UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
☒
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2024
Commission
File Number: 001-27072
AIM
IMMUNOTECH INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
52-0845822
(State
or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S.
Employer
incorporation
or organization)
Identification
No.)
2117
SW Highway 484 , Ocala FL 34473
(Address
of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(352)
448-7797
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
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
AIM
NYSE
American
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
☒
Yes ☐ No
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was
required to submit and post such files).
☒
Yes ☐ No
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller
reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
☐
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☒
Non-accelerated filer
☒
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 pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
57,136,680
shares of common stock were outstanding, and no shares of series B preferred stock were outstanding as of August 12, 2024.
PART
I- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM
1 : Financial Statements
AIM
IMMUNOTECH INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in
thousands, except for share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited
June 30, 2024 and Audited December 31, 2023)
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash
equivalents
$ 3,554
$ 5,439
Marketable securities
6,507
7,631
Funds receivable from New
Jersey net operating loss
—
1,184
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
300
302
Total
current assets
10,361
14,556
Property and equipment, net
109
127
Right of use asset, net
700
697
Patent and trademark rights, net
2,491
2,313
Other assets
2,054
1,688
Total
assets
$ 15,715
$ 19,381
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 5,455
$ 6,443
Accrued expenses
799
1,986
Current portion of operating
lease liability
234
223
Current
portion of note payable, net
2,354
—
Total
current liabilities
8,842
8,652
Long-term liabilities:
Operating lease liability
488
495
Note payable, net
283
—
Total
liabilities
9,613
9,147
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 12 and
13)
-
-
Stockholders’ equity:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock, $ 0.001
par value, 4,000,000 and 250,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively: issued and outstanding
– none
—
—
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, stated
value $ 1,000 per share, 10,000 shares authorized; no issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and 689 issued and outstanding as
December 31, 2023
—
689
Common Stock, $ 0.001 par value, authorized
shares - 350,000,000 ; issued and outstanding shares 57,136,680 and 49,102,484 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
57
49
Additional paid-in capital
423,206
419,004
Accumulated deficit
( 417,161 )
( 409,508 )
Total
stockholders’ equity
6,102
10,234
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 15,715
$ 19,381
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
AIM
IMMUNOTECH INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(in
thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Three
months ended June 30,
Six
months ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenues:
Clinical
treatment programs - US
$ 50
$ 42
$ 90
$ 91
Total Revenues
50
42
90
91
Costs and Expenses:
Production costs
8
—
16
—
Research and development
1,145
2,953
3,096
5,005
General
and administrative
2,591
2,550
6,406
4,841
Total Costs and Expenses
3,744
5,503
9,518
9,846
Operating loss
( 3,694 )
( 5,461 )
( 9,428 )
( 9,755 )
Gain (Loss) on investments
( 85 )
( 94 )
( 177 )
109
Interest and other income
2,580
318
2,661
517
Interest expense and other
finance costs
( 179 )
—
( 251 )
—
(Loss) on sale of fixed
assets
—
—
—
( 23 )
(Loss) on warrant issuance
( 458
)
—
( 458
)
—
Gain
from sale of income tax operating losses
—
328
—
582
Net Loss
$ ( 1,836 )
$ ( 4,909 )
$ ( 7,653 )
$ ( 8,570 )
Basic and diluted loss per share
$ ( 0.03 )
$ ( 0.10 )
$ ( 0.15 )
$ ( 0.18 )
Weighted average shares outstanding basic and diluted
52,837,477
48,411,251
51,161,956
48,405,675
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
AIM
IMMUNOTECH INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For
the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
(in
thousands except share data)
(Unaudited)
Series
B
Preferred Shares
Common
Stock
Shares
Common
Stock .001
Par Value
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance December 31, 2023
$ 689
49,102,484
$ 49
$ 419,004
$ —
$ ( 409,508 )
$ 10,234
Common stock issuance, net of costs
—
807,577
1
328
—
—
329
Cashless Exercise of Warrants
—
3,272
—
—
—
—
—
Equity-based compensation
—
—
—
80
—
—
80
Committed shares
—
338,600
—
—
—
—
—
Net comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
—
( 5,817 )
( 5,817 )
Balance March 31, 2024
$ 689
50,251,933
$ 50
$ 419,412
$ —
$ ( 415,325 )
$ 4,826
Common stock issuance, net of costs
—
6,884,747
7
525
—
—
532
Issuance of w arrants
—
—
—
2,500
—
—
2,500
Equity-based compensation
—
—
—
80
—
—
80
Series B preferred shares expired
( 689 )
—
—
689
—
—
—
Net comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
—
( 1,836 )
( 1,836 )
Balance June 30, 2024
$ —
57,136,680
$ 57
$ 423,206
$ —
$ ( 417,161 )
$ 6,102
Series
B
Preferred Shares
Common
Stock
Shares
Common
Stock .001
Par Value
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance December 31, 2022
$ 696
48,084,287
$ 48
$ 418,270
$ —
$ ( 380,546 )
$ 38,468
Common stock issuance, net of costs
—
323,039
—
100
—
—
100
Equity-based compensation
—
—
—
82
—
—
82
Series B preferred shares converted to common
shares
( 4 )
—
—
4
—
—
—
Net comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
—
( 3,661 )
( 3,661 )
Balance March 31, 2023
$ 692
48,407,326
$ 48
$ 418,456
—
$ ( 384,207 )
$ 34,989
Balance
$ 692
48,407,326
$ 48
$ 418,456
—
$ ( 384,207 )
$ 34,989
Common stock issuance, net of costs
—
12,165
—
5
—
—
5
Equity-based compensation
—
—
—
50
—
—
50
Series B preferred shares converted to common
shares
( 2 )
—
—
2
—
—
—
Net Comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
—
( 4,909 )
( 4,909 )
Balance June 30, 2023
$ 690
48,419,491
$ 48
$ 418,513
$ —
$ ( 389,116 )
$ 30,135
Balance
$ 690
48,419,491
$ 48
$ 418,513
$ —
$ ( 389,116 )
$ 30,135
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
AIM
IMMUNOTECH INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
For
the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
(in
thousands)
(Unaudited)
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$ ( 7,653 )
$ ( 8,570 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation of property
and equipment
18
21
Amortization of patent,
trademark rights
101
106
Changes in right of use assets
150
48
Gain from sale of income
tax operating losses
—
( 582 )
Equity-based compensation
160
132
Loss (gain) on sale of
marketable securities
177
( 109 )
Loss on issuance of warrants
458
—
Amortization of financial
obligation
270
—
Change in assets and liabilities:
Funds receivable from New
Jersey net operating loss
1,181
1,676
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets and other non-current assets
5
17
Lease liability
( 149 )
( 34 )
Other assets
( 366 )
( 39 )
Accounts payable
( 988 )
1,774
Accrued
expenses
( 1,187 )
( 278 )
Net cash used in operating
activities
( 7,823 )
( 5,838 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of marketable
securities
1,105
598
Purchase of marketable
securities
( 158 )
( 712 )
Proceeds from sale of property
and equipment
—
35
Purchase
of patent and trademark rights
( 279 )
( 203 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
668
( 282 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of stock,
net of issuance costs
856
105
Proceeds
from note payable, net of issuance costs
2,367
—
Proceeds from issuance of equity warrants
2,047
—
Net cash provided by
financing activities
5,270
105
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
( 1,885 )
( 6,015 )
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period
5,439
27,053
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period
$ 3,554
$ 21,038
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing
and financing cash flow information:
Operating
lease-Right of Use Assets
$ 3
$ ( 48 )
Unrealized
gain on marketable securities
$ 42
$ 196
Conversion
of Series B preferred
$ —
$ 6
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
AIM
IMMUNOTECH INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note
1: Business and Basis of Presentation
AIM
ImmunoTech Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “AIM”, “Company”, “we” or “us”) are
an immuno-pharma company headquartered in Ocala, Florida, and focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple
types of cancers, viral diseases and immune-deficiency disorders. We have established a strong foundation of laboratory, pre-clinical
and clinical data with respect to the development of nucleic acids and natural interferon to enhance the natural antiviral defense system
of the human body, and to aid the development of therapeutic products for the treatment of certain cancers and chronic diseases.
AIM’s
flagship products are Ampligen (rintatolimod) and Alferon N Injection (Interferon alfa). Ampligen is a double-stranded RNA (“dsRNA”)
molecule being developed for globally important cancers, viral diseases and disorders of the immune system. Ampligen has not been approved
by the FDA or marketed in the United States, but is approved for commercial sale in the Argentine Republic for the treatment of severe
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (“CFS”).
The
Company is currently proceeding primarily in four areas:
● Conducting
clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ampligen for the treatment of pancreatic
cancer.
● Evaluating
Ampligen across multiple cancers as a potential therapy that modifies the tumor microenvironment
with the goal of increasing anti-tumor responses to checkpoint inhibitors.
● Exploring
Ampligen’s antiviral activities and potential use as a prophylactic or treatment for
existing viruses, new viruses and mutated viruses thereof.
● Evaluating
Ampligen as a treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (“ME/CFS”)
and fatigue and/or the Post-COVID condition of fatigue.
The
Company is prioritizing activities in an order related to the stage of development, with those clinical activities such as pancreatic
cancer, ME/CFS and Post-COVID conditions having priority over antiviral experimentation. The Company intends that priority clinical work
be conducted in trials authorized by the FDA or European Medicines Agency (“EMA”), which trials support a potential future
NDA. However, AIM’s antiviral experimentation is designed to accumulate additional preliminary data supporting their hypothesis
that Ampligen is a powerful, broad-spectrum prophylaxis and early-onset therapeutic that may confer enhanced immunity and cross-protection.
Accordingly, AIM will conduct antiviral programs in those venues most readily available and able to generate valid proof-of-concept data,
including foreign venues.
AIM’s
business plan requires one or more Contract Manufacturing Organizations (“CMO”) to produce Ampligen and its Active Pharmaceutical
Ingredients (APIs). This includes utilizing Jubilant HollisterStier and Sterling for the manufacture of Ampligen and our Poly I and Poly
C12U polynucleotides, respectively. Additionally, our relationship with Polysciences Inc. (“Polysciences”) continues and
R&D development of polymer manufacture is ongoing.
In
the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of its consolidated financial statements have been included.
Such adjustments consist of normal recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
The
interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are presented as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”),
and do not contain certain information which will be included in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto.
These
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years
ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023,
filed on April 1, 2024.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure (“GAAP”)
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and those differences may be material. Accounts requiring the use
of significant estimates include determination of other-than-temporary impairment on securities, valuation of deferred taxes, patent
and trademark valuations, stock-based compensation calculations, fair value of warrants, and contingency accruals.
6
Note
2 : Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash
includes bank deposits maintained at several financial institutions. The Company considers highly liquid instruments with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At various times throughout the six months ended June 30, 2024, some accounts
held at financial institutions were in excess of the federally insured limit of $ 250,000 . The Company has not experienced any losses
on these accounts and believes credit risk to be minimal.
Note
3: Net Loss Per Share
Basic
and diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the
period. Equivalent common shares, consisting of stock options and warrants which amounted to 11,202,957 and 73,524 for the three months
ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively; and 14,589,746 and 2,595,914
shares for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per
share since their effect is anti-dilutive.
Note
4: Equity-Based Compensation
The
2018 Equity Incentive Plan, effective September 12, 2018, as amended and restated on August 19, 2019 (the “2018 Equity
Incentive Plan”) authorizes the grant of (i) Incentive Stock Options, (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options, (iii) Stock
Appreciation Rights, (iv) Restricted Stock Awards, (v) Restricted Stock Unit Awards, (vi) Performance Stock Awards, (vii)
Performance Cash Awards, and (viii) Other Stock Awards. Initially, a maximum of 7,000,000
shares of Common Stock were reserved for potential issuance pursuant to awards under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. When the plan
was amended and restated, an additional 250,000
shares were reserved for potential issuance pursuant to awards under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The number of shares of the
Company’s common stock available for grant and issuance under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan is subject to an annual increase
on July 1 of each calendar year, by an amount equal to two percent (2%) of the then outstanding shares of the Company’s common
stock (the “2018 Plan Evergreen Provision”). On August 3, 2020 and July 1, 2021, 2022 and 2023, the number of shares of
the Company’s common stock available for grant and issuance under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan increased by 979,311
shares, 956,660
shares, 960,976
shares and 968,389
shares, respectively. As a result of the 2018 Plan Evergreen Provisions, a maximum of 10,865,336
shares of Common Stock is reserved for potential issuance pursuant to awards under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan as of January 1,
2024. Unless sooner terminated, the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan will continue in effect for a period of 10
years from its effective date. During the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 the Board of Directors (the “Board”)
issued 1,189,284
options to each employee, the officers and directors at the exercise price of $ 9.68
expiring in 10
years. During the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, 1,727,756
options were issued to each of these officers with an exercise price of $ 9.68
for a period of ten
years with a vesting period of one year. During the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, 1,025,000
options were issued to each of these officers and directors with an exercise price range of $ 2.77
to $ 3.07
for a period of ten
years with a vesting period of one year During the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, 613,512
options were issued to officers, directors and consultants with an exercise price range of $ 1.11
to $ 1.71
for a period of ten
years with a vesting period of one year. During the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, 850,000
options were issued to officers, directors and consultants with an exercise price range of $ 0.31
to $ 0.71
for a period of ten
years with a vesting period of one year. During the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, 400,000
options were issued to officers with an exercise price range of $ 0.47
for a period of ten
years with a vesting period of one year. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 there were no
options issued.
The
fair value of each option and equity warrant award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing valuation
model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the price of the Company’s stock. The risk-free interest rate
is based on U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option and equity warrant. The Company uses historical
data to estimate expected dividend yield, expected life and forfeiture rates. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, there
were no options granted.
7
Stock
options activity during the three months ended June 30, 2024, was as follows:
Stock
option activity for employees:
Schedule
of Stock Option Activity
Number
of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding March 31, 2024
2,408,438
$ 2.50
8.70
$ —
Granted
—
—
—
—
Forfeited
—
—
—
—
Expired
( 663 )
—
—
—
Outstanding June 30, 2024
2,407,775
$ 2.50
8.70
$ —
Vested and expected
to vest June 30, 2024
2,407,775
$ 2.50
8.70
$ —
Exercisable June 30, 2024
2,241,109
$ 1.83
6.89
$ —
Unvested
stock option activity for employees:
Schedule
of Unvested Stock Option Activity
Number
of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Unvested March 31, 2024
266,666
$ 2.75
14.52
$ —
Granted
—
—
—
—
Expired
( 663 )
—
—
—
Vested
( 99,337 )
0.47
7.04
—
Unvested June 30, 2024
166,666
$ 4.11
18.87
$ —
Stock
option activity for non-employees:
Schedule
of Stock Option Activity
Number
of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding March 31, 2024
885,055
$ 2.02
9.23
$ —
Granted
—
—
—
—
Forfeited
—
—
—
—
Expired
—
—
—
—
Outstanding June 30, 2024
885,055
$ 2.02
9.23
$ —
Vested and expected
to vest June 30, 2024
885,055
$ 2.02
9.23
$ —
Exercisable June 30, 2024
730,055
$ 2.27
10.04
$ —
Unvested
stock option activity for non-employees:
Schedule
of Unvested Stock Option Activity
Number
of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Unvested March 31, 2024
245,001
$ 2.33
11.15
$ —
Granted
—
—
—
—
Expired
—
—
—
—
Vested
( 90,000 )
0.46
10.18
—
Unvested June 30, 2024
155,001
$ 3.42
11.30
$ —
Stock-based
compensation expense was approximately $ 80,000 and $ 50,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, resulting in a decrease
in general and administrative expenses, respectively.
8
Employee
stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2024, was as follows:
Stock
option activity for employees:
Number
of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding January 1, 2024
2,408,438
$ 2.50
8.70
$ —
Granted
—
—
—
—
Forfeited
—
—
—
—
Expired
( 663 )
—
—
—
Outstanding June 30, 2024
2,407,775
$ 2.50
8.70
$ —
Vested and expected
to vest June 30, 2024
2,407,775
$ 2.50
8.70
$ —
Exercisable June 30, 2024
2,241,109
$ 1.83
6.89
$ —
Unvested
stock option activity for employees:
Number
of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Unvested January 1, 2024
366,666
$ 2.13
12.44
$ —
Granted
—
—
—
—
Expired
( 663 )
—
—
—
Vested
( 199,337 )
0 .47
7.04
—
Unvested June 30, 2024
166,666
$ 4.11
18.87
$ —
Stock
option activity for non-employees:
Number
of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding January 1, 2024
885,055
$ 2.02
9.23
$ —
Granted
—
—
—
—
Forfeited
—
—
—
—
Expired
—
—
—
—
Outstanding June 30, 2024
885,055
$ 2.02
9.23
$ —
Vested and expected
to vest June 30, 2024
885,055
$ 2.02
9.23
$ —
Exercisable June 30, 2024
730,055
$ 2.27
10.04
$ —
9
Unvested
stock option activity for non-employees:
Number
of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Unvested January 1, 2024
335,001
$ 1.83
10.70
$ —
Granted
—
—
—
—
Expired
—
—
—
—
Vested
( 180,000 )
0 .46
10.18
—
Unvested June 30, 2024
155,001
$ 3.42
11.30
$ —
Stock-based
compensation expense was approximately $ 160,000 and $ 132,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
On
June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively, there was approximately $ 134,000 and $ 85,000 of unrecognized equity-based compensation cost related
to options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan.
Note
5: Marketable Securities
Marketable
securities consist of mutual funds. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, it was determined that none of the marketable securities
had an other-than-temporary impairment. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, all securities were measured as Level 1 instruments of
the fair value measurements standard (See Note 11: Fair Value). At June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023 the Company held $ 6,507,000 and
$ 7,631,000 respectively, in mutual funds.
Mutual
Funds classified as available for sale consisted of:
Schedule
of Available of Sale
June
30, 2024
(in
thousands)
Securities
Fair
Value
Short-Term
Investments
Mutual
Funds
$ 6,507
$ 6,507
Totals
$ 6,507
$ 6,507
Schedule of Equity Securities
Securities
For the six
months ended
June
30, 2024
(in
thousands)
Net gain recognized during the
period on equity securities
$ ( 177 )
Less: Net gains and
losses recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period
( 218 )
Unrealized gains and
losses recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date
$ 41
Mutual
Funds classified as available for sale consisted of:
December
31, 2023
(in
thousands)
Securities
Fair
Value
Short-Term
Investments
Mutual Funds
$ 7,631
$ 7,631
Totals
$ 7,631
$ 7,631
10
Securities
For the six months ended
June
30, 2023
(in
thousands)
Net losses recognized during the
period on equity securities
$ 109
Less: Net gains and
losses recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period
( 87 )
Unrealized gains and
losses recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date
$ 196
Note
6: Accrued Expenses
Accrued
expenses consist of the following:
Schedule
of Accrued Expenses
June
30, 2024
December
31, 2023
(in
thousands)
June
30, 2024
December
31, 2023
Compensation
$ 1
$ 414
Professional fees
518
1,352
Clinical trial expenses
154
184
Interest
118
—
Other expenses
8
36
Total
$ 799
$ 1,986
Note
7: Property and Equipment, net
Schedule
of Property and Equipment
June
30, 2024
December
31, 2023
(in
thousands)
June
30, 2024
December
31, 2023
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
1,448
1,448
Less: accumulated depreciation
( 1,339 )
( 1,321 )
Property and equipment,
net
$ 109
$ 127
Property
and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the respective assets, ranging from three to ten years. Depreciation expense for the six months ending June 30, 2024 and June
30, 2023 was $ 18,000 and $ 21,000 , respectively.
Note
8: Patents, and Trademark Rights, Net
Patent
and trademark rights consist of the following (in thousands):
Schedule
of Patent and Trademark Rights
June
30, 2024
December
31, 2023
Gross
Carrying Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying Value
Gross
Carrying Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying Value
Patents
$ 3,223
$ ( 841 )
$ 2,382
$ 2,947
$ ( 750 )
$ 2,197
Trademarks
232
( 123 )
109
229
( 113 )
116
Net amortizable patents
and trademarks rights
$ 3,455
$ ( 964 )
$ 2,491
$ 3,176
$ ( 863 )
$ 2,313
11
Patent
and trademark rights acquisitions, abandonments and amortization:
Schedule of Changes in
Patents, Trademark Rights
December 31, 2023
$ 2,313
Acquisitions
282
Abandonments
( 3 )
Amortization
( 101 )
June 30, 2024
$ 2,491
Patents
and trademarks are stated at cost (primarily legal fees) and are amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life
of 17 years for patents and 10 years for trademarks. The weighted remaining average amortization period is approximately 12 years for
patents and 7 years for trademarks, respectively. The company expenses annuity costs related to its trademarks and patents.
Amortization
of patents and trademarks for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
Schedule
of Amortization of Patents and Trademarks
Year Ending December 31,
2024
$ 136
2025
258
2026
255
2027
230
2028
211
Thereafter
1,401
Total
$ 2,491
Note
9: Stockholders’ Equity
(a)
Preferred Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of $ 0.01 par value preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as
may be determined by the Board. Of our authorized preferred stock, 4,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock and 10,000 shares have been designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.
Series
A Junior Participating Preferred Stock
On
May 10, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Increase in Delaware, increasing the number of preferred stock designated as Series
A Junior Participating Preferred Stock to 4,000,000 from 250,000 shares. As of June 30, 2024, there were no Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock outstanding.
Series
B Convertible Preferred Stock
The
Company has designated 10,000 shares of its preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”).
Each share of Preferred Stock has a par value of $ 0.01 per share and a stated value equal to $ 1,000 (the “Stated Value”).
The shares of Preferred Stock shall initially be issued and maintained in the form of securities held in book-entry form and the Depository
Trust Company or its nominee (“DTC”) shall initially be the sole registered holder of the shares of Preferred Stock.
Each
share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at any time and from time to time from and after the Original Issue Date at the option
of the Holder thereof or at any time and from time to time on or after the second anniversary of the Original Issue Date at the option
of the Corporation, into that number of shares of Common Stock (subject in each case to the limitations determined by dividing the Stated
Value of such share of Preferred Stock by the Conversion Price). The conversion price for the Preferred Stock shall be equal to $ 0.20 ,
subject to adjustment herein (the “Conversion Price”).
12
Pursuant
to a registration statement relating to a rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) declared effective by the SEC on
February 14, 2019, AIM distributed to its holders of common stock and to holders of certain options and redeemable warrants as of
February 14, 2019, at no charge, one non-transferable subscription right for each share of common stock held or deemed held on the
record date. Each right entitled the holder to purchase one unit, at a subscription price of $ 1,000
per unit, consisting of one share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock with a face value of $ 1,000
(and immediately convertible into common stock at an assumed conversion price of $ 8.80 )
and 114
warrants with an assumed exercise price of $ 8.80 .
The redeemable warrants are exercisable for five years after the date of issuance. The net proceeds realized from the rights
offering were approximately $ 4,700,000 .
As of June 30, 2024, 689
shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock expired, and none were converted prior to expiration.
(b)
Common Stock and Equity Finances
The
Company has authorized shares of 350,000,000 with specific limitations and restrictions on the usage of 8,000,000 of the 350,000,000
authorized shares. As of June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, there were 57,136,680 and 49,102,484 shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding, respectively.
Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (Not equity compensation)
On
July 7, 2020, the Board approved a plan pursuant to which all directors, officers, and employees could purchase from the Company up to
an aggregate of $ 500,000 worth of shares at the market price (including subsequent plans, the “Employee Stock Purchase Plan”).
Pursuant to NYSE American rules, this plan was effective for a sixty-day period commencing upon the date that the NYSE American approved
the Company’s Supplemental Listing Application. The Company created successive new plans following the expiration of the July 7,
2020 plan. The latest plan was approved by the Board on June 26, 2024 and expires in August 2024.
During the three months ended
June 30, 2024, the Company issued a total of 92,594 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $ 0.41 for total proceeds of approximately
$ 37,500 as part of the employee stock purchase plan.
During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company issued a total of 335,603 shares of its Common Stock at a price ranging from $ 0.33 to
$ 0.41 for total proceeds of approximately $ 120,000 as part of the employee stock purchase plan.
During the three months ended
June 30, 2023, the Company did no t issue any shares of its Common Stock as part of the employee stock purchase plan.
During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company issued a total of 322,583 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $ 0.31 for total proceeds
of approximately $ 100,000 as part of the employee stock purchase plan.
Rights
Plan
On
May 12, 2023, the Company amended and restated its November 14, 2017 Rights Plan with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as
Rights Agent (the “Rights Plan”).
Warrants
(Rights offering)
On
September 27, 2019, the Company closed a public offering underwritten by A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, LLC (the “Offering”)
of (i) 1,740,550 shares of Common Stock; (ii) pre-funded warrants exercisable for 7,148,310 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-funded
Warrants”), and (iii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 8,888,860 shares of Common Stock (the “Warrants”).
In conjunction with the Offering, we issued a Representative’s Warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of 266,665 shares of common
stock (the “Representative’s Warrant”). The shares of Common Stock and Warrants were sold at a combined Offering price
of $ 0.90 , less underwriting discounts and commissions. Each Warrant sold with the shares of Common Stock represents the right to purchase
one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $ 0.99 per share. The Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants were sold at a combined Offering
price of $ 0.899 , less underwriting discounts and commissions. The Pre-Funded Warrants were sold to purchasers whose purchase of shares
of Common Stock in the Offering would otherwise result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially
owning more than 4.99 % of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock immediately following the consummation of the Offering, in lieu
of shares of Common Stock. Each Pre-Funded Warrant represents the right to purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of
$ 0.001 per share. The Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable immediately and may be exercised at any time until the Pre-Funded Warrants
are exercised in full. A registration statement on Form S-1, relating to the Offering was filed with the SEC and was declared effective
on September 25, 2019, the net proceeds were approximately $ 7,200,000 . During the year ended December 31, 2020, 1,870,000 of the Pre-funded
Warrants were exercised and 8,873,960 Warrants were exercised. In addition, on March 25, 2020, the Representative’s Warrant was
amended to permit exercise of such warrant to commence on March 30, 2020. These warrants were exercised on March 31, 2020, and an aggregate
of 266,665 shares were issued upon exercise of this warrant for gross proceeds of approximately $ 264,000 and a $ 46,000 expense for the
warrant modification.
During
the three months ended June 30, 2024, there were no warrants exercised. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, 205,000
warrants were exercised, and 5,830,028
warrants expired unexercised. As of June 30,
2024 and December 31, 2023 there were 15,000
and 152,160
post-split warrants outstanding, respectively.
13
Equity
Distribution Agreement
On
April 19, 2023, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “EDA”) with Maxim Group LLC
(“Maxim”), pursuant to which the Company may sell, from time to time, shares of its common stock having an aggregate
offering price of up to $ 8,500,000
through Maxim, as agent (the “Offering”). Sales under the EDA were registered under the S-3 Shelf Registration
Statement. Under the terms of the EDA, Maxim will be entitled to a transaction fee at a fixed rate of 3.0 %
of the gross sales price of shares sold under the EDA. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company sold 730,110 shares
under the EDA for total gross proceeds of approximately $ 372,223 , which includes a 3.0 % fee to Maxim of $ 11,167 . For the six months
ended June 30, 2024, the Company sold 1,294,678
shares under the EDA for total gross proceeds of approximately $ 626,094 ,
which includes a 3.0 %
fee to Maxim of $ 18,783 .
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold 598,114
shares under the EDA for total gross proceeds of approximately $ 344,000 ,
which includes a 3.0 %
fee to Maxim of $ 10,326 .
Equity
Purchase Agreement
On
March 28, 2024, the Company entered into a purchase agreement and a registration rights agreement with Atlas Sciences, LLC (“Atlas”), pursuant to which Atlas committed to purchase up to $ 15,000,000 of common stock of the
Company for a period of 24 months from the date of the purchase agreement.
Under
the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company, at its sole discretion, shall have the right to issue Put shares to the Investor
at 95 %
of the Market Price of the shares on the day of trade. Sales under the purchase agreement are limited to a daily maximum of the
lessor of: $ 500,000 ,
the Median Daily Trading volume, and a beneficial ownership limitation of 4.99 %
and a maximum of 19.99 %
of the outstanding shares at the time of the purchase agreement. In April 2024, the Company filed a registration statement with the
SEC on Form S-1 registering a total of 9,975,000
shares for resale pursuant to the Atlas Agreements, consisting of 9,636,400
shares that can be sold by the Company to Atlas and 338,600
shares that were issued to Atlas as Commitment Shares. As of June 30, 2024, a total of 759,685
shares have been issued pursuant to the purchase agreement for a total of approximately $ 128,000 .
Securities
Purchase Agreement
On
May 31, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to complete an offering
(the “Transactions”) with a single accredited investor (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which the Company will
issue to the Purchaser, (i) in a registered direct offering, 5,640,958 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”),
par value $ 0.001 per share (“Common Stock”) and (ii) in a concurrent private placement, the Company will issue to the Purchaser
Class A common warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 5,640,958 shares of its common stock (the “A Warrants”) at an exercise
price of $ 0.363 per share and Class B common warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 5,640,958 shares of its common stock (the “B
“Warrants” and, along with the A Warrants, the “Common Warrants”) at an exercise price of $ 0.363 per share. The
A Warrants and B Warrants will not be exercisable for six months after the issuance date and will expire, respectively, 24 months and
five years and six months after the issuance date. The Common Warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of such
warrants are offered pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided in Section 4(a)(2) of
the Securities Act and Rule 506(b) promulgated thereunder.
The
Shares are being offered by the Company pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-262280), which was declared
effective on February 4, 2022 (as amended from time to time, the “Registration Statement”).
Pursuant
to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, the Company cannot issue any equity securities for 60 days following
the issuance date, provided that the Company will be able to utilize its at-the-market offering program with the Placement Agent
after 30 days. Additionally, the Company cannot enter into a variable rate transaction (other than the ATM program with the Placement
Agent) for 120 days after the issuance date. In addition, the Company’s executive officers and each of the Company’s directors
have entered into lock-up agreements with the Company pursuant to which each of them has agreed not to, for a period of 90 days from
the closing of the Transactions, offer, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Company’s securities, subject to certain exceptions.
The
exercise price of the Common Warrants, and the number of Common Warrant Shares, will be subject to adjustment in the event of any stock
dividend or split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction, as described in the Common Warrants.
If a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Common Warrants) occurs, then the successor entity will succeed to, and be substituted
for the Company, and may exercise every right and power that the Company may exercise and will assume all of its obligations under the
Common Warrants with the same effect as if such successor entity had been named in the warrant itself. Common Warrant Holders will have
additional rights defined in the Common Warrants. The Common Warrants will be exercisable on a “cashless” basis only if there
is not a current registration statement permitting public resale. In this regard, the Company has agreed to file a registration statement
to register the resale of the Common Warrant Shares as soon as practicable (and in any event within 45 calendar days) providing for the
resale of the Shares issued and issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants. The Company has agreed to use commercially reasonable
efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective within 181 days following the issuance date and to keep such registration
statement effective at all times until no Purchaser owns any Warrants or Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise thereof.
14
Maxim
Group LLC acted as the placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) on a “commercially reasonable best efforts” basis,
in connection with the Transactions pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, dated May 31, 2024 (the “Placement Agency Agreement”),
by and between the Company and the Placement Agent. Pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, the Placement Agent will be entitled
to a cash fee of 8 % of the aggregate gross proceeds paid to the Company for the securities sold in the Transactions and reimbursement
of certain out-of-pocket expenses.
The Company evaluated
the Common Warrants under the guidance of ASC 480 – Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and determined that they were in
scope under the guidance as freestanding financial instruments but did not meet the criteria for liability classification and are
classified as equity within the condensed consolidated financial statements. Proceeds allocated to such warrants totaled approximately $ 2.5 million .
For the six months ended June 30,2024, no Common Warrants were exercised, and all remain outstanding on June 30,
2024.
Note
10: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The
Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect. These pronouncements did not have any material impact on
the financial statements unless otherwise disclosed, and the Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements
that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations. Accounting pronouncements
issued by the FASB since filing the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023
did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.
Note
11: Fair Value
Fair
Value
The
Company complies with the provisions of FASB ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements” for its financial and non-financial assets
and liabilities. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset
and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis.
The
fair values of cash and cash equivalents, other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their carrying values due to
the short-term maturities of these items and are considered a Level 1 instrument of the fair value measurements standard. The Company
also has certain warrants with a cash settlement feature in the occurrence of a Fundamental Transaction. The fair value of the warrants
(“June 2024 Warrants”) related to the Company’s June 2024 common stock and warrant issuance, are calculated using a
Monte Carlo Simulation.
The
Company also had certain redeemable warrants in the Rights Offering with a cash settlement feature in the occurrence of a Fundamental
Transaction. No Fundamental Transaction occurred. In March 2024, 205,000 of these warrants converted on a cashless basis and 5,830,028
expired.
The
Company estimated the fair value of the June 2024 Warrants using the Black-Scholes Model, which uses multiple inputs including the Company’s
stock price, the exercise price of the warrant, volatility of the Company’s stock price, the risk-free interest rate and the expected
term of the warrants.
The
Company utilized the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of the Class A Warrants:
Schedule of Assumptions to
Estimate the Fair Value
June 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
Underlying price per share
$ 0.350
—
Exercise price per share
$ 0.363
—
Risk-free interest rate
4.42 %
—
Expected holding period
5.5 years
—
Expected volatility
110 %
—
Expected dividend yield
—
—
The
Company utilized the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of the Class B Warrants:
June 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
Underlying price per share
$ 0.350
—
Exercise price per share
$ 0.363
—
Risk-free interest rate
4.82 %
—
Expected holding period
2 years
—
Expected volatility
89 %
—
Expected dividend yield
—
—
The
significant assumptions using the Monte Carlo Simulation approach for valuation of the Warrants are:
(i) Risk-Free
Interest Rate . The risk-free interest rates for the Warrants are based on U.S. Treasury
constant maturities for periods commensurate with the remaining expected holding periods
of the warrants.
(ii) Expected
Holding Period . The expected holding period represents the period of time that the Warrants
are expected to be outstanding until they are exercised. The Company utilizes the remaining
contractual term of the Warrants at each valuation date as the expected holding period.
(iii) Expected
Volatility . Expected stock volatility is based on daily observations of the Company’s
historical stock values for a period commensurate with the remaining expected holding period
on the last day of the period for which the computation is made.
(iv) Expected
Dividend Yield . The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s anticipated
dividend payments over the remaining expected holding period. As the Company has never issued
dividends, the expected dividend yield is 0% and this assumption will be continued in future
calculations unless the Company changes its dividend policy.
(v) Expected
Probability of a Fundamental Transaction. Put rights arise if a Fundamental Transaction
1) is an all cash transaction; (2) results in the Company going private; or (3) is a transaction
involving a person or entity not traded on a national securities exchange. The Company believes
such an occurrence is unlikely because:
15
1. The
Company only has one product that is FDA approved but is currently not available for commercial
sales.
2. The
Company will have to perform additional clinical trials for FDA approval of its flagship
product.
3. Industry
and market conditions continue to include uncertainty, adding risk to any transaction.
4. The
nature of a life sciences company is heavily dependent on future funding and high fixed costs,
including Research & Development.
5. The
Company has minimal revenues streams which are insufficient to meet the funding needs for
the cost of operations or construction at their manufacturing facility; and
6. The
Company’s Rights Agreement and Executive Agreements make it less attractive to a potential
buyer.
With
the above factors utilized in analysis of the likelihood of the Put’s potential Liability, the Company estimated the range of probabilities
related to a Put right being triggered as:
Schedule of Potential
Liability
Range of Probability
Probability
Low
0.5 %
Medium
1.0 %
High
5.0 %
The
Monte Carlo Simulation has incorporated a 5.0 % probability of a Fundamental Transaction to date for the life of the securities.
(vi) Expected
Timing of Announcement of a Fundamental Transaction. As the Company has no specific expectation
of a Fundamental Transaction, for reasons elucidated above, the Company utilized a discrete
uniform probability distribution over the Expected Holding Period to model in the potential
announcement of a Fundamental Transaction occurring during the Expected Holding Period.
(vii) Expected
100 Day Volatility at Announcement of a Fundamental Transaction . An estimate of future
volatility is necessary as there is no mechanism for directly measuring future stock price
movements. Daily observations of the Company’s historical stock values for the 100
days immediately prior to the Warrants’ grant dates, with a floor of 100%, were utilized
as a proxy for future volatility estimates.
(viii) Expected
Risk-Free Interest Rate at Announcement of a Fundamental Transaction . The Company utilized
a risk-free interest rate corresponding to the forward U.S. Treasury rate for the period
equal to the time between the date forecast for the public announcement of a Fundamental
Transaction and the Warrant expiration date for each simulation.
(ix) Expected
Time Between Announcement and Consummation of a Fundamental Transaction. The expected
time between the announcement and the consummation of a Fundamental Transaction is based
on the Company’s experience with the due diligence process performed by acquirers and
is estimated to be six months. The Monte Carlo Simulation approach incorporates this additional
period to reflect the delay Warrant Holders would experience in receiving the proceeds of
the Put.
While
the assumptions remain consistent from period to period (e.g., utilizing historical stock prices), the actual historical prices input
for the relevant period input change.
The
Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The hierarchy below lists three levels of fair value based on the
extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. AIM categorizes each of its fair value measurements
in one of these three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These
levels are:
1. Level
1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
at the reporting date. Generally, this includes debt and equity securities that are traded
in an active market.
2. Level
2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quote 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. Generally, this includes debt and equity securities that are not traded in
an active market.
3. Level
3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that
are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities
include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted
cash flow methodologies, or other valuation techniques, as well as instruments for which
the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. As
of June 30, 2024, the Company has classified the warrants with cash settlement features as
Level 3. Management evaluates a variety of inputs and then estimates fair value based on
those inputs. As discussed above, the Company utilized the Monte Carlo Simulation Model in
valuing the warrants.
16
The
table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the hierarchy
as (in thousands):
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
As
of June 30, 2024
Total
Level
1
Level
2
Level
3
Assets:
Cash
equivalents
$ 114
$ 114
$ —
$ —
Marketable
investments
$ 6,507
$ 6,507
$ —
$ —
As
of December 31, 2023
Total
Level
1
Level
2
Level
3
Assets:
Cash
equivalents
$ 4,805
$ 4,805
$ —
$ —
Marketable
investments
$ 7,631
$ 7,631
$ —
$ —
Note
12: Unsecured Promissory Note
On
February 16, 2024, the Company (“Borrower”) entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Streeterville Capital LLC
(“Streeterville” or the “Lender”). Under the terms of the agreement, Streeterville paid the Company $ 2,500,000
in exchange for an unsecured promissory Note with an Original Issue Discount of $ 781,250 .
The Company will pay $ 3,301,250
consisting of the principal amount of the Note, together with the original issue discount and $ 20,000
of lender transaction fees, no later than February 16, 2026. The stated interest rate of the note is 10 %.
Debt schedule at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(in
thousands)
Schedule of Long Term Debt
June
30, 2024
December
31, 2023
Long-term debt
$ 3,301
$ -
Unamortized Original issue discount
( 648 )
-
Unamortized Financing
fees
( 16 )
-
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
2,637
-
Less current portion
of long-term debt, net (1)
( 2,354 )
-
Long-term debt,
net (2)
$ 283
$ -
Interest
costs expensed and capitalized related to long-term debt were as follows:
(in
thousands)
Schedule of Long Term Debt Interest Costs Expense and Capital
June
30, 2024
December
31, 2023
Interest expense
$ 133
$ -
Interest capitalized
-
-
Total
$ 133
$ -
Amortization
expenses related to long-term debt were as follows:
(in
thousands)
Schedule of Long Term Debt Amortization Expenses
June
30, 2024
December
31, 2023
Original issue discount
$ 133
$ -
Loan fee amortization
4
-
Total
$ 137
$ -
17
Future
maturities of long-term debt as of June 30, 2024 were as follows:
(in
thousands)
Schedule of Future Maturities of Long Term Debt
Fiscal
years ending December 31:
2024
$ 1,250
2025
2,051
Total
$ 3,301
(1) Current
portion of long-term debt of approximately $ 2,750,000 is net of the current portion of debt
discount of approximately $ 386,000 and the current portion of debt origination costs of approximately
$ 10,000 as of June 30, 2024.
(2) Long-term
portion of debt of approximately $ 551,000 is net of the long-term portion of debt discount
of approximately $ 262,000 and the unamortized debt origination costs of approximately $ 6,000
as of June 30, 2024.
The
agreement allows the Lender to redeem up to $250,000 per calendar month beginning in August 2024, upon providing written notice to Borrower.
The Note further contains triggering events which can be remedied by the Lender requiring the Borrower to correct the triggering event,
increasing the outstanding balance by applying the triggering effect, or making the Note immediately due and payable.
Note
13: Leases
The
Company leases office and lab facilities and other equipment under non-cancellable operating leases with initial terms typically ranging
from 1 to 5 years, expiring at various dates during 2024 through 2027, and requiring monthly payments ranging from less than $ 1,000 to
$ 17,000 . Certain leases include additional renewal options ranging from 1 to 5 years. AIM has classified all of its leases as operating
leases.
As
of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the balance of the right of use assets was $ 700,000 and $ 697,000 , respectively, and the corresponding
operating lease liability balance was $ 722,000 and $ 718,000 , respectively. Right of use assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization
of $ 352,000 and $ 363,000 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
AIM
recognized rent expense associated with these leases are follows:
Schedule of AIM Recognized Rent Expense Associated with Operating Lease
June
30, 2024
June
30, 2023
(in
thousands)
June
30, 2024
June
30, 2023
Lease costs:
Operating lease
costs
$ 150
$ 141
Short-term
and variable lease costs
124
201
Total lease costs
$ 274
$ 342
Classification of lease costs
Research & development
$ 227
$ 295
General and administrative
47
47
Lease
cost
47
47
Total lease costs
$ 274
$ 342
18
The
Company’s leases have remaining lease terms between 9 and 37 months. As of June 30, 2024, the weighted-average remaining term was
35 months. As of December 31, 2023, the weighted-average remaining term was 41 months. The Company’s weighted average incremental
borrowing rate for its leases was 10 % at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Future
minimum payments as of June 30, 2024, are as follows:
Schedule of Operating Lease Future Payments
Year
Ending December 31,
(in
thousands)
2024
$ 153
2025
273
2026
244
2027
159
Thereafter
—
Less imputed interest
( 107 )
Total
$ 722
Note
14: Research, Consulting and Supply Agreements
The
Company has entered into research, consulting and supply agreements with third party service providers to perform research and development
activities on therapeutics, including clinical trials. The identification of research and development costs involves reviewing open contracts
and purchase orders, communicating with applicable company and third-party personnel to identify services that have been performed, and
corroborating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service when the Company has not yet been invoiced
or otherwise notified of actual expenses. The Company expenses these research and development costs when incurred.
During the three months ended
June 30, 2024, research and development expenses were comprised of: clinical studies ($ 350,000 ),
manufacturing and engineering ($ 330,000 ), quality control ($ 284,000 )
and regulatory ($ 180,000 ).
During the three months ended
June 30, 2023 , research and development expenses were comprised of: clinical studies ($ 777,000 ),
manufacturing and engineering ($ 321,000 ), quality control ($ 253,000 ) and regulatory ($ 1,601,000 ).
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, research and development expenses were comprised of: clinical studies ($ 1,298,000 ), manufacturing
and engineering ($576,000), quality control ($834,000) and regulatory ($389,000).
During the six months ended June
30, 2023, research and development expenses were comprised of: clinical studies ($ 1,929,000 ),
manufacturing and engineering ($ 955,000 ), quality control ($ 501,000 )
and regulatory ($ 1,621,000 ).
The
following summarizes the most substantial of our contracts relating to research, consulting, and supply costs for AIM as they related
to research and development costs for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Amarex
Clinical Research LLC
Amarex
is the principal administrator of several of AIM’s largest clinical studies. AIM has multiple contracts with Amarex Clinical Research
LLC (“Amarex”). During the three months
ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 125,200 and $ 377,300 , respectively, related to these ongoing agreements.
During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 607,000
and $ 849,400 ,
respectively, related to these ongoing agreements:
● Pancreatic
Cancer - In April 2022, AIM executed a work order with Amarex pursuant to which Amarex is
managing a Phase 2 clinical trial in locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients designated
AMP-270. Per the work order, AIM anticipates that Amarex’s management of the study
will cost approximately $ 8,400,000 . This estimate includes pass-through costs of approximately
$ 1,000,000 and excludes certain third-party and investigator costs and escalations necessary
for study completion. AIM anticipates that the study will take approximately 4.6 years to
complete.
○ During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company
incurred approximately $ 66,500 related to this agreement.
○ During the three months
ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 198,900 related to
this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 153,700 related to
this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 233,400 related to
this agreement.
● Post-COVID
Conditions - In September 2022, AIM executed a work order with Amarex, pursuant to which
Amarex is managing a Phase 2 trial in patients with Post-COVID Conditions. AIM is sponsoring
the study. AIM anticipates that the study will cost approximately $ 6,400,000 , which includes
pass through costs of approximately $ 125,000 , investigator costs estimated at about $ 4,400,000 ,
and excludes certain other third-party costs and escalations. During 2023, the original work
order increased to approximately $ 6,600,000 for the addition of patient reported outcome
(PRO) electronic questionnaires (devices/tablets for patients to complete); services associated
with the ePRO system and additional safety monitoring services as well as changes to study
documentation (such as protocol amendments) which resulted in additional IND submissions
to FDA. This study was completed in 2023, although certain activities are still ongoing.
○ During
the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 59,000 related
to this agreement.
○ During
the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 61,000 related to this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 352,000 related to
this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 341,500 related to
this agreement.
19
Jubilant
HollisterStier
Jubilant
HollisterStier (“Jubilant”) is AIM’s authorized CMO for Ampligen for the approval in Argentina. In 2017, the Company
entered into an agreement with Jubilant pursuant to which Jubilant will manufacture batches of Ampligen® for the Company. Since the
2017 engagement of Jubilant, two lots of Ampligen consisting of more than 16,000 units were manufactured and released in the year 2018.
The first lot was designated for human use in the United States in the cost recovery CFS program and for expanded oncology clinical trials.
The second lot has been designated for these programs in addition to commercial distribution in Argentina for the treatment of CFS. Jubilant
manufactured additional two lots of Ampligen in December 2019 and January 2020. In December 2023, Jubilant completed manufacturing of
9,042 vials of Ampligen for clinical use.
○ During the three months ended June 30, 2024,
the Company incurred approximately $ 1,000 related to this agreement.
○ During
the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 1,432,000 related to this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 1,000 related to
this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 1,432,000 related to this agreement.
Sterling
Pharma Solutions
In
2022, the Company entered into a Master Service Agreement and a Quality Agreement with Sterling Pharma Solutions (“Sterling”)
for the manufacture of the Company’s Poly I and Poly C12U polynucleotides and transfer of associated test methods at Sterling’s
Dudley, UK location to produce the polymer precursors to manufacture the drug Ampligen.
○ During the three months ended June 30, 2024,
the Company did not incur any expense r elated
to this agreement.
○ During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company
incurred approximately $ 357,000 related to this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 129,000 related to
this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 357,000 related to
this agreement.
Erasmus
In
December 2022, the Company entered into a joint clinical study agreement with Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam to conduct
a Phase II study: Combining anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab with TLR-3 agonist rintatolimod in patients with metastatic
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma for therapy efficacy. This is a study in collaboration with AstraZeneca. AIM’s limited responsibilities
are limited to providing Ampligen. Additionally, in April 2023 AIM agreed to provide to Erasmus MC an unrestricted grant of $ 200,000
for immune monitoring in pancreatic cancer patients.
○ During the three
months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 75,000 related to this agreement.
○ During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 100,000 related to this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 79,000 related to
this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 100,000 related to this
agreement.
Azenova
Sales International
In
October 2023, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Azenova, LLC whereas Azenova will provide business development services
for AIM’s Ampligen product for solid tumors for a 12-month term that is extendable upon the agreement of the parties. In exchange
for its services, Azenova will receive a fixed monthly retainer of $ 30,000 per month in addition to 360,000 stock options that vest monthly.
○ During the three
months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 90,000 related to this agreement.
○ During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company did not incur
any expense related to this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 180,000 related to
this agreement.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company did no t incur any expense related to this
agreement.
20
Alcami
In
September 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Alcami Corporation to perform an extractables study for a primary packaging
component. The agreement called for fixed costs of approximately $ 30,000 upon completion of the study and issue of the final report,
along with solvent costs, and pass through items to be billed on a per activity basis. The final bill for the initial study was received
in December 2023.
○ During the three
months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 3,500 of lab services from Alcami.
○ During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred
approximately $ 8,300
of lab services from Alcami.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $ 14,000 of lab services
from Alcami.
○ During
the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $ 16,000 of lab services
from Alcami.
Note
15: Subsequent Events
Company’s
Amended and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan
On
July 1, 2024, the Company filed a Registration Statement registering additional shares of common stock under the Company’s Amended
and Restated 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for grant and issuance under
the Plan is subject to an annual increase on July 1 of each calendar year, by an amount equal to two percent ( 2 %) of the then outstanding
shares of the Company’s common stock. On July 1, 2024, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for grant
and issuance under the 2018 Plan increased by 1,142,733 shares.
Company
adopted Restated and Amended Bylaws
On
July 31, 2024, the Company adopted Restated and Amended Bylaws. The Restated and Amended Bylaws revise the prior Bylaws by (i) removing
or revising provisions in Section 1.4 of the prior Bylaws (the advance notice portion of the Bylaws) deemed unenforceable or invalid
by the Delaware Supreme Court, (ii) revising other portions of Section 1.4 to ensure that the advance notice bylaws are otherwise appropriately
tailored to further the intended procedural and informational functions of the advance notice bylaws, including in view of guidance from
the Delaware Court of Chancery and Delaware Supreme Court in their opinions in the Kellner litigation, and (iii) making other conforming
and clarifying changes to the prior Bylaws.
In
addition, the Restated and Amended Bylaws add that, in the case of the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, a Noticing
Stockholder’s notice of nominations or proposed business shall also be considered timely if it is delivered to the Company’s
Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the Close of Business on September 13, 2024.
Amendment to Employment Agreements:
Mr. Equels’ employment agreement was amended
by adding the following to the end of Section 3(a):
(a)(i) Notwithstanding the provisions
of Section 3(a), during the one year period ending November 9, 2024, the Employee’s Short term compensation shall be revised and
shall consist of a base salary of $ 750,000 and shares of the Company’s common stock, $ .001 par value, valued at $ 100,000 , such value
equal to 100% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE American on the trading date immediately preceding
the date of this Agreement.
Mr. Rodino’s employment agreement was amended
by adding the following to the end of Section 3(a):
(a)(i) Notwithstanding the provisions
of Section 3(a), during the one year period ending March 23, 2025, the Employee’s Short term compensation shall be revised and shall
consist of a base salary of $ 375,000 and shares of the Company’s common stock, $ .001 par value, valued at $ 50,000 , such value equal
to 100% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE American on the trading date immediately preceding the date
of this Agreement.
21
ITEM
2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Special
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain
statements in this Report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E
of the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated herein regarding our strategy,
future operations, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, plans, prospects and objectives are forward-looking statements.
Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,”
“estimate,” “think,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “should,”
“continue,” “potential,” “likely,” “opportunity” and similar expressions or variations
of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements
and their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance,
and actual results could vary materially from those contained in or expressed by such statements due to risks and uncertainties. These
statements are based on our management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions about future events, conditions and results
and on information currently available to us. Discussions containing these forward-looking statements may be found, among other places,
in the following sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023: Part I; Item 1. “Business”,
Part I; Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, Part I; Item 3. “Legal Proceedings”, and Part I; Item 2. “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Report. Among other things, for those statements,
we claim the protection of safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Any forward-looking statements set forth in this presentation speak only as of the date of this presentation. We do not undertake to
update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. We are in various
stages of seeking to determine whether Ampligen® will be effective in the treatment of multiple types of viral diseases, cancers,
and immune-deficiency disorders and the presentation sets forth our current and anticipated future activities. These activities are subject
to change for a number of reasons. Significant additional testing and trials will be required to determine whether Ampligen® will
be effective in the treatment of these conditions. Results obtained in animal models do not necessarily predict results in humans. Human
clinical trials will be necessary to prove whether or not Ampligen® will be efficacious in humans. No assurance can be given as to
whether current or planned clinical trials will be successful or yield favorable data and the trials are subject to many factors including
lack of regulatory approval(s), lack of study drug, or a change in priorities at the institutions sponsoring other trials. Even if these
clinical trials are initiated, we cannot assure that the clinical studies will be successful or yield any useful data or require additional
funding. Among the studies are clinical trials that provide only preliminary data with a small number of subjects, and no assurance can
be given that the findings in these studies will prove true or that the study or studies will yield favorable results. Some of the world’s
largest pharmaceutical companies and medical institutions are working on a treatment for COVID-19. Even if Ampligen® proves effective
in combating the virus, no assurance can be given that our actions toward proving this will be given first priority or that another treatment
that eventually proves capable will not make our efforts ultimately unproductive, as multiple vaccines, and some treatments, are now
available and major pharma companies are working to develop their own disease treatments. Some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical
companies are also working on treatments and cures for different types of cancers. No assurance can be given that the use of Ampligen
with these proposed treatments and cures will prove effective. No assurance can be given that future studies will not result in findings
that are different from those reported in the studies referenced or incorporated by reference herein. Operating in foreign countries
carries with it a number of risks, including potential difficulties in enforcing intellectual property rights. In addition, many countries,
including Argentina, are still dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks and have made that their primary focus. We believe that this may be delaying
our commercialization of Ampligen® in Argentina until COVID-19 is more under control. We cannot assure that our potential foreign
operations will not be adversely affected by these risks.
Our
filings are available at www.aimimmuno.com. The information found on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Report and
is included for reference purposes only.
22
We
operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management
to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor are we able to assess the impact of all of these risk factors on our business or the
extent to which any risk factor, or combination of risk factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in
any forward-looking statements.
Given
these uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to
update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein
to reflect future events or developments.
Overview
General
AIM
ImmunoTech Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “AIM”, “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”)
are an immuno-pharma company headquartered in Ocala, Florida, and focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple
types of cancers, viral diseases and immune-deficiency disorders. We have established a strong foundation of laboratory, pre-clinical
and clinical data with respect to the development of nucleic acids and natural interferon to enhance the natural antiviral defense system
of the human body, and to aid the development of therapeutic products for the treatment of certain cancers and chronic diseases.
Our
flagship products are Ampligen (rintatolimod) and Alferon N Injection (Interferon alfa). Ampligen is a double-stranded RNA (“dsRNA”)
molecule being developed for globally important cancers, viral diseases and disorders of the immune system. Ampligen has not been approved
by the FDA or marketed in the United States, but is approved for commercial sale in the Argentine Republic for the treatment of severe
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (“CFS”).
We
are currently proceeding primarily in four areas:
● Conducting
clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ampligen for the treatment of pancreatic
cancer.
● Evaluating
Ampligen across multiple cancers as a potential therapy that modifies the tumor microenvironment
with the goal of increasing anti-tumor responses to checkpoint inhibitors.
● Exploring
Ampligen’s antiviral activities and potential use as a prophylactic or treatment for
existing viruses, new viruses and mutated viruses thereof.
● Evaluating
Ampligen as a treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (“ME/CFS”)
and fatigue and/or the Post-COVID condition of fatigue.
We
are prioritizing activities in an order related to the stage of development, with those clinical activities such as pancreatic cancer,
ME/CFS and Post-COVID conditions having priority over antiviral experimentation. We intend that priority clinical work be conducted in
trials authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or European Medicines Agency (“EMA”), which trials
support a potential future NDA. However, our antiviral experimentation is designed to accumulate additional preliminary data supporting
their hypothesis that Ampligen is a powerful, broad-spectrum prophylaxis and early-onset therapeutic that may confer enhanced immunity
and cross-protection. Accordingly, we will conduct antiviral programs in those venues most readily available and able to generate valid
proof-of-concept data, including foreign venues.
Please
see “Immuno-Oncology” below.
23
Immuno-Oncology .
We
are focused on pancreatic cancer because testing results, to date, primarily conducted in the Netherlands, have been very promising.
The Netherlands study generated statistically significant data indicating that Ampligen extended survival well beyond the Standard of
Care (“SOC”), when compared to well-matched historical controls. These data support the proposition that Ampligen, when administered
to either patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer after systemic chemotherapy showed a statistically significant
increase in survival rate. In October 2021, we and our Contract Research Organization, Amarex, submitted an Investigational New Drug
(“IND”) application to the FDA for a planned Phase 2 study of Ampligen as a therapy for locally advanced or metastatic late-stage
pancreatic cancer.
Because
of the differences in the scale of necessary trials, our initial primary focus when it comes to pancreatic cancer will be cases that
are locally advanced, rather than metastatic. The number of different approaches to treating metastatic pancreatic cancer — approaches
which would be determined by treating physicians — would require a much larger, far more expensive trial than would a trial for
locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Therefore, we are focusing on patients who have completed FOLFIRINOX and have stable disease. In
August 2022, we received Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) approval of the trial protocol in locally advanced pancreatic
cancer and so announced the trial’s commencement. The study is recruiting patients. Assuming this trial and subsequent planned
clinical trials confirm the existing data, our goal is to then submit an NDA for use of Ampligen in pancreatic cancer patients.
Ampligen
has also demonstrated in the clinic the potential for standalone efficacy in a number of other solid tumors. We have also seen success
in increasing survival rates and efficacy in the treatment of animal tumors when Ampligen is used in combination with checkpoint blockade
therapies. In fact, in March 2022 we announced interim data from an investigator-initiated, Phase 2, single-arm, efficacy/safety trial
to evaluate the effectiveness of combining intensive locoregional intraperitoneal (IP) chemoimmunotherapy of cisplatin with IP Ampligen
(TLR-3 agonist) and IV infusion of the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab for patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.
We believe that data from the study, which is being conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and funded by a Merck grant,
demonstrated that when combining three drugs – Ampligen and pembrolizumab, which are both immune therapies, with cisplatin, a chemotherapy
– evidence of increased biomarkers associated with T cell chemotaxis and cytolytic function has been seen. Importantly, increases
of these biomarkers in the tumor microenvironment have been correlated with favorable tumor responses. These successes in the field of
immuno-oncology have guided our efforts toward the potential use of Ampligen as a combinational therapy for the treatment of a variety
of solid tumor types. The first of our patent applications in this space was granted by the Netherlands on March 15, 2021.
Please
see “ Immuno-Oncology ” below.
Ampligen
as a Potential Antiviral
We
have a research and pre-clinical history that indicates broad-spectrum antiviral capability of Ampligen in animals. We hope to demonstrate
that it has the same effect in humans. To do this, among other things, we need a population infected with a virus. That is why we have
spent significant resources on COVID-19 (the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2) which is active and still infecting many subjects. While much
would need to be done to get Ampligen to market as a broad-spectrum antiviral, we believe that it is important to focus our efforts first
and foremost on thoroughly proving the concept, especially while there is still a large COVID-19-infected population. Previously, animal
studies were conducted that yielded positive results utilizing Ampligen to treat numerous viruses, such as Western Equine Encephalitis
Virus, Ebola, Vaccinia Virus (which is used in the manufacture of smallpox vaccine) and SARS-CoV-1. We have conducted experiments in
SARS-CoV-2 showing Ampligen has a powerful impact on viral replication. The prior studies of Ampligen in SARS-CoV-1 animal experimentation
may predict similar protective effects against SARS-CoV-2.
The
FDA has requested that we provide additional data to assist the agency in evaluating the potential risks and benefits of administering
Ampligen to asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 individuals. However, as discussed in more detail below, where the threat to the patient from
COVID-19 is high, the FDA has already authorized Ampligen in a clinical trial of patients with COVID-19 who have a pre-existing cancer.
We have also elected to explore studies (initially with healthy volunteers) outside the United States and have already conducted a study
in the Netherlands to determine the safety profile of the intranasal delivery of Ampligen.
In
this regard, CHDR, a foundation located in Leiden in the Netherlands, managed a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind study for us to evaluate
the safety, tolerability, and biological activity of repeated administration of Ampligen intranasally. A total of 40 healthy subjects
received either Ampligen or a placebo in the trial, with the Ampligen given at four escalating dosages across four cohorts, to a maximum
level of 1,250 micrograms. The study was completed, and the Final Safety Report reported no Serious or Severe Adverse Events at any dosage
level.
24
While
there are approved therapies for COVID-19, we believe that, if Ampligen has the broad-spectrum antiviral properties that we believe that
it has, it could be a very valuable tool in treating variants of existing viral diseases, including COVID-19, or novel ones that arise
in the future. Unlike most developing therapeutics which attack the virus, Ampligen works differently. We believe that it activates antiviral
immune system pathways that fight not just a particular virus or viral variant, but other similar viruses as well.
Please
see “ Ampligen as a Potential Antiviral ” below.
Ampligen
as a Treatment for Post-COVID Conditions
In
July 2023, we enrolled and dosed the first patient in our Phase 2 study evaluating Ampligen® as a potential therapeutic for people
with post-COVID conditions (“AMP-518”). We announced in August 2023 that the study had met the planned enrollment of 80 subjects
ages 18 to 60 years who have been randomized 1:1 to receive twice-weekly intravenous infusions of Ampligen or placebo for 12 weeks, with
a follow-up phase of two weeks. All patients have completed the study and topline data was reported in February 2024.
Please
see “ Ampligen as a Treatment for Post-COVID Conditions ” below.
Ampligen
as a treatment for ME/CFS and Post-COVID Conditions
We
have long been focused on seeking the FDA’s approval for the use of Ampligen to treat myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue
syndrome (“ME/CFS”). In fact, in February 2013, we received a Complete Response letter (“CRL”) from the FDA for
our Ampligen NDA for ME/CFS, stating that we should conduct at least one additional clinical trial, complete various nonclinical studies
and perform a number of data analyses.
While
developing a comprehensive response to the FDA and a plan for a confirmatory trial for the FDA NDA, we proceeded independently in Argentina
and, in August 2016, we received approval of an NDA from ANMAT for commercial sale of Ampligen in the Argentine Republic for the treatment
of severe CFS. In September 2019, we received clearance from the FDA to ship Ampligen to Argentina for the commercial launch and subsequent
sales. On June 10, 2020, we received import clearance from ANMAT to import the first shipment of commercial grade vials of Ampligen into
Argentina. The next steps in the commercial launch of Ampligen include ANMAT conducting a final inspection of the product and release
tests before granting final approval to begin commercial sales. This testing and approval process is ongoing due to ANMAT’s internal
processes. Once final approval by ANMAT is obtained, GP Pharm will be responsible for distributing Ampligen in Argentina.
The
FDA authorized an open-label treatment protocol (“AMP-511”) allowing patient access to Ampligen for treatment in a study
under which severely debilitated CFS patients have the opportunity to be on Ampligen to treat this very serious and chronic condition.
The data collected from the AMP-511 protocol through a consortium group of clinical sites provide safety information regarding the use
of Ampligen in patients with CFS. The AMP-511 protocol is ongoing. In October 2020, we received IRB approval for the expansion of the
AMP-511 protocol to include patients previously diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 following clearance of the virus, but who still demonstrate
chronic fatigue-like symptoms that we refer to as Post-COVID conditions. As of June 30, 2024, there were 8 patients enrolled in this
open-label, expanded access treatment protocol (including two patients with Post-COVID Conditions). To date, there have been eight such
Post-COVID patients treated in the study. AIM previously reported positive preliminary results based on data from the first four Post-COVID
Condition patients enrolled in the study. The data show that, by week 12, compared to baseline, there was what the investigators considered
a clinically significant decrease in fatigue-related measures.
We
plan on a comprehensive follow through with the FDA regarding the use of Ampligen as a treatment for ME/CFS. We have learned a great
deal since the FDA’s CRL and plan to adjust our approach to concentrate on specific ME/CFS symptoms. Responses to the CRL and a
proposed confirmatory trial are being worked on now by our R&D team and consultants.
Please
see “ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) ” below.
Atlas
Equity Line of Credit
On
March 28, 2024, we entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and a registration rights agreement (the
“Registration Rights Agreement”) with Atlas Sciences, LLC, a Utah limited liability company (“Atlas”), pursuant
to which Atlas has committed to purchase up to $15 million of our Common Stock.
Under
the terms and subject to the conditions of the Purchase Agreement, we have the right, but not the obligation, to sell to Atlas, and Atlas
is obligated to purchase up to $15 million of our Common Stock (the “Commitment Amount”). Such sales by us, if any, will
be subject to certain limitations, and may occur from time to time, at our sole discretion, over the 24-month period commencing on the
date that a registration statement covering the resale of shares that have been and may be issued under the Purchase Agreement. We agreed
to file the registration statement with the SEC pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. Sales could not commence until the registration
statement is declared effective by the SEC and a final prospectus in connection therewith is filed and the other conditions set forth
in the Purchase Agreement are satisfied. The registration statement was declared effective and the final prospectus was filed on May
1, 2024.
25
Atlas
has no right to require us to sell any shares to Atlas, but Atlas is obligated to make purchases as we direct, subject to certain conditions.
There are no upper limits on the price per share that Atlas must pay for shares of Common Stock. Actual sales of shares to Atlas will
depend on a variety of factors to be determined by us from time to time, including, among others, market conditions, the trading price
of the Common Stock and determinations by us as to the appropriate sources of funding for us and our operations.
The
net proceeds under the Purchase Agreement will depend on the frequency and prices at which we sell shares to Atlas. We expect that any
proceeds received by us will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.
We
cannot sell shares below the Minimum Price (as defined by the NYSE American) under the Purchase Agreement that would represent, in the
aggregate, more than 19.99% of the outstanding shares on the date that the Purchase Agreement was executed. Before we could do that,
we would need to obtain stockholder approval.
We
have agreed with Atlas that we will not enter into any “variable rate” transactions with any third party for a period defined
in the Purchase Agreement. Atlas has covenanted not to cause or engage in any manner whatsoever, any direct or indirect short selling
or hedging of our shares.
As
consideration for Atlas’s irrevocable commitment to purchase shares upon the terms of and subject to satisfaction of the conditions
set forth in the Purchase Agreement, upon execution of the Purchase Agreement, we agreed to pay Atlas an initial commitment fee in shares
equal to 1.0% of the Commitment Amount. The initial commitment fee was paid upon execution of the Purchase Agreement through the issuance
of 338,600 shares of Common Stock.
The
Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement contain customary representations, warranties, conditions and indemnification
obligations of the parties. We have the right to terminate the Purchase Agreement at any time, at no cost or penalty.
During
any period where bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings, voluntary or involuntary, for
relief under any bankruptcy law or any law for the relief of debtors shall be instituted or anticipated by or against us or any of our
subsidiaries, and in the case of such a proceeding being involuntary or commenced against us, which is not dismissed within 60 days,
we may not initiate any purchase of shares by Atlas.
The
representations, warranties and covenants contained in such agreements were made only for purposes of such agreements and as of specific
dates, were solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreements and may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting
parties. The foregoing descriptions of the Agreements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of these Agreements
which were filed as exhibits 10.104 and 10.105 to our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Securities
Purchase Agreement
On
May 31, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to complete an offering (the “Transactions”)
with a single accredited investor (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which we will issue to the Purchaser, (i) in a registered
direct offering, 5,640,958 shares of our common stock (the “Shares”), par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”)
and (ii) in a concurrent private placement, we will issue to the Purchaser Class A common warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to
5,640,958 shares of its common stock (the “A Warrants”) at an exercise price of $0.363 per share and Class B common warrants
to purchase an aggregate of up to 5,640,958 shares of its common stock (the “B “Warrants” and, along with the A Warrants,
the “Common Warrants”) at an exercise price of $0.363 per share. The A Warrants and B Warrants will not be exercisable for
six months after the issuance date and will expire, respectively, 24 months and five years and six months after the issuance date. The
Common Warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of such warrants are offered pursuant to an exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506(b) promulgated thereunder.
We
received aggregate gross proceeds from the Transactions of approximately $2,047,688, before deducting fees to the Placement Agent and
other estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Shares are being offered by us pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form
S-3 (File No. 333-262280), which was declared effective on February 4, 2022 (as amended from time to time, the “Registration Statement”).
Pursuant
to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, we cannot issue any equity securities for 60 days following the
issuance date, provided that we will be able to utilize it’s at-the-market offering program with the Placement Agent after 30 days.
Additionally, we cannot enter into a variable rate transaction (other than the ATM program with the Placement Agent) for 120 days after
the issuance date. In addition, our executive officers and each of our directors have entered into lock-up agreements with us pursuant
to which each of them has agreed not to, for a period of 90 days from the closing of the Transactions, offer, sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of our securities, subject to certain exceptions.
26
The
exercise price of the Common Warrants, and the number of Common Warrant Shares, will be subject to adjustment in the event of any stock
dividend or split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction, as described in the Common Warrants.
If a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Common Warrants) occurs, then the successor entity will succeed to, and be substituted
for us, and may exercise every right and power that we may exercise and will assume all of its obligations under the Common Warrants
with the same effect as if such successor entity had been named in the warrant itself. Common Warrant Holders will have additional rights
defined in the Common Warrants. The Common Warrants will be exercisable on a “cashless” basis only if there is not a current
registration statement permitting public resale. In this regard, we have agreed to file a registration statement to register the resale
of the Common Warrant Shares as soon as practicable (and in any event within 45 calendar days) providing for the resale of the Shares
issued and issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants. We have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such
registration statement to become effective within 181 days following the issuance date and to keep such registration statement effective
at all times until no Purchaser owns any Warrants or Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise thereof.
Maxim
Group LLC acted as the placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) on a “commercially reasonable best efforts” basis,
in connection with the Transactions pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, dated May 31, 2024 (the “Placement Agency Agreement”),
by and between us and the Placement Agent. Pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, the Placement Agent will be entitled to a cash
fee of 8% of the aggregate gross proceeds paid to the Company for the securities sold in the Transactions and reimbursement of certain
out-of-pocket expenses.
OUR
PRODUCTS
Our
primary pharmaceutical product platform consists of Ampligen (rintatolimod), a first-in-class drug of large macromolecular double-stranded
(ds) RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules, and our FDA-approved natural alpha-interferon product, Alferon N Injection.
Ampligen
is approved for sale in Argentina (to 2026) for severe CFS and is an experimental drug in the United States currently undergoing clinical
development for the treatment of certain cancers and ME/CFS. Over its developmental history, Ampligen has received various designations,
including Orphan Drug Product Designation (FDA and EMA), Treatment protocol (e.g., “Expanded Access” or “Compassionate”
use authorization) with Cost Recovery Authorization (FDA) and “promising” clinical outcome recognition based on the evaluation
of certain summary clinical reports (“AHRQ” or Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality). Based on the results of published,
peer-reviewed pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, we believe that Ampligen may have broad-spectrum antiviral and anti-cancer properties.
We
believe that nucleic acid compounds represent a potential new class of pharmaceutical products designed to act at the molecular level
for treatment of many human diseases. Ampligen represents the first drug in the class of large (macromolecular) dsRNA molecules to apply
for NDA review. There are two forms of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid (“DNA”) and ribonucleic acid (“RNA”).
DNA is a group of naturally occurring molecules found in chromosomes, the cell’s genetic machinery. RNA is a group of naturally
occurring informational molecules which orchestrate a cell’s behavior which, in turn, regulates the action of groups of cells,
including the cells which comprise the body’s immune system. RNA directs the production of proteins and regulates certain cell
activities including the activation of an otherwise dormant cellular defense against viruses and tumors. Our drug technology utilizes
specifically configured RNA and is a selective Toll-like Receptor 3 (“TLR3”) agonist that can be administered intravenously,
intranasally and intraperitoneally. Ampligen has been assigned the generic name rintatolimod by the United States Adopted Names Council
(“USANC”) and has the chemical designation poly(I):poly(C12U).
Expanded
Access Program/Early Access Programs/clinical trials of Ampligen that have been conducted or that are ongoing include studies of the
potential treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer, renal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian
cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, ME/CFS, Hepatitis B, HIV, COVID-19 and Post-COVID conditions.
We
have received approval of our NDA from ANMAT for the commercial sale of Ampligen in the Argentine Republic for the treatment of severe
CFS. The product will be marketed by GP Pharm, our commercial partner in Latin America. Shipment of the drug product to Argentina was
initiated in 2018 to complete the release testing by ANMAT needed for commercial distribution. In September 2019, we received clearance
from the FDA to ship Ampligen to Argentina for the commercial launch and subsequent sales. In June 2020, we received import clearance
from ANMAT to import the first shipment of commercial grade vials of Ampligen into Argentina. We are currently working with GP Pharm
on the commercial launch of Ampligen in Argentina. Commercialization in Argentina will require, among other things, GP Pharm to establish
disease awareness, medical education, creation of an appropriate reimbursement level, design of marketing strategies and completion of
manufacturing preparations for launch and ANMAT conducting a final inspection of the product and release tests before granting final
approval to begin commercial sales. AIM has supplied GP Pharm with the Ampligen required for testing and ANMAT release. This testing
and approval process is ongoing due to ANMAT’s internal processes. Once final approval by ANMAT is obtained, GP Pharm will begin
distributing Ampligen in Argentina. Argentina has experienced hyper-inflation and recently devalued its currency to the U.S. dollar by
50%. Contracts with GP Pharm are U.S. dollar contracts and the parties must evaluate the impact of the recent devaluation on its relationship.
27
The
FDA has authorized an open-label expanded access treatment protocol (AMP-511) allowing patient access to Ampligen in a study under which
severely debilitated CFS patients have the opportunity to be on Ampligen to treat this serious and chronic condition. The AMP-511 protocol
started in the 1990s and is ongoing. The data collected from the AMP-511 protocol through clinical sites provide safety information regarding
the use of Ampligen in patients with CFS. We are establishing an enlarged database of clinical safety information which we believe will
provide further documentation regarding the absence of autoimmune disease associated with Ampligen treatment. We believe that continued
efforts to understand existing data, and to advance the development of new data and information, will ultimately support our future filings
for Ampligen and/or the design of future clinical studies that the FDA requested in a CRL. The FDA approved an increased reimbursement
level from $200 to $345 per 200 mg vial of Ampligen, due to increased production costs; which was re-authorized in 2021, 2022, 2023 and
2024. At this time, we do not plan on passing this adjustment along to the patients in this program. In October 2020, we received IRB
approval for the expansion of the AMP-511 Expanded Access Program clinical trial for ME/CFS to include patients previously diagnosed
with SARS-CoV-2 following clearance of the virus, but who still demonstrate chronic fatigue-like symptoms that we refer to as Post-COVID
conditions. As of June 30, 2024, there are 8 patients enrolled in this open-label expanded access treatment protocol. In July 2022, AIM
reported positive preliminary results based on data from the first four Post-COVID Condition patients enrolled in the study. The data
show that, by week 12, compared to baseline, the investigators observed what they considered a clinically significant decrease in fatigue-related
measures. To date, there have been eight such Post-COVID patients treated in this study.
In
May 2016, we entered into a five-year agreement with myTomorrows, a Netherlands based company, for the commencement and management of
an Early Access Program (“EAP”) in Europe and Turkey related to ME/CFS. Pursuant to the agreement, as amended, myTomorrows
also is managing all Early Access Programs and Special Access Programs in Europe, Canada, and Turkey to treat pancreatic cancer and ME/CFS
patients. The agreement was automatically extended for a period of 12 months on May 20, 2021; has been automatically extended for 12
months on each subsequent May 20; and will continue to be automatically extended for periods of 12 months every May 20 until terminated
or the terms of the agreement are met.
In
June 2018, Ampligen was cited as outperforming two other TLR3 agonists — poly IC and natural double stranded RNA — in creating
an enhanced tumor microenvironment for checkpoint blockade therapy in the journal of Cancer Research (http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2018/05/31/0008-5472.CAN-17-3985).
In a head-to-head study in explant culture models, Ampligen activated the TLR3 pathway and promoted an accumulation of killer T cells
but, unlike the other two TLR3 agonists, it did so without causing regulatory T cell (Treg) attraction. These findings were considered
important because they indicate that Ampligen selectively reprograms the tumor microenvironment by inducing the beneficial aspects of
tumor inflammation (attracting killer T cells), without amplifying immune-suppressive elements such as regulatory T cells. The study
was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh and Roswell Park as a part of the NIH-funded P01 CA132714 and Ovarian Cancer Specialized
Program of Research Excellence (“SPORE”).
In
2018, we completed production of two commercial-size batches of more than 16,000 vials of Ampligen, following its “Fill &
Finish” at Jubilant HollisterStier, the Contract Manufacturing Organization. These lots passed all required testing for
regulatory release for human use and are being used for multiple programs, including: the treatment of ME/CFS; the pancreatic cancer
EAP in the Netherlands; and will continue to be used for ongoing and future clinical studies in oncology. Lots of Ampligen were
manufactured in December 2019, January 2020 and March 2024. Additionally, in December 2020, we added Pharmaceutics International
Inc. (“Pii”) as a “Fill & Finish” provider to enhance our capacity to produce Ampligen. This addition amplifies our
manufacturing capability by providing redundancy and cost savings. The contracts augment our active and in-process fill and finish
capacity.
Immuno-Oncology
The
potential of Ampligen as an immuno-oncology therapeutic has been a major focus of AIM since our current leadership took over in 2016.
We have been working with the University of Pittsburgh’s chemokine modulation research initiative, which includes the use of Ampligen
as a potential adjuvant to modify the tumor microenvironment (“TME”) with the goal of increasing anti-tumor responses to
check point inhibitors (“CPI”). As part of this collaboration, we have supplied Ampligen to the University. The study, under
the leadership of Robert P. Edwards, MD, chair of gynecologic services at Magee-Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh
School of Medicine, and Professor of Surgery Pawel Kalinski, M.D., Ph.D., at Roswell Park, Buffalo, N.Y., involved the chemokine modulatory
regimen developed by Dr. Kalinski’s group and successfully completed the Phase 1 dose escalation in patients with resectable colorectal
cancer.
28
Multiple
Ampligen clinical trials are underway or recently completed at major university cancer centers testing whether tumor microenvironments
can be reprogrammed to increase the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors. The underway trials include:
●
Pancreatic Cancer Trial
○
The Phase 2 AMP-270 clinical trial is a randomized, open-label, controlled, parallel-arm study with the primary objective of
comparing the efficacy of Ampligen versus a no treatment control group following FOLFIRINOX for subjects with locally advanced
pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Secondary objectives include comparing safety and tolerability. AMP-270 is expected to enroll
approximately 90 subjects in up to 30 centers across the U.S. and Europe. In March 2022, the FDA granted clearance to proceed with
the study. In April 2022, we executed a work order with Amarex to manage the clinical trial. In August 2022, we received IRB
approval of the trial protocol and so announced the trial’s commencement. The authorization to proceed with the Phase 2
pancreatic cancer clinical trial has been received with potential sites in the Netherlands at Erasmus MC, and also at major cancer
research centers in the United States such as The Buffett Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). A Type
D meeting package seeking the FDA guidance on expansion of inclusion criteria and treatment arms to be included was submitted to the
FDA. In June 2024, a written response to that meeting package was received from the FDA and the study protocol is currently being
amended based on the FDA comments. The study is still recruiting patients under the current protocol.
( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05494697 ).
○
The DURIPANC Study is a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial combining Ampligen with AstraZeneca’s anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor
Imfinzi® (durvalumab) for the treatment of late-stage pancreatic cancer. The primary objective of the Phase 1b portion is to determine
the safety of combination therapy. The primary objective of the Phase 2 portion is to determine the clinical benefit rate of the combination
therapy. Investigators at Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands have completed the safety evaluation of patients enrolled in the first
dose level of the dose escalation design in the Phase 1b/2 study. The combination of Ampligen and Imfinzi was found to be generally well-tolerated
with no severe adverse events (“SAE”) or dose-limiting toxicities.
●
Advanced Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
○
Results
of the Phase 1 portion of a Phase 1/2 study of intraperitoneal chemo-immunotherapy in advanced recurrent ovarian cancer were published
in the American Association for Cancer Research publication, Clinical Cancer Research (Clin Cancer Res January 19, 2022 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-21-3659).
The study results represent an important extension of prior studies using human tumor explants that showed Ampligen’s potentially
important role as a TLR3 agonist acting synergistically with high-dose IFNα and celecoxib to selectively enhance Teff cell-attractants
while suppressing Treg-attractants in the tumor microenvironment with a concomitant increase in the Teff/Treg ratio. The importance
of boosting the Teff/Treg ratio in the tumor microenvironment is that it is associated with the conversion of ‘cold’
tumors into ‘hot’ tumors, which have an increased sensitivity to chemo-immunotherapy and an improved chance of showing
tumor regression. The Phase 1 portion was designed to establish intraperitoneal safety. The Phase 2 portion of the study is planned
to be conducted in the future. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432378
○
A
Phase 2 study of advanced recurrent ovarian cancer using cisplatin, pembrolizumab, plus Ampligen; up to 45 patients to be enrolled;
enrollment has commenced, and numerous patients have commenced treatment. In April 2024, researchers released topline data that
saw an Objective Response Rate (“ORR”) of 45% in platinum-sensitive subjects with recurrent ovarian cancer. ORR includes
complete response (“CR”) and partial response (“PR”) to treatment. There was a total Clinical Benefit Rate
(“CBR”) of 55% when including patients who experienced stable disease (“SD”). Researchers also reported a
median Progression-Free Survival (“PFS”) of 7.8 months. Based on these results and other
research suggesting a similar effect in other solid tumor types, AIM sees an Ampligen combination therapy as having potential across
multiple types of cancers. Additional clinical studies are underway and planned in many of these types of tumors to further confirm
these effects.” https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03734692
In
March 2021, we were granted a patent by the Netherlands Patent Office with granted patent claims that include, but are not limited to,
the use of Ampligen as a combination cancer therapy with checkpoint blockade inhibitors (e.g. pembrolizumab, nivolumab). We believe that
the above positive data makes this patent have heightened potential. Similar patents are pending in other countries.
●
Stage
4 Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer - Phase 1 study of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer using chemokine modulation
therapy, including Ampligen and pembrolizumab. Eight patients were enrolled and 6 patients were evaluable. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03599453 .
The key findings announced first in April 2022, and later published in November 2023, included:
○
The
pre-determined primary endpoint of efficacy was met (increase in CD8 in TME).
○
Uniform
increase of immune markers upon treatment was observed: CD8 mRNA (6.1-fold; p-0.034), GZMB mRNA (3.5-fold; p=0.058), ratios of CD8
/FOXP3 and GZMB/FOXP3 (5.7-fold; p=0.036, and 7.6-fold; p=0.024 respectively), thus successfully meeting the pre-determined primary
endpoint in the study (increase in CD8 in TME).
○
In
addition, an increase in CTL attractants CXCL10 (2.6-fold; p=0.104) and CCL5 (3.3-fold; p=0.019) was observed. In contrast, Treg
marker FOXP3 or Treg attractants CCL22 or CXCL12 were not enhanced.
○
Three
patients had stable disease lasting 2.4, 2.5 and 3.8 months, as of data cut off September 1, 2021.
○
An
additional patient (non-evaluable) had a partial response (breast tumor autoamputation) with massive tumor necrosis in the post-CKM
biopsy.
29
●
Stage
4 Colorectal Cancer Metastatic to the Liver - Phase 2a study of Ampligen as a component of chemokine modulatory regimen on colorectal
cancer metastatic to liver; recruitment has been completed; 19 patients were enrolled and 12 patients were evaluable for the primary
endpoint https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03403634 . The key findings announced in April 2022 included:
○
The
study’s primary endpoint was met, evidenced by increased CD8a expression post-treatment (p=0.046).
○
Saw
increase in the CD8a/CD4 (p=0.03), CD8a/FOXP3 (p<0.01) and GZMB/FOXP3 (p<0.01) ratios.
○
The
expression of CTL-attracting chemokines CCL5 (p=0.08), CXCL9 (p=0.05), and CXCL10 (p=0.06) were increased, while expression of the
Treg/MDSC attractant CXCL12 (p=0.07) was decreased post-treatment.
○
Median
OS was 10.5 (90% CI 2.2-15.2) months, and the median PFS was 1.5 (90% CI 1.4, 1.8) months.
○
No
tumor responses were seen. The treatment was well tolerated. Of all enrolled patients (N=19), adverse events were noted in 74% of
patients, with the most common being fatigue (58%). Grade 3 or higher adverse events were rare (5%).
●
Early-Stage
Prostate Cancer - Phase 2 study investigating the effectiveness and safety of aspirin and Ampligen with or without interferon-alpha
2b (Intron A) compared to no drug treatments in a randomized three-arm study of patients with prostate cancer before undergoing radical
prostatectomy. Patient enrollment has been initiated in this study designed for up to 45 patients. The study is temporarily suspended
due to the Merck discontinuation of Intron-A production. Roswell Park has had a Type-C meeting with the FDA and is currently performing
the necessary experiments to replace Intron-A with a generic alpha-interferon. We expect this trial to resume in the near future.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03899987
●
Early-Stage
Triple Negative Breast Cancer - The objective of this Phase 1 study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a combination
of Ampligen, celecoxib with or without Intron A, when given along with chemotherapy in patients with early-stage triple negative
breast cancer. The now completed (as of September 2022) topline results from the study confirm
the positive findings that were previously presented at the 2022 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 37 th Annual
Meeting in a poster presentation titled Safety and efficacy of de-escalated neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy of triple
negative breast cancer (TNBC) using chemokine-modulating regimen (rintatolimod, IFN-α2b, celecoxib) . The
primary endpoint of the study was safety and tolerability. The results demonstrated that treatment was well-tolerated with mostly
grade 1 or 2 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) without dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) or delayed or immune-related
toxicities. DLT was defined as grade 3 or higher toxicities within the first 3 weeks. Secondary endpoints included pCR rate where
5/9 (56%) of patients attained pCR and 1 more patient attained ypTmic. Tumor and blood biomarkers were also analyzed in exploratory
studies. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04081389
●
Refractory
Melanoma — Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (“Roswell Park”), in a clinical trial fully funded by the
National Cancer Institute (NCI), has commenced patient enrollment in its Phase 2 study in subjects with primary PD-1/PD-L1 resistant
melanoma. The Phase 2 study will evaluate type-1 polarized dendritic cell (αDC1) vaccine in combination with tumor-selective
chemokine modulation (“CKM”) comprised of Interferon alpha 2b, Ampligen (rintatolimod) and Celecoxib. Up to 24 patients
are to be enrolled. The study was temporarily suspended due to the Merck discontinuation of Intron-A production but has since resumed
recruitment (See: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04093323).
●
Metastatic
or Unresectable Triple Negative Breast Cancer – This phase 1/2a trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of chemokine
modulation therapy (CKM) (rintatolimod, celecoxib, and interferon alpha 2b) in combination with pembrolizumab for the treatment of patients
with triple negative breast cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic)
or that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). The study is recruiting subjects. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05756166
30
Additional
Progress and Analysis Related to Pancreatic Cancer
In
January 2017, the EAP established under our agreement with myTomorrows to enable access of Ampligen to ME/CFS patients was extended to
pancreatic cancer patients beginning in the Netherlands. myTomorrows is our exclusive service provider in Europe and Turkey and will
manage all EAP activities relating to the pancreatic cancer extension of the program. In February 2018, the agreement with myTomorrows
was extended to cover Canada to treat pancreatic cancer patients, pending government approval. There have been no physician requests
to date that would cause the program to move forward with the approval process.
A
total of 42 pancreatic cancer patients initially received treatment with Ampligen immuno-oncology therapy under the EAP program at Erasmus
MC in the Netherlands; that initial program has since continued to expand and proceed with additional patients to be treated with Ampligen
supervised by Prof. C.H.J. van Eijck, MD. In March 2024, the team at Erasmus MC published a thorough data analysis in an article titled
“ Rintatolimod in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity through Dendritic Cell-Mediated T Cell Responses ”
in the journal Clinical Cancer Research . The positive clinical findings relate to changes in the tumor microenvironment after
Ampligen use. We are working with our Contract Research Organization, Amarex Clinical Research LLC, to seek FDA “fast-track.”
We have applied for fast-track status; have received denials to date; and are currently working through the FDA process to provide all
the materials and information required to achieve fast-track status.
Additionally:
●
In
December 2020, the FDA granted Ampligen Orphan Drug Designation status for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The Orphan Drug Designation
program provides orphan status to drugs and biologics which are defined as those intended for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis
of a rare disease or condition, which is one that affects less than 200,000 persons in the United States or meets cost recovery provisions
of the act. The status helps incentivize the treatment of therapies to treat unmet medical needs by providing a company with seven
years of exclusivity rights once a drug reaches market.
●
In
February 2021, our subsidiary, NV Hemispherx Biopharma Europe, received formal notification from the European Commission (“EC”)
granting Orphan Medicinal Product Designation for Ampligen as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. Orphan products, once commercially
approved in the European Union (“EU”), receive benefits including up to ten years of protection from market competition
from similar medicines with similar active component and indication for use that are not shown to be clinically superior.
In
June 2021, Ampligen was featured in a publication containing state-of-the-art methodologies in the peer-reviewed medical journal Cancers
as a potential treatment option for cancer patients who are infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study’s authors stated that Ampligen
has the potential to reduce the severity of the deadly respiratory disease COVID-19. According to laboratory data presented in the publication,
“Rintatolimod [Ampligen] activated the innate and the adaptive immune systems by activating a cascade of actions in human pancreatic
cancer cells”, including:
●
Stimulation
of interferon regulatory factors and activation of the interferon signaling pathway,
●
Production
of immunomodulatory activity and
●
Induction
of the expression of MHC class I and II histocompatibility
The
full journal article is titled: “ Rintatolimod Induces Antiviral Activities in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells: Opening for an
Anti-COVID-19 Opportunity in Cancer Patients ?” Cancers is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of oncology published
semimonthly online by MDPI. The study’s authors include Prof. C.H.J. van Eijck, MD, PhD, the lead investigator at Erasmus Medical
Center in the Netherlands.
In
October 2021, we and Amarex submitted an IND application with the FDA for a planned Phase 2 study of Ampligen as a therapy for locally
advanced or metastatic late-stage pancreatic cancer. In December 2021, the FDA responded with a Clinical Hold on the proposed study.
We submitted our response to the FDA in February 2022. In March 2022, we received notification from the FDA that the Clinical Hold was
released and cleared, meaning that we are now able to proceed with the study specifically to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer
patients. In August 2022, we received IRB approval of the trial protocol and so announced the trial’s commencement. The study is
recruiting patients.
31
Positive
data was published in March 2022 in a manuscript titled, “ Rintatolimod (Ampligen®) enhances numbers of peripheral B cells
and is associated with longer survival in patients with locally advanced and metastasized pancreatic cancer pre-treated with FOLFIRINOX:
a single-center named patient program, ” in Cancers Special Issue: Combination and Innovative Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer .
In the single-center, named-patient program, patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) or metastatic disease were treated
with Ampligen for 6 weeks, at 2 doses per week with 400 mg per infusion. The study found that Ampligen improved the median survival of
these patients. The study’s primary endpoints were the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SIII), the Neutrophils to Lymphocyte
Ratio (NLR), and absolute counts of 18 different populations of circulating immune cells as measured by flow cytometry. Secondary endpoints
were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The median overall survival in the Ampligen group was 19 months, compared
to a historical control group and subgroup (7.5 and 12.5, respectively) that did not receive Ampligen.
Also
in March 2022, we announced that study data evaluating the direct effects of Ampligen on human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
cells was accepted for presentation at the 15th Annual International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association World Congress in New York,
NY. For the study, three PDAC cell lines (CFPAC-1, MIAPaCa-2, and PANC-1) were treated with various concentrations of Ampligen and their
corresponding vehicle control. The proliferation and migration effects were examined using in-vitro assays and the molecular effect was
examined by targeted gene expression profiling. Additionally human PDAC samples were used to validate the expression of toll-like receptor
3 (TLR3) by immunohistochemistry. Results from the study demonstrated Ampligen decreased the proliferation and migration ability of CFPAC-1
cells. In addition, it decreased the proliferation of MIAPaCa-2 cells and the migration of PANC-1 cells. However, it did not have a dual
effect in MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. Interestingly, TLR3 was highly expressed in CFPAC-1 cells, low expressed in MIAPaCa-2 and not expressed
in PANC-1. Gene expression analysis revealed the upregulation of interferon-related genes, chemokines, interleukins and cell cycle regulatory
genes. The heterogeneity of TLR3 expression was confirmed in human PDAC samples. Based on these results, treating pancreatic cancer with
Ampligen may have a direct anti-tumor effect in pancreatic cancer cells expressing TLR-3.
Ampligen
as a Potential Antiviral
Following
the SARS-CoV-1 outbreak in 2002-03, Ampligen exhibited excellent antiviral properties and protective survival effect in NIH-contracted
studies of SARS-CoV-1-infected mice, which is very similar to SARS-CoV-2, the novel virus that causes COVID-19.
●
The
Barnard 2006 study ( https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/095632020601700505 ) found that Ampligen reduced virus lung
levels to below detectable limits.
●
The
Day 2009 study (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682209005832 ) found that, instead of 100% mortality,
there was 100% protective survival using Ampligen.
We
compared key transcription regulatory sequences of SARS-CoV-1 to SARS-CoV-2 and found significant similarities, suggesting highly probable
extension of the antiviral effects of Ampligen in the earlier NIH-contracted SARS experiments to COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus –
which causes COVID-19 – shares important genomic and pathogenic similarities with SARS-CoV-1 (hence its name). Since Ampligen has
shown antiviral activity against more distantly related coronaviruses, there was a reasonable probability that the antiviral effects
of Ampligen against SARS-CoV-1 will likely extend to SARS-CoV-2, and as discussed below, recently, Ampligen has demonstrated ex vivo
antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. We believe that this creates a compelling case for clinical trials to evaluate Ampligen as a potential
tool in the fight against COVID-19.
Since
the late 2019 outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, we have been actively engaged in determining whether Ampligen could be an effective treatment for
this virus or could be part of a vaccine. We believe that Ampligen has the potential to be both an early-onset treatment for and prophylaxis
against SARS-CoV-2. We believe that prior studies of Ampligen in SARS-CoV-1 animal experimentation may predict similar protective effects
against the new virus.
In
February 2020, we filed three provisional patent applications related to Ampligen in our efforts toward joining the global health community
in the fight against the deadly coronavirus (See: https://aimimmuno.com/press-release/aim-immunotech-files-provisional-patent-application-for-the-use-of-ampligenr-as-a-potential-therapy-for-covid-19-induced-chronic-fatigue/).
Our three provisional patent applications include: 1) Ampligen as a therapy for the coronavirus; 2) Ampligen as part of a proposed intranasal
universal coronavirus vaccine that combines Ampligen with inactivated coronavirus, conveying immunity and cross-protection and; 3) a
high-volume manufacturing process for Ampligen. Under the Patent Cooperation Treaty of 1970, which provides international protections
for patents, these three provisional patent applications were converted into two international patent applications based on the date
of their filings.
32
In
August 2020, we contracted Amarex to act as our Clinical Research Organization and provide regulatory support with regard to a possible
clinical trial testing Ampligen’s potential as a COVID-19 prophylaxis via intranasal delivery.
Beginning
in April 2020, we entered into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with numerous companies for the potential outsourcing of
the production of polymer, enzyme, placebo as well as Ampligen, and one Contract Research Organization, Amarex, which will provide regulatory
and monitoring support related to a clinical trial testing Ampligen’s intranasal safety and potential as a COVID-19 prophylaxis
via intranasal delivery.
In
May 2020, the FDA authorized an IND for Roswell Park to conduct a Phase 1/2a study of a regimen of Ampligen and interferon alpha in cancer
patients with COVID-19 infections. This clinical trial, sponsored by Roswell Park in collaboration with us, will test the safety of this
combination regimen in patients with cancer and COVID-19, and the extent to which this therapy will promote clearance of the SARS-CoV-2
virus from the upper airway. Several subjects have been treated. It is planned that the phase 1/2a study will enroll up to 44 patients
in two stages. Phase 1 will see 12-24 patients receiving both Ampligen and interferon alpha-2b at escalating doses. Once that initial
phase is complete, further study participants will be randomized to two arms: one receiving the two-drug combination and a control group
who will not receive Ampligen or interferon alpha but will receive best available care. We are a financial sponsor of the study and will
provide Ampligen at no charge for this study. In November 2020, the first patient in the study had been enrolled and treated. This study
was amended to add 20 patients, with 10 randomized to receive a single dose of Ampligen and 10 patients to receive current best therapies.
(See clinicaltrials.gov/NCT04379518 ). Due to a shortage of qualifying subjects with COVID-19 and cancer as a result of the positive
impact of vaccinations and treatments for COVID-19, Roswell is seeking approval to expand the qualifying subject criteria to include
other diseases lethal to immuno-compromised cancer patients, such as influenza. Accordingly, the study is temporarily suspended while
seeking said approvals.
We
also entered into a specialized services agreement with Utah State University and have supplied Ampligen to support the University’s
Institute for Viral Research in its research into SARS-CoV-2. The Utah State results show that Ampligen was able to decrease SARS-CoV-2
infectious viral yields by 90% at clinically achievable intranasal Ampligen dosage levels.
In
October 2020, we received IRB approval for the expansion of the AMP-511 Expanded Access Program clinical trial for ME/CFS to include
patients previously diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, but who still demonstrate chronic fatigue-like symptoms. Patients in the trial are treated
with our flagship pipeline drug Ampligen. In January 2021, we commenced with the treatment of the first previously diagnosed COVID-19
patient with long-COVID symptoms (i.e., Long Hauler) also known as Post-COVID Conditions in the AMP-511 study. Enrollment of post-COVID
patients continues in the study.
In
January 2021, we entered into a Sponsor Agreement with CHDR to manage a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind study to evaluate the safety
and activity of repeated intranasal administration of Ampligen. AIM funded and sponsored the study. This study was designed to assess
the safety, tolerability and biological activity of repeated administration of Ampligen intranasally. A total of 40 healthy subjects
received either Ampligen or a placebo in the trial, with the Ampligen given at four escalating dosages across four cohorts, to a maximum
level of 1,250 micrograms. The study was completed, and the Final Safety Report reported no Serious or Severe Adverse Events at any dosage
level. We believe that the trial is a critical step in our ongoing efforts to develop Ampligen as a potential prophylaxis or treatment
for COVID-19 and other respiratory viral diseases. Amarex provided us with monitoring support during the trial.
Additionally,
we filed two COVID-19-related provisional patent applications in the third quarter of 2021. In August, we filed an application for Ampligen
as both an intranasal and an intravenous therapy for what we describe as Post-COVID conditions. The people suffering from Post-COVID
conditions, including some young adults, can be afflicted with severe difficulties in concentrating; serious memory problems; and the
inability to live an active lifestyle, to work and even to perform everyday tasks. Early data has demonstrated that patients with symptoms
of Post-COVID conditions being treated with Ampligen in the ongoing AMP-511 Expanded Access Program have reported improvements in fatigue
symptoms. Similarly, in ME/CFS, data supports the claim that Ampligen improves fatigue symptoms. Then in September 2022, we filed a patent
application for Ampligen as a potential early-onset intranasal therapy designed to enhance and expand infection-induced immunity, epitope
spreading, cross-reactivity and cross-protection in patients exposed to a wide range of RNA respiratory viruses, such as influenza, Rhinoviruses
and SARS-CoV-2.
In
addition to securing these two provisional patent applications, we also moved forward with proposed studies in these areas and with Pre-Investigational
New Drug Applications in September 2021. One pre-IND was for a Phase 2, two-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter
study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ampligen in patients experiencing Post-COVID conditions (originally referred to as Post-COVID
Cognitive Dysfunction (PCCD) and has been revised to Post-COVID conditions).
33
Ampligen
as a Treatment for Post-COVID Conditions
In
July 2023, we enrolled and dosed the first patient in our Phase 2 study evaluating Ampligen® as a potential therapeutic for people
with post-COVID conditions (“AMP-518”). We announced in August 2023 that the study had met the planned enrollment of 80 subjects
ages 18 to 60 years who have been randomized 1:1 to receive twice-weekly intravenous infusions of Ampligen or placebo for 12 weeks, with
a follow-up phase of two weeks. All patients have completed the study and topline data was reported in February 2024.
Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), also known as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (“CFIDS”)
and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a serious and debilitating chronic illness and a major public health problem. ME/CFS is recognized
by both the government and private sector as a significant unmet medical need, including the U.S. National Institutes of Health (“NIH”),
FDA and the CDC.
Many
severe ME/CFS patients become completely disabled or totally bedridden and are afflicted with severe pain and mental confusion even at
rest. ME/CFS is characterized by incapacitating fatigue with profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina, sleep difficulties and problems
with concentration and short-term memory. It is also accompanied by flu-like symptoms, pain in the joints and muscles, tender lymph nodes,
sore throat and new headaches. A distinctive characteristic of the illness is a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion,
which do not subside with rest.
The
high number of younger people being hospitalized for COVID-19 suggests considerable numbers of people in the prime of their lives may
have a COVID-induced ME/CFS-like illness in their future. According to a 2016 journal article, the estimated annual cost of lost productivity
related to ME/CFS was $9-37 billion in the United States, and for direct medical costs it was $9-14 billion.
In
June of 2020, we filed a provisional patent application for, among other discoveries, the use of Ampligen as a potential early-onset
therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 induced chronic fatigue.
Many
survivors of the first SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 continued to report chronic fatigue, difficulty sleeping and shortness of breath months
after recovering from the acute illness. “After one year, 17% of patients had not returned to work and 9% more had not returned
to their pre-SARS work levels,” according to Simmaron Research. Now there is increasing evidence that patients with COVID-19 can
develop a similar, ME/CFS-like illness. These patients are commonly referred to as “Long Haulers.”
In
October 2020, we received IRB approval for the expansion of the AMP-511 Expanded Access Program clinical trial for ME/CFS to include
patients previously diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 following clearance of the virus, but who still demonstrate chronic fatigue-like symptoms.
For more information on our AMP-511 Expanded Access Program, please see “ OUR PRODUCTS: Ampligen ” above.
In
November 2020, we announced the publication of statistically significant data detailing how Ampligen could have a considerable positive
impact on people living with ME/CFS when administered in the early stages of the disease. The data were published in PLOS ONE ,
a peer-reviewed open access scientific journal published by the Public Library of Science. AIM researchers found that the TLR3 agonist
Ampligen substantially improved physical performance in a subset of ME/CFS patients.
As
noted above in Overview; General; Ampligen as a treatment for ME/CFS , we have long been focused on seeking the FDA’s approval
for the use of Ampligen to treat ME/CFS. In fact, in February 2013, we received a CRL from the FDA for our Ampligen NDA for ME/CFS, stating
that we should conduct at least one additional clinical trial, complete various nonclinical studies and perform a number of data analyses.
While
developing a comprehensive response to the FDA and a plan for a confirmatory trial for the FDA NDA, we proceeded independently in Argentina
and, in August 2016, we received approval of an NDA from ANMAT for commercial sale of Ampligen in the Argentine Republic for the treatment
of severe CFS. In September 2019, we received clearance from the FDA to ship Ampligen to Argentina for the commercial launch and subsequent
sales. On June 10, 2020, we received import clearance from ANMAT to import the first shipment of commercial grade vials of Ampligen into
Argentina. The next steps in the commercial launch of Ampligen include ANMAT conducting a final inspection of the product and release
tests before granting final approval to begin commercial sales. This testing and approval process is currently delayed due to ANMAT’s
internal processes. Once final approval by ANMAT is obtained, GP Pharm will begin distributing Ampligen in Argentina.
34
We
plan on a comprehensive follow through with the FDA regarding the use of Ampligen as a treatment for ME/CFS. We have learned a great
deal since the FDA’s CRL and plan to adjust our approach to concentrate on specific ME/CFS symptoms. Responses to the CRL and a
proposed confirmatory trial are being worked on now by our R&D team and consultants.
Other
Diseases
In
Europe, the EMA has approved the Orphan Medicinal Products Designation for Ampligen as a potential treatment of Ebola virus disease and
for Alferon N Injection as a potential treatment of MERS.
We
concluded our series of collaborations designed to determine the potential effectiveness of Ampligen and Alferon N Injection as potential
preventive and/or therapeutic treatments for Ebola-related disorders. Although we believe that the threat of both MERS and Ebola globally
may reemerge in the future, it appears that the spread of these disorders has diminished.
In
April 2021, we entered into an MTA with the University of Cagliari Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente (“UNICA”),
an educational institution, under the laws of Italy, located in Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy. The MTA relates to the research and development
of the effects of Ampligen and its ability to induce interferon production in several cell lines, and also on the ability of the Ebola
virus protein VP35 to bind to viral dsRNA and impede interferon’s upregulation and activity, and on Ampligen’s ability to
reverse VP35 inhibition of interferon production in biological systems. The data analysis was published in the peer-reviewed journal
Antiviral Research , in a manuscript titled “Ebola virus disease: In vivo protection provided by the PAMP restricted TLR3
agonist rintatolimod and its mechanism of action.” We believe that the analysis supports a dual mechanism of action when Ampligen
is used as a prophylactic therapy against Ebola Virus Disease.
In
May 2021, we filed a U.S. Provisional Patent Application for Ampligen as a potential therapeutic to possibly slow, halt, or reverse the
progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
In
November 2022, we received notice that the FDA had granted Orphan Drug Designation to Ampligen for the treatment of Ebola virus disease.
Alferon
N Injection®
Alferon
N Injection is the registered trademark for our injectable formulation of natural alpha interferon. Alferon N Injection is the only natural-source,
multi-species alpha interferon currently approved for sale in the United States and Argentina for the intralesional (within lesions)
treatment of refractory (resistant to other treatment) or recurring external genital warts in patients 18 years of age or older. Alferon
N Injection is also approved in Argentina for the treatment of refractory patients that failed or were intolerant to treatment with recombinant
interferons. Argentina has experienced hyper-inflation and recently devalued its currency to the U.S. dollar by 50%. Contracts with GP
Pharm are U.S. dollar contracts and the parties must evaluate the impact of the recent devaluation on its relationship. Certain types
of human papilloma viruses (“HPV”) cause genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease (“STD”). According to
the CDC, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with approximately 79 million Americans — most in their late teens
and early 20s — infected with HPV. In fact, the CDC states that “HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and
women get the virus at some point in their lives.” Although they do not usually result in death, genital warts commonly recur,
causing significant morbidity and entail substantial health care costs.
Interferons
are a group of proteins produced and secreted by cells to combat diseases. Researchers have identified four major classes of human interferon:
alpha, beta, gamma and omega. Alferon N Injection contains a multi-species form of alpha interferon. The worldwide market for injectable
alpha interferon-based products has experienced rapid growth and various alpha interferon injectable products are approved for many major
medical uses worldwide. Alpha interferons are manufactured commercially in three ways: by genetic engineering, by cell culture, and from
human white blood cells. All three of these types of alpha interferon are or were approved for commercial sale in the United States.
Our natural alpha interferon is produced from human white blood cells. The potential advantages of natural alpha interferon over recombinant
(i.e., synthetic) interferon produced and marketed by other pharmaceutical firms may be based upon their respective molecular compositions.
Natural alpha interferon is composed of a family of proteins containing many molecular species of interferon. In contrast, commercial
recombinant alpha interferon products each contain only a single species. Researchers have reported that the various species of interferons
may have differing antiviral activity depending upon the type of virus. Natural alpha interferon presents a broad complement of species,
which we believe may account for its higher activity in laboratory studies. Natural alpha interferon is also glycosylated (i.e., partially
covered with sugar molecules). Such glycosylation is not present on the currently U.S.-marketed recombinant alpha interferons. We believe
that the absence of glycosylation may be in part responsible for the production of interferon-neutralizing antibodies seen in patients
treated with recombinant alpha interferon. Although cell culture-derived interferon is also composed of multiple glycosylated alpha interferon
species, the types and relative quantity of these species are different from our natural alpha interferon.
35
Alferon
N Injection [Interferon alfa-n3 (human leukocyte derived)] is a highly purified, natural-source, glycosylated, multi-species alpha interferon
product. There are essentially no neutralizing antibodies observed against Alferon N Injection to date and the product has a relatively
low side-effect profile. The recombinant DNA derived alpha interferon formulations have been reported to have decreased effectiveness
after one year of treatment, probably due to neutralizing antibody formation (See “Manufacturing” and “Marketing/Distribution”
sections below for more details on the manufacture and marketing/distribution of Alferon N Injection). The production of new Alferon
N Injection Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, or API, is currently on hold. We do not know when, if ever, our products will be generally
available for commercial sale for any indication. Additionally, on May 9, 2023, we were granted a U.S. Patent for a method for preventing
or reducing antigenic drift or viral reassortment in a host animal comprising determining if a host animal has been exposed to or infected
by an avian influenza virus and administering to the exposed host animal alpha-interferon.
MANUFACTURING
ANMAT
in Argentina approved Ampligen for commercial distribution for the treatment of CFS in 2016. Shipment of the drug product to Argentina
was initiated in 2018 to complete the release testing by ANMAT needed for commercial distribution. In September 2019, we received clearance
from the FDA to ship Ampligen to Argentina for the commercial launch and subsequent sales. In June 2020, we received import clearance
from ANMAT to import the first shipment of commercial grade vials of Ampligen into Argentina. We are currently working with GP Pharm
on the commercial launch of Ampligen in Argentina (See “Our Products; Ampligen” above).
Following
our approval in Argentina, in 2017 we engaged Jubilant HollisterStier (“Jubilant”) to be our authorized CMO for Ampligen.
Two lots of Ampligen consisting of more than 16,000 units were manufactured and released in 2018; these lots have been designated for
human use in the United States in the cost recovery CFS program and for expanded oncology clinical trials. The production of additional
polymer (Ampligen intermediates) took place in 2019 at our New Brunswick facility. Additionally, Jubilant manufactured three more lots
of Ampligen in December 2019, January 2020 and March 2024. In addition, we have supplied GP Pharm with the Ampligen required for testing and ANMAT release. Once final approval
by ANMAT is obtained, we anticipate that GP Pharm will begin distributing Ampligen in Argentina.
In
December 2020, we added Pii as a “Fill & Finish” provider to enhance our capacity to produce Ampligen. This addition
amplifies our manufacturing capability by providing redundancy and cost savings. The contracts augment our existing fill and finish capacity.
We are prepared to initiate the production of additional Ampligen when and if needed.
In
June 2022 we entered into a lease agreement with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for a 5,210 square-foot, state-of-the-art
R&D facility at the New Jersey Bioscience Center (NJBC), primarily consisting of two separate laboratory suites. The lease commenced
on July 1, 2022, and runs through August 31, 2027, but can be extended for an additional five-year period. The facility is AIM’s
operations, research and development center.
Our
business plan calls for the utilization of one or more CMOs to produce Ampligen API. While we believe we have sufficient Ampligen API
to meet our current needs, we are also continually exploring new efficiencies so as to maximize our ability to fulfill future obligations.
In this regard, on December 5, 2022, we entered into a Master Service Agreement and a Quality Agreement with Sterling Pharma Solutions
(“Sterling”) for the manufacture of our Poly I and Poly C12U polynucleotides and transfer of associated test methods at Sterling’s
Dudley, UK location to produce the polymer precursors to manufacture the drug Ampligen. We are utilizing Sterling’s expertise to
refine our approach to polymer production. In March 2023, we submitted a purchase order
for a total of $1,432,257 to manufacture additional lots of Ampligen at Jubilant. An additional lot was manufactured by Jubilant in December
2023.
Our
second product, Alferon N Injection, is approved by the FDA for commercial sales in the United States for the treatment of genital warts.
It is also approved by ANMAT in Argentina for commercial sales for the treatment of genital warts and in patients who are refractory
to treatment with recombinant interferons. Commercial sales of Alferon N Injection in the United States will not resume until new batches
of commercial filled and finished product are produced and released by the FDA. We will need the FDA’s approval to release commercial
product once we have identified our new manufacturing approach and submitted satisfactory stability and quality release data. Currently,
we are not manufacturing Alferon N Injection and there is no definitive timetable to resume production.
36
LICENSING/COLLABORATIONS/JOINT
VENTURES
To
enable potential availability of Ampligen to patients on a worldwide basis, we have embarked on a strategy to license the product and/or
to collaborate and/or create a joint venture with companies that have the demonstrated capabilities and commitment to successfully gain
approval and commercialize Ampligen in their respective global territories of the world. Ideal partners would have the following characteristics:
well-established global and regional experience and coverage; robust commercial infrastructure; a strong track record of successful development
and registration of in-licensed products; and a therapeutic area fit (e.g., ME/CFS, immuno-oncology).
MARKETING/DISTRIBUTION
In
May 2016, we entered into a five-year, exclusive Renewed Sales, Marketing, Distribution and Supply Agreement (the “Agreement”)
with GP Pharm. Under this Agreement, GP Pharm was responsible for gaining regulatory approval in Argentina for Ampligen to treat severe
CFS in Argentina and for commercializing Ampligen for this indication in Argentina. We granted GP Pharm the right to expand rights to
sell this experimental therapeutic into other Latin America countries based upon GP Pharm achieving certain performance milestones. We
also granted GP Pharm an option to market Alferon N Injection in Argentina and other Latin America countries (See “Our Products;
Ampligen” above). The GP Pharm contract was extended in May 2021 with an end date of May 24, 2024; we are in discussions with GP
Pharm to extend the agreement. In August 2021, ANMAT granted a five-year extension to a previous approval to sell and distribute Ampligen
to treat severe CFS in Argentina. This extends the approval until 2026.
In
May 2016, we entered into a five-year agreement (the “Impatients Agreement”) with Impatients, N.V. (“myTomorrows”),
a Netherlands-based company, for the commencement and management of an EAP in Europe and Turkey (the “Territory”) related
to ME/CFS. Pursuant to the agreement, myTomorrows, as our exclusive service provider and distributor in the Territory, is performing
EAP activities. These activities will be directed to (a) the education of physicians and patients regarding the possibility of early
access to innovative medical treatments not yet the subject of a Marketing Authorization (regulatory approval) through named-patient
use, compassionate use, expanded access and hospital exemption, (b) patient and physician outreach related to a patient-physician platform,
(c) the securing of Early Access Approvals (exemptions and/or waivers required by regulatory authorities for medical treatments prior
to Marketing Authorization) for the use of such treatments, (d) the distribution and sale of such treatments pursuant to such Early Access
Approvals, (e) pharmacovigilance (drug safety) activities and/or (f) the collection of data such as patient-reported outcomes, doctor-reported
experiences and registry data. We are supporting these efforts and supplying Ampligen to myTomorrows at a predetermined transfer price.
In the event that we receive Marketing Authorization in any country in the Territory, we will pay myTomorrows a royalty on products sold.
Pursuant to the Impatients Agreement, the royalty would be a percentage of Net Sales (as defined in the Impatients Agreement) of Ampligen
sold in the Territory where Marketing Authorization was obtained. The formula to determine the percentage of Net Sales will be based
on the number of patients that are entered into the EAP. We believe that disclosure of the exact maximum royalty rate and royalty termination
date could cause competitive harm. However, to assist the public in gauging these terms, the actual maximum royalty rate is somewhere
between 2% and 10% and the royalty termination date is somewhere between five and fifteen years from the First Commercial Sale of a product
within a specific country. The parties established a Joint Steering Committee comprised of representatives of both parties to oversee
the EAP. No assurance can be given that activities under the EAP will result in Marketing Authorization or the sale of substantial amounts
of Ampligen in the Territory. The agreement was automatically extended for a period of 12 months on May 20, 2021; has been automatically
extended for 12 months on each subsequent May 20; and will continue to be automatically extended for periods of 12 months every May 20
until terminated or the terms of the agreement are met.
In
January 2017, ANMAT granted a five-year extension to a previous approval to sell and distribute Alferon N Injection (under the brand
name “Naturaferon”) in Argentina. This extended the approval until 2022. A request to extend the approval beyond 2022 has
been filed and is still under review. In February 2013, we received ANMAT approval for the treatment of refractory patients that failed
or were intolerant to treatment with recombinant interferon, with Naturaferon in Argentina.
In
January 2017, the EAP through our agreement with myTomorrows designed to enable access of Ampligen to ME/CFS patients was extended to
pancreatic cancer patients beginning in the Netherlands. myTomorrows is our exclusive service provider in the Territory and will manage
all EAP activities relating to the pancreatic cancer extension of the program.
In
August 2017, we extended our agreement with Asembia LLC, formerly Armada Healthcare, LLC, to undertake the marketing, education and sales
of Alferon N Injection throughout the United States. This agreement has expired. We were in discussions with Asembia about the possibility
of continuing the relationship, while also exploring the possibility of working with other, similar companies. However, we still do not
foresee an immediate need for this service and continue to push this search further out in our expected timeline.
In
February 2018, we signed an amendment to the EAP with myTomorrows. This amendment extended the Territory to cover Canada to treat pancreatic
cancer patients, pending government approval. In March 2018, we signed an amendment to the EAP with myTomorrows, pursuant to which myTomorrows
will be our exclusive service provider for special access activities in Canada for the supply of Ampligen for the treatment of ME/CFS.
37
In
December 2020, we entered into a signed Letter of Agreement with myTomorrows for the delivery of Ampligen for the treatment of up to
16 pancreatic cancer patients. In November 2021, we entered into a signed Letter of Agreement with myTomorrows for the delivery of Ampligen
for the treatment of up to an additional 5 pancreatic cancer patients. In March 2022, we entered into a signed Letter of Agreement with
myTomorrows for the delivery of Ampligen for the treatment of up to an additional 10 pancreatic cancer patients. In November 2022, we
entered into a signed Letter of Agreement with myTomorrows for the delivery of Ampligen for the treatment of up to an additional 10 pancreatic
cancer patients.
401(k)
Plan
We
have a defined contribution plan, entitled the AIM ImmunoTech Employees 401(k) Plan and Trust Agreement (the “401(k) Plan”).
Our full-time employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan following 61 days of employment. Subject to certain limitations
imposed by federal tax laws, participants are eligible to contribute up to 15% of their salary (including bonuses and/or commissions)
per annum. Participants’ contributions to the 401(k) Plan may be matched by us at a rate determined annually by the Board of Directors.
Each
participant immediately vests in his or her deferred salary contributions as well as our safe harbor contributions. A 6% safe harbor
matching contribution by us was reinstated effective January 1, 2021. For the six months ending June 30, 2024 we made approximately $90,000
in contributions, and for the year ending December 31, 2023 approximately $162,000 in contributions were made.
New
Accounting Pronouncements
See
“ Note 10: Recent Accounting Pronouncements”.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
There
have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in Part II; Item 7: “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Critical Accounting Policies” contained in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 except for the policies regarding “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” and “Derivative Instruments”.
Distinguishing
Liabilities from Equity
The
Company has adopted the guidance of ASC 480 in evaluating how it classifies and measures in its statement of financial position certain
financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Under this guidance the Company evaluates free-standing financial
instruments to determine whether the instruments are classified as liabilities or equity. The evaluation includes determining whether
the instruments are mandatorily redeemable, whether redemption includes a transfer of assets, and whether the redemption feature is conditional.
Derivative
Instruments
The
Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded
derivatives requiring bifurcation in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Derivative instruments are measured at fair
value at issuance and at each reporting date in accordance with ASC 820 with changes in fair value recognized in the period of change
in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Three
Months ended June 30, 2024 versus Three Months ended June 30, 2023
Net
Loss
Our
net loss was approximately $1,836,000 and $4,909,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively, representing a
decrease in loss of approximately $3,073,000 or 63%. This decrease in loss was primarily due to the following:
●
an
increase in revenue of $8,000; and
●
an
increase in interest and other income of $2,262,000; and
●
a
decrease in research and development expenses of $1,808,000; offset by
●
an increase in general and administrative expenses of $41,000; and
●
a
decrease in gain from sale of Income tax operating loss of $328,000; and
●
a
decrease in loss on investments, net of $9,000; and
●
an
increase in interest expense of $179,000; and
●
an
increase in production costs of $8,000.
Net
loss per share was $ (0.03) and $(0.10) for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The weighted average number
of shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2024, was 52,837,477 as compared to 48,411,251 as of June 30, 2023.
Revenues
Revenues
from our Ampligen® Cost Recovery Program were $50,000 and $42,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively,
representing an increase of $8,000 which is primarily related to the fluctuation of patient participation.
38
For
the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we had no Alferon N Injection® Finished Good product to commercially sell and all
revenue was generated from the EAP and our FDA approved open-label treatment protocol, (“AMP 511”), that allows patient access
to Ampligen® for treatment in an open-label safety study.
Interest
and Other Income
We
recovered $2,500,000 in Director and Officer (D&O) insurance proceeds during the quarter ended June 30, 2024 related to legal costs
expended during its successful defense in shareholder litigation matters in addition to $80,000 of interest earnings during the period.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, interest earnings were $318,000. Interest earnings were higher during the second quarter of 2023
due to higher investment levels.
Gain
(loss) on Investments, net
Gain
(loss) on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023 was approximately $(85,000) and ($94,000), respectively, reflecting
a decrease in the loss on investments of approximately $9,000. The increase in loss was due to the change in the fair value of equity
investments.
Production
Costs
Production
costs were approximately $8,000 and $0, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, representing an increase of
$8,000 in production costs in the current period. There
was no production for the three months ended June 30, 2023 whereas there was production costs in the three months ended June 30, 2024.
Gain
(loss) from sale of income tax operating loss
The
quarterly income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was $0 compared to a gain of $328,000 for the three months ended
June 30, 2023. This was due to the lifetime limit of $20,000,000 for the sale of the New Jersey NOL being reached and therefore no tax
provision was calculated in 2024.
Research
and Development Costs
Overall
Research and Development (“R&D”) costs for the three months ended June 30, 2024, were approximately $1,145,000, as
compared to $2,953,000 for the same period a year ago, reflecting a decrease of approximately $1,808,000. The primary reason for the
decrease in R&D costs was a decrease in outside contractors of $1,521,000, as well as a decrease in clinical expenses of
$291,000, consulting expenses of $98,000 offset by an increase in salaries of $100,000.
General
and Administrative Expenses
General
and Administrative (“G&A”) expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, were approximately $2,591,000
and $2,550,000, respectively, reflecting an increase of approximately $41,000. The increase in G&A expenses for the three months
ended June 30, 2024 was due primarily to an increase of approximately $184,000 in investment banker fees offset by a decrease in professional
fees of approximately $144,000.
Interest
Expenses
Interest
expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $179,000 and there was no interest expense for the three months ended
June 30, 2023. The increase in interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was due to the interest expense incurred related
to the Note Purchase Agreement entered into on February 16, 2024 with Streeterville.
39
Six
Months ended June 30, 2024 versus Six Months ended June 30, 2023
Net
Loss
Our
net loss was approximately $7,653,000 and $8,570,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively, representing a decrease
in loss of approximately $917,000 or 11%. This decrease in loss was primarily due to the following:
●
an
increase in interest and other income of $2,144,000; and
●
a
decrease in loss on sale of fixed assets of $23,000; and
●
a
decrease in research and development expenses of $1,909,000; offset by
●
a
decrease in revenue of $1,000; and
●
a
decrease in gain from sale of Income tax operating loss of $582,000; and
●
an
increase in loss on investments, net of $286,000; and
●
an
increase in general and administrative expenses of $1,565,000; and
●
an
increase in interest expense of $251,000; and
●
an
increase in production costs of $16,000.
Net
loss per share was $ (0.15) and $(0.18) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The weighted average number of
shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2024, was 51,161,956 as compared to 48,405,675 as of June 30, 2023.
Revenues
Revenues
from our Ampligen® Cost Recovery Program were $90,000 and $91,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively,
representing a decrease of $1,000 which is primarily related to the fluctuation of patient participation.
For
the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we had no Alferon N Injection® Finished Good product to commercially sell and all revenue
was generated from the EAP and our FDA approved open-label treatment protocol, (“AMP 511”), that allows patient access to
Ampligen® for treatment in an open-label safety study.
Interest
and Other Income
We
recovered $2,500,000 in Director and Officer (D&O) insurance proceeds during the six months ended June 30, 2024 related to legal
costs expended during its successful defense in shareholder litigation matters in addition to $161,000 of interest earnings during the
period. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, interest earnings were $517,000. Interest earnings were higher during the six months
ended June 30, 2023 due to higher investment levels during the period.
Gain
(loss) on Investments, net
Gain
(loss) on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023 was approximately $(177,000) and $109,000, respectively, reflecting
an increase in the loss on investments of approximately ($286,000). The increase in loss was due to the change in the fair value of equity
investments.
Production
Costs
Production
costs were approximately $16,000 and $0, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, representing an increase of
$16,000 in production costs in the current period. There
was no production for the six months ended June 30, 2023 whereas there was production costs in the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Gain
(loss) from sale of income tax operating loss
The
quarterly income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $0 compared to a gain of $582,000 for the six months ended June
30, 2023. This was due to the lifetime limit of $20,000,000 for the sale of the New Jersey NOL being reached and therefore no tax provision
was calculated in 2024.
40
Research
and Development Costs
Overall
Research and Development (“R&D”) costs for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were approximately $3,096,000, as
compared to $5,005,000 for the same period a year ago, reflecting a decrease of approximately $1,909,000. The primary reason for the
decrease in R&D costs was a decrease in outside contractors of $1,750,000, as well a decrease in software and IT expenses of
$125,000 and a decrease in clinical expenses of $354,000 offset by an increase in salaries of $252,000, office expense of $18,000, maintenance expense of $14,000, manufacturing expenses of $14,000, rent expense of $14,000 and
consulting expense of $14,000.
General
and Administrative Expenses
General
and Administrative (“G&A”) expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, were approximately $6,406,000 and
$4,841,000, respectively, reflecting an increase of approximately $1,565,000. The increase in G&A expenses for the six months ended
June 30, 2024 was due primarily to an increase in legal professional fees of approximately $1,428,000, investment banker fees of $314,000
and salaries of $62,000 offset by a decrease in insurance expense of $153,000, taxes & licenses of $50,000 and travel expenses of
$33,000.
Interest
Expenses
Interest
expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $251,000 and there was no interest expense for the six months ended
June 30, 2023. The increase in interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was due to the interest expense incurred related
to the Note Purchase Agreement entered into on February 16, 2024 with Streeterville.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Cash
used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was approximately $7,823,000 compared to approximately
$5,838,000 for the same period in 2023, an increase of $1,985,000. The primary reasons for this increase was an increase in cash
utilized for accounts payable of $2,762,000, accrued expenses of $909,000, as well as an increase in loss on issuance of warrants
of $458,000, loss on marketable investments of $286,000 which is partially offset by a decrease in net loss during the six months of
$917,000, a decrease in gain from sale of income tax operating losses of $582,000, prepaid expenses of $12,000 as well as a decrease
in funds received from the 2023 sale of New Jersey net operating loss and received in 2024 of $495,000.
Cash
provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was approximately $668,000 compared to cash used in investing
activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 of approximately $282,000, representing a change of $950,000. The primary reason for
the change was the cash provided by the net purchase and sale of marketable investments activity of $947,000 compared to cash used in
the purchase of marketable investments of $114,000 for the same period in 2023, the loss on sale of property and equipment of $0 in the
current period in 2024, compared with $35,000 in the same period in 2023 as well as the net purchase and abandonment of patents in the
current period in 2024 of $279,000 compared with the net purchase and abandonment of patents in the same period in 2023 of $203,000 .
Cash
provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was approximately $5,270,000 compared to approximately $105,000
for the same period in 2023, representing an increase of $5,165,000. The primary reason for this increase was the receipt of $2,367,000
in net proceeds from the notes payable, net of issuance cost, an increase in the sale of shares in the current period in 2024
of $856,000 compared to $105,000 in the same period in 2023 as well as an increase in warrant valuation of $2,047,000 in the current period in 2024.
As
of June 30, 2024, we had approximately $10,061,000 in cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments, inclusive of approximately
$6,507,000 in marketable investments, representing a decrease of approximately $3,009,000 from December 31, 2023. We are currently
disputing Kirkland & Ellis accounts payable invoices. This dispute involves amounts claimed which we believe require a reduction. We are actively working to resolve this dispute by settlement, but there is no assurance as to the timing or
outcome. Depending on the resolution of this dispute, there may be a significant impact reducing the balance of the outstanding
Kirkland & Ellis invoices.
We
are committed to a focused business plan oriented toward finding senior co-development partners with the capital and expertise needed
to commercialize the many potential therapeutic aspects of our experimental drugs and our FDA approved drug Alferon N Injection.
The
development of our products requires the commitment of substantial resources to conduct the time-consuming research, preclinical development,
and clinical trials that are necessary to bring pharmaceutical products to market. We believe, based on our current financial condition,
that we have adequate funds to meet our anticipated operational cash needs and fund current clinical trials over approximately the next
twenty-four months. At present we do not generate any material revenues from operations, and we do not anticipate doing so in the near
future. We may need to obtain additional funding in the future for new studies and/or if current studies do not yield positive results,
require unanticipated changes and/or additional studies. In this regard, in February 2022, the SEC declared our new S-3 shelf Registration
Statement effective which will allow us to raise additional capital in the future. On April 19, 2023, we entered into an Equity Distribution
Agreement (the “EDA”), with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”), pursuant to which we may sell from time to time, shares
of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $8.5 million through Maxim, as agent. Sales under the EDA were registered
under the S-3 Shelf Registration Statement. Under the terms of the Distribution Agreement, Maxim is entitled to a transaction fee at
a fixed rate of 3.0% of the gross sales price of Shares sold under the EDA. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we sold 1,294,678
shares under the EDA for total gross proceeds of approximately $626,094, which includes a 3.0% fee to Maxim of $18,783. During the year
ended December 31, 2023, we sold 598,114 shares under the EDA for total gross proceeds of approximately $344,000, which includes a 3.0%
fee to Maxim of $10,326. We hope to raise additional funds through the EDA.
41
In
addition, we raised $2,500,000 in net proceeds from the sale of an unsecured Note and entered into an equity line of credit to raise
up to 15,000,000 (see Overview; The Atlas Equity Line of Credit above). Under the terms of the Atlas Equity Line of Credit, we,
at our sole discretion, shall have the right to issue Put shares to the Investor at 95% of the Market Price of the shares on the day
of trade. Sales under the agreement are limited to a daily maximum of the lessor of: $500,000, the Median Daily Trading volume, and a
beneficial ownership limitation of 4.99% and a maximum of 19.99% of the outstanding shares at the time of the agreement. In April 2024,
we filed a registration statement with the SEC on Form S-1 registering a total of 9,975,000 shares for resale pursuant to the Atlas Agreements,
consisting of 9,636,400 shares that can be sold by us to Atlas and 338,600 shares that were issued to Atlas as Commitment Shares. The
registration statement was declared effective and the final prospectus was filed on May 1, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, a total of 759,685
shares have been issued pursuant to this agreement for a total of approximately $128,000.
Securities
Purchase Agreement
On
May 31, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to complete an offering (the “Transactions”)
with a single accredited investor (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which we will issue to the Purchaser, (i) in a registered
direct offering, 5,640,958 shares of our common stock (the “Shares”), par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”)
and (ii) in a concurrent private placement, we will issue to the Purchaser Class A common warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to
5,640,958 shares of its common stock (the “A Warrants”) at an exercise price of $0.363 per share and Class B common warrants
to purchase an aggregate of up to 5,640,958 shares of its common stock (the “B “Warrants” and, along with the A Warrants,
the “Common Warrants”) at an exercise price of $0.363 per share. The A Warrants and B Warrants will not be exercisable for
six months after the issuance date and will expire, respectively, 24 months and five years and six months after the issuance date. The
Common Warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of such warrants are offered pursuant to an exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506(b) promulgated thereunder.
We
received aggregate gross proceeds from the Transactions of approximately $2,047,688, before deducting fees to the Placement Agent and
other estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Shares are being offered by us pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form
S-3 (File No. 333-262280), which was declared effective on February 4, 2022 (as amended from time to time, the “Registration Statement”).
Pursuant
to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, we cannot issue any equity securities for 60 days following the
issuance date, provided that we will be able to utilize it’s at-the-market offering program with the Placement Agent after 30 days.
Additionally, we cannot enter into a variable rate transaction (other than the ATM program with the Placement Agent) for 120 days after
the issuance date. In addition, our executive officers and each of our directors have entered into lock-up agreements with us pursuant
to which each of them has agreed not to, for a period of 90 days from the closing of the Transactions, offer, sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of our securities, subject to certain exceptions.
The
exercise price of the Common Warrants, and the number of Common Warrant Shares, will be subject to adjustment in the event of any stock
dividend or split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction, as described in the Common Warrants.
If a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Common Warrants) occurs, then the successor entity will succeed to, and be substituted
for us, and may exercise every right and power that we may exercise and will assume all of its obligations under the Common Warrants
with the same effect as if such successor entity had been named in the warrant itself. Common Warrant Holders will have additional rights
defined in the Common Warrants. The Common Warrants will be exercisable on a “cashless” basis only if there is not a current
registration statement permitting public resale. In this regard, we have agreed to file a registration statement to register the resale
of the Common Warrant Shares as soon as practicable (and in any event within 45 calendar days) providing for the resale of the Shares
issued and issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants. We have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such
registration statement to become effective within 181 days following the issuance date and to keep such registration statement effective
at all times until no Purchaser owns any Warrants or Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise thereof.
Maxim
Group LLC acted as the placement agent (the “Placement Agent”) on a “commercially reasonable best efforts” basis,
in connection with the Transactions pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, dated May 31, 2024 (the “Placement Agency Agreement”),
by and between us and the Placement Agent. Pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, the Placement Agent will be entitled to a cash
fee of 8% of the aggregate gross proceeds paid to the Company for the securities sold in the Transactions and reimbursement of certain
out-of-pocket expenses.
42
No
assurance can be given as to the amount of funds that could be raised or the potential dilution to current stockholders. If we are unable
to commercialize and sell Ampligen and/or recommence material sales of Alferon N Injection, our operations, financial position and liquidity
may be adversely impacted, and additional financing may be required. There can be no assurances that, if needed, we will be able to raise
adequate funds from the EDA or otherwise, or enter into licensing, partnering or other arrangements to advance our business goals. We
may seek to access the public equity market whenever conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional
capital at that time. We are unable to estimate the amount, timing or nature of future sales of outstanding common stock or instruments
convertible into or exercisable for our common stock. Any additional funding may result in significant dilution and could involve the
issuance of securities with rights, which are senior to those of existing stockholders. See Part I, Item 1A - “Risk Factors; We
may require additional financing which may not be available ” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2023.
ITEM
3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We
are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information required
under this item.
ITEM
4: Controls and Procedures
Our
Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) performed an evaluation of the effectiveness
of our disclosure controls and procedures, which have been designed to permit us to effectively identify and timely disclose important
information. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures,
no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management
is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation,
our CEO and CFO concluded that the controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2024, to ensure that material information was
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, is appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, we made no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Part
II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
1: Legal Proceedings
Please
see Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Part II. Item 1: Legal
Proceedings in our quarterly report on Form 10Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Since
the filing of the March 31, 2024, Form 10-Q:
AIM
ImmunoTech, Inc. v. Tudor, et al., in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Ocala Division, Case No. 5:2022cv00323.
On April 22, 2024, the District Court issued an order granting-in-part Lautz and Jorgl’s Rule 59(e) and Rule 11 motions, respectively.
According to the District Court, when we filed our Amended Complaint, there was “no reasonable factual basis for [our] 13b claim
against Lautz,” in light of his deposition testimony disclaiming ongoing participation in the group’s proxy fight. Furthermore,
the District Court sanctioned us and our counsel, concluding that our argument regarding Jorgl’s voluntary cessation, and potential
ongoing ownership, “was objectively frivolous and advanced for an improper argument” in light of Jorgl’s affidavit
and redacted stock transfer form. The District Court limited Rule 11 sanctions to Jorgl’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and
costs incurred after March 28, 2023 and ordered further briefing on fee applications and an appropriate PSLRA sanction, with Jorgl and
Lautz’s initial briefs due on May 7, 2024. On April 29, 2024, Jorgl filed an unopposed motion to extend his filing deadline to
May 17, 2024. We dispute the Court’s order and we are considering whether to appeal. On April 22, 2024,the court entered an order
finding Jorgl and Lautz were entitled to recover attorney’s fees and costs and entered judgment on behalf of Jorgl for $216,936,
and on behalf of Lautz for $76,473. AIM filed a motion to stay enforcement of the judgment pending the 11th Circuit Appeal, and the Court
granted a stay on June 21, 2024. The appeal does not seek damages. AIM filed a notice of appeal of the order of dismissal and the order
denying its motion for reconsideration that were entered in AIM ImmunoTech, Inc. v. Tudor, et al., Case 5:22-cv-00323 (M.D. Fla. 2022)
(above). The initial brief by AIM is due on September 4, 2024.
On
June 18, 2024, The Carlyle Appelate Law firm was engaged for the above referenced appeal. It is anticipated that a Notice of appearance
by Carlyle will be filed in that matter. AIM is exposed in this matter for the amount of those Judgments (which have been bonded by AIM),
interest on those judgements, as well as potentially paying attorney’s fees in the event the appeal is unsuccessful.
Kellner
v. AIM ImmunoTech Inc. et al., in the Supreme Court of the State of Delaware, Case No. 3, 2024. On January 16, 2024, the Delaware Supreme
Court granted-in-part Kellner’s motion to expedite and scheduled oral argument before the en banc Delaware Supreme Court for April
10, 2024. On April 10, 2024, the en banc Delaware Supreme Court heard oral argument from AIM and Kellner in this matter and took the
matter under consideration. On July 11, 2024, the Delaware Supreme Court issued a decision affirming in part and reversing in part the
Court of Chancery’s December 28, 2023 opinion, and not remanding the matter to the Court of Chancery. The Supreme Court held that
certain of the bylaws adopted by the board were legally invalid and inequitable. The board has subsequently revised the bylaws to address
and correct said deficiencies. The Delaware Supreme Court also held that no further action was required with respect to Kellner’s
rejected nominations because Kellner and his nominees engaged in deceptive conduct during the nomination process, including by submitting
false and misleading information in connection with their nominations. Prior to this appeal, the magistrate noted in her December 28,
2023 decision, that “[t]he context in which the Board received [the Kellner Notice] “cannot be ignored.” “The
Kellner Notice followed a proxy contest where Jorgl became an AIM stockholder solely to front a nomination and shield undisclosed persons
behind the scenes. Those persons included two white collar criminals—one of whom had become increasingly hostile to AIM and had
misrepresented himself as an AIM representative to third parties. It would have been obvious to the Board that the new nomination behind
Kellner carried over from the prior year. Chioini was a constant, Deutsch remained involved (now as a nominee), and Baker Hostetler continued
to advise the effort. The threat to return ‘guns blazing’ in 2023 came to fruition.”
On
July 26, 2024, Kellner filed a Motion for Reargument, requesting the Supreme Court to reconsider certain aspects of its ruling and requesting
clarification that the trial court retains jurisdiction for any fee applications. By order dated July 29, 2024, the Supreme Court denied
Kellner’s Motion for Reargument, directed that the case be closed, and specifically ruled that “The case is not remanded
for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs” and deemed that the “this Case is Closed.”
BioLife
The
trial court, at the request of the parties, stayed the matter pending determination of the Petition. The Superior Court denied that Petition
on July 30, 2024. On August 9, 2024, the parties notified the Court that they were conferring to avoid duplicate proceedings and would
advise the trial court within 30 days. No estimate can be made at this time regarding the scheduling or ultimate determination
of the matters set forth in the Petition and the underlying issues presented in the appeal. No judgement can be made at this time of
the likelihood of the Company prevailing on its claims.
43
ITEM
1A: Risk Factors
Please
carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 29, 2023, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future
results. The risks described in the above reports are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known
to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating
results. Please also see “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above.
ITEM
2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
ITEM
3: Defaults upon Senior Securities
None.
ITEM
4: Mine Safety Disclosures
Not
Applicable.
ITEM
5: Other Information
On
July 31, 2024, we adopted Restated and Amended Bylaws. The Restated and Amended Bylaws revise the prior Bylaws by (i) removing or revising
provisions in Section 1.4 of the prior Bylaws (the advance notice portion of the Bylaws) deemed unenforceable or invalid by the Delaware
Supreme Court, (ii) revising other portions of Section 1.4 to ensure that our advance notice bylaws are otherwise appropriately tailored
to further the intended procedural and informational functions of the advance notice bylaws, including in view of guidance from the Delaware
Court of Chancery and Delaware Supreme Court in their opinions in the Kellner litigation, and (iii) making other conforming and
clarifying changes to the prior Bylaws.
In
addition, the Restated and Amended Bylaws add that, in the case of our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, a Noticing Stockholder’s
notice of nominations or proposed business shall also be considered timely if it is delivered to our Secretary at the principal executive
offices of the Company not later than the Close of Business on September 13, 2024.
Amendment
to Employment Agreements:
Mr.
Equels’ employment agreement was amended by adding the following to the end of Section 3(a):
(a)(i)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3(a), during the one year period ending November 9, 2024, the Employee’s Short term compensation
shall be revised and shall consist of a base salary of $750,000 and shares of the Company’s common stock, $.001 par value, valued
at $100,000, such value equal to 100% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE American on the trading date
immediately preceding the date of this Agreement.
Mr.
Rodino’s employment agreement was amended by adding the following to the end of Section 3(a):
(a)(i)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3(a), during the one year period ending March 23, 2025, the Employee’s Short term compensation
shall be revised and shall consist of a base salary of $375,000 and shares of the Company’s common stock, $.001 par value, valued
at $50,000, such value equal to 100% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE American on the trading date
immediately preceding the date of this Agreement.
44
ITEM
6: Exhibits
(i)
Exhibits - See exhibit index below.
Exhibit
No.
Description
3.1
Certificate of Increase of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly report on Form 10-Q (No. 001-27072) for the period ended March 31, 2023).
3.1(ii)
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1(ii) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 001-27072) filed August 1, 2024).
4.1
Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated May 12, 2023 between AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (formerly, Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc.) and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.6 to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A12B (No. 001-27072) filed May 15, 2023).
10.1
October 4, 2023 Lease extension for Riverton office (incorporated by reference 10.106 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-278839) filed April 19, 2024).
10.2
March 15, 2024 Addendum 1 to Lease for Ocala office (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.107 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No.333-278839) filed April 19, 2024).
10.3
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2024, by and among the Company and a Purchaser (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current report on Form 8-K (No. 001-27072) filed June 3, 2024).
10.4
August 12, 2024 Amendment to Employment Agreement for Thomas K Equels*
10.5
August 12, 2024 Amendment to Employment Agreement for Peter W Rodino III*
31.1
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. *
31.2
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 from the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. *
32.1
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. *
32.2
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 from the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. *
101.INS
Inline
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Schema
101.CAL
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase
101.PRE
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (Embedded within the Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit)
*
Filed
herewith.
45
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AIM
IMMUNOTECH INC.
/s/
Thomas K. Equels
Thomas
K. Equels, Esq.
Chief
Executive Officer & President
/s/
Robert Dickey IV
Robert
Dickey IV
Chief
Financial Officer
Date:
August 14, 2024
46
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.