Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following management’s
discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our unaudited condensed financial statements
and notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our audited financial statements and related
notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report
on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on July 29, 2021.
NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. This section should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed financial statements and related notes included in Part
I, Item 1 of this report. The statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
These statements relate to future events or our
future financial performance. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,”
“believes,” “expects,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,”
“expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predict,”
“should” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions;
uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different
from any future results, levels or activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although
we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels
of activity, performance or achievements.
In this Quarterly Report,
unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company,” “Alzamend,” “we,” “our company”
and “us” refer to Alzamend Neuro, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Overview
We were incorporated on
February 26, 2016 as Alzamend Neuro, Inc. under the laws of the State of Delaware. We were formed to acquire and commercialize
patented intellectual property and know-how to prevent, treat and potentially cure the crippling and deadly Alzheimer’s.
Existing Alzheimer’s treatments only temporarily relieve symptoms but do not slow or halt the underlying worsening of the
disease. We have developed a novel approach in an attempt to combat Alzheimer’s through immunotherapy.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Research and Development
Expenses . Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist of scientific consulting
fees and lab supplies, as well as fees paid to other entities that conduct certain research and development activities on behalf of our
company.
We have acquired and may continue
to acquire the rights to develop and commercialize new product candidates from third parties. The upfront payments to acquire license,
product or rights, as well as any future milestone payments, are immediately recognized as research and development expense provided that
there is no alternative future use of the rights in other research and development projects.
Stock-Based Compensation. We
maintain a stock-based compensation plan as a long-term incentive for employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The plan allows
for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, and other forms of equity awards.
We recognize stock-based compensation
expense for stock options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period and account for forfeitures as they occur. Our stock-based
compensation costs are based upon the grant date fair value of options estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. To the
extent any stock option grants are made subject to the achievement of a performance-based milestone, management evaluates when the achievement
of any such performance-based milestone is probable based on the relative satisfaction of the performance conditions as of the reporting
date.
The Black-Scholes option pricing
model utilizes inputs which are highly subjective assumptions and generally require significant judgment. These assumptions include:
· Fair Value of Common Stock. See the subsection titled “Common Stock Valuations”
below.
21
· Risk-Free Interest Rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury
zero coupon issues in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected term of the option.
· Expected Volatility. Because we do not have an extensive trading history for our Common
Stock, the expected volatility was estimated based on the average volatility for comparable publicly traded life sciences companies over
a period equal to the expected term of the stock option grants. The comparable companies were chosen based on the similar size, stage
in life cycle or area of specialty. We will continue to apply this process until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding
the volatility of our own stock price becomes available.
· Expected Term. The expected term represents the period that the stock-based awards
are expected to be outstanding and is determined using the simplified method (based on the mid-point between the vesting date and the
end of the contractual term), as we do not have sufficient historical data to use any other method to estimate expected term.
· Expected Dividend Yield. We have never paid dividends on our Common Stock and have no plans
to pay dividends on our Common Stock. Therefore, we used an expected dividend yield of zero.
Certain of such assumptions
involve inherent uncertainties and the application of significant judgment. As a result, if factors or expected outcomes change and we
use significantly different assumptions or estimates, our stock-based compensation could be materially different.
Common Stock Valuations. Prior to our IPO in June 2021, there was no public market for our Common
Stock, and, as a result, the fair value of the shares of Common Stock underlying our share-based awards was estimated on each grant date
by our Board. To determine the fair value of our Common Stock underlying option grants, our Board considered, among other things, input
from management, and our Board’s assessment of additional objective and subjective factors that it believed were relevant, and factors
that may have changed from the date of the most recent valuation through the date of the grant. These factors included, but were not limited
to:
· our results of operations and financial position, including our levels of available capital resources;
· our stage of development and material risks related to our business;
· progress of our research and development activities;
· our business conditions and projections;
· the valuation of publicly traded companies in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, as well as
recently completed mergers and acquisitions of peer companies;
· the lack of marketability of our Common Stock as a private company;
· the prices at which we sold shares of our Common Stock to outside investors in arms-length transactions;
· the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event for our security holders, such as an IPO or a sale of our
company, given prevailing market conditions;
· trends and developments in our industry; and
· external market conditions affecting the life sciences and biotechnology industry sectors.
Following the closing of our IPO, our Board determined the fair market
value of our Common Stock based on the closing price of our Common Stock as reported on the date of grant.
Plan of Operations
Our plan of operations is currently focused on the development of both
our therapeutic candidates which are at different stages of development. We submitted an Investigational New Drug (“IND”)
application for AL001 to the FDA on June 30, 2021. On July 28, 2021, we announced receipt of FDA “Study May Proceed” letter
for a Phase I study under our IND application for AL001, a lithium-based ionic cocrystal oral therapy for patients with dementia related
to mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s.
22
On August 17, 2021, we
announced that we have contracted Altasciences to conduct a six-month Phase I relative bioavailability study for AL001 for dementia related
to Alzheimer’s beginning in September 2021. The Phase I first-in-human study is for the purpose of determining potential clinically
safe and appropriate dosing for AL001 in future studies. The Phase I study will investigate the pharmacokinetics (the movement of drug
through the body) of lithium following a single dose of AL001 (the “study drug”) compared to a typical single dose of a marketed
300 mg immediate-release lithium carbonate capsule (the “comparator” – currently indicated to treat mood disorders)
in healthy male and female subjects. The lithium and salicylate components of AL001 will be given within the amounts already approved
for use in patients. The purpose of the research study is to test the safety, tolerability, and bioavailability (how much and when drug
gets in the body) of the study drug, AL001, compared to the currently marketed formulation of the comparator, lithium carbonate. This
is expected to ascertain what AL001 doses should be given, and how often, in subsequent Phase 2 safety and efficacy trials involving Alzheimer’s
patients. At least 24 healthy male and female human subjects will complete the Phase I trial.
On September 13, 2021, we announced that the first group of healthy
participants have been dosed in a six-month Phase I relative bioavailability study for AL001 for dementia related to Alzheimer’s.
We recently announced that we anticipate receiving topline data from this study in mid to late December 2021. At this time, we will receive
a summary of demographic data, the data for the primary endpoint and a summary of safety data. A full report of the Phase I first-in-human
study will be completed in March 2022. The Phase 1 study is for the purpose of determining potential clinically safe and appropriate dosing
for AL001 in a planned Phase 2 multiple ascending dose study. AL001 is a lithium-delivering ionic cocrystal under development as an oral
treatment for patients with dementia related to mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s.
We have an additional preclinical
candidate for Alzheimer’s, AL002, which has transitioned from early-stage development to an extensive program of preclinical study
and evaluation, which was completed on May 31, 2021 and was followed by a comprehensive report prepared by Charles River Laboratories,
Inc., an independent preclinical service provider, received on July 23, 2021. Our preclinical program included a toxicologic evaluation,
histopathology study and brain beta amyloid analysis and, after we received additional financing in March 2021, was expanded to include
an immunoglobulin analysis and biodistribution study.
On September 30, 2021, we
announced that we have received a written response to our meeting request relating to our Type B Pre- IND application from the FDA providing
a path for our planned clinical development of AL002. AL002 is a patented method using a mutant-peptide sensitized cell as a cell-based
therapeutic vaccine that seeks to restore the ability of a patient’s immunological system to combat Alzheimer’s. Preclinical
work supports AL002 being associated with a positive anti-inflammatory response and a decrease in brain amyloid contents. Based on AL002’s
positive toxicology results, the biologic nature of this product and the urgent need to deliver treatments for Alzheimer’s to patients,
we proposed, and the FDA agreed, to conduct a combined Phase 1/2 study.
We recently announced
that the FDA’s agreement to us conducting a combined Phase 1/2 study, together with our process to identify the right manufacturing
partner to provide our study drug materials for the Phase 1/2 study, has extended the timeline for when we anticipate filing the IND,
which is now expected to be done in the second quarter of 2022, and we plan to initiate the clinical trial of AL002 as soon as possible
after the approval of the IND by the FDA.
The continuation of our current
plan of operations with respect to completing our IND application and beginning the series of human clinical trials for each of our therapeutics
requires us to raise additional capital to fund our operations.
Because our working capital
requirements depend upon numerous factors, including the progress of our preclinical and clinical testing, timing and cost of obtaining
regulatory approvals, changes in levels of resources that we devote to the development of manufacturing and marketing capabilities, competitive
and technological advances, status of competitors, and our ability to establish collaborative arrangements with other organizations, we
will require additional financing to fund future operations.
23
Results of Operations
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended October 31,
2021 and 2020
The following table summarizes
the results of our operations for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020.
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
OPERATING EXPENSES
Research and development
$ 1,750,050
$ 474,913
$ 1,275,137
268%
General and administrative
1,833,884
823,033
1,010,851
123%
Total operating expenses
3,583,934
1,297,946
2,285,988
*
Loss from operations
(3,583,934 )
(1,297,946 )
(2,285,988 )
*
OTHER EXPENSE, NET
Interest expense
(15,995 )
(50,664 )
34,669
-68%
Interest expense - related party
-
(5,487 )
5,487
*
Total other expense, net
(15,995 )
(56,151 )
40,156
*
NET LOSS
$ (3,599,929 )
$ (1,354,097 )
$ (2,245,832 )
166%
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
$ (0.04 )
$ (0.02 )
$ (0.02 )
*
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
93,458,556
72,262,858
*
*Not meaningful
Revenue
We were formed on February 26, 2016 to acquire and commercialize patented
intellectual property and know-how to prevent, treat and cure the crippling and deadly disease, Alzheimer’s. We currently have only
two product candidates, AL001 and AL002. These products are in the preclinical stage of development and will require extensive clinical
study, review and evaluation, regulatory review and approval, significant marketing efforts and substantial investment before either or
both of them, and any respective successors, will provide us with any revenue. We did not generate any revenues during the three months
ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, and we do not anticipate that we will generate revenue for the foreseeable future.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative
expenses for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 were $1.8 million and $823,000, respectively. As reflected in the table
below, general and administrative expenses primarily consisted of the following expense categories: stock compensation expense, professional
fees, insurance, as well as salaries and benefits. For the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, the remaining general and administrative
expenses of $64,000 and ($1,000), respectively, primarily consisted of payments for advertising and promotion, transfer agent fees, license
fees, travel, and other office expenses, none of which is significant individually.
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
Stock compensation expense
$ 1,169,117
$ 547,124
$ 621,993
114%
Professional fees
232,375
165,850
66,525
40%
Insurance
214,299
-
214,299
100%
Salary and benefits
154,481
111,139
43,342
39%
Other general and administrative expenses
63,612
(1,080 )
64,692
*
Total general and administrative expenses
$ 1,833,884
$ 823,033
$ 1,010,851
123%
*Not meaningful
24
Stock Compensation Expense
During the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred
general and administrative stock compensation expense of $1.2 million and $547,000, respectively, related to stock option grants to executives,
employees and consultants as well as shares issued for services to Spartan Capital. All option grants are granted at the per share fair
value on the grant date. Vesting of options differs based on the terms of each option. We valued the options at their date of grant utilizing
the Black Scholes option pricing model. We valued the shares issued for services at their intrinsic value on the date of issuance. Stock-based
compensation is a non-cash expense because we settle these obligations by issuing shares of Common Stock from authorized shares instead
of settling such obligations with cash payments.
Professional Fees
The second largest component
of our general and administrative expenses is professional fees. During the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, we reported
professional fees of $232,000 and $166,000, respectively, which were principally comprised of the following items:
Three Months Ended October 31, 2021
· In June 2017, we entered into a five-year consulting agreement with Spartan Capital pursuant to
which Spartan Capital agreed to provide consulting services with respect to general corporate matters. In December 2017, we paid to
Spartan Capital a consulting fee of $1.4 million for the services to be rendered over the 60-month term of this consulting
agreement. During the three months ended October 31, 2021, we recorded an expense of $70,000 as a result of this consulting
agreement.
· During the three months ended October 31, 2021, we incurred $45,000 in audit fees, $39,000 in legal fees,
$24,000 in Board fees, and $19,000 in related party consulting.
Three Months Ended October 31, 2020
· During the three months ended October 31, 2020, we recorded an expense of $70,000 in connection with the
five-year consulting agreement with Spartan Capital.
· In June 2019, we entered into a two-year uplisting agreement (the “Uplisting
Agreement”) with Spartan Capital pursuant to which Spartan Capital agreed to provide consulting services with respect to a potential
public offering. Compensation under this agreement consisted of a cash payment in the amount of $475,000 and the issuance of 500,000 shares
of Common Stock. We are amortizing the cost of these services over the two-year term of the uplisting agreement. During the three months
ended October 31, 2020, we recorded an expense of $59,000 in connection with the uplisting agreement. The Uplisting Agreement was terminated
on March 3, 2021.
· During the three months ended October 31, 2020, we incurred $27,000 in audit fees and $11,000 in legal
fees.
Salaries and Benefits
During the three months ended
October 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred $154,000 and $111,000, respectively, in employee-related expenses. As of October 31, 2021, we had
three full-time and four part-time employees. We appointed Stephan Jackman, who is a full-time employee, as Chief Executive Officer as
of November 30, 2018, and Lien Escalona as Chief Financial Officer in June 2021.
Henry
C.W. Nisser, our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Kenneth S. Cragun, our Senior Vice President of Finance, and David Katzoff,
our Chief Operating Officer, work for us on a part-time basis. Messrs. Nisser and Katzoff spend no less than an average of 8 hours per
week on our company’s business and Mr. Cragun spends no less than an average of 10 hours per week on our company’s business.
25
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses
for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, were $1.7 million and $475,000, respectively. As reflected in the table below, research
and development expenses primarily consisted of professional fees, licenses and fees, as well as stock compensation expense.
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
Professional fees
$ 1,406,932
$ 453,100
$ 953,832
211%
Licenses and fees
192,471
-
192,471
100%
Stock compensation expense
111,267
21,813
89,454
410%
Other research and development expenses
39,380
-
39,380
*
Total research and development expenses
$ 1,750,050
$ 474,913
$ 1,275,137
268%
*Not meaningful
Professional Fees
During the three months ended
October 31, 2021 and 2020, we reported professional fees of $1.4 million and $453,000, respectively, which were principally comprised
of professional fees attributed to various types of scientific services, including FDA consulting services. The increase relates to professional
fees incurred related to Phase I relative bioavailability study for AL001 for dementia related to Alzheimer’s.
Licenses and Fees
There are certain initial license fees and milestone payments required
to be paid to the University of South Florida and the Licensor, for the licenses of the technologies, pursuant to the terms of the License
Agreement with Sublicensing Terms .
During the three months
ended October 31, 2021, we accrued $190,000 in license fees as a result of our first dosage of patients during the quarter ended
October 31, 2021 for the Phase I relative bioavailability study for AL001 for dementia related to Alzheimer’s.
Stock Compensation Expense
During the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred
$111,000 and $22,000, respectively, in research and development stock compensation expense related to stock option grants to consultants.
All option grants are granted at the per share fair value on the grant date. Vesting of options differs based on the terms of each option.
We valued the options at their date of grant utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model. Stock-based compensation is a non-cash
expense because we settle these obligations by issuing shares of Common Stock from authorized shares instead of settling such obligations
with cash payments.
Other Expense, net
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $16,000 for the three months ended October 31,
2021, primarily related to the convertible promissory note issued in February 2021 including non-cash interest expense of $5,000 recorded
from the amortization of debt discount.
26
Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended October 31,
2021 and 2020
The following table summarizes
the results of our operations for the six months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020.
For the Six Months Ended October 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
OPERATING EXPENSES
Research and development
$ 2,666,458
$ 783,759
$ 1,882,699
240%
General and administrative
3,223,715
1,832,494
1,391,221
76%
Total operating expenses
5,890,173
2,616,253
3,273,920
*
Loss from operations
(5,890,173 )
(2,616,253 )
(3,273,920 )
*
OTHER EXPENSE, NET
Interest expense
(29,623 )
(50,815 )
21,192
-42%
Interest expense - related party
-
(5,487 )
5,487
*
Interest income - related party
-
1,706
(1,706 )
-100%
Total other expense, net
(29,623 )
(54,596 )
24,973
*
NET LOSS
$ (5,919,796 )
$ (2,670,849 )
$ (3,248,947 )
122%
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
$ (0.07 )
$ (0.04 )
$ (0.03 )
82%
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
88,148,524
72,262,858
*
*Not meaningful
Revenue
We were formed on February 26, 2016 to acquire and commercialize patented
intellectual property and know-how to prevent, treat and cure the crippling and deadly disease, Alzheimer’s. We currently have only
two product candidates, AL001 and AL002. These products are in the preclinical stage of development and will require extensive clinical
study, review and evaluation, regulatory review and approval, significant marketing efforts and substantial investment before either or
both of them, and any respective successors, will provide us with any revenue. We did not generate any revenues during the six months
ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 and we do not anticipate that we will generate revenue for the foreseeable future.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative
expenses for the six months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 were $3.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively. As reflected in the table
below, general and administrative expenses primarily consisted of the following expense categories: stock compensation expense, professional
fees, insurance, as well as salaries and benefits. For the six months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, the remaining general and administrative
expenses of $295,000 and $147,000, respectively, primarily consisted of payments for advertising and promotion, transfer agent fees, license
fees, travel, and other office expenses, none of which is significant individually.
For the Six Months Ended October 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
Stock compensation expense
$ 1,766,822
$ 1,116,744
$ 650,078
58 %
Professional fees
532,497
343,643
188,854
55 %
Insurance
285,732
-
285,732
100 %
Salary and benefits
343,290
224,978
118,312
53 %
Other general and administrative expenses
295,374
147,129
148,245
*
Total general and administrative expenses
$ 3,223,715
$ 1,832,494
$ 1,391,221
76 %
*Not meaningful
27
Stock Compensation Expense
During the six months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred
general and administrative stock compensation expense of $1.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to stock option grants to
executives, employees and consultants as well as shares issued for services to Spartan Capital. All option grants are granted at the per
share fair value on the grant date. Vesting of options differs based on the terms of each option. We valued the options at their date
of grant utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model. We valued the shares issued for services at their intrinsic value on the date
of issuance. Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense because we settle these obligations by issuing shares of Common Stock from
authorized shares instead of settling such obligations with cash payments.
Professional Fees
The second largest component
of our general and administrative expenses is professional fees. During the six months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, we reported professional
fees of $532,000 and $344,000, respectively, which were principally comprised of the following items:
Six Months Ended October 31, 2021
· During the six months ended October 31, 2021, we recorded an expense of $140,000 as a result of the five-year
consulting agreement with Spartan Capital.
· During the six months ended October 31, 2021, we incurred $129,000 in investor relations, $124,000 in
audit fees, $68,000 in legal fees, $24,000 in Board fees and $19,000 in related party consulting.
Six Months Ended October 31, 2020
· During the six months ended October 31, 2020, we recorded an expense of $140,000 in connection with the
five-year consulting agreement with Spartan Capital.
· During the six months ended October 31, 2020, we recorded an expense of $118,000 in connection with the
Uplisting Agreement. The Uplisting Agreement was terminated on March 3, 2021.
· During the six months ended October 31, 2020, we incurred $61,000 in audit fees and $25,000 in legal fees.
Salaries and Benefits
During the six months ended
October 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred $343,000 and $225,000, respectively, in employee-related expenses. As of October 31, 2021, we had
three full-time and four part-time employees. We appointed Stephan Jackman, who is a full-time employee, as Chief Executive Officer as
of November 30, 2018, and Lien Escalona as Chief Financial Officer in June 2021.
Henry
C.W. Nisser, our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Kenneth S. Cragun, our Senior Vice President of Finance, and David Katzoff,
our Chief Operating Officer, work for us on a part-time basis. Messrs. Nisser and Katzoff spend no less than an average of 8 hours per
week on our company’s business and Mr. Cragun spends no less than an average of 10 hours per week on our company’s business.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses
for the six months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, were $2.7 million and $784,000, respectively. As reflected in the table below, research
and development expenses primarily consisted of professional fees, licenses and fees, as well as stock compensation expense.
For the Six Months Ended October 31,
2021
2020
$ Change
% Change
Professional fees
$ 2,111,624
$ 710,133
$ 1,401,491
197 %
Licenses and fees
257,801
30,000
227,801
759 %
Stock compensation expense
253,184
43,626
209,558
480 %
Other research and development expenses
43,849
-
43,849
*
Total research and development expenses
$ 2,666,458
$ 783,759
$ 1,882,699
240 %
*Not meaningful
28
Professional Fees
During the six months ended
October 31, 2021 and 2020, we reported professional fees of $2.1 million and $710,000, respectively, which were principally comprised
of professional fees attributed to various types of scientific services, including FDA consulting services. The increase relates to professional
fees incurred related to Phase I relative bioavailability study for AL001 for dementia related to Alzheimer’s.
Licenses and Fees
There are certain initial license fees and milestone payments required
to be paid to the University of South Florida and the Licensor, for the licenses of the technologies, pursuant to the terms of the License
Agreement with Sublicensing Terms.
During the six months ended
October 31, 2021, we accrued $65,000 in license fees as we have submitted our IND application on June 30, 2021. We also accrued $190,000
in license fees as a result of our first dosage of patients for the Phase I relative bioavailability study for AL001 for dementia related
to Alzheimer’s.
Stock Compensation Expense
During the six months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, we incurred
$253,000 and $44,000, respectively, in research and development stock compensation expense related to stock option grants to consultants.
All option grants are granted at the per share fair value on the grant date. Vesting of options differs based on the terms of each option.
We valued the options at their date of grant utilizing the Black Scholes option pricing model. Stock-based compensation is a non-cash
expense because we settle these obligations by issuing shares of Common Stock from authorized shares instead of settling such obligations
with cash payments.
Other Expense, net
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $30,000 for the six months ended October 31, 2021,
primarily related to the convertible promissory note issued in February 2021 including non-cash interest expense of $10,000 recorded from
the amortization of debt discount.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The accompanying financial
statements have been prepared on the basis that our company will continue as a going concern. As of October 31, 2021, we had cash of $13.6
million and an accumulated deficit of $22.8 million. We have incurred recurring losses and reported losses for the three and six months
ended October 31, 2021 totaling $3.6 million and $5.9 million, respectively. In the past, we have financed our operations principally
through issuances of promissory notes and equity securities.
In March of 2021, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with
DPL, pursuant to which we agreed to sell an aggregate of 6,666,667 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate of $10 million, or $1.50 per
share, which sales will be made in tranches. On March 9, 2021, DPL paid $4 million, less the $1.8 million in prior advances and the surrender
for cancellation of the $50,000 convertible promissory note, previously issued to Ault Global, for an aggregate of 2,666,667 shares of
Common Stock. Under the terms of the securities purchase agreement, DPL (i) purchased, in July 2021, an additional 1,333,333 shares of
Common Stock upon FDA approval of our IND for our Phase Ia clinical trials for AL001 for a purchase price of $2 million, and (ii) will
purchase 2,666,667 shares of Common Stock once we have completed these Phase Ia clinical trials for AL001 for a purchase price of $4 million.
We further agreed to issue DPL warrants to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 50% of the shares of common stock purchased
under the securities purchase agreement at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. Finally, we agreed that for a period of eighteen months
following the date of the payment of the final tranche of $4 million, DPL will have the right to invest an additional $10 million on the
same terms, except that no specific milestones have been determined with respect to the additional $10 million as of the date of this
Quarterly Report.
On June 17, 2021 we announced the closing of our IPO of 2,875,000 shares
of Common Stock at a price to the public of $5.00 per share. The proceeds from the offering to us, net of underwriting discounts and estimated
offering expenses, were approximately $12.9 million. Our Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “ALZN”.
We contracted Altasciences
to conduct a six-month Phase I relative bioavailability study for AL001 for dementia related to Alzheimer’s that started on September
10, 2021. The Phase I first-in-human study is for the purpose of determining potential clinically safe and appropriate dosing for AL001
in future studies. AL001 is a lithium-delivering ionic cocrystal under development as an oral treatment for patients with dementia related
to mild, moderate and severe cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s.
We expect to continue to incur
losses for the foreseeable future and need to raise additional capital until we are able to generate revenues from operations sufficient
to fund our development and commercial operations. However, based on our current business plan, we believe that our cash and cash equivalents
at October 31, 2021, are sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements during the twelve-month period subsequent to the issuance
of the financial statements included in this Quarterly Report.
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Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for
the six months ended October 31, 2021:
For the Six Months Ended October 31,
2021
2020
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$ (3,268,834 )
$ (648,023 )
Investing activities
-
100,915
Financing activities
14,912,256
462,683
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$ 11,643,422
$ (84,425 )
Operating Activities
During the six months
ended October 31, 2021, net cash used in operating activities was $3.3 million. This consisted primarily of a net loss of $5.9
million, partially offset by non-cash charges of $2.0 million and an increase in our net operating assets and liabilities of
$601,000. The non-cash charges primarily consisted of stock-based compensation expense. The increase in our net operating assets and
liabilities were due to an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current
assets.
During the six months
ended October 31, 2020, net cash used in operating activities was $648,000. This consisted primarily of a net loss of $2.7 million,
partially offset by non-cash charges of $1.2 million and an increase in our net operating assets and liabilities of $812,000. The
non-cash charges primarily consisted of stock-based compensation expense. The increase in our net operating assets and liabilities
were due to an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Investing Activities
There were no investing activities
for the six months ended October 31, 2021.
During the six months ended October 31, 2020, net cash provided by
investing activities was $101,000. This consisted of proceeds from repayment of notes receivable from a related party, Avalanche International
Corp.
Financing Activities
During the six months ended October 31, 2021, net cash provided by
financing activities was $14.9 million. This consisted primarily of proceeds from our initial public offering of $12.9 million, net of
costs. On July 28, 2021, we received from the FDA a “Study May Proceed” letter for a Phase Ia study under our IND application
for AL001. Based on the achievement of this milestone, we sold an additional 1,333,333 shares of Common Stock to DPL for $2 million, or
$1.50 per share, and issued to DPL warrants to acquire 666,667 shares of our Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.00 per share.
During the six months ended
October 31, 2020, net cash provided by financing activities was $463,000. This consisted primarily of proceeds from our convertible note
payable and convertible note payable-related party.
Impact of Coronavirus on Our Operations
In March 2020, the World Health
Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic which continues to spread throughout the United States and the world. We
are monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and the related business and travel restrictions and changes to behavior intended to reduce its
spread, and its impact on our operations, financial position, cash flows, supply chains, and the industry in general, in addition to the
impact on our employees. Due to the rapid development and fluidity of this situation, the magnitude and duration of the pandemic and its
impact on our operations and liquidity is uncertain as of the date of this Quarterly Report.
The continuing presence of
COVID-19 has adversely impacted our business. Our drug development and manufacturing activities for A001 were delayed by eight weeks due
to a shutdown at our third-party manufacturing facility during the months of March to May 2020, which resulted in about a one-month overall
delay in our clinical protocol development and IND development and submission as a result of a lack of labor and equipment. COVID-19 also
delayed our nonclinical studies for AL002 by 12 weeks during the months of March to May 2020 due to shutdowns at our third-party lab facilities
where we were not granted access to perform research. Moreover, COVID-19 has affected our ability to raise capital due to uncertain capital
markets. We continue to assess and monitor our business operations and system supports and the impact COVID-19 may continue to have on
our operations and financial condition, but there can be no assurance that this analysis will enable us to avoid part or all of any impact
from the spread of COVID-19 or its consequences, including downturns in business sentiment generally or in our sector in particular.
30
Our operations are located in Orange County, CA and Tampa, FL, and
certain members of our senior management work in Atlanta, GA and New York, NY. We have been following the recommendations of local health
authorities to minimize exposure risk for our employees, including the temporary closures of our offices where certain of our employees
work and having employees work remotely to the extent possible, has not negatively impacted their efficiency. Currently, we and our third-party
facilities are working closely to maintain pre-COVID-19 levels. Although we currently expect normal operations for the balance of the
fiscal year, recent events, such as the identification of the Omnicron variant and the various responses that federal, state and local
governments have taken as a result, may have an adverse impact on our operations that is not currently anticipated.
Contractual Obligations
On May 1, 2016, we entered
into a Standard Exclusive License Agreement for AL002 with Sublicensing Terms with the University of South Florida Research Foundation,
Inc.(“Licensor”), pursuant to which the Licensor granted us a royalty bearing exclusive worldwide license limited to the field
of Alzheimer’s Immunotherapy and Diagnostics, under United States Patent No. 8,188,046, entitled “Amyloid Beta Peptides and
Methods of Use,” filed April 7, 2009 and granted May 29, 2012.
In addition to royalty payments
of 4% on net sales of products developed from the licensed technology, we are required to pay milestone payments on the due dates to Licensor
for the license of the technology, as follows:
Original AL001 License:
Payment
Due Date
Event
$ 65,000
6 months from the June 30, 2021 IND filing date
IND application filing
$ 190,000
12 months from the June 30, 2021 IND filing date
Upon first dosing of patient in a clinical trial
$ 500,000
12 months from first patient dosing
Upon Completion of first clinical trial
$ 1,250,000
12 months from completion of the first Phase II clinical trial
Upon first patient treated in a Phase III clinical trial
$ 10,000,000
8 years from the effective date of the agreement
Upon FDA approval
AL002 License:
Payment
Due Date
Event
$ 50,000
Upon IND application filing
Upon IND application filing
$ 50,000
12 months from IND application filing date
Upon first dosing of patient in first Phase I clinical trial
$ 175,000
12 months from first patient dosed in Phase I
Upon completion of first Phase I clinical trial
$ 500,000
24 months from completion of first Phase I clinical trial
Upon completion of first Phase II clinical trial
$ 1,000,000
12 months from completion of the first Phase II clinical trial
Upon first patient treated in a Phase III clinical trial
$ 10,000,000
7 years from the effective date of the agreement
Upon FDA BLA approval
If we fail to meet a milestone
by its specified date, Licensor may terminate the license agreement.
The licensor was also granted
a preemptive right to acquire such shares or other equity securities that may be issued from time to time by us while the licensor remains
the owner of any equity securities of our company.
There are certain license fees and milestone payments required to be
paid pursuant to the terms “AL001 license agreements” with Licensor and the University of South Florida. In addition, a royalty
payment of 3% is required pursuant to License #18110 while License #1811 requires a royalty payment of 1.5% on net sales of products developed
from the licensed technology. Additionally, we are required to pay milestone payments on the due dates to the licensor for the license
of the technology, as follows:
31
Additional AL001 Licenses:
Payment
Due Date
Event
$ 50,000
December 31, 2022
IND application filing
$ 150,000
12 months from IND filing date
Upon first dosing of patient in a clinical trial
$ 400,000
12 months from first patient dosing
Upon Completion of first clinical trial
$ 1,000,000
36 months from completion of the first Phase II clinical trial
Upon first patient treated in a Phase III clinical trial
$ 8,000,000
8 years from the effective date of the agreement
First commercial sale
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance
sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial
condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Recent Accounting Standards
For information about recent
accounting pronouncements that may impact our financial statements, please refer to Note 3 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial
Statements under the heading “Recent Accounting Standards.”
32
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Because
we are a smaller reporting company, this section is not applicable.
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.