforts, including maintenance of internal controls.
The COVID-19 pandemic remains highly volatile
and continues to evolve on a daily basis and therefore, despite our efforts and developments to combat the virus, there can be no assurance
that these measures will prove successful. The extent to which COVID-19 continues to impact the Company’s business, sales, and results
of operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
The Company is a development stage biopharmaceutical
company and is thus subject to the risks associated with new businesses in that industry.
The Company acquired the sole licensing rights
to develop and commercialize for therapeutic purposes six compounds from BioLite and the right to co-develop with BioFirst a medical device
(collectively the “ABVC Pipeline Products”). As such, the Company is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with operations
that generate unsubstantial revenues. The Company is establishing and implementing many important functions necessary to operate a business,
including the clinical research and development of the ABVC Pipeline Products, further establishment of the Company’s managerial
and administrative structure, accounting systems and internal financial controls
BioLite and BioKey are expected to continue to
have limited revenue and remain unprofitable for an indefinite period of time.
19
Accordingly, you should consider the Company’s
prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties that a pharmaceutical company with a limited operating history and revenue faces. In
particular, potential investors should consider that there are significant risks that the Company will not be able to:
●
implement or execute its current business plan, or generate profits;
●
attract and maintain a skillful management team;
●
raise sufficient funds in the capital markets or otherwise to effectuate its business plan;
●
determine that the processes and technologies that it has developed are commercially viable; and/or
●
enter into contracts with commercial partners, such as licensors and suppliers.
If any of the above risks occurs, the Company’s
business may fail, in which case you may lose the entire amount of your investment in the Company. The Company cannot assure that any
of its efforts in business operations will be successful or result in the timely development of new products, or ultimately produce any
material revenue and profits.
As a pre-profit biopharmaceutical company, the
Company needs to transition from a company with a research and development focus to a company capable of supporting commercial activities.
The Company may not be able to reach such transition point or make such a transition, which would have affect our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
If the Company fails to raise additional
capital, its ability to implement its business model and strategy could be compromised.
The Company has limited capital resources and
operations. The CDMO services provided by BioKey generates a limited amount of revenue that can only partially support the operations
of the Company. To date, the Company’s operations have been funded partially from the proceeds from financings or loans from
its shareholders. From time to time, we may seek additional financing to provide the capital required to expand research and development
(“R&D”) initiatives and/or working capital, as well as to repay outstanding loans if cash flow from operations is insufficient
to do so. We cannot predict with certainty the timing or amount of any such capital requirements.
If the Company does not raise sufficient capital
to fund its ongoing development activities, it is likely that it will be unable to carry out its business plans, including R&D development
and expansion of production facilities. Currently, the Company has had to put several projects on hold due to a lack of funding. Even
if the Company obtains financing for near term operations and product development, the Company may require additional capital beyond the
near term. Furthermore, additional capital may not be available in sufficient amounts or on reasonable terms, if at all, and our ability
to raise additional capital may be adversely impacted by potential worsening global economic conditions and the recent disruptions to
and volatility in the credit and financial markets in the United States and worldwide resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If
the Company is unable to raise capital when needed, its business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely
affected, and it could be forced to reduce or discontinue our operations.
The Company has no history in obtaining
regulatory approval for, or commercializing, any new drug candidate.
With
limited operating history, the Company has never obtained regulatory approval
for, or commercialized, any new drug candidate. It is possible that the FDA may refuse to accept our planned New Drug Application
(or “NDA”) for any of the six drug products for substantive review or may conclude after review of our data that our application
is insufficient to obtain regulatory approval of the new drug candidates or the medical device. Although our CDMO strategic business department
has experience in obtaining abbreviated new drug application (or “ANDA”) approvals, the processes and timelines of obtaining
an NDA approval and ANDA approval can differentiate substantially. If the FDA does not accept or approve our planned NDA for our product
candidates, it may require that we conduct additional clinical, preclinical or manufacturing validation studies, which may be costly.
Depending on the FDA required studies, approval of any NDA or application that we submit may be significantly delayed, possibly for several
years, or may require us to expend more resources than we have. Any delay in obtaining, or inability to obtain, regulatory approvals of
any of our drug candidate will prevent us from sublicensing such product. It is also possible that additional studies, if performed and
completed, may not be considered sufficient by the FDA. If any of these outcomes occurs, we may be forced to abandon our planned NDA for
such drug candidate, which materially adversely affects our business and could potentially cause us to cease operations. We face similar
regulatory risks in a foreign jurisdiction.
20
Our growth is dependent on our ability to
successfully develop, acquire or license new drugs.
Our growth is supported by continuous investment
in time, resources and capital to identify and develop new products or new formulations for the market and market penetration. If we are
unable to either develop new products on our own or acquire licenses for new products from other parties, our ability to grow revenues
and market share will be adversely affected. In addition, we may not be able to recover our investment in the development of new
drugs and medical devices, given that projects may be interrupted, unsuccessful, not as profitable as initially contemplated or we may
not be able to obtain necessary financing for such development. Similarly, there is no assurance that we can successfully secure such
rights from third parties on an economically feasible basis.
Our current products have certain side effects.
If the side effects associated with our current or future products are not identified prior to their marketing and sale, we may be required
to withdraw such products from the market, perform lengthy additional clinical trials or change the labeling of our products, any of which
could adversely impact our growth.
The Company researches and develops the following
seven drug products and one medical device: ABV-1501, ABV-1504, ABV-1505, ABV-1519, ABV-1702, ABV-1601 and ABV-1703. Each of these seven
products may cause serious adverse effects to their users. For example, the API of ABV-1501, ABV-1702 and ABV-1703 is Maitake mushroom
extract. Side effects, or adverse events, associated with Maitake mushroom extract include blood bilirubin increase, lymphocyte count
decrease, neutrophil count decrease, platelet count decrease, white blood cell decrease, headache, and hyperglycemia. Serious adverse
events (collectively, the “SAE”) associated with this compound include leukocytosis, platelet count decrease, eye disorders,
abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disorders, aphonia, lung infection, muscle weakness right-sided, confusion, edema cerebral, stroke, dyspnea,
wheezing, and pruritus.
ABV-1504 and ABV-1505 have the same API, “Radix
Polygala”, which is known as Polygala tenuifolia Willd or PDC-1421 Capsule (“Polygala tenuifolia Willd”). Side effects,
or adverse events, associated with ABV-1504 and ABV-1505, coming from administration of the trial medicine or examination procedure such
as the procedure of taking blood (fainting, pain and/or bruising), may lead to gastrointestinal disorders (abdominal fullness and constipation),
nervous system disorders (drowsiness, sleepiness, and oral ulcer). In addition, long-term use may cause miscarriages.
The safety and preliminary efficacy findings from
this study, combined with the unique properties of ABV-1701, are supportive of further investigation for its use following vitrectomy
surgery in patients requiring vitreous replacement. However, new serious side effects of ABV-1701 may be uncovered as the clinical trials
continue.
The occurrence of any of those adverse events
would harm our future sales of these medicines and substantially increase the costs and expenses of marketing these medicines, which in
turn could cause our revenues and net income to decline. In addition, the reputation and sales of our future medicines could be adversely
affected due to the severe side effects discovered.
We may be subject to product liability claims
in the future, which could divert our resources, cause us to incur substantial liabilities and limit commercialization of any products
that we may develop.
We face an inherent business risk of exposure
to product liability claims in the event that the uses of our products are alleged to have caused adverse side effects. Side effects
or marketing or manufacturing problems pertaining to any of our products could result in product liability claims or adverse publicity. These
risks will exist for those products in clinical development and with respect to those products that receive regulatory approval for commercial
sale. Furthermore, although we have not historically experienced any problems associated with claims by users of our products, we
do not currently maintain product liability insurance and there could be no assurance that we are able to acquire product liability
insurance with terms that are commercially feasible.
21
We face an inherent risk of product liability
claims as a result of the clinical testing of our products and potentially commercially selling any products that we may develop. For
example, we may be sued if any product we develop allegedly causes injury or is found to be otherwise unsuitable during clinical testing,
manufacturing, marketing or sale. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design,
a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability or a breach of warranties. Claims could also be asserted
under state consumer protection acts. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial
liabilities or be required to limit commercialization of our product candidate. Regardless of the merits or eventual outcome, liability
claims may result in:
●
decreased demand for our product candidates or products that we may develop;
●
injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention;
●
withdrawal of clinical trial participants;
●
significant costs to defend resulting litigation;
●
substantial monetary awards to trial participants or patients;
●
loss of revenue;
●
reduced resources of our management to pursue our business strategy; and
●
the inability to commercialize any products that we may develop.
We currently have insurance policies to cover
liabilities under the clinic trials but do not maintain general liability insurance; and even if we have a general liability insurance
in the future, this insurance may not fully cover potential liabilities that we may incur. The cost of any product liability litigation
or other proceeding, even if resolved in our favor, could be substantial. We would need to increase our insurance coverage if and when
we begin selling any product candidate that receives marketing approval. In addition, insurance coverage is becoming increasingly expensive.
If we are unable to obtain or maintain sufficient insurance coverage at an acceptable cost or to otherwise protect against potential product
liability claims, it could prevent or inhibit the development and commercial production and sale of our product candidate, which could
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We have conducted, and may in the future
conduct, clinical trials for certain of our product candidates at sites outside the United States, and the FDA may not accept data from
trials conducted in such locations.
We have conducted and may in the future choose
to conduct one or more of our clinical trials outside the United States. Although the FDA may accept data from clinical trials conducted
outside the United States, acceptance of this data is subject to certain conditions imposed by the FDA. For example, the clinical trial
must be well designed and conducted and performed by qualified investigators in accordance with ethical principles. The trial population
must also adequately represent the U.S. population, and the data must be applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice in
ways that the FDA deems clinically meaningful. In addition, while these clinical trials are subject to the applicable local laws, FDA
acceptance of the data will be dependent upon its determination that the trials also complied with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
There can be no assurance that the FDA will accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States. If the FDA does not accept
the data from any of our clinical trials that we determine to conduct outside the United States, it would likely result in the need for
additional trials, which would be costly and time-consuming and delay or permanently halt our development of the product candidate.
In addition, the conduct of clinical trials outside
the United States could have a significant impact on us. Risks inherent in conducting international clinical trials include:
●
foreign regulatory requirements that could restrict or limit our ability to conduct our clinical trials;
●
administrative burdens of conducting clinical trials under multiple foreign regulatory schema;
●
foreign exchange fluctuations; and
●
diminished protection of intellectual property in some countries.
22
If clinical trials of our product candidates
fail to demonstrate safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of the FDA and comparable non-U.S. regulators, we may incur additional costs
or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete the development and commercialization of our product candidates.
We are not permitted to commercialize, market,
promote or sell any product candidate in the United States without obtaining marketing approval from the FDA. Comparable non-U.S. regulatory
authorities impose similar restrictions. We may never receive such approvals. We must complete extensive preclinical development and clinical
trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our product candidate in humans before we will be able to obtain these approvals.
Clinical testing is expensive, difficult to design
and implement, can take many years to complete and is inherently uncertain as to outcome. Any inability to successfully complete preclinical
and clinical development could result in additional costs to us and impair our ability to generate revenues from product sales, regulatory
and commercialization milestones and royalties. In addition, if (1) we are required to conduct additional clinical trials or other testing
of our product candidate beyond the trials and testing that we contemplate, (2) we are unable to successfully complete clinical trials
of our product candidate or other testing, (3) the results of these trials or tests are unfavorable, uncertain or are only modestly favorable,
or (4) there are unacceptable safety concerns associated with our product candidate, we, in addition to incurring additional costs, may:
●
be delayed in obtaining marketing approval for our product candidates;
●
not obtain marketing approval at all;
●
obtain approval for indications or patient populations that are not as broad as we intended or desired;
●
obtain approval with labeling that includes significant use or distribution restrictions or significant safety warnings, including boxed warnings;
●
be subject to additional post-marketing testing or other requirements; or
●
be required to remove the product from the market after obtaining marketing approval.
Even if any of our product candidates receives
marketing approval, it may fail to achieve the degree of market acceptance by physicians, patients, third party payors and others in the
medical community necessary for commercial success and the market opportunity for the product candidate may be smaller than we estimate.
We
have never completed a new drug or new medical device FDA application
process from Phase I to FDA approval and commercialization. Even if our products are approved by the appropriate regulatory
authorities for marketing and sale, they may nonetheless fail to gain sufficient market acceptance by physicians, patients, third party
payors and others in the medical community. For example, physicians are often reluctant to switch their patients from existing therapies
even when new and potentially more effective or convenient treatments enter the market. Further, patients often acclimate to the therapy
that they are currently taking and do not want to switch unless their physicians recommend switching products or they are required to
switch therapies due to lack of reimbursement for existing therapies.
The potential market opportunities for our products
are difficult to estimate precisely. Our estimates of the potential market opportunities are predicated on many assumptions, including
industry knowledge and publications, third party research reports and other surveys. While we believe that our internal assumptions are
reasonable, these assumptions involve the exercise of significant judgment on the part of our management, are inherently uncertain and
the reasonableness of these assumptions has not been assessed by an independent source. If any of the assumptions proves to be inaccurate,
the actual markets for our products could be smaller than our estimates of the potential market opportunities.
23
We may seek to enter into collaborations
with third parties for the development and commercialization of our product candidates. If we fail to enter into such collaborations,
or such collaborations are not successful, we may not be able to capitalize on the market potential of our product candidates.
We may seek third-party collaborators for development
and commercialization of our products. Our likely collaborators for any marketing, distribution, development, licensing or broader collaboration
arrangements include large and mid-size pharmaceutical companies, regional and national pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations,
government agencies, and biotechnology companies. Our ability to generate revenues from these arrangements will depend on our collaborators’ abilities
to successfully perform the functions assigned to them in these arrangements.
Collaborations involving our products will pose
the following risks to us:
●
collaborators may have significant discretion in determining the efforts and resources that they will apply to these collaborations;
●
collaborators may not pursue development and commercialization of our product candidate or may elect not to continue or renew development or commercialization programs based on preclinical or clinical trial results, changes in the collaborators’ strategic focus or available funding, or external factors such as an acquisition that diverts resources or creates competing priorities;
●
collaborators may delay clinical trials, provide insufficient funding for a clinical trial program, stop a clinical trial or abandon a product candidate, repeat or conduct new clinical trials or require a new formulation of a product candidate for clinical testing;
●
collaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with our product candidate if the collaborators believe that competitive products are more likely to be successfully developed or can be commercialized under terms that are more economically attractive than ours;
●
collaborators with marketing and distribution rights to one or more products may not commit sufficient resources to the marketing and distribution of such product or products;
●
collaborators may not properly maintain or defend our intellectual property rights or may use our proprietary information in such a way as to invite litigation that could jeopardize or invalidate our intellectual property or proprietary information or expose us to potential litigation;
●
collaborators may infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, which may expose us to litigation and potential liability;
●
disputes may arise between the collaborators and us that result in the delay or termination of the research, development or commercialization of our product candidate or that result in costly litigation or arbitration that diverts management attention and resources; and
●
collaborations may be terminated and, if terminated, may result in a need for additional capital to pursue further development or commercialization of the applicable product candidates.
Collaborative agreements may not lead to development
or commercialization of our product candidate in the most efficient manner or at all. If a collaborator of ours were to be involved in
a business combination, the continued pursuit and emphasis on our product development or commercialization program could be delayed, diminished
or terminated.
24
ABVC, through BioLite, may not be able to
receive the full amounts available under the collaboration agreement by and between BioLite, Inc. and BioHopeKing, which could increase
its burden to seek additional capital to fund the business operations.
In February and December 2015, BioLite, Inc.,
a subsidiary of BioLite, entered into a total of three collaboration agreements with BioHopeKing to jointly develop ABV-1501 for TNBC
(or BLI-1401-2 as used by BioLite internally) and ABV-1504 for MDD (or BLI-1005 as used by BioLite internally) in most Asian countries
and BLI-1006, which has been later replaced with BLI-1008 for ADHD in Asia, excluding Japan. ABVC and BioLite are co-developing ABV-1501
for TNBC and ABV-1504 for MDD pursuant to the Collaboration Agreement and its Addendum entered by and between BriVision and BioLite Taiwan
where ABVC and BriVision are responsible for the clinical trials of such two new drug candidates. In accordance with the terms of the
BioHopeKing Collaboration Agreement for ABV-1501 or BLI-1401-2 and the Addendum thereto, BioLite shall receive payments of a total of
$10 million in cash and equity of BioHopeKing or equity securities owned by it at various stages on a schedule dictated by BioLite’s
achievements of certain milestones and twelve per cent (12%) of net sales of the drug products when ABV-1501 or BLI-1401-2 is approved
for sale in the licensed territories. If BioLite fails to reach any of the milestones in a timely manner, it may not receive the rest
of the payments from BioHopeKing. As a result of BioLite’s potential inability to receive the full payments under those collaboration
agreements with BioHopeKing, ABVC may have to seek other sources of financing to fund its operation activities.
ABVC and its Subsidiaries may not be successful
in establishing and maintaining additional strategic partnerships, which could adversely affect ABVC’s ability to develop and commercialize
products, negatively impacting its operating results.
In addition to ABVC’s current collaboration
with BioHopeKing for selected Asian markets, a part of its strategy is to evaluate and, as deemed appropriate, enter into additional partnerships
in the future with major biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies. ABVC’s products may prove to be difficult to effectively license
out as planned. Various regulatory, commercial and manufacturing factors may impact ABVC’s ability to seek co-developers of or grow
revenues from licensing out any of the seven products in the pipeline, none of which has been fully licensed out. Specifically, ABVC may
encounter difficulty by virtue of:
●
its inability to effectively identify and align with commercial partners in the U.S. to collaborate the development of ABV-1504 for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, ABV-1505 to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disease, ABV-1501 for the treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer, ABV-1519 to treat of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, ABV-1703 to the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer, ABV-1601 to treat Depression in Cancer Patients and ABV-1702 to treat Myelodysplastic syndromes and ABV-1701 Vitargus for the treatments of Retinal Detachment or Vitreous Hemorrhage;
●
its inability to secure appropriate contract research organizations (“CRO”s) to conduct data analysis, lab research and FDA communication; and
●
its inability to effectively continue clinical studies on and secure positive research results of all of our investigational new drugs to attract additional commercial collaborators outside the U.S.
ABVC faces significant competition in seeking
appropriate partners for its therapeutic candidates, and the negotiation process is time-consuming and complex. In order for ABVC to successfully
partner its autoimmune, CNS and hematology therapeutic candidates, as well as Vitargus, its medical device, potential partners must view
these medicinal candidates as economically valuable in markets they determine to be attractive in light of the terms that ABVC is seeking
and compared to other available products for licensing by other companies. Even if ABVC is successful in its efforts to establish new
strategic partnerships, the terms that ABVC agrees upon may not be favorable, and it may not be able to maintain such strategic partnerships
if, for example, development or approval of an autoimmune therapeutic is delayed or sales of an approved product are disappointing. Any
delay in entering into new strategic partnership agreements related to any of ABVC’s therapeutic candidates could delay the development
and commercialization of such candidates and reduce its competitiveness even if it reaches the market.
25
If ABVC fails to establish and maintain additional
strategic partnerships or collaboration related to its therapeutic candidates that have not been fully licensed, it will bear all of the
risk and costs related to the development of any such drug candidate, and it may need to seek additional financing, hire additional employees
and otherwise develop expertise for which it has not budgeted. This could negatively affect the development of any incompletely partnered
new drug candidates.
ABVC’s licensors may choose to terminate
any of the license agreements with ABVC. As a result, ABVC’s research and development of new drug candidates that contain the underlying
API may be terminated abruptly.
If ABVC’s Subsidiary BioLite materially
breaches any license agreements it has with Yukiguni Maitake Co. (“Yukiguni”), Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry Technology
and Development Center (“MPITDC”) or Industrial Technology Research Institute (“ITRI”), or any of such license
agreement terminates unexpectedly, BioLite may not be able to continue its research and development of the new drug candidate which contains
the underlying API whose license has been terminated. Pursuant to the Yukiguni License Agreement, if BioLite fails to meet the milestone
sales requirement or submit certain applications to the appropriate health authorities on a schedule prescribed therein, Yukiguni shall
have the right to terminate the Yukiguni License Agreement. If the Yukiguni License Agreement is terminated involuntarily, BioLite will
be forced to discontinue its new drug development of ABV-1703, ABV-1502 and ABV-1501 and terminate the collaboration agreements relating
to the three new drug candidates. The termination of the right to use the underlying API will materially disrupt the operations of ABVC.
Pursuant to the license agreement between BioLite Taiwan and ITRI, if BioLite Taiwan fails to complete the research submission milestones
according to the schedule set forth therein without reasons or with reasons unstatisfied with ITRI, ITRI shall have the right to terminate
the license agreement with BioLite Taiwan without refund to BioLite Taiwan. BioLite Taiwan and BioLite have submitted the IND for PDC-1421
and subsequently conducted Phase II clinical trials of two drug candidiates developed from PDC-1421 according to the schedule listed in
the license agreement between BioLite Taiwan and MPITDC.
ABVC’s Subsidiary BioLite depends
on one supplier for the API of ABV-1703, ABV-1519, ABV-1502 and ABV-1501 and any failure of such supplier to deliver sufficient quantities
of the API that meets its quality standard could have a material adverse effect on its research of these four drug candidates.
Currently BioLite relies primarily on Yukiguni,
a Japanese supplier, to provide Yukiguni Maitake Extract 404, the API which is contained in ABV-1703, ABV-1519, ABV-1502 and ABV-1501,
four of the seven drug candidates in BioLite’s oncology/hematology portfolio. It has entered into the Yukiguni License Agreement,
among other things, for the delivery of Yukiguni Maitake Extract 404. BioLite agrees to fulfill its demand of the Yukiguni Maitake Extract
404 by purchasing first from Yukiguni respecting the therapeutic products and Yukiguni represents that it will provide sufficient quantities
of such API that meets cGMP standards. If the supplies of Yukiguni Maitake Extract 404 were interrupted for any reason, BioLite’s
research and development activities of these four drug candidates could be delayed. These delays could be extensive and expensive, especially
in situations where a substitution is not readily available.
BioLite is currently negotiating with another
supplier of Yukiguni Maitake Extract 404 that is located in Canada. However, there can be no assurance that the negotiation will be successful.
Failure to obtain adequate supplies of high quality Yukiguni Maitake Extract 404 in a timely manner could have a disruptive effect on
ABVC and BioLite’s research and development activities of ABV-1703, ABV-1519, ABV-1502 and ABV-1501, resulting in a material adverse
effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
ABVC may use hazardous chemicals and biological
materials in its business. Any claims relating to improper handling, storage or disposal of these materials could be time consuming and
costly.
ABVC’s research and development may involve
the controlled use of hazardous materials, including chemicals and biological materials. ABVC cannot eliminate the risk of accidental
contamination or discharge and any resulting injury from these materials. ABVC may be sued for any injury or contamination that results
from its use or the use by third parties of these materials, and its liability may exceed any insurance coverage and its total assets.
Federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials
and specified waste products, as well as the discharge of pollutants into the environment and human health and safety matters. Although
ABVC makes its best efforts to comply with environmental laws and regulations despite the associated high costs and inconvenience, ABVC
cannot guarantee that it will not mishandle any hazardous materials in the future. If it fails to comply with these requirements or any
improper handling of hazardous materials occurs, it could incur substantial costs, including civil or criminal fines and penalties, clean-up
costs or capital expenditures for control equipment or operational changes necessary to achieve and maintain compliance. In addition,
ABVC cannot predict the impact on its business of new or amended environmental laws or regulations or any changes in the way existing
and future laws and regulations are interpreted and enforced.
26
The facilities where the samples of drug
candidates are manufactured need to be maintained and monitored in compliance with the good manufacturing practice standards, the failure
of such maintenance could contaminate the results of our clinical trials and adversely affect our operations.
ABVC’s Subsidiary BioKey operates a laboratory
facility that is a certified good manufacturing practice facility (“cGMP”) and some of its contract clinical trial service
providers use cGMP facilities to conduct clinical studies. ABVC cannot be certain that ABVC or its present or future contract manufacturers
or suppliers will be able to comply with cGMPs regulations and other FDA regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements
may result in, among other things, total or partial suspension of production activities, failure of the FDA to grant approval for marketing,
and withdrawal, suspension, or revocation of marketing approvals.
Cybersecurity incidents and decentralization
of documents may hurt the company’s business, damage its reputation, increase its costs, and cause losses.
The company’s information technology systems
could be subject to significant cyber security and privacy incidents, including, but not limited to, invasion, inducement (fraudulent
or otherwise) by third parties to obtain information from employees, customers, or suppliers; cyber-attacks; or cybersecurity breaches
caused by third parties as well as employees and others with authorized access. Also, resignation of employees could cost loss of documents
due to the decentralized storage system.
Any such incident, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result
in, without limitation, disruption to the company’s operations; loss or compromise of, or damage to, the company’s or any
of its customers’ or suppliers’ data, confidential information; significant legal, regulatory, and financial exposure; damage
to the company’s reputation; significant costs related to rebuilding internal systems, managing company brand and reputation, litigation,
damages, responding to regulatory inquiries, and taking other remedial steps; and a loss of confidence in the security of the company’s
information technology systems. In each case, that could potentially have an adverse impact on the company’s business, including
by impairing the company’s ability to sell its products and services. Because the techniques used to cause these incidents and gain
unauthorized access to, disable, or sabotage the company’s information technology systems and data stored on those systems change
frequently and often are not recognized until launched, the company may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate
preventive or protective measures to guard against them. Further, third parties, such as hosted solution providers, are a source of risk
because they could be subject to the same or other similar types of incidents, for example in the event of a failure of their own systems
and infrastructure or if they experience their own privacy or security event, which could create risks similar to those described above.
These third parties could include organizations in the company’s supply chain, which if subject to an incident, could adversely
impact the company’s ability to deliver its goods and services.
Risks Related to Intellectual Property
Pharmaceutical patents and patent applications
involve highly complex legal and factual questions, which, if determined adversely to the Company, could negatively impact its respective
licensors’ patent position and interrupt its research activities.
The patent positions of pharmaceutical companies
and research institutions can be highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. The interpretation and breadth of claims
allowed in some patents covering pharmaceutical compositions may be uncertain and difficult to determine, and are often affected materially
by the facts and circumstances that pertain to the patented compositions and the related patent claims. The standards of the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office, or USPTO, are sometimes uncertain and could change in the future. Consequently, the issuance and scope of patents
cannot be predicted with certainty. Patents, if issued, may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. U.S. patents and patent applications
may also be subject to interference proceedings, and U.S. patents may be subject to re-examination proceedings, post-grant review and/or
inter parties review in the USPTO. Foreign patents may be subject to opposition or comparable proceedings in the corresponding foreign
patent office, which could result in either loss of the patent or denial of the patent application or loss or reduction in the scope of
one or more of the claims of the patent or patent application. In addition, such interference, re-examination, post-grant review, inter
parties review and opposition proceedings may be costly. Accordingly, rights under any issued patents may not provide the Company with
sufficient protection against competitive products or processes.
27
In addition, changes in or different interpretations
of patent laws in the U.S. and foreign countries may permit others to use discoveries of the Company or to develop and commercialize their
new drug candidates without providing any compensation thereto, or may limit the number of patents or claims the Company can obtain. The
laws of some countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as U.S. laws and those countries may lack adequate
rules and procedures for defending the intellectual property rights of the Company.
If the Company fails to obtain and maintain patent
protection and trade secret protection of its respective products, the Company could lose their competitive advantages and competition
it faces would increase, reducing any potential revenues and adversely affecting its ability to attain or maintain profitability.
Developments in patent law could have a
negative impact on the Company’s Licensors’ patent positions and the Company’s business.
From time to time, the U.S. Supreme Court, other
federal courts, the U.S. Congress or the USPTO may change the standards of patentability and any such changes could have a negative impact
on the Company’s business.
In addition, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act,
or the America Invents Act, which was signed into law in 2011, includes a number of significant changes to U.S. patent law. These changes
include a transition from a “first-to-invent” system to a “first-to-file” system, changes the way issued patents
are challenged, and changes the way patent applications are disputed during the examination process. These changes may favor larger and
more established companies that have greater resources to devote to patent application filing and prosecution. The USPTO has developed
regulations and procedures to govern the full implementation of the America Invents Act, and many of the substantive changes to patent
law associated with the America Invents Act, and, in particular, the first-to-file provisions, became effective on March 16, 2013. Substantive
changes to patent law associated with the America Invents Act may affect the Company, BioLite and BioKey’s ability to obtain patents,
and if obtained, to enforce or defend them. Accordingly, it is not clear what, if any, impact the America Invents Act will ultimately
have on the cost of prosecuting the Company’s patent applications, its ability to obtain patents based on its discoveries and its
ability to enforce or defend its patents.
If the Company is unable to protect the
confidentiality of its trade secrets, its business and competitive position would be harmed, respectively.
In addition to patent protection, because the
Company operates in the highly technical field of discovery and development of therapies, it relies in part on trade secret protection
in order to protect its proprietary technology and processes. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. The Company has entered
into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with its employees, consultants, outside scientific and commercial collaborators, sponsored
researchers, and other advisors. These agreements generally require that the other party keep confidential and not disclose to third parties
any confidential information developed by the party or made known to the party by the Company during the course of the party’s relationship
therewith. These agreements also generally provide that inventions conceived by the party in the course of rendering services to the Company
will be ABVC’s exclusive property. However, these agreements may not be honored and may not effectively assign intellectual property
rights to the Company.
In addition to contractual measures, the Company
tries to protect the confidential nature of its proprietary information using physical and technological security measures. Such measures
may not, for example, in the case of misappropriation of a trade secret by an employee or third party with authorized access, provide
adequate protection for the Company. The Company’s security measures may not prevent an employee or consultant from misappropriating
its trade secrets and providing them to a competitor, and recourse it takes against such misconduct may not provide an adequate remedy
to protect the Company’s interests fully. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret can
be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the U.S. may be less willing
to protect trade secrets. Trade secrets may be independently developed by others in a manner that could prevent legal recourse by the
Company. If the Company’s confidential or proprietary information, such as the trade secrets, were to be disclosed or misappropriated,
or if any such information was independently developed by a competitor, its competitive position could be harmed.
28
Third parties may assert that the Company’s
employees or consultants have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information or misappropriated trade secrets.
The Company might employ individuals who were
previously employed at universities or other biopharmaceutical companies, including its competitors or potential competitors. Although
through certain non-disclosure covenants and employment agreements with its officers and employees, the Company tries to ensure that its
employees and consultants do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in the work for the Company, the Company may be
subject to claims that it or its employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed intellectual
property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of a former employer or other third parties. Litigation may be necessary
to defend against these claims. If the Company fails in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, the Company
may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. Even if the Company is successful in defending against such claims, litigation
could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to the Company’s management and other employees.
ABVC’s ability to compete may decline
if it does not adequately protect its proprietary rights or if it is barred by the intellectual property rights of others.
ABVC’s commercial success depends on obtaining
and maintaining proprietary rights to its drug candidates as well as successfully defending these rights against third-party challenges.
ABVC obtains its rights to use and research certain proprietary information to further develop the drug candidates primarily from three
institutions, MPITDC, ITRI and Yukiguni (collectively the “Licensors”). These three institutions own the intellectual property
rights in the products that have been licensed to us and may prosecute new patents of the drug candidates that are invented or discovered
within the licensed scope of use under the respective license agreements. ABVC will only be able to protect its new drug candidates from
unauthorized use by third parties to the extent that its valid and enforceable patents, or effectively protected trade secrets and know-how,
cover them.
ABVC’s ability to obtain new patent protection
for its new drug candidates is uncertain due to a number of factors, including that:
●
ABVC may not have been the first to make the inventions covered by pending patent applications or issued patents;
●
ABVC may not have been the first to file patent applications for its new drug candidates;
●
others may independently develop identical, similar or alternative products or compositions and uses thereof;
●
ABVC’s disclosures in patent applications may not be sufficient to meet the statutory requirements for patentability;
●
any or all of ABVC’s pending patent applications may not result in issued patents;
●
ABVC may not seek or obtain patent protection in countries that may eventually provide a significant business opportunity;
●
any patents issued to ABVC may not provide a basis for commercially viable products, may not provide any competitive advantages, or may be successfully challenged by third parties;
●
ABVC’s methods may not be patentable;
●
ABVC’s licensors may successfully challenge that ABVC’s new patent application fall outside the licensed use of the products; or
●
others may design around ABVC’s patent claims to produce competitive products which fall outside of the scope of its patents.
29
Even if ABVC has or obtains new patents covering
its new drug candidates, ABVC may still be barred from making, using and selling them because of the patent rights of others. Others may
have filed, and in the future may file, patent applications covering products that are similar or identical to ABVC. There are many issued
U.S. and foreign patents relating to therapeutic products and some of these relate to ABVC’s new drug candidates. These could materially
affect ABVC’s ability to develop its drug candidates. Because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be currently
pending applications unknown to ABVC that may later result in issued patents that its new drug candidates may infringe. These patent applications
may have priority over patent applications filed by ABVC.
The Company and its respective licensors
may not be able to enforce their intellectual property rights throughout the world.
The laws of some foreign countries do not protect
intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting
and defending intellectual property rights in certain foreign jurisdictions. The legal systems of some countries, particularly developing
countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual property protection, especially those relating to pharmaceuticals
and medical devices. This could make it difficult for the Company and its respective licensors to stop the infringement of some of the
Licensors’ patents, or the misappropriation of their other intellectual property rights. For example, many foreign countries have
compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner must grant licenses to third parties. In addition, many countries limit the enforceability
of patents against third parties, including government agencies or government contractors. In these countries, patents may provide limited
or no benefit. Patent protection must ultimately be sought on a country-by-country basis, which is an expensive and time-consuming process
with uncertain outcomes. Accordingly, the Company and its licensors have chosen in the past and may choose in the future not to seek patent
protection in certain countries, and as a result the Company will not have the benefit of patent protection in such countries. Moreover,
the Company may choose in the future not to seek patent protection in certain countries, and as a result it will not have the benefit
of patent protection in such countries.
Proceedings to enforce the Company’s and
its licensors’ patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert its efforts and attention from
other aspects of the businesses. Accordingly, the efforts to protect the Company’s intellectual property rights in such countries
may be inadequate. In addition, changes in the law and legal decisions by courts in the U.S. and foreign countries may affect the Company’s
ability to obtain adequate protection for its technology and the enforcement of intellectual property.
Regulatory Risks Relating to Biopharmaceutical Business
The Company is subject to various government regulations.
The manufacture and sale of human therapeutic
and diagnostic products in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions are governed by a variety of statutes and regulations. These laws require
approval of manufacturing facilities, controlled research and testing of products and government review and approval of a submission containing
manufacturing, preclinical and clinical data in order to obtain marketing approval based on establishing the safety and efficacy of the
product for each use sought, including adherence to current PIC/S Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal products during production
and storage, and control of marketing activities, including advertising and labeling.
The products the Company is currently developing
will require significant development, preclinical and clinical testing and investment of substantial funds prior to its commercialization.
The process of obtaining required approvals can be costly and time-consuming, and there can be no assurance that future products will
be successfully developed and will prove to be safe and effective in clinical trials or receive applicable regulatory approvals. Markets
other than the U.S. have similar restrictions. Potential investors and shareholders should be aware of the risks, problems, delays, expenses
and difficulties which we may encounter in view of the extensive regulatory environment which controls our business.
30
The Company cannot be certain that it will
be able to obtain regulatory approval for, or successfully commercialize, any of its current or future product candidates.
The Company may not be able to develop any current
or future product candidates. The Company’s new drug candidates will require substantial additional clinical development, testing,
and regulatory approval before the commencement of commercialization. The clinical trials of the Company’s drug candidates are,
and the manufacturing and marketing of our new drug candidates will be subject to extensive and rigorous review and regulation by numerous
government authorities in the U.S. and in other countries where the Company intend to test and, if approved, market any new drug candidate.
Before obtaining regulatory approvals for the commercial sale of any product candidate, the Company must demonstrate through pre-clinical
testing and clinical trials that the product candidate is safe and effective for use in each target indication. This process can take
many years and may include post-marketing studies and surveillance, which will require the expenditure of substantial resources. Of the
large number of drugs in development in the U.S., only a small percentage successfully completes the FDA regulatory approval process and
is commercialized. Accordingly, even if the Company is able to obtain the requisite financing to continue to fund its development and
clinical programs, it cannot assure the investors that any of the product candidates will be successfully developed or commercialized.
The Company is not permitted to market a therapeutic
product in the U.S. until it receives approval of an NDA or ANDA, for that product from the FDA, or in any foreign countries until they
receive the requisite approval from such countries. Obtaining approval of an NDA is a complex, lengthy, expensive and uncertain process,
and the FDA may delay, limit or deny approval of any product candidate for many reasons, including, among others:
●
Unable to demonstrate that a product candidate is safe and effective to the satisfaction of the FDA;
●
the results of the Company’s clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical or clinical significance required by the FDA for marketing approval;
●
the FDA may not approve the formulation of any product candidate;
●
the CROs, that BioLite or the Company retains to conduct its clinical trials may take actions outside of its control that materially adversely impact its clinical trials;
●
delays in patient enrollment, variability in the number and types of patients available for clinical trials, and lower-than anticipated retention rates for patients in clinical trials;
●
the FDA may find the data from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials insufficient to demonstrate that a product candidate’s clinical and other benefits outweigh its safety risks, such as the risk of drug abuse by patients or the public in general;
●
the FDA may disagree with the interpretation of data from the Company’s pre-clinical studies and clinical trials;
●
the FDA may not accept data generated at the Company’s clinical trial sites;
●
if an NDA, if and when submitted, is reviewed by an advisory committee, the FDA may have difficulties scheduling an advisory committee meeting in a timely manner or the advisory committee may recommend against approval of our application or may recommend that the FDA require, as a condition of approval, additional pre-clinical studies or clinical trials, limitations on approved labeling or distribution and use restrictions;
●
the FDA may require development of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, as a condition of approval or post-approval; or
●
the FDA may change its approval policies or adopt new regulations.
31
These same risks apply to applicable foreign regulatory
agencies from which the Company, through BioLite, may seek approval for any of our new drug candidates.
Any of these factors, many of which are beyond
the Company’s control, could jeopardize its ability to obtain regulatory approval for and successfully market any new drug candidate.
As a result, any such setback in the Company’s pursuit of initial or additional regulatory approval would have a material adverse
effect on its business and prospects.
If the Company does not successfully complete
pre-clinical and Phase I and II clinical development, it will be unable to receive full payments under their respective collaboration
agreements, find future collaborators or partners to take the drug candidates to Phase III clinical trials. Even if the Company successfully
completes all Phase I and II clinical trials, those results are not necessarily predictive of results of additional trials that may be
needed before an NDA for Phase III trials may be submitted to the FDA. Although there are a large number of drugs in development in the
U.S. and other countries, only a very small percentage result in commercialization, and even fewer achieve widespread physician and consumer
acceptance following the regulatory approval.
In addition, the Company may encounter delays
or drug candidate rejections based on new governmental regulations, future legislative or administrative actions, or changes in FDA policy
or interpretation during the period of product development. If the Company obtains required regulatory approvals, such approvals may later
be withdrawn. Delays or failures in obtaining regulatory approvals may result in:
●
varying interpretations of data and commitments by the FDA and similar foreign regulatory agencies; and
●
diminishment of any competitive advantages that such drug candidates may have or attain.
Furthermore, if the Company fails to comply with
applicable FDA and other regulatory requirements at any stage during this regulatory process, the Company may encounter or be subject
to:
●
delays or termination in clinical trials or commercialization;
●
refusal by the FDA or similar foreign regulatory agencies to review pending applications or supplements to approved applications;
●
product recalls or seizures;
●
suspension of manufacturing;
●
withdrawals of previously approved marketing applications; and
●
fines, civil penalties, and criminal prosecutions.
32
The Company faces substantial competition
from companies with considerably more resources and experience than the Company has, which may result in others discovering, developing,
receiving approval for, or commercializing products before or more successfully than the Company.
The Company competes with companies that research,
develop, manufacture and market already-existing and new pharmaceutical products in the fields of CNS, hematology/oncology and autoimmune.
The Company anticipates that it will face increased competition in the future as new companies enter the market with new drugs and/or
technologies and/or their competitors improve their current products. One or more of their competitors may offer new drugs superior to
the Company’s and render the Company’s drugs uneconomical. A lot of the Company’s current competitors, as well as many
of its respective potential competitors, have greater name recognition, more substantial intellectual property portfolios, longer operating
histories, significantly greater resources to invest in new drug development, more substantial experience in product marketing and new
product development, greater regulatory expertise, more extensive manufacturing capabilities and the distribution channels to deliver
products to customers. If the Company is not able to compete successfully, it may not generate sufficient revenue to become profitable.
The Company’s ability to compete successfully will depend largely on its ability to:
●
successfully commercialize its drug candidates with commercial partners;
●
discover and develop new drug candidates that are superior to other products in the market;
●
with its collaborators, obtain required regulatory approvals;
●
attract and retain qualified personnel; and
●
obtain patent and/or other proprietary protection for its product candidates.
Established pharmaceutical companies devote significant
financial resources to discovering, developing or licensing novel compounds that could make the Company’s products and product candidates
obsolete. Our competitors may obtain patent protection, receive FDA approval, and commercialize medicines before we do. Other companies
are or may become engaged in the discovery of compounds or botanical materials that may compete with the drug candidates the Company is
developing.
The Company competes with a large number of well-established
pharmaceutical companies that may have more resources than the Company does in developing therapeutics in the fields of CNS, oncology/hematology
and ophthalmology.
Any new drug candidate the Company is developing
or commercializing that competes with a currently-approved product must demonstrate compelling advantages in efficacy, convenience, tolerability
and/or safety in order to address price competition and be commercially successful. If the Company is not able to compete effectively
against its current and future competitors, its business will not grow and its financial condition and operations will suffer.
Risks Relating to Doing Business Outside the
United States
Because part of ABVC’s pharmaceutical
research and development is conducted outside of the U.S., the Company is subject to the risks of doing business internationally, including
periodic foreign economic downturns and political instability, which may adversely affect the Company’s revenue and cost of doing
business in Taiwan.
ABVC collaborates with partners whose primary
place of business is in Taiwan, Republic of China and the Company has certain key employees in Taiwan. Foreign economic downturns may
affect our results of operations in the future. Additionally, other facts relating to the operation of the Company’s business outside
of the U.S. may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, including:
●
international economic and political changes;
●
the imposition of governmental controls or changes in government regulations, including tax laws, regulations and treaties;
●
changes in, or impositions of, legislative or regulatory requirements regarding the pharmaceutical industry;
●
compliance with U.S. and international laws involving international operations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and export control laws;
●
difficulties in achieving headcount reductions due to unionized labor and works councils;
●
restrictions on transfers of funds and assets between jurisdictions; and
●
China-Taiwan geo-political instability.
33
As the Company continues to operate its business
globally, its success will depend in part, on its ability to anticipate and effectively manage these risks. The impact of any one or more
of these factors could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may be exposed to liabilities
under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and Chinese anti-corruption law.
The Company is subject to the FCPA, and other
laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments, foreign government officials and political parties
by U.S. persons as defined by the statute for purposes of obtaining or retaining businesses. The Company may have agreements with third
parties who may make sales in mainland China and the U.S., during the process of which the Company may be exposed to corruption. Activities
in Taiwan create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by an employee, consultant or agent of the Company, because these
parties are not always subject to the Company’s control.
Although the Company believes to date it has complied
in all material aspects with the provisions of the FCPA and Chinese anti-corruption law, the existing safeguards and any future improvements
may prove to be less than effective and any of the Company’s employees, consultants or agents may engage in corruptive conduct for
which the Company might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or Chinese anti-corruption law may result in severe criminal or civil
sanctions against the Company and individuals and therefore could negatively affect the Company’s business, operating results and
financial condition. In addition, the Taiwanese government may seek to hold the Company liable as a successor for FCPA violations committed
by companies in which the Company invests or acquires.
International operations expose the Company
to currency exchange and repatriation risks, and the Company cannot predict the effect of future exchange rate fluctuations on its business
and operating results.
The Company has business operations in Taiwan
and collaborative activities in the U.S. and Japan. Substantial amounts of revenues are received and expenses are incurred in New Taiwan
Dollars and U.S. dollars. Thus, the Company has exposure to currency fluctuations. The Company cannot assure you that the effect of currency
exchange fluctuations will not materially affect its revenues and net income in the future.
We conduct our operations internationally
and the effect of business, legal and political risks associated with international operations may seriously harm our business.
Sales
to customers outside the United States accounted for 93% and 66%
for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our international sales and operations are subject to a wide range of risks,
which may vary from country to country or region to region. These risks include the following:
●
export and import duties, changes to import and export regulations, and restrictions on the transfer of funds;
●
political and economic instability;
●
issues arising from cultural or language differences and labor unrest;
●
longer payment cycles and greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;
●
compliance with trade and technical standards in a variety of jurisdictions;
●
difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, including the risks associated with fraud, theft and other illegal conduct;
34
●
compliance with laws and regulations, including environmental, employment and tax laws, which vary from country to country and over time, increasing the costs of compliance and potential risks of non-compliance;
●
difficulties enforcing our contractual and intellectual property rights, especially in those foreign countries that do not respect and protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the United States and European countries;
●
operations may be affected by political tensions, trade disputes and similar matters, particularly between China and Taiwan or between China and the United States;
●
United States and foreign trade restrictions, including those that may limit the importation of technology or components to or from various countries or impose tariffs or quotas; and
●
imposition of currency exchange controls or taxes that make it impracticable or costly to repatriate funds from foreign countries.
We cannot assure you that risks relating to our
international operations will not seriously harm our business.
If the Company becomes directly subject
to the recent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources
to investigate and resolve the matters. Any unfavorable results from the investigations could harm our business operations, this offering
and our reputation.
Recently, U.S. public companies that have substantially
all of their operations in China, have been subjects of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators
and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered on financial and accounting
irregularities, lack of effective internal control over financial accountings, inadequate corporate governance and ineffective implementation
thereof and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of enhanced scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded
stocks of many U.S.-listed Chinese companies have sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, have become virtually worthless or illiquid.
Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations
into the allegations. It is not clear what effects the sector-wide investigations will have on the Company. If the Company becomes a subject
of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, the Company will have to expend significant
resources to investigate such allegations and defend the Company. If such allegations were not proven to be baseless, the Company would
be severely hampered and the price of the stock of the Company could decline substantially. If such allegations were proven to be groundless,
the investigation might have significantly distracted the attention of the Company’s management.
Risks Related to the Company’s Financial
Condition
Our existing indebtedness may adversely
affect our ability to obtain additional funds and may increase our vulnerability to economic or business downturns.
We
are subject to a number of risks associated with our indebtedness, including: 1) we must dedicate a portion of our cash flows from operations
to pay debt service costs, and therefore we have less funds available for operations and other purposes; 2) it may be more difficult
and expensive to obtain additional funds through financings, if available at all; 3) we are more vulnerable to economic downturns and
fluctuations in interest rates, less able to withstand competitive pressures and less flexible in reacting to changes in our industry
and general economic conditions; and 4) if we default under any of our existing credit facilities or if our creditors demand payment
of a portion or all of our indebtedness, we may not have sufficient funds to make such payments. As of December 31, 2023, our outstanding
current liabilities were approximately $5.6 million, which consisted primarily of short-term bank loans and accrued expenses. On April
5 and 20, 2020, we entered into certain exchange agreements separately with certain U.S. and non-U.S. holders of certain convertible
promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $1,446,780; pursuant to the exchange agreements, we issued to the Holders an aggregate of
795,735 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 795,735 shares of Common Stock. On November 9, 2020, we entered into an exchange
agreement with a certain non-U.S. holder of certain convertible promissory notes in the amount of $270,272; pursuant to the exchange
agreements, we will issue to the holder an aggregate of 120,121 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 120,121 shares of Common
Stock. We also agreed to issue an aggregate of 545,182 options of common stock to some of our employees in lieu of their deferred salaries
in an aggregate amount of $1,090,360.
35
Failure to remediate a material weakness
in internal accounting controls could result in material misstatements in our financial statements.
Our
management has identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to not having sufficient and skilled
accounting personnel with appropriate level of technical accounting knowledge and experience in the application of accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States commensurate with the Company’s financial reporting requirements and has concluded that,
due to such material weakness, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as
of December 31, 2023. If not remediated, or if we identify further material weaknesses in our internal controls, our failure to establish
and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could result in material misstatements
in our financial statements and a failure to meet our reporting and financial obligations, each of which could have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition and the trading price of our common stock.
Failure to maintain the effectiveness of
our disclosure controls and procedures may lead to restatement of our financial statements, harm our operating results, subject us to
regulatory scrutiny and sanction, cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and have a negative effect
on the market prices for our Common Stock.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC) have requirements that we may fail to meet or we may fall out of compliance with, such as the internal controls
auditor attestation required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, with which we are not currently required to comply as
we are a smaller reporting company. If we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified,
supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective
internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Moreover, effective internal
controls, particularly those related to revenue recognition, are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important
to help prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results
could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our stock could drop
significantly.
Our articles of incorporation allow for
our board to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our shareholders, which could adversely affect the rights
of the holders of our Common Stock.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix
and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock without shareholder approval. As a result, our Board of Directors
could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation,
the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of Common Stock and the right to the redemption
of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our Common Stock. In addition, our Board of Directors could authorize
the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our Common Stock or that is convertible into our Common
Stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our Common Stock or result in dilution to our existing shareholders.
We may create any additional series of preferred
stock and issue such shares in the future although we do not have any present intention of doing so.
We may not be able to secure financing needed
for future operating needs on acceptable terms, or on any terms at all.
From time to time, we may seek additional financing
to provide the capital required to expand our production facilities, Research and development (“R&D”) initiatives and/or
working capital, as well as to repay outstanding loans if cash flow from operations is insufficient to do so. We cannot predict with
certainty the timing or amount of any such capital requirements. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, we may
be unable to expand our business or to develop new business at the rate desired. If we are able to incur debt, we may be subject
to certain restrictions imposed by the terms of the debt and the repayment of such debt may limit our cash flow and growth. If we
are unable to incur debt, we may be forced to issue additional equity, which could have a dilutive effect on our current shareholders.
36
Our internal computer systems, or those
of our third-party contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer security breaches, which could result in a material disruption of our
product development programs.
Despite the implementation of security measures,
our internal computer systems and those of our third-party contractors and consultants are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses,
unauthorized access, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures. While we do not believe that we
have experienced any such system failure, accident, or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions
in our operations, it could result in a loss of clinical trial data for our new drug candidates which could result in delays in our regulatory
approval efforts and significantly increase our costs to recover or reproduce the data. To the extent that any disruption or security
breach results in a loss of or damage to our data or applications or other data or applications relating to our technology or new drug
candidates, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liabilities and the further development
of our product candidates could be delayed.
The elimination of personal liability against
our directors and officers under Nevada law and the existence of indemnification rights held by our directors, officers and employees
may result in substantial expenses.
ABVC Bylaws eliminate the personal liability of
our directors and officers to us and our shareholders for damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer to the extent
permissible under Nevada law. Further, our Bylaws provide that we are obligated to indemnify each of our directors or officers to the
fullest extent authorized by Nevada law and, subject to certain conditions, advance the expenses incurred by any director or officer in
defending any action, suit or proceeding prior to its final disposition. Those indemnification obligations could expose us to substantial
expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against our directors or officers, which we may be unable to afford. Further,
those provisions and resulting costs may discourage us or our shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against any of our current or former
directors or officers for breaches of their fiduciary duties, even if such actions might otherwise benefit our shareholders.
Risks Related to the Company’s Common
Stock
The share price of our Common Stock is volatile
and may be influenced by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control.
There is currently only a limited public market
for our Common Stock, which is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and there can be no assurance that a trading market will develop further
or be maintained for our Common Stock in the future. The trading price of our Common Stock is likely to be highly volatile, and could
be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. In addition to the factors discussed
in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this report, these factors include:
●
the new drug candidates we acquire for commercialization;
●
the product candidates we seek to pursue, and our ability to obtain rights to develop those product candidates;
●
our decision to initiate a clinical trial, not to initiate a clinical trial or to terminate an existing clinical trial;
●
actual or anticipated adverse results or delays in our pre-clinical studies and clinical trials;
●
our failure to get any of our new drug candidates approved;
●
unanticipated serious safety and environmental concerns related to the use and research activities of any of our new drug candidates;
37
●
overall performance of
the equity markets and other factors that may be unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors,
including changes in market valuations of similar companies;
●
conditions or trends in
the healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries;
●
introduction of new products
offered by us or our competitors;
●
announcements of significant
acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by us or our competitors;
●
our ability to maintain
an adequate rate of growth and manage such growth;
●
issuances of debt or equity
securities by us;
●
sales of our securities
by us or our shareholders in the future, or the perception that such sales could occur;
●
trading volume of our Common
Stock;
●
ineffectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures;
●
general political and economic
conditions in U.S. and other countries and territories where we conduct our business;
●
effects of natural or man-made
catastrophic events; and
●
adverse regulatory decisions;
●
additions or departures
of key scientific or management personnel;
●
changes in laws or regulations
applicable to our product candidates, including without limitation clinical trial requirements for approvals;
●
disputes or other developments
relating to patents and other proprietary rights and our ability to obtain protection for our products;
●
our dependence on third
parties, including CROs and scientific and medical advisors;
●
failure to meet or exceed
any financial guidance or expectations regarding development milestones that we may provide to the public;
●
actual or anticipated variations
in quarterly operating results;
●
failure to meet or exceed
the estimates and projections of the investment community;
●
other events or factors,
many of which are beyond our control.
In
addition, the stock market in general, and the stocks of small-cap healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in particular,
have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance
of these companies. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the market price of our Common Stock, regardless of our actual
operating performance. The realization of any of the above risks or any of a broad range of other risks, including those described in
these “Risk Factors,” could have a dramatic and material adverse impact on the market price of our Common Stock.
38
Insiders
have substantial control over us, and they could delay or prevent a change in our corporate control even if our other shareholders wanted
it to occur.
Our
executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders own, in the aggregate, approximately 61.4% of our outstanding Common Stock. As
a result of their stockholdings, these shareholders are able to assert substantial control over matters requiring shareholder approval,
including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This could delay or prevent an outside party
from acquiring or merging with us even if our other shareholders wanted it to occur.
The
market price of our Common Stock may be volatile and there may not be sufficient liquidity in the market for our securities
in order for investors to sell their securities.
The
market price of our Common Stock has been and will likely continue to be highly volatile, as is the stock market in general. Factors
that may materially affect the market price of our Common Stock are beyond our control, these factors may materially adversely affect
the market price of our Common Stock, regardless of our performance. In addition, the public stock markets have experienced
extreme price and trading volume volatility. These broad market fluctuations may influence the market price of our Common Stock.
There is currently only a limited public market for our Common Stock, which is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and there can be
no assurance that a trading market will develop further or be maintained in the future.
The
stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity
securities of many companies, including very recently in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in decreased
stock prices for many companies notwithstanding the lack of a fundamental change in their underlying business models or prospects. These
fluctuations have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Broad market and industry
factors, including potentially worsening economic conditions and other adverse effects or developments relating to the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic, political, regulatory and other market conditions, may negatively affect the market price of shares of our common stock, regardless
of our actual operating performance. The market price of shares of our common stock may decline and you may lose some or all of your
investment.
We
have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends in the future, and any return on investment may be limited to
the value of our shares.
We
have never paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, and
any return on investment may be limited to the value of our Common Stock. We plan to retain any future earnings to finance growth.
Under
applicable Nevada law, we, as a Nevada corporation, generally may not make a distribution if i) we would not be able to pay our debts
as they become due in the usual course of business, or ii) our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus
the amount that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution
of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.
If
securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price
and any trading volume could decline.
Any
trading market for our Common Stock that may develop will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts
publish about us or our business. As of the date of this Report, there is only 1 published research report about our business.
If securities or industry analysts provide additional coverage, and one or more of those analysts downgrade our stock or publish inaccurate
or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of
our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our Common Stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price
and any trading volume to decline.
39
Future
sales and issuances of our Common Stock or rights to purchase Common Stock, including pursuant to our equity incentive plan or otherwise,
could result in dilution of the percentage ownership of our shareholders and could cause our stock price to fall.
We
expect that we will need significant additional capital in the future to continue our planned operations. To raise capital, we may sell
Common Stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from
time to time. If we sell Common Stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in more than one transaction, including issuance
of equity securities pursuant to any future stock incentive plan to our officers, directors, employees and non-employee consultants for
their services to us, investors in a prior transaction may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. Additionally, any such sales may
result in material dilution to our existing shareholders, and new investors could gain rights, preferences and privileges senior to those
of holders of our Common Stock. Further, any future sales of our Common Stock by us or resales of our Common Stock by our existing shareholders
could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline. Any future grants of options, warrants or other securities exercisable or
convertible into our Common Stock, or the exercise or conversion of such shares, and any sales of such shares in the market, could have
an adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock. On October 29, 2021, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3, as amended
on November 16, 2021, which was declared effective on November 29, 2021. On May 11, 2022, we agreed to issue 2,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a price of $2.11 per share and 5-year warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
exercisable at a price of $2.45 per share pursuant to certain securities purchase agreement dated May 11, 2022, which was effected as
a takedown off the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3, as amended. We also issued the co-placement agents warrants
to purchase up to 160,000 shares of Common Stock, on the same terms as the investors warrants in connection with the transaction. We
may issue shares of Common Stock through the Form S-3 in the future, which would further dilute your ownership.
Our
Common Stock may be subject to the “penny stock” rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which may make it more
difficult for shareholders to sell our Common Stock.
The
SEC has adopted Rule 15g-9 which establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity
security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock,
unless exempt, the rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, and the broker
or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock
to be purchased.
In
order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must obtain financial information and
investment experience objectives of the person, and make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable
for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of
transactions in penny stocks.
The
broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to
the penny stock market, which, in highlight form sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination,
and that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction.
Generally,
brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more
difficult for investors to dispose of the Company’s Common Stock if and when such shares are eligible for sale and may cause a
decline in the market value of its stock.
Disclosure
also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions
payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies
available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent
price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stock.
40
Our
failure to meet the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market could result in a delisting of our Common Stock .
If
we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market, such as the corporate governance requirements or
the minimum closing bid price requirement, the Nasdaq Capital Market may take steps to delist our common stock. Such a delisting would
likely have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our common stock when
you wish to do so.
On
August 19, 2022, we received a deficiency letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq
Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for our common
stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule
5550(a)(2) (“Rule 5550(a)(2)”). Under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, we have until February 14, 2023 to regain compliance. Since
we did not regain compliance by such date, we requested and received an additional 180 days, until August 14, 2023, to comply with Rule
5550(a)(2).
On
May 24, 2023, the Company received a deficiency letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of
the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that it is not currently in compliance with the minimum stockholders’
equity requirement, or the alternatives of market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations, for continued
listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) requires listed companies to maintain stockholders’ equity
of at least $2,500,000, and the Company’s stockholders’ equity was $1,734,507 as of March 31, 2023. In accordance with Nasdaq
rules, the Company had 45 calendar days, or until July 10, 2023, to submit a plan to regain compliance. After
submitting a plan to regain compliance, on July 10, 2023,Nasdaq granted the Company an extension until August 30, 20203, to comply with
Listing Rule 5550(b)(1). On July 31, 2023, the Company issued 300,000 shares of Common Stock and 200,000 pre-funded warrants,
at an exercise price of $0.01 per share, in a registered direct offering. Pursuant to this transaction, the stockholders’ equity
was increased by $1.75M. On August 1, 2023, $500,000 of Notes were converted at $3.50 per share and the holder received 142,857 shares
of Common Stock. As a result of this conversion, the stockholders’ equity was increased by $0.5M. Additionally, on August 14, 2023,
the Company entered into a cooperation agreement with Zhonghui United Technology (Chengdu) Group Co., Ltd., pursuant to which the Company
acquired a 20% ownership of certain property and a parcel of the land owned by Zhonghui in exchange for an aggregate of 370,000 shares
of Common Stock. Accordingly, stockholders’ equity increased by $7.4M. On February 23, 2023, the Company entered
into a securities purchase agreement with Lind, pursuant to which the Company issued Lind a secured, convertible note in the principal
amount of $3,704,167 (the “Lind Offering”), for a purchase price of $3,175,000 (the “Lind Note”), that is convertible
into shares of Common Stock at an initial conversion price of $1.05 per share, subject to adjustment. On August 24, 2023, the Company
started repaying Lind the monthly installments due under the Lind Notes; $308,000 was repaid via the issuance of 176,678 shares of Common
Stock (the “Monthly Shares”) at the Redemption Share Price (as defined in the Lind Note) of $1.698 per share. Pursuant to
the terms of the Lind Note, Lind increased the amount of the next monthly payment to one million dollars, such that as of September and
together with the Monthly Shares, the Company repaid Lind a total of $1M by September 2023. As a result, the stockholders’ equity
increased by an additional $1M. As a result of the four transactions referenced above, the Company’ estimated that its stockholders’
equity would increase by approximately $10.65M. On September 6, 2023, Nasdaq issued a letter that the Company is in compliance with Rule
5550(b)(1), but noted that if at the time of the Company’s next periodic report the Company does not evidence compliance, it may
be subject to delisting.
If
our common stock were delisted from the Nasdaq, trading of our common stock would most likely take place on an over-the-counter market
established for unlisted securities, such as the OTCQB or the Pink Market maintained by OTC Markets Group Inc. An investor would likely
find it less convenient to sell, or to obtain accurate quotations in seeking to buy, our common stock on an over-the-counter market,
and many investors would likely not buy or sell our common stock due to difficulty in accessing over-the-counter markets, policies preventing
them from trading in securities not listed on a national exchange or other reasons. In addition, as a delisted security, our common stock
would be subject to SEC rules as a “penny stock,” which impose additional disclosure requirements on broker-dealers. The
regulations relating to penny stocks, coupled with the typically higher cost per trade to the investor of penny stocks due to factors
such as broker commissions generally representing a higher percentage of the price of a penny stock than of a higher-priced stock, would
further limit the ability of investors to trade in our common stock.
41
In
the event of a delisting, we anticipate that we would take actions to restore our compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market or another
national exchange’s listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our Common
Stock to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, stabilize our market price, improve the liquidity of our common stock, prevent our
common stock from dropping below the Nasdaq Capital Market’s minimum bid price requirement, or prevent future non-compliance with
the Nasdaq Capital Market or another national exchange’s listing requirements.
We
will continue to incur significant increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required
to devote substantial time to new compliance requirements as a result of our Common Stock being listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
We
will continue to incur significant increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required
to devote substantial time to new compliance requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market. As a public company, we will continue to incur
significant legal, accounting and other expenses. We are subject to mandatory reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, which require,
among other things, that we continue to file with the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial
condition, that we were not required to file as a voluntary reporting company (though we did file such reports with the SEC on a voluntary
basis). We have incurred and will continue to incur costs associated with the preparation and filing of these SEC reports. Furthermore,
we are subject to mandatory new corporate governance and other compliance requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market. In addition, the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
and the Nasdaq Capital Market or another national exchange have imposed various other requirements on public companies. Stockholder activism,
the current political environment and the current high level of government intervention and regulatory reform may lead to substantial
new regulations and disclosure obligations, which may lead to additional compliance costs and impact (in ways we cannot currently anticipate)
the way we operate our business. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance
initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations have and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will
make some activities more time-consuming and costly.
In
addition, if and when we cease to be a smaller reporting company and become subject to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we will
be required to furnish an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public
accounting firm. To achieve compliance with Section 404 within the prescribed time period, we will continue to be engaged in a process
to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which is both costly and challenging. In this regard, we will
need to dedicate substantially greater internal resources, potentially engage outside consultants and adopt a detailed work plan to assess
and document the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, continue steps to improve control processes as appropriate, validate
through testing that controls are functioning as documented and implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal
control over financial reporting. Despite our efforts, there is a risk that our independent registered public accounting firm, when required,
will not be able to conclude within the prescribed timeframe that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as required
by Section 404. This could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our
financial statements.
42
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not
applicable to us since we are not an accelerated filer, a large accelerated filer or a well-known seasoned issuer under SEC rules.
ITEM
1C. CYBERSECURITY
We
plan to establish an appropriate confidentiality framework and adhere to relevant document management regulations. The Company and
its employees are also required to sign confidentiality agreements for purposes including ensuring cybersecurity. As of the date of this
report, we are not aware of any material risks from cybersecurity threats, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to
materially affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES
Our
Subsidiary BioLite has its laboratories located in Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park, with an address of 20, Sec. 2, Shengyi Rd., 2nd Floor,
Zhubei City, Hsinchu County 302, Taiwan (R.O.C.). On January 1, 2015, BioLite Taiwan entered into a lease agreement with the National
Science Park Administrative Office (Hsinchu City) under which it rents two dormitory buildings in Hsinchu County, Taiwan for a period
of five years. The aggregate leasing area amounts to approximately 678 square meters (equivalent to approximately 7,298 square feet)
on the second floor of the building. The leased space counts for approximately 1.9% of the total space of the building. On January 1,
2020, BioLite Taiwan extended the contract for another five years. The new expiration date is on December 31, 2024. The rent increases
by a small percentage each year during the term of the lease agreement. BioLite paid $50,572 and $60,104 in rental expense for the laboratory
space for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Another
subsidiary BioKey is headquartered in Fremont, California. BioKey’s office lease will end on February 28, 2026 and the office occupies
approximately 28,186 square feet. BioKey’s space consists of offices, research and production laboratories, and manufacturing facilities,
which are GMP certified. BioKey has an option to extend the lease for its offices in Fremont for a period of five years commencing February
28, 2026, and BioKey may exercise this option for 5 more years. The total BioKey’s rental expenses were $353,466 and $328,051 for
the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Unless
disclosed otherwise, we are currently not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings and are not aware of any pending
legal or administrative proceedings against us. We may from time to time become a party to various legal or administrative proceedings
arising in the ordinary course of our business.
ITEM
4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not
applicable
43
PART
II
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market
Information . As of December 31, 2023, our common stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), is currently
quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Markets under the symbol “ABVC”.
Holders .
As of March 12, 2024, we had approximately 656 shareholders of record of our common stock.
Dividends .
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. No dividends on our
common stock have ever been paid, and we do not anticipate that dividends will be paid on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
Recent
Sales of Unregistered Securities .
During
the period covered by this report, the Company has not issued unregistered securities to any person, except as described below. None
of these transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, except as specified below, or any public offering,
and, unless otherwise indicated below, the Registrant believes that each transaction was exempt from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder,
and/or Regulation S promulgated thereunder regarding offshore offers and sales. All recipients had adequate access, though
their relationships with the Registrant, to information about the Registrant.
In
January 2022, the Company agreed to pay the deferred service fees related to the public offering closed on August 5, 2021 amounting to
$4,296,763 by issuing 1,306,007 shares of unrestricted common shares, valued at $3.29 per share on the grant date.
In
March 2022, the Company issued 75,000 shares to BarLew Holdings, LLC, a consultant (“Barlew”). On January 1, 2022, the Company
engaged Barlew for consulting and advisory services for six months, with a monthly payment of USD15,000, as well as additional compensation
of 75,000 shares of restricted common stock.
In
March 2022, the Company issued 242,247 warrants to a FINRA member firm.
On
May 11, 2022, the Company and certain investors entered into certain securities purchase agreement relating to the offer and sale of 2,000,000 shares
of common stock, par value $0.001 per share in a registered direct offering.
On
July 10, 2022, the Board approved the issuance of 75,000 shares of common stock to Barlew Holdings, LLC pursuant to the consulting agreement
by and between Barlew Holdings, LLC and the Company dated July 1, 2022, and 250,000 shares of common stock to Inverlew Advisors, LLC,
in accordance with the consulting agreement by and between Inverlew Advisors, LLC and the Company dated July 1, 2022.
On
December 1, 2022, the Company issued 125,000 and 100,000 common shares to Euro-Asia Investment & Finance Corp Ltd. and Thalia Media
Ltd. for consulting and advisory services.
On
January 3, 2023, the Company issued 223,411 common shares to a consultant for providing consulting services on listing to NASDAQ in 2021.
On
July 27, 2023, the Company entered into that certain securities purchase agreement relating to the offer and sale of 300,000 shares of
common stock, par value $0.001 per share and 200,000 pre-funded warrants, at an exercise price of $0.001 per share, in a registered direct
offering. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to sell the Shares and/or Pre-funded Warrants at a per share purchase
price of $3.50, for gross proceeds of $1,750,000, before deducting any estimated offering expenses. On August 1, 2023, the pre-funded
warrants were exercised.
The
above-mentioned equity is before the reverse stock split in 2023.
On
August 14, 2023, the Company entered into a cooperation agreement with Zhonghui. Pursuant thereto, the Company acquired 20% of the ownership
of a property and the parcel of the land owned by Zhonghui in Leshan, Sichuan, China (collectively, the “Property”). During
the third quarter of 2023, the Company issued to Zhonghui, an aggregate of 370,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at a per
share price of $20. The Company also issued 29,600 common stock to consultants for providing consulting services on the above transaction.
On January 27, 2024, the company granted 1,241,615
restricted shares to its employees and directors under the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, with an issuance date of February 2, 2024. These
shares are subject to a three-year restriction period.
On February 6, 2024,
the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Shuling Jiang (“ Shuling ”), pursuant to which Shuling shall transfer
the ownership of certain land she owns located at Taoyuan City, Taiwan (the “ Land ”) to the Company (the “ Agreement ”).
In consideration for the Land, the Company issued Shuling (i) 703,495 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ Shares ”)
at a price of $3.50 per share and (ii) five-year warrants to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, with
an exercise price of $2.00 per share.
44
ITEM 6.
[Reserved]
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Caution
Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The
following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and result of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited
consolidated financial statements and the notes to those financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion
contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties contained in this report and the other reports we file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
Overview
From
its inception, the Company has not generated substantial revenue from its medical device and new drug development. For the year ended
December 31, 2023, the Company generated $152,430 in revenue, mainly from the sale of Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization
(“CDMO”) services.
Business Overview
ABVC
BioPharma Inc., which was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 6, 2002, is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical
company focused on development of new drugs and medical devices, all of which are derived from plants.
Medicines
derived from plants have a long history of relieving or preventing many diseases and, typically, have exhibited fewer side effects than
drugs developed from animals or chemical ingredients. Perhaps the most famous example is aspirin, which evolved from a compound found
in the bark and leaves of the willow tree and was later marketed by Bayer starting in 1899. Aspirin has very few serious side effects
and has proven to be one of the most successful drugs in medical history. Some 50 years later, scientists identified anticancer compounds
in the rosy periwinkle, which Eli Lilly subsequently produced for the treatment of leukemia and Hodgkins disease. Other well-known examples
of successful botanical drugs include the cancer-fighting Taxol, isolated from the Pacific yew tree.
The
Company develops its pipeline by carefully tracking new medical discoveries or medical device technologies in research institutions in
the Asia-Pacific region. Pre-clinical, disease animal model and Phase I safety studies are examined closely by the Company’s scientists
and other specialists known to the Company to identify drugs that it believes demonstrate efficacy and safety based on the Company’s
internal qualifications. Once a drug is shown to be a good candidate for further development and ultimately commercialization, BriVision
licenses the drug or medical device from the original researchers and begins to introduce the drugs clinical plan to highly respected
principal investigators in the United States, Australia and Taiwan. In almost all cases, we have found that research institutions in
each of those countries are eager to work with the Company to move forward with Phase II clinical trials.
Currently,
institutions conducting phase II clinical trials in partnership with ABVC include:
●
Medical Device: ABV-1701,
Vitargus ® in vitrectomy surgery, Phase II Study in Australia and Thailand, Principal Investigator: Professor/Dr. Matthew
Simunovic, Sydney Eye Hospital; Dr. Elvis Ojaimi, East Melbourne Eye Group & East Melbourne Retina, Duangnate Rojanaporn, M.D.,
Ramathibodi Hospital; Thuss Sanguansak, M.D., Srinagarind Hospital.
●
Drug: ABV-1505, Adult Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Phase II, NCE drug Principal Investigators: Keith McBurnett, Ph.D. and Linda Pfiffner, Ph.D., University
of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine
●
Drug: ABV-1601, Major Depression
in Cancer Patients, Phase I/II, NCE drug Principal Investigator: Scott Irwin, MD, Ph.D. – Cedars Sinai Medical Center
(CSMC)
●
Drug: ABV-1519, A Phase
I/II, Open Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of BLEX 404 Oral Liquid Combined with Pemetrexed + Carboplatin Therapy
in Patients with Advanced Inoperable or Metastatic EGFR wild-type Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
45
Upon
successful completion of the Phase II trial, the Company will seek a partner – a large pharmaceutical company – to complete
a Phase III study, submit the New Drug Application (NDA), and commercialize the drug upon approval by the FDA and Taiwan FDAs.
Another
part of the Company’s business is conducted by BioKey, a wholly owned subsidiary, that is engaged in a wide range of services,
including, API characterization, pre-formulation studies, formulation development, analytical method development, stability studies,
IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions, and manufacturing clinical trial materials (phase I through phase III) and commercial manufacturing.
On
June 21, 2023, Dr. Howard Doong resigned from his position as the Company’s CEO. The Company’s board of directors appointed
Dr. Uttam Patil to replace Dr. Doong as the Company’s CEO.
On
August 14, 20 23, the Company entered into a cooperation agreement with Zhonghui United Technology (Chengdu)
Group Co., Ltd., pursuant to which the Company acquired a 20% ownership of certain property and a parcel of the land (collectively, the
“Property”) owned by Zhonghui in exchange for an aggregate of 370,000 shares of Common Stock at $20 per share (the “Zhonghui
Shares”). Accordingly, stockholders’ equity increased by $7.4M.
The
Company and Zhonghui plan to jointly develop the Property into a healthcare center for senior living, long-term care, and medical care
in the areas of ABVCs’ special interests, such as Ophthalmology, Oncology, and Central Nervous Systems. The plan is to establish
a base for the China market and global development of these interests. The asset ownership certification is in the application process
and pending approval from the Chinese government.
During
the third quarter of 2023, the Company issued the Zhonghui Shares. The Zhonghui Shares are subject to a lock-up period of one year following
the closing date of this Transaction. In addition, the parties agreed that, after one year following the closing of the transaction,
if the market value of the shares issued or the value of the Property increase or decrease, the parties will negotiate in good faith
to make reasonable adjustments thereto; provided, however that in no event shall Zhonghui’s ownership exceed 19.99% of the Company.
On
July 31, 2023, the Company entered into a binding term sheet with Xinnovation Therapeutics Co., Ltd., a Company incorporated under the
Law of People’s Republic of China. The term sheet contemplates that, pursuant to definitive agreements, Xinnovation will be granted
an exclusive license to develop, manufacture, market, and distribute ABV-1504 for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and ABV-1505 for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder, in the Chinese market and shall bear the costs for clinical trials and product registration in China and the Company would
receive an initial license fee and royalty payments ranging from 5% to 12% based on the projected annual net sales of the licensed drugs
by Xinnovation in China. This transaction remains subject to the negotiation of definitive documents and therefore there is no guarantee
that this transaction will occur.
In November 2023, the Company and one of its subsidiaries, BioLite,
Inc. (“BioLite”) each entered into a multi-year, global licensing agreement with AIBL for the Company and BioLite’s
CNS drugs with the indications of MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) (the “Licensed
Products”). The potential license will cover the Licensed Products’ clinical trial, registration, manufacturing, supply, and
distribution rights. The Licensed Products for MDD and ADHD, owned by ABVC and BioLite, were valued at $667M by a third-party evaluation.
The parties are determined to collaborate on the global development of the Licensed Products. The parties are also working to strengthen
new drug development and business collaboration, including technology, interoperability, and standards development. As per each of the
respective agreements, each of ABVC and BioLite received 23 million shares of AIBL stock at $10 per share, and if certain milestones are
met, each of ABVC and BioLite may receive $3,500,000 and royalties equaling 5% of net sales, up to $100 million. Upon the issuance of
the shares, AIBL became a subsidiary of ABVC.
On
February 6, 2024, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Shuling Jiang (“ Shuling ”), pursuant to which
Shuling shall transfer the ownership of certain land she owns located at Taoyuan City, Taiwan (the “ Land ”) to the Company
(the “ Agreement ”). Shuling is a director of the Company, is married to TS Jiang, the Company’s Chief Strategic
Officer and owns approximately 15.4% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock.
In consideration for the Land, the Company shall pay Shuling (i) 703,495
restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ Shares ”) at a price of $3.50 per share and (ii) five-year
warrants to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, with an exercise price of $2.00 per share. Under the
Agreement, Shuling will also transfer outstanding liability owed on the Land (approximately $500,000) to the Company. Thus, the parties
value the exchange at approximately $2,962,232.
Use
of acquired land
ABVC acquired the real estate described above for the long-term purpose
of supporting its pipeline of products and reducing costs. As per FDA guidelines, the raw material of botanical drugs must be grown in
a specific area under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or in an environmentally fully controlled plant factory to maintain quality. By
acquiring land, ABVC plans to grow its botanical drug raw materials under its control; doing this will help the Company maintain the quality
of the product and lower the cost of raw materials, which in turn will lower the cost of the drug substance and the drug product when
it’s botanical drugs become commercialized.
Common
Stock Reverse Split
On
July 25, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation authorizing a 1-for-10 reverse stock split
of the issued and outstanding shares of its common stock. The Company’s stockholders previously approved the Reverse Stock Split
at the Company’s Special Shareholder Meeting held on July 7, 2023. The Reverse Stock Split was effected to reduce the number of
issued and outstanding shares and to increase the per share trading value of the Company’s common stock, although that outcome
is not guaranteed. Unless otherwise noted, all shares and related financial information in this Form 10-K reflect this 1-for-10 reverse
stock split.
46
NASDAQ
Listing
In
August 2022, we received a deficiency letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) notifying us
that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for our common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share required
for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (“Rule 5550(a)(2)”). In accordance
with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were initially given until February 14, 2023 to regain compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2). Since
the Company did not regain compliance by such date, it requested and received an additional 180 days, until August 14, 2023, to comply
with Rule 5550(a)(2).
The
deficiency has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company’s common stock, and its common stock continues to trade on The
Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ABVC” at this time.
If
at any time before August 14, 2023, the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum
of 10 consecutive business days, the Staff will provide written confirmation that the Company has achieved compliance and the matter
will be closed.
If
the Company does not regain compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) by August 14, 2023, the Staff will provide written notification that the
Company’s securities will be delisted, although the Company maintains the right to appeal such determination. The Company intends
to actively monitor the closing bid price for its common stock and will consider available options to resolve the deficiency and regain
compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2).
On
August 8, 2023, the Company received a notification letter from Nasdaq notifying the Company that the Staff has determined that for 10
consecutive business days, from July 25, 2023 to August 7, 2023, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock has been at
least $1.00 per share or greater. Accordingly, the Staff determined that the Company regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2)
and indicated that the matter is now closed.
On
May 24, 2023, we received a deficiency letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq
Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that it is not currently in compliance with the minimum stockholders’
equity requirement, or the alternatives of market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations, for continued
listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) requires listed companies to maintain stockholders’ equity
of at least $2,500,000, and the Company’s stockholders’ equity was $1,734,507 as of March 31, 2023. In accordance with Nasdaq
rules, the Company had 45 calendar days, or until July 10, 2023, to submit a plan to regain compliance. After
submitting a plan to regain compliance, on July 10, 2023, Nasdaq granted the Company an extension until August 30, 20203, to comply with
Listing Rule 5550(b)(1). On July 31, 2023, the Company issued 300,000 shares of Common Stock and 200,000 pre-funded warrants,
at an exercise price of $0.01 per share, in a registered direct offering. Pursuant to this transaction, the stockholders’ equity
was increased by $1.75M. On August 1, 2023, $500,000 of Notes were converted at $3.50 per share and the holder received 142,857 shares
of Common Stock. As a result of this conversion, the stockholders’ equity was increased by $0.5M. Additionally, on August 14, 2023,
the Company entered into a cooperation agreement with Zhonghui United Technology (Chengdu) Group Co., Ltd., pursuant to which the Company
acquired a 20% ownership of certain property and a parcel of the land owned by Zhonghui in exchange for an aggregate of 370,000 shares
of Common Stock. Accordingly, stockholders’ equity increased by $7.4M. On February 23, 2023, the Company entered into
a securities purchase agreement with Lind, pursuant to which the Company issued Lind a secured, convertible note in the principal amount
of $3,704,167 (the “Lind Offering”), for a purchase price of $3,175,000 (the “Lind Note”), that is convertible
into shares of Common Stock at an initial conversion price of $1.05 per share, subject to adjustment. On August 24, 2023, the Company
started repaying Lind the monthly installments due under the Lind Notes; $308,000 was repaid via the issuance of 176,678 shares of Common
Stock (the “Monthly Shares”) at the Redemption Share Price (as defined in the Lind Note) of $1.698 per share. Pursuant to
the terms of the Lind Note, Lind increased the amount of the next monthly payment to one million dollars, such that as of September and
together with the Monthly Shares, the Company repaid Lind a total of $1M by September 2023. As a result, the stockholders’ equity
increased by an additional $1M. As a result of the four transactions referenced above, the Company’ estimated that its stockholders’
equity would increase by approximately $10.65M. On September 6, 2023, Nasdaq issued a letter that the Company is in compliance with Rule
5550(b)(1), but noted that if at the time of the Company’s next periodic report the Company does not evidence compliance, it may
be subject to delisting.
Recent
Research Results
Vitargus®
Phase II Study has been initiated in Australia and Thailand, Principal Investigator: Duangnate Rojanaporn, M.D., Ramathibodi Hospital;
Thuss Sanguansak, M.D., Srinagarind Hospital of the two Thailand sites and Professor/Dr. Matthew Simunovic, Sydney Eye Hospital; Dr.
Elvis Ojaimi, East Melbourne Eye Group & East Melbourne Retina of the two Australian sites. The Phase II study has started in the
2 nd quarter of 2023. The company is working on improvements to the Vitargus Product through the new batch of investigational
product.
Initially
the Company will focus on ABV-2002, a solution utilized to store a donor cornea prior to either penetrating keratoplasty (full thickness
cornea transplant) or endothelial keratoplasty (back layer cornea transplant). Designated ABV-2002 under the Company’s product
identification system, the solution is comprised of a specific poly amino acid that protects ocular tissue from damage caused by external
osmolarity exposure during pre-surgery storage. The specific polymer in ABV-2002 can adjust osmolarity to maintain a range of 330 to
390 mOsM thereby permitting hydration within the corneal stroma during the storage period. Stromal hydration results in (a) maintaining
acceptable corneal transparency and (b) prevents donor cornea swelling. ABV-2002 also contains an abundant phenolic phytochemical found
in plant cell walls that provides antioxidant antibacterial properties and neuroprotection.
47
Early
testing by BioFirst indicates that ABV-2002 may be more effective for protecting the cornea and retina during long-term storage than
other storage media available today and can be manufactured at lower cost. Further clinical development task was put on hold due to the
lack of funding.
In
addition, BioFirst was incorporated on November 7, 2006, focusing on the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of innovative patented pharmaceutical
products. The technology of BioFirst comes from the global exclusive licensing agreements BioFirst maintains with domestic R & D
institutions. Currently, BioFirst’s main research and development product is the vitreous substitute (Vitargus®), licensed
by the National Health Research Institutes. Vitargus is the world’s first bio-degradable vitreous substitute and offers a number
of advantages over current vitreous substitutes by minimizing medical complications and reducing the need for additional surgeries.
Vitargus
has started the construction of a GMP factory in Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park, Taiwan, with the aim at building a production base
to supply the global market, and promote the construction of bio-degradable vitreous substitute manufacturing centers in Taiwan. Completion
of this factory would allow ABVC to manufacture Vitargus with world-class technology in a GMP certified pharmaceutical factory. BioFirst
is targeting to complete the construction in 2025.
On
July 12, 2022, the Company announced the enrollment progress in the Phase II Part II clinical study of the company’s ADHD medicine
(ABV-1505). Since the first-treated subject reported on May 10, 2022, a total of sixty-nine (69) subjects have been enrolled in the study,
including 50 who have completed the 56-day treatment. The study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study entitled “A
Phase II Tolerability and Efficacy Study of PDC-1421 Treatment in Adult Patients with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
Part II, is expected to eventually involve approximately 100 patients. Five prestigious research hospitals in Taiwan and the research
hospital at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are participating in the study which is a continuation of the Phase II
part 1 study of ABV-1505 completed successfully at UCSF and accepted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in October of 2020. The
UCSF Medical Center Institutional Review Board has approved participation in the Part II study, and the site initiation visit was conducted
in March 2023.
Public
Offering & Financings
2024
Financings
On
January 17, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Lind Global Fund II, LP (“Lind”), pursuant
to which the Company issued Lind a secured, convertible note in the principal amount of $1,000,000, for a purchase price of $833,333
(the “3 rd Lind Note”), that is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price,
which shall be the lesser of (i) $3.50 (the “Fixed Price”) and (ii) 90% of the average of the three lowest VWAPs (as defined
in the 3 rd Lind Note) during the 20 trading days prior to conversion (“Variable Price”), subject to adjustment
(the “Note Shares”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, provided that no Event of Default (as defined in the 3 rd Lind
Note) shall have occurred, conversions under the 3 rd Lind Note shall be at the Fixed Price for the first 180 days following
the closing date. Lind will also receive a 5-year, common stock purchase warrant (the “3 rd Lind Warrant”) to purchase
up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial exercise price of $2.00 per share, subject to adjustment (each,
a “Warrant Share,” together with the 3 rd Lind Note, Note Shares and 3 rd Lind Warrant, the “Securities”).
The parties later agreed to a floor price of $1.00 for the Variable Price and that the Company would compensate Lind in cash if the Variable
Price was less than such floor price at the time of conversion.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the 3 rd Lind Note), the Company must pay Lind an amount equal to 120%
of the then outstanding principal amount of the 3 rd Lind Note, in addition to any other remedies under the 3 rd
Lind Note or the other Transaction Documents (as defined below).
The
3 rd Lind Warrant may be exercised via cashless exercise in the event a registration statement covering the Warrant Shares
is not available for the resale of such Warrant Shares or upon exercise of the 3 rd Lind Warrant in connection with a Fundamental
Transaction (as defined in the 3 rd Lind Warrant).
Pursuant
to the terms of the securities purchase agreement, if at any time prior to a date that is 18 months following the closing of the offering,
the Company proposes to offer or sell any additional securities in a subsequent financing, the Company shall first offer Lind the opportunity
to purchase up to 10% of such new securities.
In
connection with the Offering, the Company and its subsidiaries: (i) Biokey, Inc., a California corporation (“BioKey”), (ii)
Biolite Holding, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“BioLite”), (iii) Biolite BVI, Inc., a British Virgin Islands corporation (“BioLite
BVI”) and (iv) American BriVision Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“American BriVision” and, collectively with
the Company, BioKey, BioLite, and BioLite BVI, the “Guarantors”), jointly and severally guaranteed all of the obligations
of the Company in connection with the offering (the “Guaranty”) with certain collateral, as set forth in the related Transaction
Documents (as hereinafter defined).
48
The
sale of the 3 rd Lind Note and the terms of the offering, including the Guaranty are set forth in the securities purchase agreement,
the 3 rd Lind Note, the 3 rd Lind Warrant, the Second Amendment to Guaranty, the Second Amendment to Security Agreement,
and the Second Amendment to Guarantor Security Agreement (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”).
Allele
Capital Partners, LLC (“Allele”) together with its executing broker dealer, Wilmington Capital Securities, LLC (together
with its affiliates, “Wilmington”), served as the exclusive placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) of the offering.
the Company has agreed to pay certain expenses of the placement agent in connection with the offering and issued them a warrant to purchase
up to 25,000 shares of common stock, on the same terms as set forth in the 3 rd Lind Warrant.
The
securities purchase agreement also contains customary representation and warranties of the Company and the Investors, indemnification
obligations of the Company, termination provisions, and other obligations and rights of the parties.
The
foregoing description of the Transaction Documents is qualified by reference to the full text of the forms of the Transaction Documents,
which are filed as Exhibits hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
2023
Financings
On
November 17, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2 nd Lind Securities Purchase Agreement”)
with Lind Global Fund II, LP (“Lind”), pursuant to which the Company issued Lind a secured, convertible note in the principal
amount of $1,200,000 (the “2 nd Lind Offering”), for a purchase price of $1,000,000 (the “2 nd
Lind Note”), that is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price, which shall be the lesser
of (i) $3.50 (the “Fixed Price”) and (ii) 90% of the average of the three lowest VWAPs (as defined in the 2 nd
Lind Note) during the 20 trading days prior to conversion, subject to adjustment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, provided that no Event
of Default (as defined in the 2 nd Lind Note) shall have occurred, conversions under the 2 nd Lind Note shall be
at the Fixed Price for the first 180 days following the closing date. Lind will also receive a 5-year, common stock purchase warrant
(the “2 nd Lind Warrant”) to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial
exercise price of $2 per share, subject to adjustment. The parties later agreed to a floor price of $1.00 for the Variable Price and
that the Company would compensate Lind in cash if the variable price was less than such floor price at the time of conversion.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the 2 nd Lind Note), the Company must pay Lind an amount equal to 120%
of the then outstanding principal amount of the 2 nd Lind Note, in addition to any other remedies under the 2 nd
Lind Note or the other Transaction Documents (as defined below).
Pursuant
to the terms of the 2 nd Lind Securities Purchase Agreement, if at any time prior to a date that is 18 months following the
closing of the 2 nd Lind Offering, the Company proposes to offer or sell any additional securities in a subsequent financing,
the Company shall first offer Lind the opportunity to purchase up to 10% of such new securities.
In
connection with the 2 nd Lind Offering, the Company and its subsidiaries: (i) Biokey, Inc., a California corporation (“BioKey”),
(ii) Biolite Holding, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“BioLite”), (iii) Biolite BVI, Inc., a British Virgin Islands corporation
(“BioLite BVI”) and (iv) American BriVision Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“American BriVision” and, collectively
with the Company, BioKey, BioLite, and BioLite BVI, the “Guarantors”), jointly and severally guaranteed all of the obligations
of the Company in connection with the 2 nd Lind Offering (the “Guaranty”) with certain collateral, as set forth
in the related Transaction Documents (as hereinafter defined).
The
sale of the Note and the terms of the 2 nd Lind Offering, including the Guaranty are set forth in the 2 nd Lind Securities
Purchase Agreement, the 2 nd Lind Note, the 2 nd Lind Warrant, the First Amendment to Guaranty, the First Amendment
to Security Agreement, and the First Amendment to Guarantor Security Agreement (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”).
Allele
Capital Partners, LLC (“Allele”) together with its executing broker dealer, Wilmington Capital Securities, LLC (together
with its affiliates, “Wilmington”), served as the exclusive placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) of the 2 nd
Lind Offering. We have agreed to pay certain expenses of the placement agent in connection with the 2 nd Lind Offering.
An
amendment was filed on February 29, 2024 to disclose that due to Nasdaq requirements, the parties entered into an amendment to the Note,
pursuant to which the conversion price shall have a floor price of $1.00 (the “Amendment”). Additionally, the Amendment requires
the Company to make a cash payment to Lind if in connection with a conversion, the conversion price is deemed to be the floor price.
The
Securities Purchase Agreement also contains customary representation and warranties of the Company and the Investors, indemnification
obligations of the Company, termination provisions, and other obligations and rights of the parties.
The
foregoing description of the Transaction Documents is qualified by reference to the full text of the forms of the Transaction Documents,
which are filed as Exhibits hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
49
On
February 23, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Lind Securities Purchase Agreement”) with
Lind Global Fund II, LP (“Lind”), pursuant to which the Company issued Lind a secured, convertible note in the principal
amount of $3,704,167 (the “Lind Offering”), for a purchase price of $3,175,000 (the “Lind Note”), that is convertible
into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.05 per share, subject to adjustment (the “Note
Shares”). The Company also issued Lind a common stock purchase warrant (the “Lind Warrant”) to purchase up to 5,291,667
shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial exercise price of $1.05 per share, subject to adjustment (each, a “Warrant
Share,” together with the Note, Note Shares and Warrants, the “Lind Securities”).
The
Lind Note does not carry any Interest. Beginning with the date that is six months from the issuance date of the Lind Note and on each
one (1) month anniversary thereafter, the Company shall pay Lind an amount equal to $308,650.58, until the outstanding principal amount
of the Lind Note has been paid in full prior to or on the Maturity Date or, if earlier, upon acceleration, conversion or redemption of
the Lind Note in accordance with the terms thereof (the “Monthly Payments”). At the Company’s discretion, the Monthly
Payments shall be made in (i) cash, (ii) shares of the Company’s common stock, or (iii) a combination of cash and Shares; if made
in shares, the number of shares shall be determined by dividing (x) the principal amount being paid in shares by (y) 90% of the average
of the 5 lowest daily VWAPs during the 20 trading days prior to the applicable payment date. The Lind Notes sets forth certain conditions
that must be satisfied before the Company may make any Monthly Payments in shares of common stock. If the Company makes a Monthly Payment
in cash, the Company must also pay Lind a cash premium of 5% of such Monthly Payment.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the Lind Note), the Company must pay Lind an amount equal to 120% of the then outstanding
principal amount of the Lind Note, in addition to any other remedies under the Note or the other Transaction Documents.
The
Lind Warrant may be exercised via cashless exercise.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Lind Securities Purchase Agreement, if at any time prior to a date that is 18 months following the closing of the
Lind Offering, the Company proposes to offer or sell any additional securities in a subsequent financing, the Company shall first offer
Lind the opportunity to purchase up to 10% of such new securities.
In
connection with the Lind Offering, the Company and its subsidiaries: (i) Biokey, Inc., a California corporation (“BioKey”),
(ii) Biolite Holding, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“BioLite”), (iii) Biolite BVI, Inc., a British Virgin Islands corporation
(“BioLite BVI”) and (iv) American BriVision Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“American BriVision” and, collectively
with the Company, BioKey, BioLite, and BioLite BVI, the “Guarantors”), jointly and severally guaranteed all of the obligations
of the Company in connection with the Lind Offering (the “Guaranty”) with certain collateral, as set forth in the related
Transaction Documents (as hereinafter defined).
The
sale of the Lind Note and the terms of the Lind Offering, including the Guaranty are set forth in the Lind Securities Purchase Agreement,
the Note, the Warrant, a Security Agreement, Guarantor Security, Guaranty, a Trademark Security Agreement with Rgene Corporation, a Trademark
Security Agreement with BioFirst, a Patent Security Agreement, a Copyright Security Agreement and a Stock Pledge Agreement (collectively,
the “Transaction Documents”).
Allele
Capital Partners, LLC (“Allele”) together with its executing broker dealer, Wilmington Capital Securities, LLC (together
with its affiliates, “Wilmington”), served as the exclusive placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) of the Lind
Offering. As a result of the Lind Offering, the Company will pay the Placement Agent (i) a cash fee of 6% of the gross proceeds from
the sale of the Securities, and (ii) common stock purchase warrants to purchase 6% of the number of shares of common stock issuable under
the Lind Note. We also agreed to pay certain expenses of the placement agent in connection with the Lind Offering.
Pursuant
to the Lind Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to register all of the Lind Securities and the shares of common stock underlying
the warrant issued to the placement agent.
The
Securities Purchase Agreement also contains customary representation and warranties of the Company and the Investors, indemnification
obligations of the Company, termination provisions, and other obligations and rights of the parties.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the Lind Note), the Company must pay Lind an amount equal to 120% of the then outstanding
principal amount of the Lind Note (the “Mandatory Default Amount”), in addition to any other remedies under the Note or the
other Transaction Documents. The Company and Lind entered into a letter agreement on September 12, 2023, pursuant to which the Mandatory
Default Amount was reduced to 115% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Lind Note; pursuant to the letter agreement, Lind
also agreed to waive any default associated with the Company’s market capitalization being below $12.5 million for 10 consecutive
days through February 23, 2024, but retained its right to convert its Note. In addition, if the Company is unable to increase its market
capitalization and is unable to obtain a further waiver or amendment to the Lind Note, then the Company could experience an event of
default under the Lind Note, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition, and results
of operations. The Company cannot make any assurances regarding the likelihood, certainty, or exact timing of the Company’s ability
to increase its market capitalization, as such metric is not within the immediate control of the Company and depends on a variety of
factors outside the Company’s control.
The
foregoing description of the Transaction Documents is qualified by reference to the full text of the forms of the Transaction Documents,
which are filed as Exhibits hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
50
2022
Financing
On
May 11, 2022, the Company entered into certain securities purchase agreement (the “May SPA”) with certain investors (the
“Purchasers”). Pursuant to the May SPA, the Company agreed to issue 2,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, at a price of $2.11
per share and 5-year warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock, exercisable at a price of $2.45 per share (the “May
Warrants”) to the Purchasers. The gross proceeds before deducting any estimated offering expenses are $4,220,000. The transaction
contemplated by the May SPA was closed on May 16, 2022.
The
Company paid to the co-placement agents an aggregate cash fee equal to 8% of the aggregate sales price of the securities sold and issued
them warrants to purchase up to 160,000 shares of Common Stock, on the same terms as the May Warrants.
Strategy
Key
elements of our business strategy include:
●
Advancing to the pivotal
trial phase of ABV-1701 Vitargus® for the treatments of Retinal Detachment or Vitreous Hemorrhage, which we expect to generate
revenues in the future.
●
Focusing on licensing ABV-1504
for the treatment of major depressive disorder, MDD, after the successful completion of its Phase II clinical trials.
●
Completing Phase II, Part
2 clinical trial for ABV-1505 for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD.
●
Out licensing drug candidates
and medical device candidates to major pharmaceutical companies for phase III and pivotal clinical trials, as applicable, and further
marketing if approved by the FDA.
We
plan to augment our core research and development capability and assets by conducting Phase I and II clinical trials for investigational
new drugs and medical devices in the fields of CNS, Hematology/Oncology and Ophthalmology.
Our
management team has extensive experiences across a wide range of new drug and medical device development and we have in-licensed new
drug and medical device candidates from large research institutes and universities in both the U.S. and Taiwan. Through an assertive
product development approach, we expect that we will build a substantial portfolio of Oncology/ Hematology, CNS and Ophthalmology products.
We primarily focus on Phase I and II research of new drug candidates and out license the post-Phase-II products to pharmaceutical companies;
we do not expect to devote substantial efforts and resources to building the disease-specific distribution channels.
Business
Objectives
The
Company is operating its core business based on collaborative activities that can generate current and future revenues through research,
development and/or commercialization joint venture agreements. The terms of these agreements typically include payment to the Company
related to one or more of the following:
●
nonrefundable upfront license
fees,
●
development and commercial
milestones,
●
partial or complete reimbursement
of research and development costs and
●
royalties on net sales
of licensed products.
Each
type of payments results in revenue except for revenue from royalties on net sales of licensed products, which are classified as royalty
revenues. To date, we have not received any royalty revenues. Revenue is recognized upon satisfaction of a performance obligation by
transferring control of a good or service to the joint venture partner.
As
part of the accounting for these arrangements, the Company applies judgment to determine whether the performance obligations are distinct
and develop assumptions in determining the stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation identified in the collaboration
agreements. To determine the stand-alone selling price, the Company relies on assumptions which may include forecasted revenues, development
timelines, reimbursement rates for R&D personnel costs, discount rates and probabilities of technical and regulatory success.
The
Company had multiple deliverables under the collaborative agreements, including deliverables relating to grants of technology licenses,
regulatory and clinical development, and marketing activities. Estimation of the performance periods of the Company’s deliverables
requires the use of management’s judgment. Significant factors considered in management’s evaluation of the estimated performance
periods include, but are not limited to, the Company’s experience in conducting clinical development, regulatory and manufacturing
activities. The Company reviews the estimated duration of its performance periods under its collaborative agreements on an annually basis,
and makes any appropriate adjustments on a prospective basis. Future changes in estimates of the performance period under its collaborative
agreements could impact the timing of future revenue recognition. For further details about these difference payment arrangements, see
“Summary of Critical Accounting Policies” below.
51
Examples
of recent collaborative agreements the Company has entered into are as follows:
Collaborative
agreements with BHK, a related party
(i)
In February
and December of 2015, BioLite, Inc. entered into a total of three joint venture agreements with BioHopeKing to jointly develop ABV-1501
for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), ABV-1504 for MDD and ABV-1505 for ADHD. The agreements granted marketing rights to BioHopeKing
for certain Asian countries in return for a series of milestone payments totaling $10 million in cash and equity of BioHopeKing or
equity securities owned by BioHopeKing.
The
milestone payments are determined by a schedule of BioLite development achievements as shown below:
Milestone
Payment
Execution
of BHK Co-Development Agreement
$ 1,000,000
Investigational
New Drug (IND) Submission
$ 1,000,000
Phase
II Clinical Trial Complete
$ 1,000,000
Initiation
of Phase III Clinical Trial
$ 3,000,000
New
Drug Application (NDA) Submission
$ 4,000,000
Total
$ 10,000,000
(ii)
In December of 2015, BHK
paid the initial cash payment of $1 million upon the execution of the BHK Agreement. The Company concluded that certain deliverables
are considered separate units of accounting as the delivered items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and recognized
this cash payment as collaboration revenue when all research, technical, and development data was delivered to BHK in 2015. The payment
included compensation for past research efforts and contributions made by BioLite Taiwan before the BHK agreement was signed and
does not relate to any future commitments made by BioLite Taiwan and BHK in the BHK Agreement.
(iii)
In August 2016, the Company
received the second milestone payment of $1 million, and recognized collaboration revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016. As
of December 31, 2022, the Company had completed the phase II clinical trial for ABV-1504 MDD on October 31, 2019, but has not yet
completed the phase II clinical trial for ABV-1505 ADHD.
(iv)
In addition to the milestone
payments, BioLite Inc. is entitled to receive a royalty equal to 12% of BHK’s net sales related to ABV-1501, ABV-1504 and ABV-1505
Products. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not earned royalties under the BHK Co-Development Agreement.
(v)
The BHK Co-Development
Agreement will remain in effect for fifteen years from the date of first commercial sale of the Product in in Asia excluding Japan.
Collaborative
agreement with BioLite, Inc., a related party
The
Company entered into a collaborative agreement with BioLite, Inc. on December 29, 2015, and then entered into two addendums to such agreement,
as amended and revised, (the “BioLite Agreement”). The majority shareholder of BioLite is one of the Company’s subsidiaries,
Mr. Jiang, the Company’s Chairman is a director of BioLite and Dr. Jiang, the Company’s Chief Strategy Officer and a director,
is the Chairman of BioLite.
Pursuant
to the BioLite Agreement, the Company acquired the sole licensing rights to develop and commercialize for therapeutic purposes six compounds
from BioLite. In accordance with the terms of the Agreement, the Company shall pay BioLite (i) milestone payments of up to $100 million
in cash and equity of the Company or equity securities owned by it at various stages on a schedule dictated by BioLite’s achievements
of certain milestones, as set forth in the Agreement (the “Milestone Payments”) and (ii) a royalty payment equal to 5% of
net sales of the drug products when ABV-1501 is approved for sale in the licensed territories. If BioLite fails to reach any of the milestones
in a timely manner, it may not receive the rest of the payments from the Company.
52
According
to the BioLite Agreement, after Phase II clinical trials are completed, 15% of the Milestone Payment becomes due and shall be paid in
two stages: (i) 5% no later than December 31, 2021 (the “December 2021 Payment”) and (ii) 10% no later than December 31,
2022.
On
February 12, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors determined that the December 2021 Payment, which is equal to $5,000,000, shall
be paid via the cancellation of certain outstanding debt, in the amount of $5,000,000, that BioLite owes the Company as of December 31,
2021.
On
February 22, 2022, the parties entered into an amendment to the BioLite Agreement allowing the Company to make all payments due under
the Agreement via the forgiveness of debt, in equal value, owed by BioLite to the Company.
This
was a related party transaction.
Co-Development
agreement with Rgene Corporation, a related party
On
May 26, 2017, the Company entered into a co-development agreement (the “Rgene Agreement”) with Rgene Corporation (the “Rgene”),
a related party under common control by the controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company (See Note 12).
Pursuant to the Rgene Agreement, BriVision and Rgene agreed to co-develop and commercialize ABV-1507 HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer
Combination Therapy, ABV-1703 Pancreatic Cancer Combination Therapy and ABV-1527 Ovary Cancer Combination Therapy. Under the terms of
the Rgene Agreement, Rgene is required to pay the Company $3,000,000 in cash or stock of Rgene with equivalent value by August 15,
2017 as compensation of BriVision’s past research efforts and contributions made by BriVision before the Rgene Agreement was executed.
The payment does not relate to any future milestones attained by BriVision. In addition to $3,000,000, the Company is entitled to receive
50% of the future net licensing income or net sales profit earned by Rgene. All development costs shall be equally shared by both BriVision
and Rgene.
On
June 1, 2017, the Company delivered all research, technical data and development data to Rgene pursuant to the Rgene Agreement in return
for a cash payment of $450,000 and 1,530,000 common shares of Rgene stock valued at $2,550,000, which in 2018 was accounted for using
the equity method long-term investment. On December 31, 2018, the Company determined to fully write off this investment based on the
Company’s assessment of the severity and duration of the impairment, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the operating
performance of the investee, adverse changes in market conditions, the regulatory or economic environment, changes in operating structure
of Rgene, additional funding requirements and Rgene’s ability to remain in business. All research projects that were initiated
will be managed and funded equally by the Company and Rgene.
The
Company and Rgene signed an amendment to the Rgene Agreement on November 10, 2020, pursuant to which both parties agreed to delete AB-1507
HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer Combination Therapy and AB-1527 Ovary Cancer Combination Therapy and add ABV-1519 EGFR Positive Non-Small
Cell Lung Cancer Combination Therapy and ABV-1526 Large Intestine / Colon / Rectal Cancer Combination Therapy to the products to be co-developed
and commercialized. Other provisions of the Rgene Agreement remain in full force and effect.
Clinical
Development Service Agreement with Rgene Corporation, a related party
On
June 10, 2022, the Company expanded its co-development partnership with Rgene. The Company’s subsidiary, BioKey, entered into a
Clinical Development Service Agreement with Rgene (“Service Agreement”) to guide certain Rgene drug products, RGC-1501 for
the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), RGC-1502 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and RGC 1503 for the treatment of
colorectal cancer patients, through completion of Phase II clinical studies under U.S. FDA IND regulatory requirements (the “Rgene
Studies”). Under the terms of the Service Agreement, BioKey is eligible to receive payments totaling up to $3.0 million over a
3-year period with each payment amount to be determined by certain regulatory milestones obtained during the agreement period.
53
Through
a series of transactions over the past 5 years, the Company and Rgene have co-developed the three drug products covered by the Service
Agreement, which has resulted in the Company owning 31.62% of Rgene.
As
part of the Rgene Studies, the Company agreed to loan $1.0 million to Rgene, for which Rgene has provided the Company with a 5% working
capital convertible loan (the “Note”). If the Note is fully converted, the Company will own an additional 6.4% of Rgene.
The Company is expected to receive the outstanding loan from the related party by the first half of 2024, either by cash or conversion
of shares of Rgene. The Company may convert the Note at any time into shares of Rgene’s common stock at either (i) a fixed
conversion price equal to $1.00 per share or (ii) 20% discount of the stock price of the then most recent offering, whichever is lower;
the conversion price is subject to adjustment as set forth in the Note. The Note includes standard events of default, as well as a cross
default provision pursuant to which a breach of the Service Agreement will trigger an event of default under the Note if not cured after
5 business days of written notice regarding the breach is provided. Upon an event of default, the outstanding principal and any accrued
and unpaid interest shall be immediately due and payable.
The
Service Agreement shall remain in effect until the expiration date of the last patent and automatically renew for 5 more years unless
terminated earlier by either party with six months written notice. Either party may terminate the Service Agreement for cause by providing
30 days written notice.
Rgene
has further agreed, effective July 1, 2022, to provide the Company with a seat on Rgene’s Board of Directors until the loan is
repaid in full. The Company has nominated Dr. Jiang, its Chief Strategy Officer and Director to occupy that seat; Dr. Jiang is also one
of the Company’s largest shareholders, owning 12.8% of the Company.
The
Rgene Studies is a related party transaction.
Collaborative
agreement with BioFirst Corporation, a related party
On
July 24, 2017, the Company entered into a collaborative agreement (the “BioFirst Agreement”) with BioFirst Corporation, a
corporation incorporated under the laws of Taiwan (“BioFirst”), pursuant to which BioFirst granted the Company global licensing
rights to medical use of ABV-1701 Vitreous Substitute for Vitrectomy. BioFirst is a related party to the Company because a controlling
beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company is a Director and shareholders of BioFirst (See Note 12).
Pursuant
to the BioFirst Agreement, the Company and BioFirst will co-develop and commercialize BFC-1401. The Company will pay BioFirst a total
amount of $3,000,000 in cash or stock of the Company before September 30, 2018 as payment in full for BioFirst’s past research
efforts and contributions made by BioFirst before the BioFirst Agreement was executed. The Company is entitled to receive 50% of any
future net licensing revenue or net profit associated with Vitargus®. All development cost will be equally shared by both BriVision
and BioFirst.
On
September 25, 2017, BioFirst delivered all research, technical, data and development data to the Company. For the year ended September
30, 2017, the Company determined to fully expense the entire amount of $3,000,000 since the related licensing rights do not have alternative
future uses. According to ASC 730-10-25-1, absent alternative future uses the acquisition of product rights to be used in research and
development activities must be charged to research and development expenses immediately. Hence, the entire amount of $3,000,000 is fully
expensed as research and development expense during the year ended September 30, 2017.
On
June 30, 2019, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with BioFirst. Pursuant to
the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 428,571 shares of the Company’s common stock to BioFirst as payment for $3,000,000 owed
by the Company to BioFirst in connection with the BioFirst Agreement.
On
August 5, 2019, the Company entered into a second Stock Purchase Agreement with BioFirst whereby the Company issued 414,702 shares of
the Company’s common stock to BioFirst as repayment in full for a loan in the amount of $2,902,911 provided to BriVision from BioFirst.
On
November 4, 2020, the Company executed an amendment to the BioFirst Agreement with BioFirst to add ABV-2001 Intraocular Irrigation Solution
and ABV-2002 Corneal Storage Solution to the agreement. ABV-2002 is utilized during a corneal transplant procedure to replace a damaged
or diseased cornea while ABV-2001 has broader utilization during a variety of ocular procedures.
54
Initially
the Company will focus on ABV-2002, a solution utilized to store a donor cornea prior to either penetrating keratoplasty (full thickness
cornea transplant) or endothelial keratoplasty (back layer cornea transplant). ABV-2002 is a solution comprised of a specific poly amino
acid that protects ocular tissue from damage caused by external osmolarity exposure during pre-surgery storage. The specific polymer
in ABV-2002 can adjust osmolarity to maintain a range of 330 to 390 mOsM thereby permitting hydration within the corneal stroma during
the storage period. Stromal hydration results in (a) maintaining acceptable corneal transparency and (b) prevents donor cornea swelling.
ABV-2002 also contains an abundant phenolic phytochemical found in plant cell walls that provides antioxidant antibacterial properties
and neuroprotection.
Early
testing by BioFirst indicates that ABV-2002 may be more effective for protecting the cornea and retina during long-term storage than
other storage media available today and can be manufactured at lower cost. Further clinical development was put on hold due to the lack
of funding.
In
addition, BioFirst was incorporated on November 7, 2006, focusing on the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of innovative patented pharmaceutical
products. The technology of BioFirst comes from the global exclusive licensing agreements BioFirst maintains with domestic R & D
institutions. Currently, BioFirst’s main research and development product is the vitreous substitute (Vitargus®), licensed
by the National Health Research Institutes. Vitargus is the world’s first bio-degradable vitreous substitute and offers a number
of advantages over current vitreous substitutes by minimizing medical complications and reducing the need for additional surgeries.
Vitargus
has started the construction of a GMP factory in Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park, Taiwan, with the aim at building a production base
to supply the global market, and promote the construction of bio-degradable vitreous substitute manufacturing centers in Taiwan. Completion
of this factory would allow ABVC to manufacture Vitargus with world-class technology in a GMP certified pharmaceutical factory. BioFirst
is targeting to complete the construction in 2024.
Co-Development
agreement with BioLite Japan K.K., a related party
On
October 6, 2021 (the “ Completion Date ”), the Company, Lucidaim Co., Ltd., a Japanese corporation (“ Lucidaim ,”
together with the Company, the “ Shareholders ”), and BioLite Japan K.K., a Japanese corporation (“ Biolite
JP” ) entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (the “ Agreement ”). Biolite JP is a private limited company
(a Japanese Kabushiki Kaisha ) incorporated on December 18, 2018 and at the date of the Agreement has 10,000 ordinary shares
authorized, with 3,049 ordinary shares issued and outstanding (the “ Ordinary Shares ”). Immediately prior to the execution
of the Agreement, Lucidaim owned 1,501 ordinary shares and the Company owned the 1,548 ordinary shares. The Shareholders entered into
the joint venture to formally reduce to writing their desire to invest in and operate Biolite as a joint venture. The business of the
joint venture shall be the research and development of drugs, medical device and digital media, investment, fund running and consulting,
distribution and marketing of supplements carried on by Biolite and its subsidiaries in Japan, or any other territory or businesses as
may from time to time be agreed by an amendment to the Agreement. The closing of the transaction is conditioned upon the approval and
receipt of all necessary government approvals, which have been received.
Pursuant
to the Agreement and the related share transfer agreement, the Company shall transfer 54 of its Ordinary Shares to Lucidaim for no consideration,
such that following the transfer, Lucidaim shall own 1,555 Ordinary Shares (51%) and the Company shall own 1,494 Ordinary Shares (49%).
Also pursuant to the Agreement, there shall be 3 directors of Biolite JP, consisting of 1 director appointed by the Company and 2 appointed
by Lucidiam. The Company shall appoint Eugene Jiang, the Company’s current Chairman and Chief Business Officer and Lucidaim shall
appoint Michihito Onishi; the current director of Biolite JP, Toru Seo (who is also a director of BioLite Japan’s other shareholder),
is considered the second Lucidaim director. The Agreement further provides that the Company and Biolite shall assign the research collaboration
and license agreement between them to Biolite or prepare the same (the “ License Agreement ”). The aforementioned transactions
occurred on the Completion Date.
55
As
per the Agreement, the Shareholders shall supervise and manage the business and operations of Biolite JP. The directors shall not be
entitled to any renumeration for their services as a director and each Shareholder can remove and replace the director he/she/it appointed.
If a Shareholder sells or disposes of all of its Ordinary Shares, the director such Shareholder appointed must tender his/her resignation.
The Agreement also sets forth certain corporate actions that must be pre-approved by all Shareholders (the “ Reserved Matters ”).
If the Shareholders are unable to make a decision on any Reserved Matter, then either Shareholder can submit a deadlock notice to the
other shareholder, 5 days after which they must refer the matter to each Shareholder’s chairman and use good faith to resolve the
dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within 10 days thereafter, then either Shareholder can offer to buy all of the other Shareholder’s
Ordinary Shares for cash at a specified price; if there is not affirmative acceptance of the sale, the sale shall proceed as set forth
in the sale offer.
Each
of the Shareholders maintains a pre-emptive right to purchase such number of additional Ordinary Shares as would allow such Shareholder
to maintain its ownership percentage in Biolite JP if Biolite JP issues any new Ordinary Shares. However, the Agreement provides that
the Company shall lose its pre-emptive rights under certain conditions. The Shareholders also maintain a right of first refusal if the
other Shareholder receives an offer to buy such shareholder’s Ordinary Shares.
The
Agreement also requires Biolite JP to obtain a bank facility in the amount of JPY 30,460,000 (approximately USD272,000), for its initial
working capital purposes. Pursuant to the Agreement, each Shareholder agrees to guarantee such bank facility if the bank requires a guarantee.
Accordingly, the Company may be liable for the bank facility in an amount up to JPY 14,925,400 (approximately USD134,000), which represents
49% of the maximum bank facility. The Agreement further provides that Biolite JP shall issue annual dividends at the rate of at least
1.5% of Biolite JP’s profits, if it has sufficient cash to do so.
Pursuant
to the Agreement, the Company and Biolite JP agree to use their best efforts to execute the License Agreement by the end of December
2021. The Company agreed that any negotiation on behalf of Biolite JP regarding the terms of the License Agreement shall be handled by
the directors appointed by Lucidaim. If the Company and such Lucidaim directors do not reach agreement on the terms, Biolite JP may at
its sole discretion determine not to execute the License Agreement without any liability to the Company.
The
Agreement contains non-solicitation and non-compete clauses for a period of 2 years after a Shareholder or its subsidiaries ceases to
be a Shareholder, with such restrictive covenants limited to business within the ophthalmologic filed or central neurological field.
Any rights to intellectual property that arise from Biolite JP’s activities, shall belong to Biolite JP.
The
Agreement contains standard indemnification terms, except that no indemnifying party shall have any liability for an individual liability
unless it exceeds JPY 500,000 (approximately USD4,500) and until the aggregate amount of all liabilities exceeds JPY 2,000,000 (approximately
USD18,000) and then only to the extent such liability exceed such limit.
The
Company paid $150,000 towards the setup of the joint venture; BioLite Japan’s other shareholder also paid $150,000 after the Letter
of Intent was signed.
The
Agreement shall continue for 10 years, unless earlier terminated. The Agreement also allows a Shareholder to terminate the agreement
upon certain defaults committed by another Shareholder, as set forth in the Agreement.
This
was a related party transaction.
In
November 2021, the Company received $4,244,452 in gross proceeds from the exercise of warrants issued in the Company’s August 3,
2021, public offering of securities. Investors exercised a total of 673,405 Series A warrants at a price of $6.30 per share, and 200
Series B warrants at a price of $10 per share.
BioKey
Revenues
In
addition to collaborative agreements, ABVC earns revenue through its wholly owned BioKey subsidiary which provides a wide range of Contract
Development & Manufacturing Organization (“CDMO”) services including API characterization, pre-formulation studies, formulation
development, analytical method development, stability studies, IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions, and manufacturing clinical trial materials
(from Phase I through Phase III) and commercial manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.
In
addition, BioKey provides a variety of regulatory services tailored to the needs of its customers, which include proofreading and regulatory
review of submission documents related to formulation development, clinical trials, marketed products, generics, nutraceuticals and OTC
products and training presentations. In addition to supporting ABVC’s new drug development, BioKey submits INDs, NDAs, ANDAs, and
DMFs to the FDA, on ABVC’s behalf in compliance with new electronic submission guidelines of the FDA.
56
Impact
of COVID-19 Outbreak
On
January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”
and on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. Actions taken around the world to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus include
restrictions on travel, and quarantines in certain areas, and forced closures for certain types of public places and businesses. The
coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate it have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial
markets of many countries, including the geographical area in which the Company operates.
Due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, our revenue for the fiscal 2022 were significantly impacted. In 2023, our business started recovering from
the COVID-19 impact. We have been working on new contracts towards revenue generation and increase in sales of existing products and
incorporating new products for sale.
The COVID-19 pandemic,
including variants, has adversely affected, and is expected to continue to adversely affect, elements of our CDMO business sector. The
COVID-19 pandemic government imposed restrictions constrained researcher access to labs globally. These constraints limited scientific
discovery capacity and we observed that demand in those labs fell well below historic levels. As constraints on social distancing were
gradually lifted around the world recently, labs have been able to increase research activity. While we believe that underlying demand
is still not yet at pre-COVID-19 levels since lab operations remain below their normal capacity, we are hopeful that the vaccination
programs that are underway combined with policy changes planned for the summer will further increase research activity and support a
return to pre-COVID-19 demand levels worldwide.
The
global pandemic of COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely, including its potential
effect on our plans and timelines.
Additionally,
it is reasonably possible that estimates made in the financial statements have been, or will be, materially and adversely impacted in
the near term as a result of these conditions, including losses on inventory; impairment losses related to goodwill and other long-lived
assets and current obligations.
Summary
of Critical Accounting Policies
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in
the United States of America (the “U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions and account balances have been
eliminated.
This
basis of accounting involves the application of accrual accounting and consequently, revenues and gains are recognized when earned, and
expenses and losses are recognized when incurred. The Company’s financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars.
Fiscal
Year
The
Company changed its fiscal year from the period beginning on October 1 st and ending on September 30 th to the period
beginning on January 1 st and ending on December 31 st , beginning January 1, 2018.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America 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 consolidated financial statements and the amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting
periods. Actual results could differ materially from those results.
Stock
Reverse Split
On
July 25, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation authorizing a 1-for-10 reverse stock split
of the issued and outstanding shares of its common stock. The Company’s stockholders previously approved the Reverse Stock Split
at the Company’s Special Shareholder Meeting held on July 7, 2023. The Reverse Stock Split was effected to reduce the number of
issued and outstanding shares and to increase the per share trading value of the Company’s common stock, although that outcome
is not guaranteed. In turn, the Company believes that the Reverse Stock Split will enable the Company to restore compliance with certain
continued listing standards of NASDAQ Capital Market. All shares and related financial information in this Form 10-K reflect this 1-for-10
reverse stock split.
57
Fair Value Measurements
FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements”
defines fair value for certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value, establishes a framework
for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. It requires that an entity measure its financial instruments
to base fair value on exit price, maximize the use of observable units and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to determine the exit
price. It establishes a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy increases
the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and related disclosures by maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing
the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the
assumptions market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities based on market data obtained from sources independent
of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants
would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy prioritizes
the inputs into three broad levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows:
●
Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Valuation of these instruments does not require a high degree of judgment as the valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available.
●
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
●
Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and not corroborated by market data. The fair value for such assets and liabilities is generally determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The carrying values of certain assets and liabilities
of the Company, such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, due from related parties, inventory, prepaid
expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and due to related parties approximate fair value due to their
relatively short maturities. The carrying value of the Company’s short-term bank loan, convertible notes payable, and accrued interest
approximates their fair value as the terms of the borrowing are consistent with current market rates and the duration to maturity is short.
The carrying value of the Company’s long-term bank loan approximates fair value because the interest rates approximate market rates
that the Company could obtain for debt with similar terms and maturities.
Concentration of Clients
As of December 31, 2023, the most major client,
specializes in developing and commercializing of dietary supplements and therapeutics in dietary supplement industry, accounted for 87.24%
of the Company’s total account receivable.
As of December 31, 2022, the most major clients,
specializes in developing and commercializing of dietary supplements and therapeutics in dietary supplement industry, accounted for 71.89%
of the Company’s total account receivable; the second major client with its Chairman being the Board of Director of BioKey, accounted
for 16.62% of the Company’s total account receivable.
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, the most major client, distributing nutritional supplement in Asia Pacific, accounted for 80.04% of
the Company’s total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2022, one major client, who is a Shareholder of the Company that works
in development and commercialization of new drugs in Taiwan, accounted for 93.22% of the Company’s total revenues.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers highly liquid investments with maturities of
three months or less to be cash equivalents when purchased. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents
amounted to $60,155 and $85,265, respectively. Some of the Company’s cash deposits are held in financial institutions located in
Taiwan where there is currently regulation mandated on obligatory insurance of bank accounts. The Company believes this financial institution
is of high credit quality.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consist of cash held
in a reserve bank account in Taiwan. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s restricted cash amounted $656,625 and $1,306,463,
respectively.
Inventory
Inventory
consists of raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, and merchandise. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and
valued on a moving weighted average cost basis. Market is determined based on net realizable value. The Company periodically reviews the
age and turnover of its inventory to determine whether any inventory has become obsolete or has declined in value, and incurs a charge
to operations for known and anticipated inventory obsolescence.
58
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company’s financial instruments that
are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and temporary
cash investments in high quality credit institutions, but these investments may be in excess of Taiwan Central Deposit Insurance Corporation
and the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insurance limits. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for
hedging, trading or speculative purposes.
We perform ongoing credit evaluation of our customers
and requires no collateral. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on a review of the collectability of accounts receivable.
We determine the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts by examining its historical collection experience and current trends in the
credit quality of its customers as well as its internal credit policies. Actual credit losses may differ from our estimates.
Accounts receivable and allowance for expected credit losses accounts
Accounts receivable is recorded and carried at
the original invoiced amount less an allowance for any potential uncollectible amounts.
The Company make estimates of expected credit
and collectability trends for the allowance for credit losses and allowance for unbilled receivables based upon our assessment of various
factors, including historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of customers, current economic conditions
reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and other factors that may affect our ability to collect from customers.
The provision is recorded against accounts receivable balances, with a corresponding charge recorded in the consolidated statements of
income. Actual amounts received may differ from management’s estimate of credit worthiness and the economic environment. Delinquent
account balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined that the likelihood of collection
is not probable.
Allowance
for expected credit losses accounts was $616,505 and $194,957 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
During the fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified
retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, and applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment
to the opening balance of accumulated deficit at the beginning of 2018 for the cumulative effect. The results for the Company’s
reporting periods beginning on and after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and
continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. Based on the Company’s review of existing
collaborative agreements as of January 1, 2018, the Company concluded that the adoption of the new guidance did not have a significant
change on the Company’s revenue during all periods presented.
Pursuant to ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue
when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects
to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines is within
the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance
obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations
in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step
model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration the Company is entitled to in exchange for the
goods or services the Company transfers to the customers. At inception of the contract, once the contract is determined to be within the
scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract, determines those that are performance obligations,
and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price
that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
The following are examples of when the Company
recognizes revenue based on the types of payments the Company receives.
Collaborative Revenues — The Company
recognizes collaborative revenues generated through collaborative research, development and/or commercialization agreements. The terms
of these agreements typically include payment to the Company related to one or more of the following: non-refundable upfront license fees,
development and commercial milestones, partial or complete reimbursement of research and development costs, and royalties on net sales
of licensed products. Each type of payments results in collaborative revenues except for revenues from royalties on net sales of licensed
products, which are classified as royalty revenues. To date, the Company has not received any royalty revenues. Revenue is recognized
upon satisfaction of a performance obligation by transferring control of a good or service to the collaboration partners.
59
As part of the accounting for these arrangements,
the Company applies judgment to determine whether the performance obligations are distinct, and develop assumptions in determining the
stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation identified in the collaboration agreements. To determine the stand-alone
selling price, the Company relies on assumptions which may include forecasted revenues, development timelines, reimbursement rates for
R&D personnel costs, discount rates and probabilities of technical and regulatory success.
The Company had multiple deliverables under the
collaborative agreements, including deliverables relating to grants of technology licenses, regulatory and clinical development, and marketing
activities. Estimation of the performance periods of the Company’s deliverables requires the use of management’s judgment.
Significant factors considered in management’s evaluation of the estimated performance periods include, but are not limited to,
the Company’s experience in conducting clinical development, regulatory and manufacturing activities. The Company reviews the estimated
duration of its performance periods under its collaborative agreements on an annually basis, and makes any appropriate adjustments on
a prospective basis. Future changes in estimates of the performance period under its collaborative agreements could impact the timing
of future revenue recognition.
(i) Non-refundable upfront payments
If a license to the Company’s intellectual
property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in an arrangement, the Company recognizes revenue
from the related non-refundable upfront payments based on the relative standalone selling price prescribed to the license compared to
the total selling price of the arrangement. The revenue is recognized when the license is transferred to the collaboration partners and
the collaboration partners are able to use and benefit from the license. To date, the receipt of non-refundable upfront fees was solely
for the compensation of past research efforts and contributions made by the Company before the collaborative agreements entered into and
it does not relate to any future obligations and commitments made between the Company and the collaboration partners in the collaborative
agreements.
(ii) Milestone payments
The Company is eligible to receive milestone payments
under the collaborative agreement with collaboration partners based on achievement of specified development, regulatory and commercial
events. Management evaluated the nature of the events triggering these contingent payments, and concluded that these events fall into
two categories: (a) events which involve the performance of the Company’s obligations under the collaborative agreement with collaboration
partners, and (b) events which do not involve the performance of the Company’s obligations under the collaborative agreement with
collaboration partners.
The former category of milestone payments consists
of those triggered by development and regulatory activities in the territories specified in the collaborative agreements. Management concluded
that each of these payments constitute substantive milestone payments. This conclusion was based primarily on the facts that (i) each
triggering event represents a specific outcome that can be achieved only through successful performance by the Company of one or more
of its deliverables, (ii) achievement of each triggering event was subject to inherent risk and uncertainty and would result in additional
payments becoming due to the Company, (iii) each of the milestone payments is non-refundable, (iv) substantial effort is required to complete
each milestone, (v) the amount of each milestone payment is reasonable in relation to the value created in achieving the milestone, (vi)
a substantial amount of time is expected to pass between the upfront payment and the potential milestone payments, and (vii) the milestone
payments relate solely to past performance. Based on the foregoing, the Company recognizes any revenue from these milestone payments in
the period in which the underlying triggering event occurs.
(iii) Multiple Element Arrangements
The Company evaluates multiple element arrangements
to determine (1) the deliverables included in the arrangement and (2) whether the individual deliverables represent separate units of
accounting or whether they must be accounted for as a combined unit of accounting. This evaluation involves subjective determinations
and requires management to make judgments about the individual deliverables and whether such deliverables are separate from other aspects
of the contractual relationship. Deliverables are considered separate units of accounting provided that: (i) the delivered item(s) has
value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s),
delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially within its control. In assessing whether an
item under a collaboration has standalone value, the Company considers factors such as the research, manufacturing, and commercialization
capabilities of the collaboration partner and the availability of the associated expertise in the general marketplace. The Company also
considers whether its collaboration partners can use the other deliverable(s) for their intended purpose without the receipt of the remaining
element(s), whether the value of the deliverable is dependent on the undelivered item(s), and whether there are other vendors that can
provide the undelivered element(s).
The Company recognizes arrangement consideration
allocated to each unit of accounting when all of the revenue recognition criteria in ASC 606 are satisfied for that particular unit of
accounting. In the event that a deliverable does not represent a separate unit of accounting, the Company recognizes revenue from the
combined unit of accounting over the Company’s contractual or estimated performance period for the undelivered elements, which is
typically the term of the Company’s research and development obligations. If there is no discernible pattern of performance or objectively
measurable performance measures do not exist, then the Company recognizes revenue under the arrangement on a straight-line basis over
the period the Company is expected to complete its performance obligations. Conversely, if the pattern of performance in which the service
is provided to the customer can be determined and objectively measurable performance measures exist, then the Company recognizes revenue
under the arrangement using the proportional performance method. Revenue recognized is limited to the lesser of the cumulative amount
of payments received or the cumulative amount of revenue earned, as determined using the straight-line method or proportional performance
method, as applicable, as of the period ending date.
60
At the inception of an arrangement that includes
milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether each milestone is substantive and at risk to both parties on the basis of the contingent
nature of the milestone. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether: (1) the consideration is commensurate with either the Company’s
performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of a specific outcome resulting
from its performance to achieve the milestone, (2) the consideration relates solely to past performance and (3) the consideration is reasonable
relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. The Company evaluates factors such as the scientific, clinical,
regulatory, commercial, and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the particular milestone and the level of effort and investment
required to achieve the particular milestone in making this assessment. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether
a milestone satisfies all of the criteria required to conclude that a milestone is substantive. Milestones that are not considered substantive
are recognized as earned if there are no remaining performance obligations or over the remaining period of performance, assuming all other
revenue recognition criteria are met.
(iv) Royalties and Profit Sharing Payments
Under the collaborative agreement with the collaboration
partners, the Company is entitled to receive royalties on sales of products, which is at certain percentage of the net sales. The Company
recognizes revenue from these events based on the revenue recognition criteria set forth in ASC 606. Based on those criteria, the Company
considers these payments to be contingent revenues, and recognizes them as revenue in the period in which the applicable contingency is
resolved.
Revenues Derived from Research and Development
Activities Services — Revenues related to research and development and regulatory activities are recognized when the related services
or activities are performed, in accordance with the contract terms. The Company typically has only one performance obligation at the inception
of a contract, which is to perform research and development services. The Company may also provide its customers with an option to request
that the Company provides additional goods or services in the future, such as active pharmaceutical ingredient, API, or IND/NDA/ANDA/510K
submissions. The Company evaluates whether these options are material rights at the inception of the contract. If the Company determines
an option is a material right, the Company will consider the option a separate performance obligation.
If the Company is entitled to reimbursement from
its customers for specified research and development expenses, the Company accounts for the related services that it provides as separate
performance obligations if it determines that these services represent a material right. The Company also determines whether the reimbursement
of research and development expenses should be accounted for as revenues or an offset to research and development expenses in accordance
with provisions of gross or net revenue presentation. The Company recognizes the corresponding revenues or records the corresponding offset
to research and development expenses as it satisfies the related performance obligations.
The Company then determines the transaction price
by reviewing the amount of consideration the Company is eligible to earn under the contracts, including any variable consideration. Under
the outstanding contracts, consideration typically includes fixed consideration and variable consideration in the form of potential milestone
payments. At the start of an agreement, the Company’s transaction price usually consists of the payments made to or by the Company
based on the number of full-time equivalent researchers assigned to the project and the related research and development expenses incurred.
The Company does not typically include any payments that the Company may receive in the future in its initial transaction price because
the payments are not probable. The Company would reassess the total transaction price at each reporting period to determine if the Company
should include additional payments in the transaction price.
The Company receives payments from its customers
based on billing schedules established in each contract. Upfront payments and fees may be recorded as advance from customers upon receipt
or when due, and may require deferral of revenue recognition to a future period until the Company performs its obligations under these
arrangements. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when the right of the Company to consideration is unconditional. The Company
does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period
between payment by the customers and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customers will be one year or less.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is carried at cost net
of accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that improve the functionality of the related
asset or extend the useful life are capitalized. When property and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related gain or
loss is included in operating income. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining
lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method, including property and equipment
under capital leases, generally based on the following useful lives:
Estimated Life
in Years
Buildings and leasehold improvements
5 ~ 50
Machinery and equipment
5 ~ 10
Office equipment
3 ~ 6
61
Construction-in-Progress
The Company acquires constructions that constructs
certain of its fixed assets. All direct and indirect costs that are related to the construction of fixed assets and incurred before the
assets are ready for their intended use are capitalized as construction-in-progress. No depreciation is provided in respect of construction-in-progress.
Construction in progress is transferred to specific fixed asset items and depreciation of these assets commences when they are ready for
their intended use. The Company acquired 20% of the ownership of a certain property and parcel of land owned by Zhonghui, with a view
to jointly develop the property into a healthcare center for senior living, long-term care, and medical care in the areas of ABVC’s
special interests, such as Ophthalmology, Oncology, and Central Nervous Systems. The plan is to establish a base for the China market
and global development of these interests. The Company is a party to a related cooperation agreement with Zhonghui, but is awaiting final
asset ownership certification from the Chinese government.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification
subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360-10”). ASC 360-10 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable
intangibles held and used by the Company be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment annually or more often if events
and circumstances warrant. Events relating to recoverability may include significant unfavorable changes in business conditions, recurring
losses, or a forecasted inability to achieve break-even operating results over an extended period. Should impairment in value be indicated,
the carrying value of intangible assets will be adjusted, based on estimates of future discounted cash flows resulting from the use and
ultimate disposition of the asset. ASC 360-10 also requires assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or
the fair value less costs to sell.
Long-term Equity Investment
The Company acquires the equity investments to
promote business and strategic objectives. The Company accounts for non-marketable equity and other equity investments for which the Company
does not have control over the investees as:
●
Equity method investments when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Its proportionate share of the income or loss is recognized monthly and is recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments.
●
Non-marketable cost method investments when the equity method does not apply.
Significant judgment is required to identify whether
an impairment exists in the valuation of the Company’s non-marketable equity investments, and therefore the Company considers this
a critical accounting estimate. Its yearly analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant impact
on the investee’s fair value. Qualitative analysis of its investments involves understanding the financial performance and near-term
prospects of the investee, changes in general market conditions in the investee’s industry or geographic area, and the management
and governance structure of the investee. Quantitative assessments of the fair value of its investments are developed using the market
and income approaches. The market approach includes the use of comparable financial metrics of private and public companies and recent
financing rounds. The income approach includes the use of a discounted cash flow model, which requires significant estimates regarding
the investees’ revenue, costs, and discount rates. The Company’s assessment of these factors in determining whether an impairment
exists could change in the future due to new developments or changes in applied assumptions.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
The Company’s long-term equity investments
are subject to a periodic impairment review. Impairments affect earnings as follows:
●
Marketable equity securities include the consideration of general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is below cost, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value in the foreseeable future. The Company also considers specific adverse conditions related to the financial health of, and the business outlook for, the investee, which may include industry and sector performance, changes in technology, operational and financing cash flow factors, and changes in the investee’s credit rating. The Company records other-than-temporary impairments on marketable equity securities and marketable equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments.
●
Non-marketable equity investments based on the Company’s assessment of the severity and duration of the impairment, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the operating performance of the investee; adverse changes in market conditions and the regulatory or economic environment; changes in operating structure or management of the investee; additional funding requirements; and the investee’s ability to remain in business. A series of operating losses of an investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred that is other than temporary and that shall be recognized even though the decrease in value is in excess of what would otherwise be recognized by application of the equity method. A loss in value of an investment that is other than a temporary decline shall be recognized. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the investment. The Company records other-than-temporary impairments for non-marketable cost method investments and equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments. Other-than-temporary impairments of equity investments were $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
62
Goodwill
The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment
annually or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In testing
goodwill for impairment, the Company may elect to utilize a qualitative assessment to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that
the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment
is more likely than not, the Company performs a two-step impairment test. The Company tests goodwill for impairment under the two-step
impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined
to be less than the book value or qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a second step
is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value.
The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our
best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on expected category expansion, pricing, market segment share,
and general economic conditions.
The Company completed the required testing of
goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2023, and determined that goodwill was impaired because of the current financial condition
of the Company and the Company’s inability to generate future operating income without substantial sales volume increases, which
are highly uncertain. Furthermore, the Company anticipates future cash flows indicate that the recoverability of goodwill is not reasonably
assured.
Research and Development Expenses
The Company accounts for the cost of using licensing
rights in research and development cost according to ASC Topic 730-10-25-1. This guidance provides that absent alternative future uses
the acquisition of product rights to be used in research and development activities must be charged to research and development expenses
when incurred.
The Company accounts for R&D costs in accordance
with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 730, Research and Development (“ASC 730”). Research and development
expenses are charged to expense as incurred unless there is an alternative future use in other research and development projects or otherwise.
Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including personnel-related
costs, facilities-related overhead, and outside contracted services including clinical trial costs, manufacturing and process development
costs for both clinical and preclinical materials, research costs, and other consulting services. Non-refundable advance payment for goods
and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when
the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made. In instances where the Company enters into agreements with third parties
to provide research and development services, costs are expensed as services are performed.
Post-retirement and post-employment benefits
The Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan adopted the government mandated
defined contribution plan pursuant to the Labor Pension Act (the “Act”) in Taiwan. Such labor regulations require that the
rate of contribution made by an employer to the Labor Pension Fund per month shall not be less than 6% of the worker’s monthly salaries.
Pursuant to the Act, the Company makes monthly contribution equal to 6% of employees’ salaries to the employees’ pension fund.
The Company has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. The total amounts for such employee benefits, which
were expensed as incurred, were $10,314 and $13,031 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other than the above,
the Company does not provide any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company measures expense associated with all
employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and recognizes such expense in the consolidated financial statements
on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation”.
Total employee stock-based compensation expenses were $0 and $1,241,930 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company accounted for stock-based compensation
to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation” and FASB ASC Topic 505-50 “Equity-Based
Payments to Non-Employees” which requires that the cost of services received from non-employees is measured at fair value at the
earlier of the performance commitment date or the date service is completed and recognized over the period the service is provided. Total
non-employee stock-based compensation expenses were $1,635,708 and $5,794,848 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
63
Beneficial Conversion Feature
From time to time, the Company may issue convertible
notes that may contain an imbedded beneficial conversion feature. A beneficial conversion feature exists on the date a convertible note
is issued when the fair value of the underlying common stock to which the note is convertible into is in excess of the remaining unallocated
proceeds of the note after first considering the allocation of a portion of the note proceeds to the fair value of the warrants, if related
warrants have been granted. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature is recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding
amount to additional paid in capital. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense over the life of the note using the effective
interest method.
Income
Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the
asset and liability approach which allows the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets to be based upon the likelihood of realization
of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will expire before the Company
is able to realize their benefits, or future deductibility is uncertain.
Under ASC 740, a tax position is recognized
as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination,
with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step is to
determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any
related appeals or litigations based on the technical merits of that position. The second step is to measure a tax position that
meets the more-likely-than-not threshold to determine the amount of benefits recognized in the financial statements. A tax position
is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax
positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent
period in which the threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not criteria
should be de-recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is no longer satisfied. Penalties
and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the year incurred. No
significant penalty or interest relating to income taxes has been incurred for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. GAAP also
provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and
transition.
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets
A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the
Company’s deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the need for the valuation
allowance, management considers, among other things, projections of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning
strategies. If the Company determines that sufficient negative evidence exists, then it will consider recording a valuation allowance
against a portion or all of the deferred tax assets in that jurisdiction. If, after recording a valuation allowance, the Company’s
projections of future taxable income and other positive evidence considered in evaluating the need for a valuation allowance prove, with
the benefit of hindsight, to be inaccurate, it could prove to be more difficult to support the realization of its deferred tax assets.
As a result, an additional valuation allowance could be required, which would have an adverse impact on its effective income tax rate
and results. Conversely, if, after recording a valuation allowance, the Company determines that sufficient positive evidence exists in
the jurisdiction in which the valuation allowance was recorded, it may reverse a portion or all of the valuation allowance in that jurisdiction.
In such situations, the adjustment made to the deferred tax asset would have a favorable impact on its effective income tax rate and results
in the period such determination was made.
Loss Per Share of Common Stock
The Company calculates net loss per share in accordance
with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share”. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed similar to basic loss per share except that
the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common
stock equivalents had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Diluted earnings per share excludes all dilutive
potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
64
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has adopted ASC Topic 450 “Contingencies”
subtopic 20, in determining its accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies
are accrued by a charge to income when information available before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued indicates
that it is probable that an assets had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the
amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency
is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably
possible that a material loss could be incurred.
Foreign-currency Transactions
For the Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan,
the foreign-currency transactions are recorded in New Taiwan dollars (“NTD”) at the rates of exchange in effect when the transactions
occur. Gains or losses resulting from the application of different foreign exchange rates when cash in foreign currency is converted into
New Taiwan dollars, or when foreign-currency receivables or payables are settled, are credited or charged to income in the year of conversion
or settlement. On the balance sheet dates, the balances of foreign-currency assets and liabilities are restated at the prevailing exchange
rates and the resulting differences are charged to current income except for those foreign currencies denominated investments in shares
of stock where such differences are accounted for as translation adjustments under the Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).
Translation Adjustment
The accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries
in Taiwan were maintained, and their financial statements were expressed, in New Taiwan Dollar (“NT$”). Such financial statements
were translated into U.S. Dollars (“$” or “USD”) in accordance ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”,
with the NT$ as the functional currency. According to the Statement, all assets and liabilities are translated at the current exchange
rate, shareholder’s deficit are translated at the historical rates and income statement items are translated at an average exchange
rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of shareholders’
equity (deficit).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt
— Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity
(Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU
2020-06 simplifies the accounting for convertible debt by eliminating the beneficial conversion and cash conversion accounting models.
Upon adoption of ASU 2020-06, convertible debt, unless issued with a substantial premium or an embedded conversion feature that is not
clearly and closely related to the host contract, will no longer be allocated between debt and equity components. This modification will
reduce the issue discount and result in less non-cash interest expense in financial statements. ASU 2020-06 also updates the earnings
per share calculation and requires entities to assume share settlement when the convertible debt can be settled in cash or shares. For
contracts in an entity’s own equity, the type of contracts primarily affected by ASU 2020-06 are freestanding and embedded features
that are accounted for as derivatives under the current guidance due to a failure to meet the settlement assessment by removing the requirements
to (i) consider whether the contract would be settled in registered shares, (ii) consider whether collateral is required to be posted,
and (iii) assess shareholder rights. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted,
but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and only if adopted as of the beginning of such fiscal year. The Company
is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In
May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic
260), Debt — Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives
and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer’s Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges
of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options (“ASU 2021-04”). ASU 2021-04 provides guidance as to how an issuer
should account for a modification of the terms or conditions or an exchange of a freestanding equity-classified written call option (i.e.,
a warrant) that remains classified after modification or exchange as an exchange of the original instrument for a new instrument. An issuer
should measure the effect of a modification or exchange as the difference between the fair value of the modified or exchanged warrant
and the fair value of that warrant immediately before modification or exchange and then apply a recognition model that comprises four
categories of transactions and the corresponding accounting treatment for each category (equity issuance, debt origination, debt modification,
and modifications unrelated to equity issuance and debt origination or modification). ASU 2021-04 is effective for all entities for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity should apply the guidance provided
in ASU 2021-04 prospectively to modifications or exchanges occurring on or after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted for all
entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity elects to early adopt ASU 2021-04 in an interim period, the guidance should
be applied as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that
the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
65
Estimates and Assumptions
In preparing our consolidated financial statements,
we use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Our estimates are often based on complex judgments,
probabilities and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. We are also subject
to other risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from estimated amounts.
Results
of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022.
Revenues. We generated
$152,430 and $969,783 in revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease of $817,353, or
approximately 84%, was primarily caused by the completion of ongoing projects and waiting for new approval.
Operating Expenses . Our operating
expenses were $8,066,902 in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $15,797,780 in December 31, 2022. Such decrease in operating
expenses was mainly attributable to the decreased stock-based compensation and selling, general and administrative expenses, by $6,100,337,
and decreasing research and development expenses of $1,630,541.
Other Income (expense). The other expense was $2,437,773
in the year ending December 31, 2023, compared to other income of $400,184 on December 31, 2022. The change was principally caused by
the increase in interest expense, mainly from the convertible notes payable, while being offset by the increase in foreign exchange for
the year ended December 31, 2023, loss on investment in equity securities and decrease in impairment loss and investment loss for the
year ended December 31, 2023.
Interest
income (expense), net, was $(2,307,859) for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $(106,151) for
the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $(2,201,708), or approximately 2,074%, was primarily due to the increase in interest
expense due to recognition of interest expense for the converted notes for proper accounting purpose.
Net Loss. The net loss was $10,910,288
for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $16,312,374 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company reduce its net loss by
$5,061,086 or approximately 31% during the year ended December 31, 2023 from 2022, through more effective usage of funding and discontinuing
certain consulting services.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
As of
December 31,
2023
As of
December 31,
2022
Current Assets
$ 1,656,709
$ 2,987,247
Current Liabilities
$ 5,932,490
$ 5,543,628
Working (Deficit) Capital
$ (4,275,781 )
$ (2,556,381 )
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,
the net cash used in operating activities were ($4,235,845) and $7,398,391, respectively. The decrease in the amount of $3,162,546 was
primarily due to the increased account receivables, loss on investment in equity securities, loss and sales of treasury stock, accrued
expenses and other current liabilities, partially offset by the decreased net loss, gain on sales of investment in equity securities,
due from related parties, prepaid expenses, impairment loss, and stock-based compensation; and by the decrease of deferred tax during
the year ended December 31, 2023.
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
During
the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the net cash used in investing activities were $360,186 and $1,721,684, respectively. The
decrease in the amount of $1,361,498 was primarily due to the decrease in prepayment for equity investment and purchase of equipment,
while being offset by the increase in prepayment for long-term investments during the year ended December 31, 2023.
66
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and
2022, the net cash provided by financing activities were $3,918,960 and $4,013,925, respectively. The net cash provided by financing
activities decreased by $94,965, due to the increase in proceeds from convertible notes and issuance of warrants, partially offset
by the decrease in issuance of common stock, as well as decrease in proceeds from short-term loans, and repayment of short-term
notes during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2023, we did 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.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
67
Item
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto and the report of WWC P.C. CPA, our independent registered public accounting firm, are set forth on pages F-1 through F-38
of this Report.
PAGE
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB ID 1171)
PAGE
F-4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND DECEMBER 31, 2022.
PAGE
F-5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND DECEMBER 31, 2022.
PAGE
F-6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND DECEMBER 31, 2022.
PAGES
F-7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND DECEMBER 31, 2022.
PAGES
F-8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F- 1
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To: The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
ABVC BioPharma, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets of ABVC BioPharma, Inc., and subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023,
and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operation and comprehensive loss, cash flows, stockholders’ equity (deficit),
and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows in each of the years for the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s
Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying financial
statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements,
the Company incurred substantial losses during the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a working capital
deficit and net cash outflows from operating activities. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s 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.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial
statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in
accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required
to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion .
Our audits included performing
procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures
that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for
our opinion.
F- 2
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters
communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to
be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and
(2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter
in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit
matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Purchase of property via common stock
As described in Note 5
of the financial statements, the Company acquired the property by entered and governed by a complex cooperation agreement. The terms
and conditions of the agreement dictate the proper categorization and recognition of these property in the Company’s financial
statements. Accordingly, we have identified the purchase of property and equipment via common stock as a critical audit matter due to the
complexity of such cooperation agreements.
The primary audit procedures
we performed in order to address this critical audit matter were the following: (i) examined the cooperation agreement and other related
documents, evaluated the terms and conditions, (ii) gained an understanding of the structure set forth by the agreement by enquiring with
management, (iii) confirmed with the counterparty in the cooperation agreement with their understanding of the terms and conditions of
the cooperation agreements and compared their responses with the Company’s books and records, (iv) tested the reasonableness, completeness,
mathematical accuracy and relevance of key underlying data used in the valuation of the property. Common
stock, additional paid in capital and property and equipment, net is affected by this critical audit matter.
Stock-based compensation to third parties
As described in Note 12 of
the financial statements, the Company granted common stock to third parties as consideration to consultants for services rendered; these
grants were recorded as stock-based compensation expense in the Company’s results of operations. We identified the recognition of
stock-based compensation to non-employees as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments and assumptions made by management
to apply proper valuation and allocation to such grants.
The primary procedures we
performed in order to address this critical audit matter were the following: (i) obtained and examined the board meeting minutes, board
resolutions, and service contracts, (ii) evaluated the reasonableness of the fair value of services received from the non-employees receiving
the grants, either measured at the fair value at the outset of the contract, or around the completion date of the service contract and
compared those amounts against the fair value of the grants based on the prevailing market value. Common
stock, additional paid in capital and stock-based compensation is affected by this critical audit matter.
WWC, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
PCAOB ID No. 1171
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.
San Mateo, California
March 13, 2024
F- 3
ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 60,155
$ 85,265
Restricted cash
656,625
1,306,463
Accounts receivable, net
1,530
98,325
Accounts receivable – related parties, net
10,463
757,343
Due from related parties – current
747,573
513,819
Short-term investments
79,312
75,797
Prepaid expense and other current assets
101,051
150,235
Total Current Assets
1,656,709
2,987,247
Property and equipment, net
7,969,278
573,978
Operating lease right-of-use assets
809,283
1,161,141
Long-term investments
2,527,740
842,070
Deferred tax assets, net
-
117,110
Prepaid expenses – non-current
78,789
135,135
Security deposits
62,442
58,838
Prepayment for long-term investments
1,274,842
2,838,578
Due from related parties – non-current, net
113,516
865,477
Total Assets
$ 14,492,599
$ 9,579,574
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Short-term bank loans
$ 899,250
$ 1,893,750
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
3,696,380
2,909,587
Contract liabilities
79,500
10,985
Taxes payables
112,946
-
Operating lease liabilities – current portion
401,826
369,314
Due to related parties
173,132
359,992
Convertible notes payable – third parties, net
569,456
-
Total Current Liabilities
5,932,490
5,543,628
Tenant security deposit
21,680
7,980
Operating lease liability – non-current portion
407,457
791,827
Total Liabilities
6,361,627
6,343,435
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Equity
Preferred stock, $ 0.001 par value, 20,000,000 authorized, nil shares issued and outstanding
-
-
Common stock, $ 0.001 par value, 100,000,000 authorized, 7,940,298 and 3,286,190 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively (1)
7,940
3,286
Additional paid-in capital
82,636,966
67,937,050
Stock subscription receivable
( 451,480 )
( 1,354,440 )
Accumulated deficit
( 65,420,095 )
( 54,904,439 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
516,387
517,128
Treasury stock
( 8,901,668 )
( 9,100,000 )
Total Stockholders’ equity
8,388,050
3,098,585
Noncontrolling interest
( 257,078 )
137,554
Total Equity
8,130,972
3,236,139
Total Liabilities and Equity
$ 14,492,599
$ 9,579,574
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-10 reverse stock split effected on July 25, 2023.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
Revenues
$
152,430
$
969,783
Cost of revenues
302,037
286,415
Gross (loss) profit
( 149,607
)
683,368
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
5,368,278
6,067,545
Research and development expenses
1,062,916
2,693,457
Stock-based compensation
1,635,708
7,036,778
Total operating expenses
8,066,902
15,797,780
Loss from operations
( 8,216,509
)
( 15,114,412
)
Other income (expense)
Interest income
185,481
187,817
Interest expense
( 2,493,340
)
( 293,968
)
Operating sublease income
65,900
107,150
Impairment loss
-
( 110,125
)
Investment loss
-
( 7,446
)
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange changes
22,690
( 259,463
)
Loss on investment in equity securities
( 221,888
)
-
Other income (expenses)
3,384
( 24,149
)
Total other income (expenses)
( 2,437,773
)
( 400,184
)
Loss before provision income tax
( 10,654,282
)
( 15,514,596
)
Provision for income tax expense
256,006
797,778
Net loss
( 10,910,288
)
( 16,312,374
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
( 394,632
)
110,865
Net loss attributed to ABVC and subsidiaries
( 10,515,656
)
( 16,423,239
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
( 741
)
( 22,532
)
Comprehensive loss
$
( 10,516,397
)
$
( 16,445,771
)
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted
$
( 2.43
)
$
( 5.19
)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (1) :
Basic and diluted
4,335,650
3,166,460
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-10 reverse stock split effected on July 25, 2023.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
2023
2022
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
$ ( 10,910,288 )
$ ( 16,312,374 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation
28,531
23,799
Stock-based compensation
1,635,708
7,036,778
Inventory allowance for valuation losses
-
25,975
Provision for doubtful accounts
1,455,101
184,589
Other non-cash expenses
2,413,746
32,350
Impairment of prepaid expenses
-
110,125
Loss on investment in equity securities
221,888
-
Deferred tax expense
115,668
864,802
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
228,557
( 614,166 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets
101,926
238,092
Decrease (increase) in due from related parties
( 321,776 )
( 837,014 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities
786,793
1,608,784
Increase (decrease) in contract liabilities
68,515
-
Increase (decrease) in tenant security deposit
13,700
( 2,600 )
Increase (decrease) in Taxes payables
112,946
-
Increase (decrease) in due to related parties
( 186,860 )
242,469
Net cash used in operating activities
( 4,235,845 )
( 7,398,391 )
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of equipment
( 21,201 )
( 119,692 )
Prepayment for equity investment
( 338,985 )
( 1,601,992 )
Net cash used in investing activities
( 360,186 )
( 1,721,684 )
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common stock
1,050,000
3,663,925
Repayment of short-term bank loans
( 1,000,000 )
-
Proceeds from issuance of warrants
2,406,338
-
Proceeds from short-term bank loans
-
350,000
Proceeds from convertible notes payable
1,462,622
-
Net cash provided by financing activities
3,918,960
4,013,925
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
2,123
( 67,337 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
( 674,948 )
( 5,173,487 )
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning
1,391,728
6,565,215
Ending
$ 716,780
$ 1,391,728
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest expense paid
$ 33,180
$ 285,465
Income taxes paid
$ 27,392
$ 1,600
Non-cash financing and investing activities
Purchase of Property and equipment by issuing common stock to a third party
$ 7,400,000
$ -
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt
$ 3,306,112
$ -
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 6
ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Common
Stock
Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Treasury
Stock
Non
Stockholders’
Number
of
shares (1)
Amounts (1)
Subscription
Receivable
Paid-in
Capital (1)
Accumulated
Deficit
Comprehensive
Income
Number of
Shares (1)
Amount
controlling
Interest
Total
Equity
Balance
at December 31, 2021
2,893,089
$ 2,893
$ ( 2,257,400 )
$ 58,139,700
$ ( 38,481,200 )
$ 539,660
( 27,535 )
$ ( 9,100,000 )
$ 26,689
$ 8,870,342
Issuance
of common shares for cash
200,000
200
-
3,663,725
-
-
-
-
-
3,663,925
Issuance
of common shares for consulting service
193,101
193
-
4,891,695
-
-
-
-
-
4,891,888
Stock-based
compensation for services
-
-
902,960
-
-
-
-
-
-
902,960
Stock-based
compensation for options granted
-
-
-
1,241,930
-
-
-
-
-
1,241,930
Net
loss for the year
-
-
-
-
( 16,423,239 )
-
-
-
110,865
( 16,312,374 )
Cumulative
transaction adjustments
-
-
-
-
-
( 22,532 )
-
-
-
( 22,532 )
Balance
at December 31, 2022
3,286,190
$ 3,286
$ ( 1,354,440 )
$ 67,937,050
$ ( 54,904,439 )
$ 517,128
( 27,535 )
$ ( 9,100,000 )
$ 137,554
$ 3,236,139
Issuance
of common shares for cash
300,000
300
-
1,049,700
-
-
-
-
-
1,050,000
Issuance
of common shares for consulting service
51,941
52
-
732,696
-
-
-
-
-
732,748
Issuance
of common shares for property
370,000
370
-
7,399,630
-
-
-
-
-
7,400,000
Issuance
of common shares upon exercise of convertible notes
3,732,167
3,732
-
3,302,380
-
-
-
-
-
3,306,112
Warrant issued with convertible notes payable
-
-
-
1,706,338
-
-
-
-
-
1,706,338
Issuance
of pre-funded warrant
-
-
-
700,000
-
-
-
-
-
700,000
Exercise
of pre-funded warrant
200,000
200
-
( 200 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
Stock-based
compensation for services
-
-
902,960
-
-
-
-
-
-
902,960
Net
loss for the year
-
-
-
-
( 10,515,656 )
-
-
-
( 394,632 )
( 10,910,288 )
Cumulative
transaction adjustments
-
-
-
-
-
( 741 )
-
-
-
( 741 )
Distribute
as Employee Compensation
-
-
-
( 190,628 )
-
-
591
198,332
-
7,704
Balance
at December 31, 2023
7,940,298
$ 7,940
$ ( 451,480 )
$ 82,636,966
$ ( 65,420,095 )
$ 516,387
( 26,553 )
$ ( 8,901,668 )
$ ( 257,078 )
$ 8,130,972
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-10 reverse stock split effected on July 25, 2023.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 7
ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
ABVC BioPharma, Inc. (the “Company”),
formerly known as American BriVision (Holding) Corporation, a Nevada corporation, through the Company’s operating entity, American
BriVision Corporation (“BriVision”), which was incorporated in July 2015 in the State of Delaware, engages in biotechnology
to fulfill unmet medical needs and focuses on the development of new drugs and medical devices derived from plants. BriVision develops
its pipeline by carefully tracking new medical discoveries or medical device technologies in research institutions in the Asia-Pacific
region. Pre-clinical, disease animal model and Phase I safety studies are examined closely by the Company to identify drugs that BriVision
believes demonstrate efficacy and safety. Once a drug appears to be a good candidate for development and ultimately commercialization,
BriVision licenses the drug or medical device from the original researchers and begins to introduce the drugs clinical plan to highly
respected principal investigators in the United States, Australia and Taiwan to conduct a Phase II clinical trial. At present, clinical
trials for the Company’s drugs and medical devices are being conducted at such world-famous institutions as Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center (“MSKCC”) and MD Anderson Cancer Center. BriVision had no predecessor operations prior to its formation on July
21, 2015.
Acquisition of AiBtl BioPharma Inc.
On November 12, 2023, the Company and one of its
subsidiaries, BioLite, Inc. (“BioLite Taiwan”) each entered into a multi-year, global licensing agreement with AiBtl BioPharma
Inc. (“AIBL”, or the acquired company) for the Company and BioLite Taiwan’s CNS drugs with the indications of MDD (Major
Depressive Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) (collectively, the “Licensed Products”). The potential
license will cover the Licensed Products’ clinical trial, registration, manufacturing, supply, and distribution rights. The parties
are determined to collaborate on the global development of the Licensed Products. The parties are also working to strengthen new drug
development and business collaboration, including technology, interoperability, and standards development. As per each of the respective
agreements, each of ABVC and BioLite Taiwan received 23 million shares of AIBL stock and as a result, the Company has a controlling interest
over AIBL. If certain milestones are met, the Company and BioLite Taiwan are each eligible to receive $ 3,500,000 and royalties equaling
5 % of net sales, up to $ 100 million.
The Company concluded the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed did not meet the definition of a business as a limited number of inputs were acquired but no substantive business
processes or signs of output were acquired. As such, the acquisition was accounted for as an asset purchase. The purchase consideration
was nonmonetary assets (patent) and transfer on November12, 2023. The equity interest transferred to ABVC and BioLite Taiwan on December
15, 2023.
F- 8
2. LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity
with U.S. GAAP which contemplates continuation of the Company on a going concern basis. The going concern basis assumes that assets are
realized, and liabilities are settled in the ordinary course of business at amounts disclosed in the financial statements. The Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern depends upon its ability to market and sell its products to generate positive operating cash flows.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company reported net loss of $ 10,910,288 . As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s working
capital deficit was $ 4,275,781 . In addition, the Company had net cash outflows of $ 4,235,845 from operating activities for
the year ended December 31, 2023. These conditions give rise to substantial doubt as to whether the Company will be able to continue as
a going concern.
To sustain its ability to support the Company’s
operating activities, the Company may have to consider supplementing its available sources of funds through the following sources:
● cash
generated from operations;
● other
available sources of financing from Taiwan banks and other financial institutions; and
● financial
support from the Company’s related party and shareholders.
Management’s plan is to continue improve operations to generate
positive cash flows and raise additional capital through private or public offerings, or financial support from related parties or shareholders.
If the Company is not able to generate positive operating cash flows, and raise additional capital, there is the risk that the Company
may not be able to meet its short-term obligations. All of these factors raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern.
The audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not
include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classifications of assets or the amounts and
classifications of liabilities that may result from the inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (the “U.S. GAAP”) and
pursuant to the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All significant intercompany transactions
and account balances have been eliminated.
Reclassifications of Prior Year Presentation
Certain prior year unaudited consolidated balance
sheet and unaudited consolidated cash flow statement amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation.
These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations.
Fiscal Year
The Company changed its fiscal year from the period
beginning on October 1st and ending on September 30th to the period beginning on January 1st and ending on December 31st, beginning January
1, 2018.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America 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 consolidated
financial statements and the amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ materially from
those results.
F- 9
Stock Reverse Split
On July 25, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate
of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation authorizing a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of its common
stock. The Company’s stockholders previously approved the Reverse Stock Split at the Company’s Special Shareholder Meeting
held on July 7, 2023. The Reverse Stock Split was effected to reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares and to increase the per
share trading value of the Company’s common stock, although that outcome is not guaranteed. In turn, the Company believes that the
Reverse Stock Split will enable the Company to restore compliance with certain continued listing standards of NASDAQ Capital Market. All
shares and related financial information in this Form 10-K reflect this 1-for-10 reverse stock split.
Fair Value Measurements
FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements”
defines fair value for certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value, establishes a framework
for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. It requires that an entity measure its financial instruments
to base fair value on exit price, maximize the use of observable units and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to determine the exit
price. It establishes a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy increases
the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and related disclosures by maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing
the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the
assumptions market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities based on market data obtained from sources independent
of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants
would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy prioritizes
the inputs into three broad levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows:
●
Level 1– Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical
assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Valuation of these instruments does not require
a high degree of judgment as the valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available.
●
Level 2– Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that
are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted
prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially
the full term of the assets or liabilities.
●
Level 3– Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and
not corroborated by market data. The fair value for such assets and liabilities is generally determined using pricing models, discounted
cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or
liability.
F- 10
The carrying values of certain assets and liabilities
of the Company, such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, due from related parties, inventory, prepaid
expenses and other current assets, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and due to related parties approximate fair value due
to their relatively short maturities. The carrying value of the Company’s short-term bank loans, convertible notes payable, and accrued
interest approximates their fair value as the terms of the borrowing are consistent with current market rates and the duration to maturity
is short. The carrying value of the Company’s long-term bank loan approximates fair value because the interest rates approximate
market rates that the Company could obtain for debt with similar terms and maturities.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company’s financial instruments that
are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and temporary
cash investments in high quality credit institutions, but these investments may be in excess of Taiwan Central Deposit Insurance Corporation
and the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insurance limits. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for
hedging, trading or speculative purposes.
We perform ongoing credit evaluation of our customers
and requires no collateral. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on a review of the collectability of accounts receivable.
We determine the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts by examining its historical collection experience and current trends in the
credit quality of its customers as well as its internal credit policies. Actual credit losses may differ from our estimates.
Concentration of Clients
As of December 31, 2023, the most major client,
specializes in developing and commercializing of dietary supplements and therapeutics in dietary supplement industry, accounted for 87.24 %
of the Company’s total account receivable.
As of December 31, 2022, the most major clients,
specializes in developing and commercializing of dietary supplements and therapeutics in dietary supplement industry, accounted for 71.89 %
of the Company’s total account receivable; the second major client with its Chairman being the Board of Director of BioKey, accounted
for 16.62 % of the Company’s total account receivable.
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, the most major client, distributing nutritional supplement in Asia Pacific, accounted for 80.04 % of
the Company’s total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2022, one major client, who is a Shareholder of the Company that works
in development and commercialization of new drugs in Taiwan, accounted for 93.22 % of the Company’s total revenues.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers highly liquid investments with maturities of
three months or less to be cash equivalents when purchased. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents
amounted to $ 60,155 and $ 85,265 , respectively. Some of the Company’s cash deposits are held in financial institutions located
in Taiwan where there is currently regulation mandated on obligatory insurance of bank accounts. The Company believes this financial institution
is of high credit quality.
F- 11
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consist of cash held
in a reserve bank account in Taiwan. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s restricted cash amounted $ 656,625 and $ 1,306,463 ,
respectively.
Inventory
Inventory consists of raw materials, work-in-process,
finished goods, and merchandise. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and valued on a moving weighted average cost basis.
Market is determined based on net realizable value. The Company periodically reviews the age and turnover of its inventory to determine
whether any inventory has become obsolete or has declined in value, and incurs a charge to operations for known and anticipated inventory
obsolescence.
Accounts
receivable and allowance for expected credit losses accounts
Accounts receivable is recorded and carried at
the original invoiced amount less an allowance for any potential uncollectible amounts.
The Company make estimates of expected credit
and collectability trends for the allowance for credit losses and allowance for unbilled receivables based upon our assessment of various
factors, including historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of customers, current economic conditions
reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and other factors that may affect our ability to collect from customers.
The provision is recorded against accounts receivable balances, with a corresponding charge recorded in the consolidated statements of income.
Actual amounts received may differ from management’s estimate of credit worthiness and the economic environment. Delinquent account
balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined that the likelihood of collection
is not probable.
Allowance
for expected credit losses accounts was $ 616,505 and $ 194,957 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
During the fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified
retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, and applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment
to the opening balance of accumulated deficit at the beginning of 2018 for the cumulative effect. The results for the Company’s
reporting periods beginning on and after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and
continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. Based on the Company’s review of existing
collaborative agreements as of January 1, 2018, the Company concluded that the adoption of the new guidance did not have a significant
change on the Company’s revenue during all periods presented.
Pursuant to ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue
when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects
to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines is within
the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance
obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations
in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step
model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration the Company is entitled to in exchange for the
goods or services the Company transfers to the customers. At inception of the contract, once the contract is determined to be within the
scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract, determines those that are performance obligations,
and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price
that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
F- 12
The following are examples of when the Company
recognizes revenue based on the types of payments the Company receives.
Collaborative Revenues — The Company
recognizes collaborative revenues generated through collaborative research, development and/or commercialization agreements. The terms
of these agreements typically include payment to the Company related to one or more of the following: non-refundable upfront license fees,
development and commercial milestones, partial or complete reimbursement of research and development costs, and royalties on net sales
of licensed products. Each type of payments results in collaborative revenues except for revenues from royalties on net sales of licensed
products, which are classified as royalty revenues. To date, the Company has not received any royalty revenues. Revenue is recognized
upon satisfaction of a performance obligation by transferring control of a good or service to the collaboration partners.
As part of the accounting for these arrangements,
the Company applies judgment to determine whether the performance obligations are distinct, and develop assumptions in determining the
stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation identified in the collaboration agreements. To determine the stand-alone
selling price, the Company relies on assumptions which may include forecasted revenues, development timelines, reimbursement rates for
R&D personnel costs, discount rates and probabilities of technical and regulatory success.
The Company had multiple deliverables under the
collaborative agreements, including deliverables relating to grants of technology licenses, regulatory and clinical development, and
marketing activities. Estimation of the performance periods of the Company’s deliverables requires the use of management’s
judgment. Significant factors considered in management’s evaluation of the estimated performance periods include, but are not limited
to, the Company’s experience in conducting clinical development, regulatory and manufacturing activities. The Company reviews the
estimated duration of its performance periods under its collaborative agreements on an annually basis, and makes any appropriate adjustments
on a prospective basis. Future changes in estimates of the performance period under its collaborative agreements could impact the timing
of future revenue recognition.
(i) Non-refundable upfront payments
If a license to the Company’s intellectual
property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in an arrangement, the Company recognizes revenue
from the related non-refundable upfront payments based on the relative standalone selling price prescribed to the license compared to
the total selling price of the arrangement. The revenue is recognized when the license is transferred to the collaboration partners and
the collaboration partners are able to use and benefit from the license. To date, the receipt of non-refundable upfront fees was solely
for the compensation of past research efforts and contributions made by the Company before the collaborative agreements entered into and
it does not relate to any future obligations and commitments made between the Company and the collaboration partners in the collaborative
agreements.
(ii) Milestone payments
The Company is eligible to receive milestone payments
under the collaborative agreement with collaboration partners based on achievement of specified development, regulatory and commercial
events. Management evaluated the nature of the events triggering these contingent payments, and concluded that these events fall into
two categories: (a) events which involve the performance of the Company’s obligations under the collaborative agreement with collaboration
partners, and (b) events which do not involve the performance of the Company’s obligations under the collaborative agreement with
collaboration partners.
The former category of milestone payments consists
of those triggered by development and regulatory activities in the territories specified in the collaborative agreements. Management concluded
that each of these payments constitute substantive milestone payments. This conclusion was based primarily on the facts that (i) each
triggering event represents a specific outcome that can be achieved only through successful performance by the Company of one or more
of its deliverables, (ii) achievement of each triggering event was subject to inherent risk and uncertainty and would result in additional
payments becoming due to the Company, (iii) each of the milestone payments is non-refundable, (iv) substantial effort is required to complete
each milestone, (v) the amount of each milestone payment is reasonable in relation to the value created in achieving the milestone, (vi)
a substantial amount of time is expected to pass between the upfront payment and the potential milestone payments, and (vii) the milestone
payments relate solely to past performance. Based on the foregoing, the Company recognizes any revenue from these milestone payments in
the period in which the underlying triggering event occurs.
(iii) Multiple Element Arrangements
The Company evaluates multiple element arrangements
to determine (1) the deliverables included in the arrangement and (2) whether the individual deliverables represent separate units of
accounting or whether they must be accounted for as a combined unit of accounting. This evaluation involves subjective determinations
and requires management to make judgments about the individual deliverables and whether such deliverables are separate from other aspects
of the contractual relationship. Deliverables are considered separate units of accounting provided that: (i) the delivered item(s) has
value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s),
delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially within its control. In assessing whether an
item under a collaboration has standalone value, the Company considers factors such as the research, manufacturing, and commercialization
capabilities of the collaboration partner and the availability of the associated expertise in the general marketplace. The Company also
considers whether its collaboration partners can use the other deliverable(s) for their intended purpose without the receipt of the remaining
element(s), whether the value of the deliverable is dependent on the undelivered item(s), and whether there are other vendors that can
provide the undelivered element(s).
F- 13
The Company recognizes arrangement consideration
allocated to each unit of accounting when all of the revenue recognition criteria in ASC 606 are satisfied for that particular unit of
accounting. In the event that a deliverable does not represent a separate unit of accounting, the Company recognizes revenue from the
combined unit of accounting over the Company’s contractual or estimated performance period for the undelivered elements, which is
typically the term of the Company’s research and development obligations. If there is no discernible pattern of performance or objectively
measurable performance measures do not exist, then the Company recognizes revenue under the arrangement on a straight-line basis over
the period the Company is expected to complete its performance obligations. Conversely, if the pattern of performance in which the service
is provided to the customer can be determined and objectively measurable performance measures exist, then the Company recognizes revenue
under the arrangement using the proportional performance method. Revenue recognized is limited to the lesser of the cumulative amount
of payments received or the cumulative amount of revenue earned, as determined using the straight-line method or proportional performance
method, as applicable, as of the period ending date.
At the inception of an arrangement that includes
milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether each milestone is substantive and at risk to both parties on the basis of the contingent
nature of the milestone. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether: (1) the consideration is commensurate with either the Company’s
performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of a specific outcome resulting
from its performance to achieve the milestone, (2) the consideration relates solely to past performance and (3) the consideration is reasonable
relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. The Company evaluates factors such as the scientific, clinical,
regulatory, commercial, and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the particular milestone and the level of effort and investment
required to achieve the particular milestone in making this assessment. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether
a milestone satisfies all of the criteria required to conclude that a milestone is substantive. Milestones that are not considered substantive
are recognized as earned if there are no remaining performance obligations or over the remaining period of performance, assuming all other
revenue recognition criteria are met.
(iv) Royalties and Profit Sharing Payments
Under the collaborative agreement with the collaboration
partners, the Company is entitled to receive royalties on sales of products, which is at certain percentage of the net sales. The Company
recognizes revenue from these events based on the revenue recognition criteria set forth in ASC 606. Based on those criteria, the Company
considers these payments to be contingent revenues, and recognizes them as revenue in the period in which the applicable contingency is
resolved.
Revenues Derived from Research and Development
Activities Services — Revenues related to research and development and regulatory activities are recognized when the related services
or activities are performed, in accordance with the contract terms. The Company typically has only one performance obligation at the inception
of a contract, which is to perform research and development services. The Company may also provide its customers with an option to request
that the Company provides additional goods or services in the future, such as active pharmaceutical ingredient, API, or IND/NDA/ANDA/510K
submissions. The Company evaluates whether these options are material rights at the inception of the contract. If the Company determines
an option is a material right, the Company will consider the option a separate performance obligation.
If the Company is entitled to reimbursement from
its customers for specified research and development expenses, the Company accounts for the related services that it provides as separate
performance obligations if it determines that these services represent a material right. The Company also determines whether the reimbursement
of research and development expenses should be accounted for as revenues or an offset to research and development expenses in accordance
with provisions of gross or net revenue presentation. The Company recognizes the corresponding revenues or records the corresponding offset
to research and development expenses as it satisfies the related performance obligations.
The Company then determines the transaction price
by reviewing the amount of consideration the Company is eligible to earn under the contracts, including any variable consideration. Under
the outstanding contracts, consideration typically includes fixed consideration and variable consideration in the form of potential milestone
payments. At the start of an agreement, the Company’s transaction price usually consists of the payments made to or by the Company
based on the number of full-time equivalent researchers assigned to the project and the related research and development expenses incurred.
The Company does not typically include any payments that the Company may receive in the future in its initial transaction price because
the payments are not probable. The Company would reassess the total transaction price at each reporting period to determine if the Company
should include additional payments in the transaction price.
The Company receives payments from its customers
based on billing schedules established in each contract. Upfront payments and fees may be recorded as advance from customers upon receipt
or when due, and may require deferral of revenue recognition to a future period until the Company performs its obligations under these
arrangements. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when the right of the Company to consideration is unconditional. The Company
does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period
between payment by the customers and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customers will be one year or less.
F- 14
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net is carried at cost
net of accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that improve the functionality of the
related asset or extend the useful life are capitalized. When property and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related
gain or loss is included in operating income. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on the straight-line method over the shorter of the
remaining lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method, including property
and equipment under capital leases, generally based on the following useful lives:
Estimated Life
in Years
Buildings and leasehold improvements
5 ~ 50
Machinery and equipment
5 ~ 10
Office equipment
3 ~ 6
Construction-in-Progress
The Company acquires constructions that constructs
certain of its fixed assets. All direct and indirect costs that are related to the construction of fixed assets and incurred before the
assets are ready for their intended use are capitalized as construction-in-progress. No depreciation is provided in respect of construction-in-progress.
Construction in progress is transferred to specific fixed asset items and depreciation of these assets commences when they are ready for
their intended use.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification
subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360-10”). ASC 360-10 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable
intangibles held and used by the Company be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment annually or more often if events
and circumstances warrant. Events relating to recoverability may include significant unfavorable changes in business conditions, recurring
losses, or a forecasted inability to achieve break-even operating results over an extended period. Should impairment in value be indicated,
the carrying value of intangible assets will be adjusted, based on estimates of future discounted cash flows resulting from the use and
ultimate disposition of the asset. ASC 360-10 also requires assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or
the fair value less costs to sell.
Long-term Equity Investment
The Company acquires the equity investments to
promote business and strategic objectives. The Company accounts for non-marketable equity and other equity investments for which the Company
does not have control over the investees as:
●
Equity method investments when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Its proportionate share of the income or loss is recognized monthly and is recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments.
●
Non-marketable cost method investments when the equity method does not apply.
Significant judgment is required to identify whether an impairment
exists in the valuation of the Company’s non-marketable equity investments, and therefore the Company considers this a critical
accounting estimate. Its yearly analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant impact on the
investee’s fair value. Qualitative analysis of its investments involves understanding the financial performance and near-term prospects
of the investee, changes in general market conditions in the investee’s industry or geographic area, and the management and governance
structure of the investee. Quantitative assessments of the fair value of its investments are developed using the market and income approaches.
The market approach includes the use of comparable financial metrics of private and public companies and recent financing rounds. The
income approach includes the use of a discounted cash flow model, which requires significant estimates regarding the investees’
revenue, costs, and discount rates. The Company’s assessment of these factors in determining whether an impairment exists could
change in the future due to new developments or changes in applied assumptions.
F- 15
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
The Company’s long-term equity investments
are subject to a periodic impairment review. Impairments affect earnings as follows:
●
Marketable equity securities include the consideration of general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is below cost, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value in the foreseeable future. The Company also considers specific adverse conditions related to the financial health of, and the business outlook for, the investee, which may include industry and sector performance, changes in technology, operational and financing cash flow factors, and changes in the investee’s credit rating. The Company records other-than-temporary impairments on marketable equity securities and marketable equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments.
● Non-marketable equity investments based on the Company’s assessment of the severity and duration of the impairment, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the operating performance of the investee; adverse changes in market conditions and the regulatory or economic environment; changes in operating structure or management of the investee; additional funding requirements; and the investee’s ability to remain in business. A series of operating losses of an investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred that is other than temporary and that shall be recognized even though the decrease in value is in excess of what would otherwise be recognized by application of the equity method. A loss in value of an investment that is other than a temporary decline shall be recognized. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the investment. The Company records other-than-temporary impairments for non-marketable cost method investments and equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments.
Other-than-temporary impairments of equity investments were $ 0 and $0 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Goodwill
The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment
annually or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In testing
goodwill for impairment, the Company may elect to utilize a qualitative assessment to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that
the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment
is more likely than not, the Company performs a two-step impairment test. The Company tests goodwill for impairment under the two-step
impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined
to be less than the book value or qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a second step
is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value.
The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our
best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on expected category expansion, pricing, market segment share,
and general economic conditions.
The Company completed the required testing of
goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2023, and determined that goodwill was impaired because of the current financial condition
of the Company and the Company’s inability to generate future operating income without substantial sales volume increases, which
are highly uncertain. Furthermore, the Company anticipates future cash flows indicate that the recoverability of goodwill is not reasonably
assured.
Convertible Notes Payable
The Company accounts for the convertible notes
issued at a discount, by comparing the principal amount and book value, with the calculation of discounted method. The Company assess
the discount per month. The amortization period of the promissory note is 18 months.
Beneficial Conversion Feature
From
time to time, the Company may issue convertible notes that may contain an imbedded beneficial conversion feature. A beneficial conversion
feature exists on the date a convertible note is issued when the fair value of the underlying common stock to which the note is convertible
into is in excess of the remaining unallocated proceeds of the note after first considering the allocation of a portion of the note proceeds
to the fair value of the warrants, if related warrants have been granted. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature is
recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding amount to additional paid in capital. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense
over the life of the note using the effective interest method.
F- 16
Warrants
The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified
or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance
in FASB ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”).
The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability
pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether
the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common shares and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net
cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This
assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly
period end date while the warrants are outstanding. The Company determined that upon further review of the warrant agreement, the Public
Warrants issued pursuant to the warrant agreement qualify for equity accounting treatment.
For
issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component
of equity at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants
are required to be recorded as liabilities at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter.
Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations.
Research and Development Expenses
The Company accounts for the cost of using licensing
rights in research and development cost according to ASC Topic 730-10-25-1. This guidance provides that absent alternative future uses
the acquisition of product rights to be used in research and development activities must be charged to research and development expenses
when incurred.
The Company accounts for R&D costs in accordance
with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 730, Research and Development (“ASC 730”). Research and development
expenses are charged to expense as incurred unless there is an alternative future use in other research and development projects or otherwise.
Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including personnel-related
costs, facilities-related overhead, and outside contracted services including clinical trial costs, manufacturing and process development
costs for both clinical and preclinical materials, research costs, and other consulting services. Non-refundable advance payment for goods
and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when
the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made. In instances where the Company enters into agreements with third parties
to provide research and development services, costs are expensed as services are performed.
Post-retirement and post-employment benefits
The Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan adopted
the government mandated defined contribution plan pursuant to the Labor Pension Act (the “Act”) in Taiwan. Such labor regulations
require that the rate of contribution made by an employer to the Labor Pension Fund per month shall not be less than 6 % of the worker’s
monthly salaries. Pursuant to the Act, the Company makes monthly contribution equal to 6 % of employees’ salaries to the employees’
pension fund. The Company has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. The total amounts for such employee
benefits, which were expensed as incurred, were $ 10,314 and $ 13,031 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Other than the above, the Company does not provide any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company measures expense associated with all
employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and recognizes such expense in the consolidated financial statements
on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation”.
Total employee stock-based compensation expenses were $ 0 and $ 1,241,930 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company accounted for stock-based compensation
to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation” and FASB ASC Topic 505-50 “Equity-Based
Payments to Non-Employees” which requires that the cost of services received from non-employees is measured at fair value at the
earlier of the performance commitment date or the date service is completed and recognized over the period the service is provided. Total
non-employee stock-based compensation expenses were $ 1,635,708 and $ 5,794,848 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
F- 17
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the
asset and liability approach which allows the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets to be based upon the likelihood of realization
of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will expire before the Company
is able to realize their benefits, or future deductibility is uncertain.
Under ASC 740, a tax position is recognized as
a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination
being presumed to occur. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step is to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not
that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigations based on the technical
merits of that position. The second step is to measure a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold to determine the amount
of benefits recognized in the financial statements. A tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50
percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition
threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent period in which the threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that
no longer meet the more-likely-than-not criteria should be de-recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the
threshold is no longer satisfied. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense
in the year incurred. No significant penalty or interest relating to income taxes has been incurred for the years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022. GAAP also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures
and transition.
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets
A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the
Company’s deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the need for the valuation
allowance, management considers, among other things, projections of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning
strategies. If the Company determines that sufficient negative evidence exists, then it will consider recording a valuation allowance
against a portion or all of the deferred tax assets in that jurisdiction. If, after recording a valuation allowance, the Company’s
projections of future taxable income and other positive evidence considered in evaluating the need for a valuation allowance prove, with
the benefit of hindsight, to be inaccurate, it could prove to be more difficult to support the realization of its deferred tax assets.
As a result, an additional valuation allowance could be required, which would have an adverse impact on its effective income tax rate
and results. Conversely, if, after recording a valuation allowance, the Company determines that sufficient positive evidence exists in
the jurisdiction in which the valuation allowance was recorded, it may reverse a portion or all of the valuation allowance in that jurisdiction.
In such situations, the adjustment made to the deferred tax asset would have a favorable impact on its effective income tax rate and results
in the period such determination was made.
F- 18
Loss Per Share of Common Stock
The Company calculates net loss per share in accordance
with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share”. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed similar to basic loss per share except that
the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common
stock equivalents had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Diluted earnings per share excludes all dilutive
potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has adopted ASC Topic 450 “Contingencies”
subtopic 20, in determining its accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies
are accrued by a charge to income when information available before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued indicates
that it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount
of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency
is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably
possible that a material loss could be incurred.
Foreign-currency Transactions
For the Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan,
the foreign-currency transactions are recorded in New Taiwan dollars (“NTD”) at the rates of exchange in effect when the transactions
occur. Gains or losses resulting from the application of different foreign exchange rates when cash in foreign currency is converted into
New Taiwan dollars, or when foreign-currency receivables or payables are settled, are credited or charged to income in the year of conversion
or settlement. On the balance sheet dates, the balances of foreign-currency assets and liabilities are restated at the prevailing exchange
rates and the resulting differences are charged to current income except for those foreign currencies denominated investments in shares
of stock where such differences are accounted for as translation adjustments under the Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).
Translation Adjustment
The accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries
in Taiwan were maintained, and their financial statements were expressed, in New Taiwan Dollar (“NT$”). Such financial statements
were translated into U.S. Dollars (“$” or “USD”) in accordance ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”,
with the NT$ as the functional currency. According to the Statement, all assets and liabilities are translated at the current exchange
rate, stockholder’s deficit are translated at the historical rates and income statement items are translated at an average exchange
rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of stockholders’
equity (deficit).
Recent Accounti
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