UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
(Mark
One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from to
Commission
File No. 001-41293
ASPIRE
BIOPHARMA HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
33-3467744
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
No.)
23150
Fashion Drive, Suite 232
Estero ,
Florida 33928
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices, including zip code)
Tel:
(908) 987-3002
(Registrant ’s
telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of each exchange on which registered
Common
Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
ASBP
The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Warrants,
each exercisable for one share of common stock
ASBPW
The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
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 for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
☐
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☒
Non-accelerated filer
☒
Smaller reporting company
☒
Emerging growth company
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes ☐ No ☒
As
of November 12, 2025 there were 107,477,178 shares of Common Stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share and 24,138,302 warrants, each exercisable for
one share of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
ASPIRE
BIOPHARMA HOLDINGS, INC.
FORM
10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item
1.
Interim Financial Statements
3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2025 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2024
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (Unaudited)
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (Unaudited)
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (Unaudited)
6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
7
Item
2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
29
Item
3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
48
Item
4.
Control and Procedures
48
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1A.
Risk Factors
49
Item
2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
49
Item
5.
Other Information
50
Item
6.
Exhibits
51
SIGNATURES
52
2
PART
I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ASPIRE
BIOPHARMA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September
30,
December
31,
2025
2024
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
CURRENT
ASSETS
Cash
$ 1,948,271
$ 3,633
Prepaid
expenses and other
419,421
144,356
Inventory
35,437
-
Total
current assets
2,403,129
147,989
TOTAL
ASSETS
$ 2,403,129
$ 147,989
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
Accounts
payable
$ 1,060,889
$ 310,219
Accrued
expenses
266,930
-
Due
to affiliate
353,679
-
Notes
payable – related party
885,564
1,266,832
Promissory
note fee – related party
1,000,000
-
Other
current liabilities
-
111,026
Derivative
liability
3,554,265
-
Loan
and transfer notes payable – related party
499,214
-
Subscription
agreement loan
1,500,000
-
Convertible
note
4,739,965
-
Total
current liabilities
13,860,506
1,688,077
Forward
purchase agreement liability
9,901
0
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
13,870,407
1,688,077
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
-
-
SHAREHOLDERS’
DEFICIT
Preferred
Stock; $ 0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding
-
-
Common
stock; $ 0.0001 par value; 490,000,000 shares authorized; 49,525,970 and 27,601,767 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and
December 31, 2024, respectively
4,953
2,760
Additional
paid-in capital
11,078,116
1,234,385
Accumulated
deficit
( 22,550,347 )
( 2,777,233 )
TOTAL
SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
( 11,467,278 )
( 1,540,088 )
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
$ 2,403,129
$ 147,989
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
ASPIRE
BIOPHARMA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
2025
2024
2025
2024
For
the Three Months Ended
For
the Nine Months Ended
September
30,
September
30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net
revenue
$ 1941
$ -
$ 1,941
$ -
Cost
of goods sold
1057
-
1,057
-
Gross
Profit
884
-
884
-
OPERATING
EXPENSES
General
and administrative (including stock based compensation of $ 0 , $ 0 , $ 14.1 M and $ 0 , respectively)
512,993
191,578
15,982,233
410,805
Research
and development
207,899
7,000
823,879
28,000
Sales
and marketing
425,489
16,678
696,639
104,344
Total
operating expenses
1,146,381
215,256
17,502,751
543,149
Loss
from operations
( 1,145,497 )
( 215,256 )
( 17,501,867 )
( 543,149 )
Other
income (expense):
Interest
expense
( 1,480,058 )
-
( 2,297,882 )
-
Change
in fair value of derivative liability
775,062
-
390,744
-
Loss
on extinguishment of debt
-
-
( 364,109 )
-
Total
other (expense) income, net
( 704,996 )
-
( 2,271,247 )
-
Income
tax expense
-
( 1,013 )
-
( 1,013 )
Net
loss
$ ( 1,850,493 )
$ ( 216,269 )
$ ( 19,773,114 )
$ ( 544,162 )
Weighted
average shares outstanding of Common Stock
49,525,970
27,601,767
45,658,696
27,595,533
Basic
and diluted net loss per share of Common Stock
$ ( 0.04 )
$ ( 0.01 )
$ ( 0.43 )
$ ( 0.02 )
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
ASPIRE
BIOPHARMA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(UNAUDITED)
FOR
THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 AND 2024
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Deficit
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Shareholders’
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Deficit
Balance
- January 1, 2025
27,601,767
$ 2,760
-
$ -
$ 1,234,385
$ ( 2,777,233 )
$ ( 1,540,088 )
Conversion of warrants
5,735,717
574
-
-
( 574 )
-
-
Issuance
of shares in Reverse Acquisition
7,257,513
726
-
-
( 4,603,302 )
-
( 4,602,576 )
Issuance
of shares under working capital loans and non redemption agreements
5,536,946
554
-
-
( 554 )
-
-
Issuance
of commitment fee shares under ELOC agreement
1,106,527
110
-
-
( 110 )
-
-
Stock
based compensation
1,662,500
166
-
-
14,131,084
-
14,131,250
Net
loss
0
0
-
-
0
( 15,941,328 )
( 15,941,328 )
Balance
– March 31, 2025
48,900,970
4,890
-
-
10,760,929
( 18,718,561 )
( 7,952,742 )
Shares
issued pursuant to settlement agreement
625,000
63
-
-
317,187
-
317,250
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 1,981,293 )
( 1,981,293 )
Balance
– June 30, 2025
49,525,970
4,953
-
-
11,078,116
( 20,699,854 )
( 9,616,785 )
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 1,850,493 )
( 1,850,493 )
Balance
– September 30, 2025
49,525,970
$ 4,953
-
$ -
$ 11,078,116
$ ( 22,550,347 )
$ ( 11,467,278 )
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Shareholders’
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Deficit
Balance
- January 1, 2024
440,000,000
$ 22,000
-
$ -
957,500
$ ( 1,467,361 )
$ ( 487,861 )
Retroactive
application of recapitalization
- 412,418,421
- 19,242
-
-
19,242
-
-
Balance
- January 1, 2024
27,581,579
2,758
-
-
976,742
( 1,467,361 )
( 487,861 )
Issuance
of common stock
17,950
2
-
-
229,082
-
229,084
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 230,970 )
( 230,970 )
Balance
- March 31, 2024
27,599,529
2,760
-
-
1,205,824
( 1,698,331 )
( 489,747 )
Issuance
of common stock
2,238
-
-
-
28,561
-
28,561
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 96,923 )
( 96,923 )
Balance
- June 30, 2024
27,601,767
2,760
-
-
1,234,385
( 1,795,254 )
( 558,109 )
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 216,269 )
( 216,269 )
Balance
- September 30, 2024
27,601,767
2,760
-
-
1,234,385
( 2,011,523 )
( 774,378 )
Balance
27,601,767
2,760
-
-
1,234,385
- 2,011,523
- 774,378
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 765,710 )
( 765,710 )
Balance
- December 31, 2024
27,601,767
$ 2,760
-
$ -
$ 1,234,385
$ ( 2,777,233 )
$ ( 1,540,088 )
Balance
27,601,767
2,760
-
-
1,234,385
- 2,777,233
- 1,540,088
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
ASPIRE
BIOPHARMA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
2025
2024
For
the Nine Months Ended
September
30,
2025
2024
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net
loss
$ ( 19,773,114 )
$ ( 544,162 )
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization
of debt discount
2,021,209
-
Loss
on extinguishment of debt
364,109
-
Change
in fair value of derivative liabilities
( 390,744 )
-
Stock
based compensation
14,131,250
-
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid
expenses
( 190,065 )
( 132,500 )
Inventory
( 35,437 )
-
Accounts
payable
( 277,250 )
( 68,093 )
Accrued
expenses
265,421
-
Other
current liabilities
( 111,026 )
-
Net
cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
( 3,995,647 )
( 744,755 )
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance
of common stock
-
257,645
Short
term loan from shareholders
-
492,477
Proceeds
from recapitalization
265,827
-
Proceeds
from issuance of convertible notes
10,250,000
-
Repayment
of convertible notes
( 3,032,645 )
-
Repayment
of subscription agreement loan
( 483,474 )
-
Transaction
costs paid in connection with convertible notes
( 907,499 )
-
Proceeds
from notes payable - related party
50,000
-
Repayment
of notes payable – related party
( 201,924 )
-
Net
cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
5,940,285
750,122
NET
CHANGE IN CASH
1,944,638
5,367
CASH,
BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD
3,633
11,174
CASH,
END OF THE PERIOD
$ 1,948,271
$ 16,541
Supplemental
disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Accounts
payable and other liabilities combined, net
$ 4,868,403
$ -
Loss
pursuant to settlement agreement
$ 317,250
$ -
Issuance
of shares in reverse acquisition
$ 4,602,576
$ -
Conversion
of warrants
$ 574
$ -
Issuance
of shares under working capital loans and non redemption agreements
$ 554
$ -
Issuance
of commitment fee shares under ELOC agreement
$ 110
$ -
Supplemental
cashflow information:
Interest
paid
$ 44,388
$ -
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
ASPIRE
BIOPHARMA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES
TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER
30, 2025
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE
1. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Aspire
Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Aspire”) was incorporated as PowerUp Acquisition Corp., a Cayman
Islands exempted company, on February 9, 2021. On February 17, 2025, the Company completed the Reverse Acquisition described below and
changed its name to Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. Aspire is an early-stage biopharmaceutical company which engages in the business
of developing and marketing disruptive technology for novel sublingual delivery mechanisms initially for known drugs and supplements,
such as aspirin and caffeine products.
On
August 26, 2024, the Company (known as PowerUp Acquisition Corp. at that time) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended,
the “Aspire Merger Agreement”) with PowerUp Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company (“Merger Sub”), SRIRAMA Associates, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), Stephen
Quesenberry, in the capacity as the seller representative, and Aspire Biopharma, Inc., a Puerto Rico corporation (“Aspire Biopharma,
Inc.”).
On
February 17, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), the Company consummated the reverse acquisition transaction (the “Reverse Acquisition”)
pursuant to the terms of the Aspire Merger Agreement In connection with the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition, the Company changed
its name from PowerUp Acquisition Corp. to “Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.” ( See Note 4 - Recapitalization )
On
May 5, 2025, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Buzz Bomb Caffeine Co. LC.
NOTE
2. LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN
The
Company’s primary sources of liquidity have been cash from financing activities. The Company had an accumulated deficit of $ 22,550,347
as of September 30, 2025. As of September 30, 2025, working capital deficit was $ 11,457,377 and cash was $ 1,948,271 .
The
Company received proceeds of approximately $ 265,827 as a result of the Reverse Acquisition in February 2025, after giving effect to stockholder
redemptions and payment of transaction expenses in connection with the Reverse Acquisition. The Company received an additional $ 3,000,000
pursuant to the convertible note agreements issued under the Securities Purchase Agreement entered into on February 17, 2025. The Company’s
future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the timing and extent of spending to support further sales and marketing
and research and development efforts. In order to finance these opportunities, the Company will need to raise additional financing. While
there can be no assurances, the Company intends to raise such capital through issuances of additional equity. If additional financing
is required from outside sources, the Company may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. If the Company
is unable to raise additional capital when desired, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition would
be materially and adversely affected.
As
a result of the above, in connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial
Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 205-40, “Going Concern,”
management has determined that the Company’s liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern through twelve months from the date these condensed consolidated financial statements are available to be
issued. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets
or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
7
NOTE
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions
to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information
or footnote disclosures normally included in unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP
have been condensed consolidated or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting. Accordingly,
they do not include all the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations,
or cash flows. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments,
consisting of a normal recurring nature, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, operating results and
cash flows for the periods presented.
The
accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on April 7, 2025. The interim results for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2025, or
for any future period.
Principles
of Consolidation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Emerging
Growth Company
The
Company is an emerging growth company as defined in Section 102 (b)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS
Act”), which exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards
until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a
class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards.
The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements
that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out
of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised, and it has different application dates for
public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies
adopt the new or revised standard.
This
may make the comparison of the Company’s consolidated financial statements with another public company difficult or impossible
because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
8
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements. Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. Such estimates
may be subject to change as more current information becomes available and accordingly the actual results could differ significantly
from those significant estimates. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set
of circumstances that existed at the date of the consolidated financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate,
could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Significant accounting estimates included in these financial
statements are the determination of the fair value of the subscription agreements and convertible notes. Such estimates may be subject
to change as more current information becomes available and accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Segment
Information
ASC
280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”), defines operating segments as components of an enterprise where discrete
financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”) in deciding
how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s CODM is the Chief Executive Officer, who has ultimate responsibility
for the operating performance of the Company and the allocation of resources. The CODM reviews the assets, operating results, and financial
metrics for the Company as a whole to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, management
has determined that there is only one reportable segment. The CODM assesses performance for the single reportable segment and decides
how to allocate resources based on operating expenses that also is reported on the statements of operations as net income. The measure
of segment assets is reported on the balance sheet as total assets. When evaluating the Company’s performance and making key decisions
regarding resource allocation, the CODM reviews several key metrics included in operating expenses and cash.
Operating
expenses, inclusive of general and administrative costs, research and development costs and sales and marketing costs, are reviewed and
monitored by the CODM to manage and forecast cash to ensure enough capital is available to fund operations. The CODM also reviews operating
expenses to manage, maintain and enforce all contractual agreements to ensure costs are aligned with all agreements. The categories of
operating expenses, as reported on the statements of operations, are the significant segment expenses provided to the CODM on a regular
basis.
Concentration
of credit risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution
which, at times, may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) coverage limit of $ 250,000 . Any loss incurred
or a lack of access to such funds could have a significant adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations,
and cash flows. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had $ 1,678,669 and $ 0 , respectively in deposits in U.S banks
in excess of the FDIC limit. Deposits are maintained with high-quality financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy.
Business
Combinations
The
Company evaluates whether acquired net assets should be accounted for as a business combination or an asset acquisition by first applying
a screen test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable
asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If not, the Company applies
its judgement to determine whether the acquired net assets meets the definition of a business by considering if the set includes an acquired
input, process, and the ability to create outputs.
The
Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when it has obtained control. The Company measures goodwill as
the fair value of the consideration transferred including the fair value of any non-controlling interest recognized, less the net recognized
amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured at their fair value as of the acquisition date. Transaction
costs, other than those associated with the issuance of debt or equity securities, that the Company incurs in connection with a business
combination are expensed as incurred.
9
Any
contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. For contingent consideration that does not meet all the criteria
for equity classification, such contingent consideration is required to be recorded at its initial fair value at the acquisition date,
and on each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of liability-classified contingent consideration are recognized
on the condensed consolidated statements of operations in the period of change.
When
the initial accounting for a business combination has not been finalized by the end of the reporting period in which the transaction
occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts. Provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, which does not exceed
one year from the acquisition date. These adjustments, or recognition of additional assets or liabilities, reflect new information obtained
about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognized at that
date.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
The Company did no t have any cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025 or December 31, 2024.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
Fair
value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The authoritative guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used
in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the
most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs reflect
the Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon
the best information available in the circumstances. The categorization of financial assets and liabilities within the valuation hierarchy
is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels:
● Level
1: Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
● Level
2: Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted
prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and
inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either
directly or indirectly.
● Level
3: Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability.
The
carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, such as accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value due to their
relatively short maturities. The fair value of debt instruments for which the Company has not elected the fair value option of accounting
is based on the present value of expected future cash flows and assumptions about the then-current market interest rates as of the reporting
period and the creditworthiness of the Company. All of the Company’s debt is carried on the condensed consolidated balance sheet
on a historical cost basis net of unamortized discounts and premiums because the Company has not elected the fair value option of accounting.
Inventories
Inventories
consisting of finished goods are stated at the lower of cost or market value with cost determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method
of accounting for inventory. Inventories on hand are evaluated on an on-going basis to determine if any items are obsolete, spoiled,
or in excess of future demand. The Company provides impairment that is charged directly to cost of sales when it is has been determined
the product is obsolete, spoiled, and the Company will not be able to sell it at a normal profit above its carrying cost. There were
no impairment charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.
10
Research
and Development Cost
The
Company accounts for research and development cost (“R&D”) in accordance with ASC Topic 730, “Research and Development”.
R&D represents costs are expensed as incurred.
Revenue
recognition
The
Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts . The core principle of the guidance in Topic
606 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects
the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve the core principle,
the Company applied the following five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment:
(1)
Identify the contracts or agreements with a customer: The Company sells pharmaceutical products directly to customers from its website.
The Company’s revenue is derived from the customer orders evidenced by invoices issued. Orders placed by customers constitute the
Company’s contracts with customers.
(2)
Identifying the performance obligations in the contract or agreement: The contract with the customer contains a single performance obligation:
fulfillment of the customer’s order.
(3)
Determine the transaction price: The Company’s sales arrangements for pharmaceutical products require a full prepayment from the
customer at a fixed price per unit based on the terms of the invoice with the customer and before the shipment of products. The transaction
price is the amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive.
(4)
Allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations: All transaction prices are allocated to the single performance
obligation.
(5)
Recognize revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied: This performance obligation is satisfied when control of the product is
transferred to the customer, which generally occurs upon shipment. The Company receives orders for products to be delivered over multiple
dates that may extend across reporting periods. The Company’s accounting policy treats shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment
cost. The Company invoices for each order upon payment and recognizes revenue at the fixed price for each distinct product delivered
when transfer of control has occurred, which is generally upon shipment.
The
Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled
to in exchange for the services it transfers to its clients.
Cost
of Goods Sold
The
Company’s cost of revenue is comprised of costs related to its commercial revenue, including manufacturing costs and indirect costs
associated with the manufacturing and distribution of its products. The Company also may include certain period costs related to manufacturing
services and inventory adjustments in cost of revenue.
11
Income
Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes under ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 requires the recognition
of deferred tax assets and liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the consolidated financial statement and tax
basis of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. ASC
740 additionally requires a valuation allowance to be established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax
assets will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company assesses the likelihood that deferred
tax assets will be recovered through tax planning strategies or from future taxable income, and to the extent that recovery is not likely
or there is insufficient earnings history, a valuation allowance is established. The Company’s ability to utilize net operating
losses (“NOL”) carryforwards to offset future taxable income would be limited if the Company had undergone or were to undergo
an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”). The Company
adjusts the valuation allowance in the period management determines it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will or will
not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the tax provision in the period of change. As
of September 30, 2025, the Company provided a valuation allowance for all net deferred tax assets as it is more likely than not that
the assets will not be recovered based on an insufficient history of earnings. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025,
there were no provision for income taxes
ASC
740 also clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s consolidated financial statements
and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for consolidated financial statement recognition and measurement of a
tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than
not to be sustained based on its technical merits and upon examination by taxing authorities. If a tax benefit meets this criterion,
it is measured and recognized based on the largest amount of benefit that is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. There
were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024. The
Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from
its position.
The
Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. The Company did no t recognize
interest or penalties on its consolidated statements of operations during the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2025. The
Company does not anticipate unrecognized tax benefits will be recorded during the next 12 months.
Net
Loss per share
Basic
net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average shares outstanding at the end of the period.
Diluted loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potential shares of common stock to the extent dilutive. For the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company’s diluted weighted-average shares outstanding is equal to basic weighted-average
shares, due to the Company’s net loss position. No common stock equivalents were included in the computation of diluted net loss
per unit since such inclusion would have been antidilutive. At September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, potentially dilutive securities
include the public and private placement warrants and the convertible promissory notes.
Share-Based
Compensation
The
Company accounts for share-based compensation arrangements granted to employees and vendors in accordance with ASC 718 by measuring the
grant date fair value of the award and recognizing the resulting expense over the period during which the employee is required to perform
service in exchange for the award. Equity-based compensation expense is only recognized for awards subject to performance conditions
if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. The Company accounts for forfeitures when they occur.
12
Warrants
The
Company reviews the terms of warrants to purchase its common stock to determine whether warrants should be classified as liabilities
or stockholders’ deficit in its condensed consolidated balance sheets. In order for a warrant to be classified in stockholders’
deficit, the warrant must be (i) indexed to the Company’s equity and (ii) meet the conditions for equity classification.
If
a warrant does not meet the conditions for stockholders’ deficit classification, it is carried on the condensed consolidated balance
sheets as a warrant liability measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in the fair value of the warrant recorded in other non-operating
losses (gains) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. If a warrant meets both conditions for equity classification,
the warrant is initially recorded, at its relative fair value on the date of issuance, in stockholders’ deficit in the condensed
consolidated balance sheets, and the amount initially recorded is not subsequently remeasured at fair value.
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In
December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which requires
disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid.
The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital
allocation decisions. The standard will be effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption
is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its condensed consolidated financial
statements.
On
November 4, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (DISE), requiring additional disclosure of the nature
of expenses included in the statements of operations. The new standard requires disclosures about specific types of expenses included
in the expense captions presented on the face of the statements of operations as well as disclosures about selling expenses. The standard
is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods
beginning after December 15, 2027.
NOTE
4. RECAPITALIZATION
On
August 26, 2024, PowerUp Acquisition Corp. (“PowerUp”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended from time
to time, the “Merger Agreement”) with PowerUp Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company (“Merger Sub”), the New Sponsor, Stephen Quesenberry, in the capacity as the seller representative, and Aspire
Biopharma, Inc., a Puerto Rico corporation.
On
February 17, 2025 prior to the time of the consummation of the reverse acquisition (the “Closing Date”), Merger Sub merged
with and into Aspire Biopharma, Inc, with Aspire Biopharma, Inc being the surviving company. After giving effect to the Reverse Acquisition,
Aspire Biopharma, Inc became a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (f/k/a PowerUp Acquisition
Corp.) (“New Aspire”). At Closing Date, the Aspire Biopharma, Inc Stockholders collectively received, in the aggregate, a
number of shares of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of New Aspire Biopharma, Inc Common Stock with
an aggregate value equal to (a) $ 350 million less (b) the amount by which Aspire Biopharma, Inc’s cash at Closing is less than
the Minimum Cash Condition (but only in the event the Minimum Cash Condition is waived by PowerUp), if any, less (c) Aspire’s indebtedness
at Closing.
13
Pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, PowerUp migrated out of the Cayman Islands and domesticated as a Delaware corporation. Also prior to the Closing
Date, Aspire Biopharma, Inc deregistered as a Puerto Rican entity and domesticated as a Delaware corporation (the “Aspire Domestication”)
in accordance with Section 3746 of the Puerto Rico General Corporations Act (as amended) and Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law. Pursuant to the Aspire Domestication, Aspire’s jurisdiction of incorporation was changed from Puerto Rico to the State of
Delaware. In connection with the Aspire Domestication, all issued and outstanding shares of Aspire’s pre-domestication voting common
stock, Series A preferred stock, and any unconverted warrants automatically converted, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of the post-domesticated
entity’s common stock, Series A preferred stock, and warrants, respectively.
In
connection with the change of PowerUp’s jurisdiction of incorporation from the Cayman Islands to the State of Delaware ( the “PowerUp
Domestication”), prior to the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition (the” Closing Date”): (i) each issued and outstanding
Class A ordinary share, par value $ 0.0001 per share (the “Class A common stock”), of PowerUp converted, on a one-for-one
basis, into a duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share, of New
Aspire (the “New Aspire Common Stock”); and (ii) each issued and outstanding whole warrant to purchase Class A common stock
of PowerUp automatically represented the right to purchase one share of New Aspire Common Stock, at an exercise price of $ 11.50 per share
on the terms and conditions set forth in the Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2022, by and between PowerUp and Equiniti Trust
Company, LLC (f/k/a American Stock Transfer & Trust Company), a New York limited purpose trust company, as warrant agent (in such
capacity, the “Warrant Agent”, also referred to herein as the “Transfer Agent”) (the “Warrant Agreement”).
Immediately following the PowerUp Domestication, (i) the New Aspire Common Stock reclassified as common stock, par value $ 0.0001 per
share (the “New Aspire Common Stock”); (ii) each issued and outstanding unit of PowerUp that had not been previously separated
into the underlying Class A ordinary share and underlying one-half of one warrant upon the request of the holder thereof were cancelled
and entitled the holder thereof to one share of New Aspire Common Stock and one-half of one public warrant, with a whole public warrant
representing the right to acquire one share of New Aspire Common Stock at an exercise price of $ 11.50 per share on the terms and conditions
set forth in the Warrant Agreement; (iii) the governing documents of PowerUp were amended and restated and become the certificate of
incorporation and the bylaws of New and (iv) the form of the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws were appropriately adjusted
to give effect to any amendments contemplated by the form of certificate of incorporation or the bylaws that are not adopted and approved
by the PowerUp shareholders, other than the amendments to the PowerUp governing documents that are contemplated by the Organizational
Documents Proposal, which is a condition to the Closing of the Reverse Acquisition. No fractional warrants were issued upon the separation
of units and only whole warrants are traded.
Prior
to the effective time of the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition, Aspire Biopharma, Inc caused (i) each share of Aspire Biopharma,
Inc Preferred Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the reverse acquisition to be automatically
converted into a number of shares of Aspire common stock at the then-effective conversion rate (the “Preferred Conversion”).
All of the shares of Aspire preferred stock converted into shares of Aspire common stock were no longer outstanding and ceased to exist,
and each holder of Aspire Biopharma, Inc Preferred Stock thereafter ceased to have any rights with respect to such Aspire Biopharma,
Inc preferred stock. Aspire Biopharma, Inc caused each Aspire Biopharma, Inc Warrant to be terminated in exchange for shares of Aspire
common stock in accordance with the respective warrant agreements associated with each such warrant.
On
February 17, 2025 (the “Closing Date), the Reverse Acquisition was consummated. In connection with the consummation of the Reverse
Acquisition, PowerUp Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
On
February 17, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) with Cobra
Alternative Capital Strategies, LLC (“Cobra”), a sole member entity controlled by Aspire’s former Director of Investor
Relations, Lance Friedman, which services were provided through a consulting agreement with Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. (a firm
that Mr. Friedman controls) that was terminated effective February 17, 2025, and Target Capital X LLC (collectively, the “Investors”).
Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company issued two 20% original issue discount senior secured convertible debentures (“Debentures”)
in an aggregate principal amount of $ 3,750,000 , and may issue additional Debentures upon the mutual agreement of the Company and the
holders of Debentures representing at least a majority of the aggregate principal and interest owed under the outstanding Debentures
(“Requisite Holders”), under the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Offering”). The conversion price per share
of each Debenture is equal to 92.5 % of the lowest daily VWAP (as defined in the Debentures) of the Company’s shares of common stock
during the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to delivery or deemed delivery of the applicable Conversion
Notice (as defined in the Debentures), subject to adjustments related to the trading price of the Company’s common stock provided
that no conversion may be at a price per share less than the floor price of $ 4.00 per share ( See Note 7 - Convertible Notes ).
14
In
connection with the Reverse Acquisition, on the Closing Date, certain officers, directors, and stockholders of Aspire Biopharma, Inc
each entered into a non-competition agreement and lock-up agreements with the Company.
The
Reverse Acquisition was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, PowerUp,
who is the legal acquirer, was treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes and Aspire Biopharma, Inc
was treated as the accounting acquirer. Aspire Biopharma, Inc has been determined to be the accounting acquirer based on evaluation of
the following facts and circumstances under the redemption scenarios:
● Aspire
Biopharma Inc’s existing stockholders will have more than 64.4 % of the voting interest
of New Aspire under both the no redemption and maximum redemption scenarios;
● Aspire
Biopharma Inc’s senior management will comprise the senior management of New Aspire;
● the
directors nominated by Aspire will represent the majority of the board of directors of New
Aspire;
● Aspire
Biopharma Inc’s operations will comprise the ongoing operations of New Aspire; and
● New
Aspire will assume Aspire’s name.
Accordingly,
for accounting purposes, the Reverse Acquisition was treated as the equivalent of a capital transaction in which Aspire is issuing stock
for the net assets of PowerUp. The net assets of PowerUp will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets
recorded. Operations prior to the Reverse Acquisition will be those of Aspire Biopharma, Inc.
Transaction
Proceeds
Upon
closing of the Reverse Acquisition, the Company received gross proceeds of $ 811,370 as a result of the Reverse Acquisition, offset by
total transaction costs of $ 545,543 . The following table reconciles the elements of the Reverse Acquisition to the condensed consolidated
statements of cash flows and the condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ deficit for the nine months ended
September 30, 2025:
SCHEDULE OF RECONCILES THE ELEMENTS
OF THE BUSINESS COMBINATION
Cash-trust
and cash, net of redemptions
$ 811,370
Less:
transaction costs, paid
( 545,543 )
Net
proceeds from the Reverse Acquisition
265,827
Less:
accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities combined
( 1,577,057 )
Less:
Promissory note fee – related party combined
( 1,000,000 )
Less:
Subscription agreement loans combined
( 1,828,098 )
Less:
Loan and transfer note payable combined
( 499,214 )
Less:
Forward purchase agreement liability combined
( 49,034 )
Add:
other, net
85,000
Reverse
recapitalization, net
$ ( 4,602,576 )
15
The
number of shares of Common Stock issued immediately following the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition were:
SCHEDULE OF CONSUMMATION OF THE
BUSINESS COMBINATION
PowerUp
Class A common stock, outstanding prior to the Reverse Acquisition
$ 7,765,144
Less:
Redemption of PowerUp Class A common stock
- 507,631
Class
A common stock of PowerUp
7,257,513
PowerUp
Class B common stock, outstanding prior to the Reverse Acquisition
-
Reverse
Acquisition Class A common stock
7,257,513
Issuance
of shares related working capital agreements
3,749,984
Aspire
Biopharma, Inc Shares
35,000,000
Common
Stock immediately after the Reverse Acquisition
$ 46,007,497
The
number of Aspire Biopharma, Inc shares was determined as follows:
SCHEDULE OF NUMBER OF SHARES CONVERSION RATIO
Aspire
Biopharma, Inc Shares
Aspire’s
Shares after conversion ratio
Common
Stock issued to existing Aspire Biopharma, Inc Shareholders
$ 531,822,059
$ 33,337,500
Common
Stock obligation shares issued
—
1,662,500
Number
of Shares
$ 531,822,059
$ 35,000,000
Public
and private placement warrants
The
14,374,969 Public Warrants issued at the time of the PowerUp’s initial public offering, and 9,763,333 warrants issued in connection
with private placement at the time of the PowerUp’s initial public offering (the “Private Placement Warrants”) remained
outstanding and became warrants for the Company ( See Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements ).
NOTE
5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Loan
and transfer agreements
In
order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Reverse Acquisition, the New Sponsor or an affiliate of the New Sponsor, or certain
affiliates of PowerUp loaned monies for working capital purposes (“Working Capital Loans”). Upon completion of the Reverse
Acquisition, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise,
the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that a Reverse Acquisition did
not close, the Company had the option to use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans
but no proceeds held in the Trust Account could be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be
repaid upon consummation of a Reverse Acquisition, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $ 1.5 million of such
Working Capital Loans may be convertible into warrants of the post Reverse Acquisition entity at a price of $ 1.50 per warrant. The warrants
would be identical to the Private Placement Warrants.
16
On
December 21, 2023, PowerUp entered into a Loan and Transfer Agreement with the New Sponsor and SSVK Associates, LLC (“SSVK”),
pursuant to which SSVK loaned an aggregate of $ 250,000 to the New Sponsor, and, in turn, the New Sponsor loaned $ 250,000 to PowerUp.
On February 17, 2025, the Company assumed $ 250,000 of liabilities related to this agreement. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31,
2024, there was $ 250,000 and $ 250,000 in borrowings under the agreement, respectively. The debt discount was fully amortized to interest
expense as a non-cash charge over the term of the loan and transfer liability ending at the date consummation of the Reverse Acquisition.
On
January 9, 2024, PowerUp entered into a Loan and Transfer Agreement with the New Sponsor and Apogee Pharma (“Apogee”), pursuant
to which Apogee loaned an aggregate of $ 50,000 to the New Sponsor, and, in turn, the New Sponsor loaned the $ 50,000 to the Company. On
February 17, 2025, the Company assumed $ 50,000 of liabilities related to is agreement. At the close of the Reverse Acquisition, Apogee
was issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock as commitment fees pursuant to this agreement. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024,
there was $ 50,000 and $ 50,000 in borrowings under the agreement, respectively. The debt discount was fully amortized to interest expense
as a non-cash charge over the term of the loan and transfer liability ending at the date consummation of the Reverse Acquisition.
On
January 10, 2024, PowerUp entered into a Loan and Transfer Agreement with the New Sponsor and Jinal Sheth (“Sheth”), pursuant
to which Sheth loaned an aggregate of $ 149,214 to the New Sponsor and the New Sponsor loaned $ 149,214 to PowerUp. On February 17, 2025,
the Company assumed $ 149,214 of liabilities related to this agreement. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there was $ 149,214
and $ 149,214 in borrowings under the agreement, respectively. The debt discount was fully amortized to interest expense as a non-cash
charge over the term of the loan and transfer liability ending at the date consummation of the Reverse Acquisition.
On
December 3, 2024, the Company entered into a second Loan and Transfer Agreement with the New Sponsor and Apogee Pharma (“Apogee
2”), pursuant to which Apogee 2 loaned an aggregate of $ 50,000 to the New Sponsor and the New Sponsor loaned $ 50,000 to the Company.
On February 17, 2025, the Company assumed $ 50,000 of liabilities related to these working capital loans. As of September 30, 2025 and
December 31, 2024, there was $ 50,000 and $ 50,000 in borrowings under the agreement, respectively. The debt discount was fully amortized
to interest expense as a non-cash charge over the term of the loan and transfer liability ending at the date consummation of the Reverse
Acquisition.
Subscription
Agreements
On
March 5, 2024, PowerUp entered into four separate Subscription Agreements (each, a “First Subscription Agreement”) with the
New Sponsor, Visiox, VKSS Capital, LLC, an affiliate of, and an entity under common control with, the New Sponsor (the “Affiliate”),
and four separate investors (each, an “Investor”), whereby the Investors collectively contributed to New Sponsor a total
of $ 1,000,000 (the “First Contribution”). The New Sponsor utilized the First Contribution to support PowerUp’s previously
anticipated merger with Visiox by funding certain obligations to Visiox pursuant to the Secured Convertible Promissory Note, dated December
1, 2023, issued by Visiox to the New Sponsor (the “Visiox Convertible Note”) (together, all loans and advances, the “March
Loan”).
On
May 9, 2024, PowerUp entered into four separate Subscription Agreements (each, a “Second Subscription Agreement”) with the
New Sponsor, the Affiliate, and four separate Investors, whereby, the Investors collectively contributed to the New Sponsor a total of
$ 500,000 (the “Second Contribution”) and, in turn, the New Sponsor loaned $ 500,000 to PowerUp (the “May Loan”).
PowerUp
accounted for the First and Second Subscription Agreements under ASC 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” and ASC
815 “Derivatives and Hedging” and concluded that bifurcation of a single derivative that comprises all of the fair value
of the conversion feature(s) (i.e., derivative instrument(s)) is not necessary under ASC 815-15-25-7 through 25-10. As a result, all
debt proceeds received from Investor have been recorded using the relative fair value method of accounting under ASC 470 “Debt”.
Pursuant to ASC 470, the Company recorded the fair value of the subscription liability on the consolidated balance sheets using the relative
fair value method. The initial fair value of the subscription liability at issuance was estimated using a Black Scholes and Probability
Weighted Expected Return Model. At the close of the Reverse Acquisition, 1,750,000 of commitment fee shares owing to the Investors under
these agreements were transferred by affiliates to the Investors.
17
On
February 17, 2025, the Company assumed $ 1,500,000 of debt under the First Subscription Second Subscription Agreements. At September 30,
2025, $ 1,500,000 owing under these agreements is included in subscription agreement loan balance on the condensed consolidated balance
sheet.
Due
to affiliate
On
February 17, 2025, the Company assumed $ 353,679 of liabilities due to the Sponsor of PowerUp and related to administrative services fees
and a residual balance due from IPO proceeds. As of September 30, 2025, the balance of $ 353,679 is recorded within due to affiliate on
the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Promissory
Note Fee – related party
On
October 2, 2024, PowerUp entered into a Promissory Note Fee Agreement with the Sponsor (the “Promissory Note Fee Agreement”).
Pursuant to the Promissory Note Fee Agreement, PowerUp and the Sponsor agreed that the Sponsor took a significant risk on behalf of the
Company by entering into the Visiox Promissory Note in exchange for payment of the Original Promissory Note Fee, and that the Sponsor
should be compensated for that risk despite the termination of the right to receive the Original Promissory Note Fee as a result of the
termination of the proposed merger with Visiox. As consideration for the foregoing, the Company agreed to pay Sponsor a modified promissory
note fee of $ 1,000,000 (the “Modified Promissory Note Fee”) upon the successful closing of a merger. At September 30, 2025,
the Modified Promissory Note Fee is still outstanding and payable and included in promissory note fee – related party on the condensed
consolidated balance sheets.
Notes
payable – related party
During
the years ended 2024 and 2023, Aspire Biopharma, Inc incurred expenses and costs related to officer and director compensation, rental
of office space, reimbursable expenses paid by affiliates and non interest bearing working capital loans. On September 27, 2024, to formalize
the related party working capital advances, Aspire Biopharma, Inc issued three nonconvertible 20 % original issues discount (“OID”)
notes payable to related parties for a total face value of $ 1,066,391 . The notes were due the earlier of June 27, 2025 (9 months from
issuance); or (ii) the date that the Company receives gross proceeds of at least $ 2,500,000 in an offering of its debt or equity securities
(a “Qualified Offering”). The notes do not bear interest but have a 5 % exit fee payable on maturity or repayment and had
original issuance discounts totaling $ 213,278 and are unsecured. Pursuant to the February 18, 2025, subordination agreement between two
note holders and Cobra, payments will not be made on the matured notes until full payment of the Cobra obligation ( See Note 7 - Convertible
Notes ). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement ( See Note 6 - Subscription Agreement Loans ), the third note was amended to extend
the maturity date to December 10, 2025 . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, total amortized debt discount of $ 0 and
$ 139,052 was included in interest expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, respectively.
On
October 2, 2024, the Company issued one non-convertible 20 % OID note payable to a related party for working capital for a total face
value of $ 62,500 . The note is due on the earlier of July 2, 2025 (9 months from issuance); or (ii) the date that the Company receives
gross proceeds of at least $ 2,500,000 in an offering of its debt or equity securities (a “Qualified Offering”). The note
does not bear interest but has a 5 % exit fee payable on maturity or repayment and had an OID totaling $ 12,500 and was unsecured. Pursuant
to the Settlement Agreement ( See Note 6 - Subscription Agreement Loans ), the note was amended to extend the maturity date to September
10, 2025. In August 2025, the note balance was fully repaid. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, total amortized
debt discount of $ 0 and $ 8,379 was included in interest expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations,
respectively.
18
On
December 30, 2024, the Company issued one non-convertible 20 % OID note payable for working capital to a related party for a total face
value of $ 40,625 . The note is due the earlier of September 30, 2025 (9 months from issuance); or (ii) the date that the Company receives
gross proceeds of at least $ 2,500,000 in an offering of its debt or equity securities (a “Qualified Offering”). The note
does not bear interest but has a 5 % exit fee payable on maturity or repayment and had original issuance discounts totaling $ 8,125 and
was unsecured. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, total amortized debt discount of $ 2,708 and $ 8,095 was included
in interest expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, respectively.
On
December 31, 2024, the Company issued one non-convertible 20 % OID note payable for working capital to a related party for a total face
value of $ 279,878 . The note is due the earlier of September 30, 2025 (9 months from issuance); or (ii) the date that the Company receives
gross proceeds of at least $ 2,500,000 in an offering of its debt or equity securities (a “Qualified Offering”). The note
does not bear interest but has a 5 % exit fee payable on maturity or repayment and had original issuance discounts totaling $ 46,646 and
were unsecured. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, total amortized debt discount of $ 19,476 and $ 46,646 was included
in interest expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, respectively.
On
January 22, 2025, the Company issued one non-convertible 20 % OID note payable for working capital to a related party for a total face
value of $ 31,250 . The note is due the earlier of October 22, 2025 (9 months from issuance); or (ii) the date that the Company receives
gross proceeds of at least $ 2,500,000 in an offering of its debt or equity securities (a “Qualified Offering”). The note
does not bear interest but has a 5 % exit fee payable on maturity or repayment and had original issuance discounts totaling $ 6,250 and
were unsecured. In August 2025, the note balance was fully repaid. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, total amortized
debt discount of $ 2,609 and $ 6,250 was included in interest expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations,
respectively.
On
February 13, 2025, the Company issued one non-convertible 20 % OID note payable for working capital to a related party for a total face
value of $ 31,250 . The note is due the earlier of November 13, 2025 (9 months from issuance); or (ii) the date that the Company receives
gross proceeds of at least $ 2,500,000 in an offering of its debt or equity securities (a “Qualified Offering”). The note
does not bear interest but has a 5 % exit fee payable on maturity or repayment and had original issuance discounts totaling $ 6,250 and
were unsecured. In August 2025, the note balance was fully repaid. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, total amortized
debt discount of $ 3,113 and $ 6,250 was included in interest expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations,
respectively.
The
following table reflects the outstanding balances of each note issuance at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
SCHEDULE OF NOTE ISSUANCE
Issuance
date
September
30, 2025
December
31, 2024
September
27, 2024
$ 591,692
$ 920,240
October
2, 2024
0
65,513
December
30, 2024
0
38,569
December
31, 2024
293,872
242,510
Total
$ 885,564
$ 1,266,832
At
September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, total balance of $ 885,564 and $ 1,266,832 inclusive of unamortized debt discount is included
in Notes payable – related party on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
19
NOTE
6. SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT LOANS
Blackstone
Subscription Agreement
On
December 18, 2024, and effective December 13, 2024, the PowerUp entered into (i) a subscription agreement (the “Blackstone Subscription
Agreement”), (ii) a promissory note (the “Blackstone Note”), and (iii) a registration rights agreement (the “RRA”)
with Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. (“Blackstone”), an entity controlled by Aspire’s former Director of Investor
Relations, Lance Friedman (all transactions contemplated by such agreements, collectively, the “Blackstone Transaction”).
Pursuant to the terms of the Blackstone Transaction, Blackstone may loan up to an aggregate principal amount of $ 500,000 to the Company,
with an original issue discount of twenty percent ( 20 %). Blackstone loaned the maximum of $ 500,000 to the PowerUp.The maturity date of
the Blackstone Note is the earlier of (i) June 1, 2025 or (ii) the date that the Company receives gross proceeds of at least $ 5,000,000
in an offering of its debt or equity securities. The principal amount of the Blackstone Note bears interest at a rate per annum of ten
percent ( 10 %). Interest will be due and payable on the maturity date. Additionally, the Company will pay Blackstone an exit fee equal
to ten percent ( 10 %) of the principal amount and accrued interest on the maturity date. Upon the closing of the Reverse Acquisition,
the Sponsor will transfer three Class A ordinary shares of PowerUp to Blackstone for each dollar loaned under the Blackstone Transaction
(the “Commitment Shares”). On February 17, 2025, the Blackstone Subscription Agreement was amended (the “Amended Blackstone
Subscription Agreement”) to fix the commitment shares to 1,795,000 . The commitment shares were issued at the close of the Reverse
Acquisition. to Pursuant to the RRA, the Company has agreed to register the Commitment Shares with the SEC in any registration statement
filed by the Company in connection with a Qualified Offering (as defined in the Blackstone Subscription Agreement), if any. On February
17, 2025, a fair value of $ 437,474 inclusive of principal balance loaned of $ 423,474 was assumed under this agreement. On April 24, 2025,
the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Cobra , Blackstone and their affiliates
(collectively, the “Lenders”) to resolve all matters related to previously issued notices of default and to amend certain
outstanding loan agreements. In connection with the Settlement Agreement, the Company issued 625,000 shares of common stock to Blackstone
Capital Advisors, Inc. or its designees. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement between the Company and the Lenders, the Blackstone Subscription
Agreement was amended (the “April 2025 Amended Blackstone Subscription Agreement) to extend the maturity date to August 15, 2025.
In addition, the Company paid $ 60,000 as an addition to the principal in lender deal cost in consideration for Blackstone’s waiver
of its right to additional interest or penalties due to the default. The amendment of the debt was accounted under ASC 470 – Accounting
for Debt modification and exchanges. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, $ 364,109 was recorded as loss of extinguishment
of debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. In August 2025, the Blackstone Note was fully repaid including
all exit fees and accrued interests.
NOTE
7. CONVERTIBLE NOTES
Securities
Purchase Agreement
On
February 17, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) with Cobra
Alternative Capital Strategies, LLC, an entity controlled by the Company’s former Director of Investor Relations, Lance Friedman,
which services were provided through a consulting agreement with Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. that was terminated effective February
17, 2025, and Target Capital X LLC (collectively, the “Investors”). Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company
issued 20 % original issue discount senior secured convertible debentures (“Convertible Debentures”) in an aggregate principal
amount of $ 3,750,000 which includes a 20 % OID. The conversion price per share of each Debenture is equal to 92.5 % of the lowest daily
VWAP (as defined in the Debentures), provided that no conversion may be at a price per share less than the floor price of $ 4.00 per share.
At the close of the Reverse Acquisition, 2,106,527 of commitment fee shares owing to the Investors under these agreements were transferred
by affiliates to the Investors.
20
The
Company analyzed for the Securities Purchase Agreement under ASC 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” and ASC 815
“Derivatives and Hedgings” and concluded that bifurcation of a single derivative that comprises all of the fair value of
the conversion feature(s) (i.e., derivative instrument(s)) is not necessary. As a result, all debt proceeds received have been recorded
using the fair value method of accounting under ASC 825, “Fair Value Measurement”. Pursuant to ASC 825, the Company recorded
the fair value of the subscription liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets using the fair value method. The initial fair
value of the subscription liability at issuance was estimated using a Monte Carlo Model. In August and September 2025, the Company repaid
a total of $ 3,032,645 of the Convertible Debentures. At September 30, 2025, the fair value of $ 995,891 of the Securities Purchase Agreement
is included in Convertible Notes on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the three and nine months ended September
30, 2025, $ 363,567 and $ 637,606 debt discount amortized was included in interest expense on the condensed consolidated statements of
operations, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, change in fair value of $ 146,490 and $ 196,980 was included
as an income and expense, respectively in change in fair value of derivatives on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Convertible
Notes
On
August 19, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “ August Securities Purchase Agreement”) with
certain investors (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Company sold to the Purchasers certain notes in an aggregate
principal amount of $ 9,687,500 for a subscription price of $ 7,750,000 (the “August 2025 Notes”) with a maturity date of February
19, 2026 . The August 2025 Notes have a 20 % OID of $ 1,937,500 which is included in the aggregate principal amount of $ 9,687,500 and do
not bear an interest rate except for instances of default. Of the $ 7,750,000 total funding (before transaction expenses and debt repayments)
under the Securities Purchase Agreement, $ 4,500,000 was funded on August 19, 2025 (the “first Tranche”), $ 1,000,000 was funded
on September 22, 2025 (the “Second Tranche”), and the balance of $ 2,250,000 (the “Third Tranche”) was funded
on September 30, 2025. The August 2025 Notes are convertible into up to an aggregate of 147,177,424 shares of common Stock (the “
Conversion Shares”) subject to certain conditions.
The
August 2025 Notes are convertible (in whole or in part) at any time on or after the thirty-first (31st) day following the Issuance Date
into such number of shares of Common Stock as shall be determined by dividing (x) that portion identified by the Purchaser of (A) the
outstanding principal amount, plus (B) accrued and unpaid interest with respect to such outstanding principal amount of such Purchaser’s
Note and any other amounts owing under such Note or other Transaction Documents (the as that term is defined in the Notes) by (y) the
conversion price then in effect on the date on which the Purchaser delivers a notice of conversion. The conversion price means the greater
of (i) eighty (80%) percent of the lowest Closing Price on any Trading Day during the five (5) Trading Days prior to the applicable conversion
date or (ii) the floor price (the “Floor Price”). The Floor Price means 20% of the average closing price of the Company’s
Common Stock for the five days prior to the Closing Date.
The
August 2025 Notes may not be converted and shares of Common Stock may not be issued under Notes if, after giving effect to the conversion
or issuance, such Purchaser (together with its affiliates, if any) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of our outstanding shares
of our Common Stock, which we refer to herein as the “Note Blocker”. The Note Blocker may be raised or lowered to any other
percentage not in excess of 9.99% at the option of the applicable Purchaser of Notes, except that any raise will only be effective upon
61-days’ prior notice to us.
In
connection with the August Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement, dated as of August
19, 2025 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to file the initial resale registration
statement by no later than September 18, 2025, to register the resale of the Common Stock underlying the Notes. The resale registration
statement became effective on September 30, 2025.
The
Company accounted for the August 2025 Notes under ASC 470 “Debt” and ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” and concluded
that bifurcation of multiple embedded features was necessary under ASC 815-15-25-1. As a result, the Company separately accounted for
as a single compound derivative. The Company recorded the initial fair value of the derivative liability of $ 4,101,583 million and the
debt issuance cost of $ 907,500 as a debt discount, which will be amortized to interest expense over the expected term of the debt.
21
For
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, total amortized debt discount of $ 1,003,157 and $ 1,003,157 was included in interest
expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, respectively. At September 30, 2025, the balance of $ 3,744,075
of the August 2025 Notes is included in Convertible Notes on the condensed consolidated balance and comprises the principal balance of
$ 9,687,500 , net of unamortized debt discount of $ 5,943,425 .
NOTE
8. REVENUES
Net
sales include products and shipping and handling charges, net returns. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company
expects to receive in exchange for transferring products. All revenue is recognized when or as the Company satisfies its performance
obligations under the contract. The Company recognizes revenue by transferring control of the promised products to the customer, which
primarily occurs when products are shipped to the customer. The Company recognizes revenue for shipping and handling charges at the time
the products are shipped to the customer. The Company estimates product returns based on historical return rates. All of the Company’s
contracts have a single performance obligation and are short-term in nature. Sales taxes and value added taxes in foreign jurisdictions
that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded
from net sales. The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of pharmaceutical products directly to customers and is recognized at an
amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for such products.
The
customer order evidenced by invoices issued is considered to be the contract with the customers. At contract inception, an assessment
of the products and services promised in the contracts with customers is performed and a performance obligation is identified for each
distinct promise to transfer a product to the customer. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers the products promised
per the invoice regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or are implied by customary business practices.
The
performance obligation is considered to be fulfilled upon the shipment of the products. At each reporting period, any invoiced sales
that have not yet shipped is recorded as deferred revenue. As September 30, 2025, there was no deferred revenue.
The
following tables represent net sales disaggregated by revenue source:
SCHEDULE
OF DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUE
Three Months ended
September 30, 2025
Nine months ended
September 30, 2025
Nutraceutical
products
$ 1,941
$ 1,941
Total
revenues
$ 1,941
$ 1,941
The
following tables represent net sales disaggregated by geography, based on the customers’ billing addresses.
SCHEDULE
OF DISAGGREGATION OF NET SALES DISAGGREGATED BY GEOGRAPHY
Three Months ended
September 30, 2025
Nine months ended
September 30, 2025
USA
$ 1,901
$ 1,901
Canada
40
40
Total
revenues
$ 1,941
$ 1,941
22
NOTE
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Registration
Rights
The
holders Private Placement Warrants and warrants that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans, if any, are entitled to
registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement dated February 17, 2022. These holders are entitled to certain demand
and “piggyback” registration rights. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such
registration statements. On May 13, 2025, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 to register 2,929,000 of the outstanding
9,763,333 Private Placement Warrants. The Registration Statement was declared effective on May 30, 2025.
Equity
Line of Credit (“ELOC”) Agreement
On
February 13, 2025, PowerUp entered into a Purchase Agreement (“ELOC Agreement”) with Arena Business Solutions Global SPC
II, Ltd. (“Arena”). Under the ELOC Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to direct Arena to purchase
up to $ 100,000,000 in shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ELOC Shares”) upon satisfaction of certain terms and
conditions contained in the ELOC Agreement, including, without limitation, an effective registration statement filed with the SEC registering
the resale of ELOC Commitment Shares (as defined below) and additional shares to be sold to Arena from time to time under the ELOC Agreement.
The term of the ELOC Agreement began on the date of execution and ends on the earlier of (i) the first day of the month following the
36-month anniversary of the execution date, (ii) the date on which the Investor shall have purchased the maximum amount of ELOC Shares,
or (iii) the effective date of any written notice of termination delivered pursuant to the terms of the ELOC Agreement (the “Commitment
Period”). In consideration for the Arena’s execution and delivery of the ELOC Agreement, the Company issued to Arena 2,000,000
Common Shares (the “Commitment Fee Shares”), of which 893,473 became freely tradable upon the closing of the Reverse Acquisition.
At
close of the Reverse Acquisition, the Company assumed $ 49,034 of forward purchase agreement liability under the ELOC Agreement. For the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, change in fair value of the purchase agreement was a gain of $ 39,384 and $ 39,133 , respectively
was included in change in fair value of derivatives and convertible notes on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations,
respectively. At September 30, 2025, the balance of $ 9,901 is included in forward purchase agreement liability on the accompanying condensed
balance sheet.
Instaprin
Acquisition
On
March 28, 2022, the Company closed on an asset purchase agreement (APA) of Instaprin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s
(“Instaprin”), intangible assets, inclusive of U.S. Patent No. 62/794141, International Publication No. 2020/15460 A1
and WO 2020/150685 A1, and the Instaprin U.S. Trademark No. 86274378, trade secrets and proprietary information, all applications
for any of the foregoing, commercial and scientist relationships, and any license or agreements granting rights related to the
foregoing.
The
purchase price for the Acquired Assets (as defined in the APA) was $ 3,628,325 plus interest thereon, to be paid to the SEC on behalf
of Instaprin in satisfaction of the SEC’s judgment against Instaprin and its former CEO, from sales of the product, as follows:
20 % from the first $ 5,000,000 of sales and 10% from sales thereafter until the entire contingent purchase price obligation is satisfied.
Additionally, ten percent (10%) of the Company’s equity was to be delivered at Closing, in proportion to their equity holdings
in the Company, to be issued to a Trustee for the former Instaprin Shareholders, along with an additional ten percent (10%) of the Company’s
equity to be issued to Instaprin’s service providers, pursuant to a stock incentive plan to be adopted. As of September 30, 2025,
the Company has not recorded the assets from the APA due to the contingent nature of the transaction.
NOTE
10. SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Preferred
Stock —The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $ 0.0001 per share and with
such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board. At September 30, 2025
and December 31, 2024, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.
23
Common
Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 490,000,000 shares of Common Stock with a par value of $ 0.0001 per share. As of September
30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were 49,525,970 and 27,601,767 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively.
PowerUp
Warrants
As
part of the PowerUp initial public offering (“IPO”), PowerUp issued warrants to third-party investors where each whole warrant
entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s Class A common stock at an exercise price of $ 11.50 per share (the “Public
Warrants”). Simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, PowerUp completed the private sale of 9,763,333 Private Placement warrants
where each warrant allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s Common Stock at $ 11.50 per share. At September 30,
2025, there are 14,374,969 Public Warrants and 9,763,333 Private Placement warrants outstanding.
The
Public Warrants became exercisable commencing 30 days after the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition.
Once
the warrants became exercisable, the Company may redeem the warrants:
● in
whole and not in part;
● at
a price of $ 0.01 per warrant;
● upon
not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption, to each warrant holder;
and
● if,
and only if, the reported last sale price of the Company’s Common Stock equals
or exceeds $ 18.00 per share (as adjusted for share subdivisions, share consolidations, share
capitalizations, rights issuances, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any
20 trading days within a 30 -trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the
date the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.
The
Private Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units sold in the IPO, except that the Private Placement
Warrants and the common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants are not transferable, assignable, or saleable
until 30 days after the completion of a Reverse Acquisition, subject to certain limited exceptions.
The
Company has determined that Public warrants and the Private Placement warrants issued in connection with its IPO in February 2022 are
subject to treatment as equity. Upon the closing of the Reverse Acquisition, in accordance with the guidance contained in ASC 815, the
warrants continue to be equity classified.
Stock
based compensation
On
February 29, 2024, Aspire Biopharma, Inc entered Corporate advisory agreement with an advisory firm, pursuant to which the advisory firm
will receive 6 % of the amount shares outstanding after the close of the Reverse Acquisition as compensation for advisory services to
support the Company’s efforts related to the Reverse Acquisition. On January 3, 2025, the agreed upon compensation was reduced
to 4.75 % of the amount of shares outstanding after the close of the Reverse Acquisition. In February 2025, 1,662,500 shares of the 35,000,000
Reverse Acquisition shares were issued to the affiliated company under this agreement. The issuance of these shares to the service advisors
is subject to ASC 718. Under ASC 718, compensation associated with equity-classified awards is measured at fair value upon the grant
date. The shares were granted subject to a performance condition (i.e., the occurrence of a Reverse Acquisition). Stock-based compensation
of $ 14,131,250 was recognized in general and administrative expenses upon consummation of the Reverse Acquisition in February 2025 based
on the grant date fair value per share. The fair value was determined by applying a 15 % discount for lack of marketability to the market
price of the share on date of grant.
24
Aspire
Biopharma warrants
During
the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, on a post-split basis, Aspire Biopharma, Inc issued 44,000,000 at a per share
price of $ 0.40 and 7,500,000 warrants at an average per share price of $ 0.13 , respectively. As of December 31, 2024 all warrants issued
were fully vested. As of December 31, 2024, there were 91,500,000 warrants outstanding. On January 21, 2025 the 91,500,000 warrants were
converted into 91,500,000 shares of Aspire Biopharma Inc. common stock, which, on the Reverse Acquisition date, were subsequently converted
into 5,735,717 shares of common stock of the Company.
Working
capital loan and other share issuance as close of the reverse acquisition
Pursuant
to the First Subscription Agreement, the Company issued 1,750,000 shares of Common Stock to the Investors representing commitment fee
shares at Closing Date ( See Note 5 - Related Party Transactions ).
Pursuant
to the Blackstone Subscription Agreement, the Company issued 1,795,000 shares of Common Stock to Blackstone representing commitment fee
shares at Closing Date ( See Note 6 - Subscription Agreement Loans ).
Pursuant
to the Loan and Transfer Agreement with Apogee, the Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to the New Sponsor at Closing Date ( See
Note 5 - Related Party Transactions ).
On May 22, 2024, PowerUp entered into a non-redemption agreement with the sponsor of PowerUp and an investor, pursuant to which the
investor agreed not to exercise their redemption rights with respect to holdings of PowerUp shares and in consideration of same, received
75,000 Common Stock of the Company at the close of the Reverse Acquisition.
On
July 13, 2023, PowerUp entered into an amended Service agreement with a vendor ( the “Amended Service Agreement”). Pursuant
to the Service Agreement, the vendor will act as a capital market advisor in exchange for a cash fee and 80,000 common shares. The shares
were issued to the vendor on the Closing Date of the reverse acquisition.
NOTE
11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The
fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reflects management’s estimate of amounts that the Company would
have received in connection with the sale of the assets or paid in connection with the transfer of the liabilities in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. In connection with measuring the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company
seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs (market data obtained from independent sources) and to minimize the use of unobservable
inputs (internal assumptions about how market participants would price assets and liabilities). The following fair value hierarchy is
used to classify assets and liabilities based on the observable inputs and unobservable inputs used in order to value the assets and
liabilities:
Level
1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for an asset or liability is a market in which
transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level
2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. Examples of Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets
or liabilities and quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level
3: Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset
or liability.
25
The
following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring
basis at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs the Company utilized
to determine such fair value.
SCHEDULE
OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES THAT ARE MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS
Quoted
Prices in Active Markets
Significant
Other Observable Inputs
Significant
Other Unobservable Inputs
September
30, 2025
Level
(Level
1)
(Level
2)
(Level
3)
Liabilities:
Convertible
Notes
3
$ —
$ —
$ 995,891
Forward
Purchase Agreement liabilities
3
—
—
9,901
Derivative
liability
3
$ —
$ —
$ 3,554,265
December
31, 2024
Liabilities:
Convertible
Notes
3
$ —
$ —
$ 3,617,508
Loan
and Transfer note payable
3
—
—
499,214
Forward
Purchase Agreement liabilities
3
$ —
$ —
$ 49,285
Convertible
Notes
As
discussed in Note 9 - Convertible Notes, the convertible notes are classified and accounted for as a financial liability of which will
be measured at fair value on a recurring basis (one of the instruments is accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis under ASC
480-10, as a derivative instrument under ASC 815, or at fair value under the fair value option in ASC 825-10).
The
Financial Liabilities are valued under a Monte Carlo Model. The estimated fair value of the Financial Liabilities Component is determined
using Level 3 inputs. Inherent in the pricing models are assumptions related to expected share-price volatility, expected life and risk-free
interest rate.
The
key inputs of the models used to value the Company’s convertible notes as of September 30, 2025 were:
SCHEDULE
OF CONVERTIBLE NOTES
Inputs
September
30, 2025
Term
Remaining - Years
0.68
Share Price
$ 0.21
Debt
Rate
11.78 %
The
change in the fair value of the convertible notes measured using Level 3 inputs is summarized as follows:
SCHEDULE
OF FAIR VALUE OF THE CONVERTIBLE NOTES
For
the Nine Months ended
September 30, 2025
Balance, December
31, 2024
$ —
Convertible notes
—
Fair
value at issuance
3,000,000
Paid
in kind Interest
193,950
OID
amortized
637,606
Repayment of Note
( 3,032,645 )
Change
in fair value
196,980
Balance,
September 30, 2025
$ 995,891
Convertible notes
995,891
26
Forward
purchase agreement liabilities
As
discussed in Note 12 - Commitment and Contingencies, the forward purchase agreement is classified and accounted for as a financial liability
which will be measured at fair value on a recurring basis (one of the instruments is accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
under ASC 480-10, as a derivative instrument under ASC 815, or at fair value under the fair value option in ASC 825-10);
The
forward purchase agreements liabilities are valued under a Probability Weighted Expected Return Model (“PWERM”) which fair
values repayable capital investment and used a Black Scholes Model that fair values the conversion features within the convertible debt.
The PWERM is a multistep process in which value is estimated based on the probability-weighted present value of various future outcomes.
The estimated fair value of the forward purchase agreements liabilities is determined using Level 3 inputs. Inherent in the pricing models
are assumptions related to expected share-price volatility, expected life and risk-free interest rate. There were no draws for the nine
months ended September 30, 2025; therefore, no valuation was required.
The
change in the fair value of the forward purchase agreement measured using Level 3 inputs is summarized as follows:
SCHEDULE
OF FAIR VALUE OF THE FORWARD PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Balance, December
31, 2024
$ -
Assumed
in Reverse Acquisition
49,034
Change
in fair value
269
Forward
purchase agreement at March 31, 2025
49,303
Change
in fair value
( 18 )
Forward
purchase agreement at June 30, 2025
49,285
Change
in fair value
( 39,384 )
Forward
purchase agreement at September 30, 2025
$ 9,901
Derivative
liability
As
discussed in Note 9 - Convertible Notes, the Company accounted for the August 2025 Notes under ASC 470 “Debt” and ASC 815
“Derivatives and Hedging” and concluded that bifurcation of multiple embedded features was necessary under ASC 815-15-25-1.
As a result, the Company separately accounted for as a single compound derivative. The initial fair value of $ 4,101,583 the derivative
liability at issuance was estimated using a Monte Carlo Model. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, change in fair
value of the derivative liability of $ 547,318 was recorded as an income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. At September
30, 2025, the fair value of the derivative of $ 3,554,265 was included in derivative liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The
key inputs of the models used to value the Company’s derivative liabilities as of September 30, 2025 were:
SCHEDULE
OF SUBSCRIPTION FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Inputs
September
30, 2025
Term
Remaining - Years
0.39
- 0.50
Share Price
$ 0.21 -
$ 0.47
Risk
Free Rate
3.88 %
- 4.11 %
27
The
change in the fair value of the derivative liability measured using Level 3 inputs is summarized as follows:
Summary
of Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liability
For
the nine months ended
September 30, 2025
Balance, December
31, 2024
$ -
Derivative
liability
-
Initial
recognition
4,101,583
Change
in fair value
( 547,318 )
Derivative
liability at September 30, 2025
$ 3,554,265
Derivative
liability
3,554,265
NOTE
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
ASC
Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for companies to report in their financial statement information about
operating segments, products, services, geographic areas, and major customers. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise
for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the Company’s chief operating decision maker,
or group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.
The
CODM has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer, who reviews the assets, operating results, and financial metrics for the Company
as a whole to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, management has determined that
there is only one reportable segment.
The
CODM assesses performance for the single segment and decides how to allocate resources based on net loss that also is reported on the
statements of operations as net loss. The measure of segment assets is reported on the balance sheet as cash. When evaluating the Company’s
performance and making key decisions regarding resource allocation, the CODM reviews several key metrics included in net loss and cash,
which include the following:
SCHEDULE
OF SEVERAL KEY METRICS INCLUDED IN NET LOSS AND TOTAL ASSETS
September
30, 2025
December
31, 2024
Cash
$ 1,948,271
$ 3,633
2025
2024
2025
2024
For
the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For
the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Gross
profit
$ 884
$ -
$ 884
$ -
Operating
expenses
( 1,146,381 )
( 215,256 )
( 17,502,751 )
( 543,149 )
Other
expenses, net
( 704,996 )
-
( 2,271,247 )
-
Income
tax expense
-
( 1,013 )
-
( 1,013 )
Net
loss
$ ( 1,850,493 )
$ ( 216,269 )
$ ( 19,773,114 )
$ ( 544,162 )
Revenue,
general and administrative expenses and other expenses are reviewed and monitored by the CODM to manage and forecast cash to ensure enough
capital is available for working capital needs and to fund research and development efforts. The CODM also reviews general and administrative
costs to manage, maintain and enforce all contractual agreements to ensure costs are aligned with all agreements and budget. General
and administrative costs, as reported on the condensed consolidated statements of operations, are the significant segment expenses provided
to the CODM on a regular basis.
All
other segment items included in net loss are reported on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and described within their
respective disclosures.
NOTE
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The
Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date that the unaudited condensed
financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, other than disclosed below or within these financial statements, the Company
did not identify any other subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the unaudited condensed financial statements.
Conversion of Notes
In
October 2025, $ 1,631,661 of convertible notes were converted into 9,900,237 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Securities
Purchase Agreement described in Note 9.
In
November 2025, $ 5,260,571
of convertible notes were converted into 48,050,971
shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement described in Note 9.
ELOC
Agreement
On
November 11, 2025, the Company entered into a new Purchase Agreement (the “Second ELOC Agreement”) with Arena Business
Solutions Global SPC II, Ltd. (“Arena”). Under the Second ELOC Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the
obligation, to direct Arena to purchase up to $ 100,000,000
in shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ELOC Shares”) upon satisfaction of certain terms and conditions
contained in the Second ELOC Agreement, including, without limitation, an effective registration statement filed with the SEC
registering the resale of the ELOC Commitment Fee Shares (as defined below) and additional shares to be sold to Arena from time to
time under the ELOC Agreement.
The
term of the ELOC Agreement began on November 11, 2025 and ends on the earlier of (i) the first day of the month following the
36-month anniversary of the execution date, (ii) the date on which the Investor shall have purchased the maximum amount of ELOC
Shares, or (iii) the effective date of any written notice of termination delivered pursuant to the terms of the ELOC Agreement (the
“Commitment Period”). In consideration for the Arena’s execution and delivery of the ELOC Agreement, the Company
is required to issue Common Shares to Arena equal to $ 250,000
divided by the lowest 1-Trading Day VWAP of the Common Shares of the five (5) Trading Days immediately preceding the
effectiveness of the initial registration statement (the “Commitment Fee Shares”), plus $ 25,000
in Common shares for fees associated with the prior ELOC Agreement with the Company, based on a price equal to the lowest
1-Trading Day VWAP of the Common Shares of the five (5) Trading Days immediately preceding the date of execution and delivery of
this Agreement.
No
Common Shares have been issued to Arena under the Second ELOC Agreement after the balance sheet date through the date that the financial
statements were issued. Second ELOC Agreement replaces the ELOC Agreement described in Note 9.
28
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The
following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)”
should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2025 and 2024, and our audited financial statements as of the year ended December 31, 2024, included in Form 8-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 20, 2025
This
discussion includes 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 (the “Exchange Act”). We have based these forward-looking statements
on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,”
“would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,”
“continue,” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Such statements include, but are not limited to,
possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements
of historical fact included herein. Factors that might cause or contribute to such a discrepancy include, but are not limited to, those
described in our other SEC filings.
Unless
the context otherwise requires, references in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations” to “Aspire,” “we”, “us”, “our”, and the “Company” are
intended to refer to (i) following the Reverse Acquisition (as defined below), the business and operations of Aspire Biopharma Holdings,
Inc (formerly PowerUp Acquisition Corp.) and its consolidated subsidiaries, and (ii) prior to the Reverse Acquisition, Aspire Biopharma,
Inc (the predecessor entity in existence prior to the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition) and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Overview
We
are an early-stage biopharmaceutical and supplements company. Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Aspire”)
is a Delaware Company that was incorporated as PowerUp Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company, on February 9, 2021. On
February 17, 2025, the Company completed the Reverse Acquisition described below and changed its name to Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
The Company engages in the business of developing and marketing the disruptive technology for novel sublingual delivery mechanisms initially
for known drugs. Prior to our Reverse Acquisition we were a privately held Puerto Rico corporation incorporated in September 2021.
Growth
Strategy and Outlook
Business
Plan
We
expect to generate revenue through developing and marketing drugs and nutraceuticals using the technology for the novel sublingual delivery.
Further, from time to time, we may enter into license or collaboration agreements with other companies that include development funding
and significant upfront and milestone payments and/or royalties, which may become an important source of our revenue. Accordingly, our
revenue may depend on development funding and the achievement of development and clinical milestones under current and any potential
future license and collaboration agreements and sales of our products, if approved. We do not currently have any licensing or collaboration
agreements.
29
Manufacturing
We
currently contract with third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates for preclinical studies, clinical trials, and sale,
and intend to do so in the future. We do not own or operate manufacturing facilities for the production of clinical or commercial quantities
of our product candidates. We currently have no plans to build our own clinical or commercial scale manufacturing capabilities. To meet
our projected needs for commercial manufacturing, third parties with whom we currently work will need to increase their scale of production
or we will need to secure alternate suppliers. Although we rely on contract manufacturers, we have personnel with manufacturing experience
to oversee our relationships with contract manufacturers.
We
entered into a development and manufacturing agreement with a contract manufacturer, Glatt, in the fourth quarter of 2024, under which
Glatt produced sufficient quantities of our high-dose sublingual aspirin product (sometimes referred to informally herein as “Instaprin”
for ease of reference) for our clinical trials required to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) approval
to market the product and complete clinical trials. While we believe that Glatt is capable of producing the drug product to support our
aspirin product development plan, including our planned clinical trials, we believe there are a number of alternative third-party manufacturers
that have similar capabilities and would be capable of providing sufficient quantities of drug product for our aspirin development plan.
We believe that Glatt currently has the capabilities to manufacture our aspirin drug product for potential commercial use, however, their
current capacity may be insufficient to meet our planned needs and may require us to engage additional or alternative third-party manufacturers
in the future. In addition, we have entered into a fill-and-finish agreement with a contract manufacturer to convert the aspirin product
manufactured by Glatt into packaged drug product that can be utilized in clinical trials. We believe that both Glatt and the fill-and-finish
contract manufacturer are compliant under current good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, requirements and have experience with cGMP inspections
of their respective facilities.
We
used drug product manufactured by Glatt to conduct clinical trials to support approval of a section 505(b)(2) New Drug Application (“NDA”)
for the aspirin product. A clinical trial was completed in Florida in July 2025 studying the pharmacokinetics of aspirin and its metabolites
in blood following sublingual administration of a single dose of each of two different formulations of our aspirin drug product and a
single dose of standard oral aspirin. This trial enrolled six healthy adult volunteers with each dose separated by a washout period of
fourteen days and provided information required to (i) select the optimal drug product formulation and (ii) support FDA approval. This
trial also studied sublingual administration of our aspirin products and how it delivers therapeutic concentrations of drug into the
bloodstream, comparable to those of standard oral aspirin tablets, but faster and without gastro-intestinal toxicity associated with
oral aspirin tablets. This clinical trial concluded in July, 2025. We received the final report in August 2025. The result of the clinical
trials were positive, demonstrating that Aspire’s sublingual delivery technology results in much faster aspirin bioavailability
in the blood (compared to aspirin tablets) and that the anti-coagulant property of aspirin occurs much quicker with Aspire’s product.
These results will be the backbone of a 505(b)(2) submission to the FDA in early 2026.
Commercialization
of Aspirin Products
We
have not yet established a sales, marketing or product distribution infrastructure for our aspirin products because our lead product
candidates are still in early-stage clinical development. We generally plan to retain commercial rights in the United States for our
product candidates for which we hope to receive marketing approvals. We believe that it will be possible for us to access the heart attack
and stroke prevention market through a targeted hospital and/or specialty care sales force.
Subject
to receiving marketing approvals, we expect to commence commercialization activities by building a focused sales and marketing organization
in the United States to sell our products, as well as the creation of a dedicated Medical Affairs team to support commercialization efforts.
We believe that such an organization will be able to address the physicians who are the key specialists in treating the patient populations
for which our product candidates are being developed. Outside the United States, we expect to enter into distribution and other marketing
arrangements with third parties for any of our product candidates that obtain marketing approval.
30
We
also plan to build a marketing and sales management organization to create and implement marketing strategies for any products that we
market through our own sales organization and to oversee and support our sales force. The responsibilities of the marketing organization
would include developing educational initiatives with respect to approved products and establishing relationships with thought leaders
in relevant fields of medicine.
We
also seek to license our technology.
Our
Products
The
Company has developed and acquired sublingual delivery technologies which address emergencies and drug efficacy, dosage management, and
response time. In March 2023, the Company filed application number 63/456,290 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office with
the goal of securing patent protection for its new technology and aspirin formulation. The Company’s new patent pending formulation
is a significant improvement on the previous formulation which was acquired by the Company through the Instaprin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
acquisition (described below). This technology will facilitate development of any number of products in a soluble, fast acting powder
or granule form which has been developed by using our patent pending formulation, and “trade secret” process. Aspire’s
drug delivery comes from a new mechanism of delivery (absorption pathway) which allows for rapid sublingual absorption. The benefits
of “rapid absorption” are to provide rapid treatment impact and also allows high dose absorption. The Company’s patent
pending delivery system includes components specifically formulated to allow rapid sublingual absorption of drugs into the blood stream,
thus by-passing the gastrointestinal tract. A second patent application was filed in October 2024 for a high-dose version of our sublingually
administered aspirin product (application number 63/702,381) using a micelle variation on our technology which can be used with a variety
of substances.
In
the initial development launch of its products, Aspire has focused on the delivery of aspirin, which may be the most studied and accepted
analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug on the market. Aspirin is over a century old and is traditionally available in several forms, including
effervescence, powder, capsule, and tablet. Over 100 years of documented safety and efficacy data is readily available. Aspirin is the
only drug in history to receive a certified recommendation by the FDA for heart attack, stroke and colon cancer. However, current aspirin
applications are limited due to side effects from acidity. We expect that our aspirin product will be well positioned to target the current
Opioid Crisis globally due to its ability to have large doses rapidly be absorbed in the bloodstream with no harmful effects to the gastric
system and its mucous membrane, as well as, at full strength with no dilution due to metabolic impact providing true anti-inflammatory
therapeutic effects to users providing true pain management relief to them. Aspire plans to seek FDA 505(b)(2) Fast Track designation
in the first quarter of 2026 for the prescription strength high dose aspirin product given the history of safety of Aspirin (over 100
years of history).
Additionally,
an OTC FDA Monograph permit would allow for an expedited “go to market” so long as the aspirin product is available as an
“over-the-counter” drug and has a monograph on the safety profile and claims that may be made as authorized by the FDA. The
Company must follow the issues within the OTC Monograph and may “go to market” if the Company does follow those requirements.
If the Company’s drug product, claims, warnings and other issues follow the statements in the Monograph, then the product would
be deemed to be “Compliant”. Our FDA counsel has had informal communications with the FDA in 2024 regarding the possibility
of Aspire selling an OTC Monograph product but being able to drop one warning (regarding gastric issues), and those discussions will
continue (a written approval of this possibility would be the “ruling” we seek). The Company may decide to sell the aspirin
product and be consistent with the Monograph. While the OTC Monograph doesn’t permit the claim “sublingual administration”
of the drug, the Company could offer the product as an oral administration (at first, if it chooses to early-market an OTC product consistent
with the monograph) and may discuss with FDA the value of sublingual administration as an exception to the monograph.
31
Current
Development Status of Aspire’s aspirin product
Aspire’s
cGMP batch of high-dose aspirin was manufactured by Glatt in its New Jersey facility in March 2025. Glatt used this batch to finalize
the packaging and manufacturing process, and to provide the products which were used in the clinical trials which took place in Florida
and ended in July, 2025. Glatt’s scientific team is conducting the stability testing required by the FDA on this batch to determine
product shelf life. This is in addition to prior similar initial testing done in 2022 by Glatt which provided important background data
on the stability and manufacturing process for Aspire’s low dose sublingual aspirin product.
Aspire’s
consultants have completed (1) a comprehensive review of relevant regulatory issues and regulatory strategy (including regulations, guidance
documents, FDA reviews of approved NDAs for other relevant products, Pediatric Research Equity Act requirements, FDA’s trade name
approval requirements, opportunities for accelerated regulatory processes, etc.), (2) a comprehensive summary of relevant safety, efficacy
and pharmacokinetic data to support IRB approvals, IND, and 505(b)(2) NDA approval, (3) a target product profile (including product description,
composition, strength, route of administration, prescription v. OTC, indications, dosing and claims to differentiate from other aspirin
products), and (4) an integrated product development plan (including plans to support each module of an NDA submission: CMC, preclinical
safety, human PK, clinical safety, clinical efficacy, timelines, critical path, Gantt chart, etc.). These reviews were done in preparation
for Aspire’s communication with the FDA, its clinical testing, and its NDA.
Aspire
recently conducted an in vivo single-dose bioavailability study in healthy human volunteers which ended in July, 2025. This clinical
trial evaluated pharmacokinetic endpoints including but not limited to maximum concentrations of aspirin and/or its metabolites in plasma
(“Cmax”), time of maximum concentrations (“Tmax”), and area under the time curve concentrations (“AUC”)
following sublingual dosing of two different pharmaceutical formulations of Aspire’s sublingual aspirin compared to standard oral
aspirin. Pharmacodynamic effect on serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2, a measure of platelet inhibition) was evaluated as a secondary endpoint.
Data from this bioavailability study will be used to select the optimal pharmaceutical formulation of aspirin and to support filing of
an NDA. This trial was exempt from Investigational New Drug (IND) filing requirements under 21 C.F.R. 320.31(d) because it is a human
bioavailability trial of an FDA-approved active ingredient that is not a new chemical entity, a radioactively labeled drug product, or
cytotoxic drug product, using a dose not exceeding the dose specified in the labeling of the approved drug product, conducted in compliance
with the requirements for review by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), with reserve test article samples retained by the study sponsor.
Following
receipt and analysis of the clinical trial results, Aspire intends to submit a section 505(b)(2) NDA for its high-dose aspirin product.
Aspire may propose a later clinical trial—for purposes of further FDA applications, if needed—in approximately 24 healthy
human volunteers to evaluate the pharmacodynamic effect of a single dose of Aspire’s high dose aspirin on platelet inhibition compared
to that of standard oral aspirin. The proposed primary endpoint for an additional trial would be time to TXB2 inhibition. Variability
of TXB2 inhibition and pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, Tmax, AUC, etc.) for aspirin and/or its metabolites in plasma will be analyzed
as secondary endpoints. If needed, the additional trial will be designed to demonstrate a shorter time to clinically meaningful pharmacodynamic
effect (TXB2 inhibition) following administration of Aspire’s aspirin compared to standard oral aspirin (standard of care for treatment
of suspected acute myocardial infarction). Following completion of an additional trial, Aspire would submit a section 505(b)(2) NDA for
Aspire’s aspirin product to the FDA seeking approval to market the product for treatment of suspected acute myocardial infarction.
Additional clinical trials focused on differentiating Aspire’s aspirin from standard oral aspirin based on TXB2 inhibition and
gastrointestinal irritation, ulceration and bleeding during longer term use may be conducted to support subsequent 505(b)(2) NDAs and/or
supplemental NDAs for our aspirin in other therapeutic indications focused on the antithrombotic and analgesic effects of aspirin.
32
Current
Development Status of Other Products
Melatonin:
Aspire’s scientists have developed a working formulation for a sublingually administered melatonin sleep-aid product, in 3mg, 5mg,
and 10mg doses and has created a batch of product and completed limited testing. Aspire may conduct a limited pharmokinetic study using
at least eight volunteers, comparing to orally administered melatonin products on the market, in order to support its claims and labeling.
No FDA approval is required for Melatonin, which is sold as a supplement. Melatonin is a popular sleep aid and Aspire has begun exploring
licensing possibilities. The Company intends to patent this formulation in due course.
Vitamins:
Aspire’s scientists have developed a working formulation for sublingually administered vitamins D, E and K. The Company intends
to patent these products in due course.
Semaglutide:
Aspire’s scientists are also developing a working formulation for a sublingual semaglutide product. The timeline to market will
be similar depending on the speed of formulation, availability of resources, market conditions and other factors. FDA approval would likely
take at least 2-3 years as semaglutide is not likely a candidate for fast-track approval.
Caffeine
Products: Aspire’s scientific team has developed a working formula for a single dose sublingual pre-workout supplement as well
as a single dose “coffee or soda replacement” with health benefits, using its patent-pending sublingual absorption technology.
Aspire has manufactured trial runs of this supplement and conducted consumer and safety testing in the second quarter of 2025. Aspire
entered into a manufacturing agreement with Desert Stream, Inc., a nutrition and supplement manufacture with experience in caffeine products,
through its wholly owned subsidiary Buzz Bomb Caffeine Company LC. Aspire and Desert Stream have developed a half dozen flavors of the
product. Aspire has registered several trademarks that it intends to use with these products and obtained domain names as well. Aspire
unveiled its caffeine product at two large fitness conventions in the first week of August 2025 and began selling initial versions of
its caffeine products in the third quarter of 2025.
Other
Products: Aspire’s scientists are currently considering formulations for anti-nausea products, anti-psychotic products, ED
drugs, seizure medication, and several other classes of drugs, all using our sublingual mode of administration. We anticipate taking
several of these products to market as the research and development dictates, as well as market conditions and company funding.
Competition
The
biopharmaceutical industry is characterized by rapidly advancing technologies, intense competition and strong emphasis on proprietary
products. While we believe that our sublingual absorption technology, knowledge, experience and scientific resources provide us with
competitive advantages, we face potential competition from many sources, including major pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies, academic institutions and government agencies and public and private research institutions. Any product candidates
that we successfully develop and commercialize will compete with existing therapies and new therapies that may become available in the
future.
Many
of our competitors, either alone or with their strategic partners, have substantially greater financial, technical and human resources
than we do and significantly greater experience in the discovery and development of product candidates, obtaining FDA and other regulatory
approvals of treatments and commercializing those treatments. These same competitors may invent technology that competes with our product
candidates. Mergers and acquisitions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries may result in even more resources being concentrated
among a smaller number of our competitors. These competitors also compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and
management personnel and establishing clinical study sites and subject registration for clinical studies, as well as in acquiring technologies
complementary to, or necessary for, our programs. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly
through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies.
33
We
expect any products that we develop and commercialize to compete on the basis of, among other things, efficacy, safety, convenience of
administration and delivery, price, the level of generic or biosimilar competition and the availability of adequate reimbursement from
government and other third-party payors.
Our
commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and commercialize products that are safer, more effective,
have fewer or less severe side effects, are more convenient or are less expensive than any products that we may develop. Our competitors
also may obtain FDA or other regulatory approval for their products more rapidly than we may obtain approval for ours, which could result
in our competitors establishing a strong market position before we are able to enter the market. In addition, we expect that our products,
if approved, will be priced at a premium over competitive generic products and our ability to compete may be affected in many cases by
insurers or other third-party payors seeking to encourage the use of generic products.
We
expect that Aspire’s aspirin products will compete with currently approved products, such as Bayer aspirin, Advil and Tylenol,
and, if approved, other product candidates currently under development. To our knowledge, there are currently no sublingual aspirin products
on the market and none listed inside of the FDA Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations book, also known as the
“Orange Book.”
Intellectual
Property
Our
commercial success depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain proprietary or intellectual property protection for our drug
candidates, including our drugs and supplements using our patent-pending sublingual absorption technology, and other know-how; to operate
without infringing on the proprietary rights of others; and to prevent others from infringing our proprietary or intellectual property
rights. Our practice is to seek to protect our proprietary and intellectual property position by, among other methods, filing U.S. and
international patent applications related to our proprietary drug candidates, inventions and improvements that are important to the development
and implementation of our business. We also rely on trade secrets, knowhow and continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain
our proprietary and intellectual property position.
Any
patents granted from national/regional phase applications of International Application No. PCT/US2024/022318 (which claims priority to
U.S. Application No. 63/456,290) or applications claiming priority to International Application No. PCT/US2024/022318 will have a nominal
expiration of March 29, 2044. The Company further intends to file a PCT application on October 1, 2025, claiming priority to U.S. Application
No. 63/702,381. Any patents granted from national/regional phase applications of this PCT application or applications claiming priority
to this Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) application will have a nominal expiration of October 1, 2045. The patent applications
cover composition of matter (formulations), including product-by-process coverage, as well as uses of the formulations.
Provisional
patent application Serial No. 62/794,141 expired on January 19, 2020. Prior to expiration of 62/794,141, two non-provisional patent applications
were filed under the PCT, each claiming priority to 62/794,141. These PCT applications have PCT Application Nos. PCT/US2020/013863 and
PCT/US2020/014218, respectively. National/regional phase entries of these PCT applications were due on July 18, 2021, or August 18, 2021,
depending on the specific country/region. No national/regional phase entries were completed by the deadlines.
The
expired patent properties do not describe Aspire’s aspirin formulation technology. Aspire’s aspirin formulation technology
is covered by pending patent application nos. PCT/US2024/022318 and 63/702,381, which are Aspire’s primary patent properties. The
expired patent properties were intended to supplement the later-filed primary patent properties covering Aspire’s aspirin formulation
technology. At the time of its acquisition of the assets, Aspire was not aware that the patent properties had expired. Aspire’s
omnibus patent to extend its novel intellectual property rights to cover many other classes of drugs and supplements was filed in October
2025.
34
Trademark
Registration No. 4823125 (granted from Trademark Serial No. 86274378) was cancelled on April 8, 2022, for failure to file maintenance
documents due on March 29, 2022. Aspire was not aware of the March 29, 2022, filing deadline at the time of its acquisition of the assets,
which was executed one day prior to the filing deadline. Aspire has filed new trademark application Serial No. 98793226, which covers
the “Instaprin” mark.
The
Company believes that it is important to note that while the previously acquired intellectual property is dead or expired, Aspire has
used these technologies and relationships as the foundation of its new patent applications and formulations. Aspire’s management
had always intended to build upon the acquired intellectual property assets and enhance the patent protections and apply the technology
to new patented products and classes of products. Aspire has maintained the relationships with the individuals who cultivated the original
science and research. Aspire has built upon these technologies, research, and relationships to improve and expand upon the previous intellectual
property as reflected in their most recent patent applications.
Recent
Development
Recapitalization
On
August 26, 2024, PowerUp Acquisition Corp. (‘PowerUp”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended from time
to time, the “Merger Agreement”) with PowerUp Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company (“Merger Sub”), the New Sponsor, Stephen Quesenberry, in the capacity as the seller representative, and Aspire
Biopharma, Inc., a Puerto Rico corporation.
On
the Closing Date, Merger Sub merged with and into Aspire Biopharma, Inc, with Aspire Biopharma, Inc being the surviving company. After
giving effect to the Reverse Acquisition, Aspire Biopharma, Inc became a wholly owned subsidiary of New Aspire. In accordance with the
terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement and the Proposed Charter, at Closing Date, the Aspire Biopharma, Inc Stockholders
collectively received, in the aggregate, a number of shares of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of
New Aspire Biopharma, Inc Common Stock with an aggregate value equal to (a) $350 million less (b) the amount by which Aspire Biopharma,
Inc’s cash at Closing is less than the Minimum Cash Condition (but only in the event the Minimum Cash Condition is waived by PowerUp),
if any, less (c) Aspire’s Indebtedness at Closing.
To
the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the Marger Agreement, PowerUp migrated out of the Cayman Islands and domesticated as
a Delaware corporation. Also prior to the Closing Date, Aspire Biopharma, Inc deregistered as a Puerto Rican entity and domesticated
as a Delaware corporation (the “Aspire Domestication”) in accordance with Section 3746 of the Puerto Rico General Corporations
Act (as amended) and Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Pursuant to the Aspire Domestication, Aspire’s jurisdiction
of incorporation was changed from Puerto Rico to the State of Delaware. In connection with the Aspire Domestication, all issued and outstanding
shares of Aspire’s pre-domestication voting common stock, Series A preferred stock, and any unconverted warrants automatically
converted, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of the post-domesticated entity’s common stock, Series A preferred stock, and warrants,
respectively.
35
In
connection with the change of PowerUp’s jurisdiction of incorporation from the Cayman Islands to the State of Delaware ( the “PowerUp
Domestication”), prior to the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition (the” Closing Date”): (i) each issued and outstanding
Class A ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A common stock”), of PowerUp converted, on a one-for-one
basis, into a duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of New
Aspire (the “New Aspire Common Stock”); and (ii) each issued and outstanding whole warrant to purchase Class A common stock
of PowerUp automatically represented the right to purchase one share of New Aspire Common Stock, at an exercise price of $11.50 per share
on the terms and conditions set forth in the Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2022, by and between PowerUp and Equiniti Trust
Company, LLC (f/k/a American Stock Transfer & Trust Company), a New York limited purpose trust company, as warrant agent (in such
capacity, the “Warrant Agent”, also referred to herein as the “Transfer Agent”) (the “Warrant Agreement”).
Immediately following the PowerUp Domestication, (i) the New Aspire Common Stock reclassified as common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “New Aspire Common Stock”); (ii) each issued and outstanding unit of PowerUp that has not been previously separated
into the underlying Class A ordinary share and underlying one-half of one warrant upon the request of the holder thereof were cancelled
and entitled the holder thereof to one share of New Aspire Common Stock and one-half of one public warrant, with a whole public warrant
representing the right to acquire one share of New Aspire Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share on the terms and conditions
set forth in the Warrant Agreement; (iii) the governing documents of PowerUp were amended and restated and become the certificate of
incorporation and the bylaws of New and (iv) the form of the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws were appropriately adjusted
to give effect to any amendments contemplated by the form of certificate of incorporation or the bylaws that are not adopted and approved
by the PowerUp shareholders, other than the amendments to the PowerUp governing documents that are contemplated by the Organizational
Documents Proposal, which is a condition to the Closing of the Reverse Acquisition. No fractional warrants were issued upon the separation
of units and only whole warrants are traded.
Immediately
prior to the effective time of the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition, Aspire Biopharma, Inc caused (i) each share of Aspire Biopharma,
Inc Preferred Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Reverse Acquisition to be automatically
converted into a number of shares of Aspire Common Stock at the then-effective conversion rate (the “Preferred Conversion”).
All of the shares of Aspire Preferred Stock converted into shares of Aspire Common Stock were no longer outstanding and ceased to exist,
and each holder of Aspire Biopharma, Inc Preferred Stock thereafter ceased to have any rights with respect to such Aspire Biopharma,
Inc Preferred Stock. Aspire Biopharma, Inc caused each Aspire Biopharma, Inc Warrant to be terminated in exchange for shares of Aspire
Common Stock in accordance with the respective warrant agreements associated with each such warrant.
On
February 17, 2025 (the “Closing Date), the Reverse Acquisition was consummated. In connection with the consummation of the Reverse
Acquisition PowerUp Acquisition Corp. changed its name to Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
On
February 17, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) with Cobra
Alternative Capital Strategies, LLC, a sole member entity controlled by Aspire’s former Director of Investor Relations, Lance Friedman,
which services were provided through a consulting agreement with Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. that was terminated effective February
17, 2025, and Target Capital X LLC (collectively, the “Investors”). Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company
issued two 20% original issue discount senior secured convertible debentures (“Debentures”) in an aggregate principal amount
of $3,750,000, and may issue additional Debentures upon the mutual agreement of the Company and the holders of Debentures representing
at least a majority of the aggregate principal and interest owed under the outstanding Debentures (“Requisite Holders”),
under the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Offering”). The conversion price per share of each Debenture is equal to 92.5%
of the lowest daily VWAP (as defined in the Debentures) of the Company’s shares of common stock during the five trading day period
ending on the trading day immediately prior to delivery or deemed delivery of the applicable Conversion Notice (as defined in the Debentures),
subject to adjustments related to the trading price of the Company’s common stock provided that no conversion may be at a price
per share less than the floor price of $4.00 per share ( See Note 7 - Convertible Notes ).
In
connection with the Reverse Acquisition, on the Closing Date, certain officers, directors, and stockholders of Aspire Biopharma, Inc
each entered into a non-competition agreement and lock-up agreements with the Company.
36
The
Reverse Acquisition was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, PowerUp,
who is the legal acquirer, was treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes and Aspire Biopharma, Inc
was treated as the accounting acquirer. Aspire Biopharma, Inc has been determined to be the accounting acquirer based on evaluation of
the following facts and circumstances under the redemption scenarios:
● Aspire
Biopharma Inc’s existing stockholders will have more than 64.4% of the voting interest
of New Aspire under both the no redemption and maximum redemption scenarios;
● Aspire
Biopharma Inc’s senior management will comprise the senior management of New Aspire;
● the
directors nominated by Aspire will represent the majority of the board of directors of New
Aspire;
● Aspire
Biopharma Inc’s operations will comprise the ongoing operations of New Aspire; and
● New
Aspire will assume Aspire’s name.
Accordingly,
for accounting purposes, the Reverse Acquisition was treated as the equivalent of a capital transaction in which Aspire is issuing stock
for the net assets of PowerUp. The net assets of PowerUp will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets
recorded. Operations prior to the Reverse Acquisition will be those of Aspire Biopharma, Inc.
Equity
line of credit Agreement
On
February 13, 2025, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement (“ELOC Agreement”) with Arena Business Solutions Global
SPC II, Ltd. (“Arena”). Under the ELOC Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to direct Arena to purchase
up to $100,000,000 in shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ELOC Shares”) upon satisfaction of certain terms and
conditions contained in the ELOC Agreement, including, without limitation, an effective registration statement filed with the SEC registering
the resale of ELOC Commitment Shares (as defined below) and additional shares to be sold to Arena from time to time under the ELOC Agreement.
The term of the ELOC Agreement began on the date of execution and ends on the earlier of (i) the first day of the month following the
36-month anniversary of the execution date, (ii) the date on which Arena shall have purchased the maximum amount of ELOC Shares, or (iii)
the effective date of any written notice of termination delivered pursuant to the terms of the ELOC Agreement (the “Commitment
Period”).
During
the Commitment Period, the Company may direct Arena to purchase ELOC Shares by delivering a notice (an “Advance Notice”)
to Arena. The Company shall, in its sole discretion, select the amount of ELOC Shares requested by the Company in each Advance Notice.
However, such amount may not exceed the Maximum Advance Amount (as defined in the ELOC Agreement). The purchase price to be paid by Arena
for the ELOC Shares will be ninety-six percent (96%) of the VWAP (as defined in the ELOC Agreement) of the Company’s common stock
during the trading day commencing on the date of the Advance Notice, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the ELOC Agreement;
provided, however, that the purchase price will never be less than the floor price of $4.00 per share.
In
consideration for Arena’s execution and delivery of the ELOC Agreement, the Company agreed to issue or cause to be issued or transferred
to Arena 1,893,473 shares of common stock (the “ELOC Commitment Shares”), of which 786,946 will be freely tradable, subject
to a leak out agreement (the “Leak Out Agreement”) whereby the Investors’ sales may not exceed 15% of the daily trading
volume of the common stock on the date of sale. Under the ELOC Agreement, the Company also agreed to, no later than ten (10) business
days following the Closing of the Reverse Acquisition, file with the SEC a registration statement for the resale by Arena of the ELOC
Shares and the ELOC Commitment Shares, and to file one or more additional registration statements if necessary. As a result of the floor
price and the current market price, the Company has not filed such registration statement and does not believe that the ELOC will result
in increased liquidity for the Company.
37
Securities
Purchase Agreement
On
February 17, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) with Cobra
Alternative Capital Strategies, LLC (“Cobra”), a sole member entity controlled by Aspire’s former Director of Investor
Relations, Lance Friedman, which services were provided through a consulting agreement with Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. (a firm
that Mr. Friedman controls) that was terminated effective February 17, 2025, and Target Capital X LLC (collectively, the “Investors”).
Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company issued two 20% original issue discount senior secured convertible debentures (“Debentures”)
in an aggregate principal amount of $3,750,000, and may issue additional Debentures upon the mutual agreement of the Company and the
holders of Debentures representing at least a majority of the aggregate principal and interest owed under the outstanding Debentures
(“Requisite Holders”), under the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Offering”). The conversion price per share
of each Debenture is equal to 92.5% of the lowest daily VWAP (as defined in the Debentures) of the Company’s shares of common stock
during the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to delivery or deemed delivery of the applicable Conversion
Notice (as defined in the Debentures), subject to adjustments related to the trading price of the Company’s common stock provided
that no conversion may be at a price per share less than the floor price of $4.00 per share.
The
closing was consummated on February 20, 2025 (the “SPA Closing”) and the Company issued to the Investors Debentures in an
aggregate principal amount of $3,750,000 (the “Closing Debentures”). The Closing Debentures were sold to the Investors for
a purchase price of $3,000,000, representing an original issue discount of twenty percent (20%). The Company may issue additional Debentures
under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement if the Requisite Holders agree. Any such additional closings would be in such amounts
as the Company and the Requisite Holders mutually agree upon and would be subject to substantially the same closing conditions as the
Closing Debentures.
As
consideration for the Investors’ consummation of the SPA Closing, concurrently with the SPA Closing, the Company delivered, or
caused to be delivered, to each Investor its pro rata portion of 2,106,527 shares of common stock (“SPA Commitment Shares”),
of which 1,000,000 were freely tradable, subject to a leak out agreement (the “Leak Out Agreement”) whereby each Investor’s
sales may not exceed 15% of the daily trading volume of the common stock on the date of sale.
Convertible
Notes
On
August 19, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) with certain
investors (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Company sold to the Purchasers certain notes in an aggregate principal
amount of $9,687,500 for a subscription price of $7,750,000 (the “August 2025 Notes”) with a maturity date of February 19,
2026. The Notes have a 20% original issue discount which is included in the aggregate principal amount of $9,687,500 and do not bear
an interest rate. Of the $7,750,000 total funding under the Securities Purchase Agreement, $4,500,000 was funded on August 19, 2025 (the
“first Tranche”), $1,000,000 was funded on September 22, 2025 (the “Second Tranche”), and the balance of $2,250,000
(the “Third Tranche”) was funded on September 30, 2025. The Notes are convertible into up to an aggregate of 147,177,424
Common Stock (the “ Conversion Shares”) subject to certain conditions. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $907,500
which is capitalized and amortized over the term on the Notes.
The
Notes are convertible (in whole or in part) at any time on or after the thirty-first (31st) day following the Issuance Date into such
number of shares of Common Stock as shall be determined by dividing (x) that portion identified by the Purchaser of (A) the outstanding
principal amount, plus (B) accrued and unpaid interest with respect to such outstanding principal amount of such Purchaser’s Note
and any other amounts owing under such Note or other Transaction Documents (the as that term is defined in the Notes) by (y) the conversion
price then in effect on the date on which the Purchaser delivers a notice of conversion. The conversion price means the greater of (i)
eighty (80%) percent of the lowest Closing Price on any Trading Day during the five (5) Trading Days prior to the applicable conversion
date or (ii) the floor price (the “Floor Price”). The Floor Price means 20% of the average closing price of our Common Stock
for the five days prior to the Closing Date.
The
Notes may not be converted and shares of Common Stock may not be issued under Notes if, after giving effect to the conversion or issuance,
such Purchaser (together with its affiliates, if any) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of our outstanding shares of our Common
Stock, which we refer to herein as the “Note Blocker”. The Note Blocker may be raised or lowered to any other percentage
not in excess of 9.99% at the option of the applicable Purchaser of Notes, except that any raise will only be effective upon 61-days’
prior notice to us.
38
In
connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement, dated as of August 19, 2025 (the “Registration
Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to file the initial resale registration statement by no later than September
18, 2025, to register the resale of the Common Stock underlying the Notes. The resale registration statement became effective on September
30, 2025.
Nasdaq
Notices
On April 16, 2025, the Company received two letters from The Nasdaq Stock
Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), each addressing a separate compliance deficiency under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The first letter notified
of the deficiency with regard to Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) (the “MVLS Notice”), which requires a company, whose securities are listed
on The Nasdaq Global Market under the “Market Value Standard,” to maintain a minimum Market Value of Listed Securities (an
“MVLS”) of $50,000,000. The deficiency was caused by the Company’s MVLS having been below the minimum level for the
prior 30 consecutive business days. Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(C), the Company was entitled to a 180-day grace period, which
ended on October 13, 2025, to rectify the deficiency. In order to do so, the Company was required to achieve and maintain an MVLS of at
least $50,000,000 or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days (Nasdaq may monitor the MVLS compliance for up to 10 consecutive
business days).
The second letter notified of the deficiency with regard to Rule 5450(a)(1)
(the “Bid Price Notice” together with the MVLS Notice, the “Notices”), which requires the Company to maintain
a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Bid Price Rule”) for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market.
The Company did not regain compliance with the MVLS Rule or the Bid Price
Rule within the relevant compliance periods. Accordingly, on October 15, 2025, (the “October Letter”) the Staff notified the
Company that its securities were subject to delisting from Nasdaq unless the Company timely requested a hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings
Panel (the “Panel”). Both items of noncompliance serve as an independent basis for delisting the Company’s securities
from Nasdaq.
The Company retained an advisor and requested a hearing before the Panel
and has paid the associated hearing fee of $20,000, which has stayed the suspension of the Company’s Common Stock and publicly traded
Warrants pending the Panel’s decision and the expiration of any exception period granted by the Panel. At the hearing, [don’t
give the date – investors will think something will happen on that day and it won’t] the Company will present its plan to
regain compliance with the MVLS Rule and the Bid Price Rule, and request an extension of time. The Panel has the authority to grant the
Company an extension of up to 180 days from the date of the Staff’s delist determination for the MVLS Rule and Bid Price Rule. The
Company has requested and been granted a hearing before the Panel to present its plan to regain compliance with the MVLS Rule and the
Bid Price Rule; however, there can be no assurance that the Panel will grant the Company’s request for continued listing or that
the Company will be able to regain compliance within the period of time that may be granted by the Panel.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to regain compliance
with the minimum bid price requirement or will otherwise be in compliance with other Nasdaq listing criteria. Alternatively, the Company
may apply for a transfer of the listing of its securities to The Nasdaq Capital Market, provided that the Panel determines to conditionally
move the Company to The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to an exception.
Default
Notices and Settlement Agreement
On
April 1, 2025, the Company received two default notices, first citing failure to timely file the Company’s Form 10-K by March 31,
2025 and for late filing of the Form S-1, as required by Blackstone Subscription Agreement discussed in Note 8, and second citing a cross
default to the Securities Purchase Agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) with Cobra Alternative Capital Strategies,
LLC as described in Note 9, both entities controlled by the Company’s former Director of Investor Relations, Lance Friedman, which
services were provided through a consulting agreement with Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. that was terminated effective February 17,
2025. The Company maintains that it was not in default at any time since the Company filed Form NT 10-K and the required filings were
made within the automatic extension period.
39
On
April 24, 2025, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Cobra Alternative Capital
Strategies LLC, Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc., and their affiliates (collectively, the “Lenders”) to resolve all matters
related to previously issued notices of default and to amend certain outstanding loan agreements. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Lenders
withdrew and cancelled all prior notices of default and acceleration previously delivered to the Company on April 1, 2025. Any alleged
previous defaults under the Company’s loan agreements were deemed cured, and all previous accelerations of payment were rendered
null and void. The Company maintains that it was not in default at any time. Additionally, the Agreement provides for an extension of
the maturity dates of key promissory notes by seventy-five (75) days, extending the earliest maturity date to August 15, 2025, and amending
additional notes to extend their maturity dates to September 10, 2025.
In
connection with the Agreement, the Company agreed to issue 625,000 shares of common stock to Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. and to
register those shares, along with certain other restricted securities, through the filing of a registration statement on Form S-1 no
later than May 13, 2025. The Company also agreed to remove lock-up restrictions on certain shares held by Cobra Alternative Capital Strategies
LLC, Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc., and Thor Special Situations LLC, enabling such shares to be made eligible for transfer to the
Direct Registration System. The Lenders also agreed to enter into lock-up/leak-out agreements governing the sale of Company shares through
August 20, 2025, with sale limitations tied to the Company’s daily trading volume, as detailed in the Agreement.
Appointment
of new CEO
On
June 10, 2025, Kraig Higginson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company resigned from the role of Chief Executive Officer and continues
to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors. On June 10, 2025, the Board of Directors appointed Michael Howe, currently a member of
the Board of Directors, to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Howe will continue to serve as a director on the Board.
On
July 24, 2025, Michael Howe, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stepped down from the role of Director and Chief Executive
Officer. In connection with this transition, the Board of Directors appointed Kraig Higginson, currently the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective July 24, 2025. The Company is currently undergoing a
search for a permanent CEO with appropriate experience.
Key
Financial Definitions/Components of Results
Revenue
The
Company commenced earning revenue in the third quarter of 2025 from the sale of its pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
Operating
Expenses
We
classify our operating expenses into the following categories:
● General
and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of
personnel-related expenses for our executives, consultants and advisors. These expenses also
include non-personnel costs, such as rent, office supplies, legal, audit and accounting services
and other professional fees.
● Research
and development expenses. Research and development expenses include internal personnel
and third-party consulting costs related to preliminary research and development of the Company’s
products.
● Sales
and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of business development
professional fees, advertising and marketing costs.
40
Critical
Accounting Estimates
Management’s
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements,
which are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these
financial statements requires us to make certain estimates, judgments, and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based upon the
information available. These estimates and assumptions can be subjective and complex and may affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, revenues, and expenses reported in those financial statements. As a result, actual results could differ from such estimates
and assumptions. Such changes to estimates could potentially result in impacts that would be material to the consolidated financial statements.
While
our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 3 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements
appearing in Item 1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we believe that the following accounting policies were most critical to the
judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements. Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. Such estimates
may be subject to change as more current information becomes available and accordingly the actual results could differ significantly
from those significant estimates. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set
of circumstances that existed at the date of the consolidated financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate,
could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Significant accounting estimates included in these financial
statements are the determination of the fair value of the subscription agreements and convertible notes. Such estimates may be subject
to change as more current information becomes available and accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Segment
Information
ASC
280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”), defines operating segments as components of an enterprise where discrete
financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”) in deciding
how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s CODM is the chairman, who has ultimate responsibility for
the operating performance of the Company and the allocation of resources. The CODM reviews the assets, operating results, and financial
metrics for the Company as a whole to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, management
has determined that there is only one reportable segment. The CODM assesses performance for the single reportable segment and decides
how to allocate resources based on operating expenses that also is reported on the statements of operations as net income. The measure
of segment assets is reported on the balance sheet as total assets. When evaluating the Company’s performance and making key decisions
regarding resource allocation, the CODM reviews several key metrics included in operating expenses and cash and cash equivalents.
Operating
expenses, inclusive of general and administrative costs, research and development costs and sales and marketing costs, are reviewed and
monitored by the CODM to manage and forecast cash to ensure enough capital is available to fund operations. The CODM also reviews operating
expenses to manage, maintain and enforce all contractual agreements to ensure costs are aligned with all agreements. The categories of
operating expenses, as reported on the statements of operations, are the significant segment expenses provided to the CODM on a regular
basis.
41
Business
Combinations
The
Company evaluates whether acquired net assets should be accounted for as a business combination or an asset acquisition by first applying
a screen test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable
asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If not, the Company applies
its judgement to determine whether the acquired net assets meets the definition of a business by considering if the set includes an acquired
input, process, and the ability to create outputs.
The
Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when it has obtained control. The Company measures goodwill as
the fair value of the consideration transferred including the fair value of any non-controlling interest recognized, less the net recognized
amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured at their fair value as of the acquisition date. Transaction
costs, other than those associated with the issuance of debt or equity securities, that the Company incurs in connection with a business
combination are expensed as incurred.
Any
contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. For contingent consideration that does not meet all the criteria
for equity classification, such contingent consideration is required to be recorded at its initial fair value at the acquisition date,
and on each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of liability-classified contingent consideration are recognized
on the condensed consolidated statements of operations in the period of change.
When
the initial accounting for a business combination has not been finalized by the end of the reporting period in which the transaction
occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts. Provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, which does not exceed
one year from the acquisition date. These adjustments, or recognition of additional assets or liabilities, reflect new information obtained
about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognized at that
date.
Share-Based
Compensation
The
Company accounts for share-based compensation arrangements granted to employees and vendors in accordance with ASC 718 by measuring the
grant date fair value of the award and recognizing the resulting expense over the period during which the employee is required to perform
service in exchange for the award. Equity-based compensation expense is only recognized for awards subject to performance conditions
if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. The Company accounts for forfeitures when they occur.
Warrants
The
Company reviews the terms of warrants to purchase its common stock to determine whether warrants should be classified as liabilities
or stockholders’ deficit in its condensed consolidated balance sheets. In order for a warrant to be classified in stockholders’
deficit, the warrant must be (i) indexed to the Company’s equity and (ii) meet the conditions for equity classification.
If
a warrant does not meet the conditions for stockholders’ deficit classification, it is carried on the condensed consolidated balance
sheets as a warrant liability measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in the fair value of the warrant recorded in other non-operating
losses (gains) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. If a warrant meets both conditions for equity classification,
the warrant is initially recorded, at its relative fair value on the date of issuance, in stockholders’ deficit in the condensed
consolidated balance sheets, and the amount initially recorded is not subsequently remeasured at fair value.
42
Revenue
recognition
The
Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts . The core principle of the guidance in Topic
606 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects
the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve the core principle,
the Company applied the following five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment:
(1)
Identify the contracts or agreements with a customer: The Company sells pharmaceutical products directly to customers from its website.
The Company’s revenue is derived from the customer orders evidenced by invoices issued. Orders placed by customers constitute the
Company’s contracts with customers.
(2)
Identifying the performance obligations in the contract or agreement: The contract with the customer contains a single performance obligation:
the sale of the product.
(3)
Determine the transaction price: The Company’s sales arrangements for pharmaceutical products require a full prepayment from the
customer at a fixed price per unit based on the terms of the invoice with the customer and before the shipment of products. The transaction
price is the amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive.
(4)
Allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations: All transaction prices are allocated to the single performance
obligation.
(5)
Recognize revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied: This performance obligation is satisfied when control of the product is
transferred to the customer, which generally occurs upon shipment. The Company receives orders for products to be delivered over multiple
dates that may extend across reporting periods. The Company’s accounting policy treats shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment
cost. The Company invoices for each order upon payment and recognizes revenue at the fixed price for each distinct product delivered
when transfer of control has occurred, which is generally upon shipment.
The
Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled
to in exchange for the services it transfers to its clients.
Recently
Accounting Pronouncements
A
discussion of recently issued accounting standards applicable to Aspire is described in Note 3, Significant Accounting Policies, in the
Notes to Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Results
of Operations
The
following tables set forth the results of our operations for the periods presented, as well as the changes between periods. The period-to-period
comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.
43
The
three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024
The
following table sets forth the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations data for the three months ended September
30, 2025 and 2024:
Three
months ended September 30,
2025
2024
Change
Net
Revenue
$ 1,941
$ -
$ 1,941
Cost
of Goods Sold
1,057
-
1,057
Gross
Profit
$ 884
$ -
$ 884
Expenses
General
and administrative
512,993
191,578
$ 321,415
Research
and development
207,899
7,000
$ 200,899
Sales
and marketing
425,489
16,678
$ 408,811
Loss
from operations
(1,145,497 )
(215,256 )
$ (930,241 )
Other
income (expenses):
Interest
Expense
(1,480,058 )
-
$ (1,480,058 )
Change
in fair value of derivative liabilities and convertible notes
775,062
-
$ 775,062
Other
income (loss), net
$ (704,996 )
$ -
$ (704,996 )
$ -
Income
loss before income taxes
(1,850,493 )
(215,256 )
(1,635,237 )
Income
Tax Expense
-
(1,013 )
1,013
Net
Loss
$ (1,850,493 )
$ (216,269 )
$ (1,634,224 )
Gross
Profit
The
Company commenced sale of products during the three months ended September 30, 2025. For the three months ended September 30, 2025, total
revenue was $1,941 and total cost of goods sold was $1,057.
General
and Administrative
General
and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was $512,993 as compared to $191,578 for the three months ended
September 30, 2024. The $321,415 increase in general and administrative reflects increases in professional services such as legal, consulting
and accounting. Aspire expects that its general and administrative expenses will increase in future periods commensurate with the expected
growth of its business and increased expenditures associated with its status as an exchange listed public company.
Research
and Development
Research
and Development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was $207,899 as compared to $7,000 for the three months ended
September 30, 2024. The $200,899 increase in research and development reflects increases in personnel and supplies related costs as the
Company continues to develop its products. The Company expects that its research and development expense will increase in future periods
commensurate with the expected growth of its business.
Sales
and Marketing
Sales
and marketing for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was $425,489 as compared to $16,678 for the three months ended September
30, 2024. The $408,811 increase in sales and marketing reflects increases in marketing such as investor awareness costs and product sampling
as the Company continues to develop its products. Aspire expects that its sales and marketing expense will increase in future periods
commensurate with the expected growth of its business.
44
Interest
expense
Interest
expense of $1,480,058 for the three months ended September 30, 2025 is a result of the accrual of interest on the convertible notes,
subscription agreement and the amortization of debt discount associated with the notes payable – related party.
Change
in fair value of derivative liabilities and convertible notes
Change
in fair value of derivative liabilities and convertible notes of $775,062 for the three months ended September 30, 2025 is a result of
change in fair value of subscription loan agreements, convertible notes, forward purchase agreement liability and derivative liability.
The
following table sets forth the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations data for the nine months ended September
30, 2025 and 2024:
Nine months ended September
30,
2025
2024
Change
Revenue
$ 1,941
$ -
$ 1,941
Cost
of Goods Sold
$ 1,057
$ -
$ 1,057
Gross
Profit
$ 884
$ -
$ 884
Expenses
General
and administrative
$ 15,982,233
$ 410,805
$ 15,571,428
Research
and development
$ 823,879
$ 28,000
$ 795,879
Sales
and marketing
$ 696,639
$ 104,344
$ 592,295
Loss
from operations
$ (17,501,867 )
$ (543,149 )
$ (16,958,718 )
Other
income (expenses):
Interest
Expense
$ (2,297,882 )
$ -
$ (2,297,882 )
Change
in fair value of derivative liabilities and convertible notes
$ 390,744
$ -
$ 390,744
Loss
on extinguishment of debt
$ (364,109 )
$ -
$ (364,109 )
Other
income (loss), net
$ (2,271,247 )
$ -
$ (2,271,247 )
Income
loss before income taxes
$ (19,773,114 )
$ (543,149 )
$ (19,229,965 )
Income
Tax Expense
$ -
$ (1,013 )
$ 1,013
Net
income (loss)
$ (19,773,114 )
$ (544,162 )
$ (19,228,952 )
Gross
Profit
The
Company commenced sale of products during the three months ended September 30, 2025. For the three months ended September 30, 2025, total
revenue was $1,941 and total cost of goods sold was $1,057.
General
and Administrative
General
and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $15,982,233 as compared to $410,805 for the nine months
ended September 30, 2024. The $15,571,428 increase in general and administrative reflects increases in stock based compensation related
to the shares issued to an advisory firm and increase in professional services such as legal, consulting and accounting. Exclusive of
one-time stock based compensation expense in the period, Aspire expects that its general and administrative expenses will increase in
future periods commensurate with the expected growth of its business and increased expenditures associated with its status as an exchange
listed public company.
45
Research
and Development
Research
and Development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $823,879 as compared to $28,000 for the nine months ended September
30, 2024. The $795,879 increase in research and development reflects increases in personnel and supplies related costs as the Company
continues to develop its products. The Company expects that its research and development expense will increase in future periods commensurate
with the expected growth of its business.
Sales
and Marketing
Sales
and marketing for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $696,639 as compared to $104,344 for the nine months ended September 30,
2024. The $592,295 increase in sales and marketing reflects increases in marketing such as investor awareness costs as the Company continues
to develop its products and product sampling. Aspire expects that its sales and marketing expense will increase in future periods commensurate
with the expected growth of its business.
Interest
expense
Interest
expense of $2,297,882 for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 is a result of the accrual of interest on the convertible notes, subscription
agreement and the amortization of debt discount associated with the notes payable – related party.
Change
in fair value of derivative liabilities and convertible notes
Change
in fair value of derivative liabilities and convertible notes of $390,744 for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 is a result of
change in fair value of subscription loan agreements, convertible notes and forward purchase agreement liability.
Loss
on extinguishment of debt
For
the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recorded a $364,109 loss on extinguishment of debt resulting from the
amendment to the Blackstone Note.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
The
Company’s primary sources of liquidity have been cash from financing activities. The Company had an accumulated deficit of $22,550,347
as of September 30, 2025. As of September 30, 2025, working capital deficit was $11,457,377 and cash was $1,948,271.
With
the consummation of the Reverse Acquisition as described above) and Subscription Agreements (as described above), the Company received
proceeds of approximately $265,827 in February 2025, after giving effect to PowerUp’s stockholder redemptions and payment of transaction
expenses, $7,750,000 pursuant to the August 19, 2025 Securities Purchase Agreement and an additional $3,000,000 after the consummation
of the Reverse Acquisition. The Company also entered into an ELOC agreement t for the sale of up to $100,000,000 in common stock. The
Company’s future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the timing and extent of spending to support further
sales and marketing and research and development efforts. In order to finance these opportunities, the Company will need to raise additional
financing. While there can be no assurances, the Company intends to raise such capital through issuances of additional equity. If additional
financing is required from outside sources, the Company may not be able to raise it on terms acceptable to the Company or at all. If
the Company is unable to raise additional capital when desired, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition
would be materially and adversely affected.
46
As
a result of the above, in connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial
Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) ASC Subtopic 205-40, “Going Concern,” management has determined that
the Company’s liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through
twelve months from the date these condensed consolidated financial statements are available to be issued. These condensed consolidated
financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities
that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Cash
flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024
The
following table summarizes the Company’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended
September 30, 2025 and 2024:
For
the nine months ended
September
30,
2025
2024
Net
cash used in operating activities
(3,995,648 )
$ (744,755 )
Net
cash provided by financing activities
5,940,286
$ 750,122
Net
Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net
cash used in operating activities was $3,995,648 during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 compared to net cash used in operating
activities of $744,755 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The period-to-period change was a result of Aspire’s net
loss for the period.
Net
Cash provided by Financing Activities
For
the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net cash provided by financing activities was 5,940,286 compared to net cash flow from financing
activities of $750,122 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The period-to-period change was primarily due to higher proceeds
from the issuance of Aspire’s common stock related to private placements prior to the Reverse Acquisition, and the issuance of
convertible notes, partially offset by the repayment of convertible notes.
Off-Balance
Sheet Financing Arrangements
We
have no obligations, assets or liabilities, which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2025. We do
not participate in transactions that create relationships with entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest
entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not entered into
any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities,
or purchased any non-financial assets.
47
ITEM
3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As
a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act), we are not required to provide disclosure under this Item
3.
ITEM
4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure
controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our Exchange Act reports is recorded,
processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons
performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As
required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation
of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2025. Based upon their
evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective including those controls surrounding complex accounting areas
such as the accounting for the Company’s recapitalization.
Limitations
on the Effectiveness of Controls
Management
of the Company, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure
controls and procedures or its internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system,
no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives
will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must
be considered relative to their costs. Furthermore, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls
can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud,
if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that
breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or
by the collusion of two or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood
of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future
conditions. Projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls
may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During
the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2025, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Our process for evaluating controls
and procedures is continuous and encompasses constant improvement of the design and effectiveness of established controls and procedures.
48
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
As
a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act), we are not required to provide disclosure under this Item
1A.
ITEM
2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities
On
February 13, 2025, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement (“ELOC Agreement”) with Arena Business Solutions Global
SPC II, Ltd. (“Arena”). Under the ELOC Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to direct Arena to purchase
up to $100,000,000 in shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ELOC Shares”) upon satisfaction of certain terms and
conditions contained in the ELOC Agreement, including, without limitation, an effective registration statement filed with the SEC registering
the resale of ELOC Commitment Shares (as defined below) and additional shares to be sold to Arena from time to time under the ELOC Agreement.
The term of the ELOC Agreement began on the date of execution and ends on the earlier of (i) the first day of the month following the
36-month anniversary of the execution date, (ii) the date on which the Investor shall have purchased the maximum amount of ELOC Shares,
or (iii) the effective date of any written notice of termination delivered pursuant to the terms of the ELOC Agreement.
On
February 17, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) with Cobra
Alternative Capital Strategies, LLC, a sole member entity controlled by Aspire’s former Director of Investor Relations, Lance Friedman,
which services were provided through a consulting agreement with Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. that was terminated effective February
17, 2025, and Target Capital X LLC (collectively, the “Investors”). Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company
issued two 20% original issue discount senior secured convertible debentures (“Debentures”) in an aggregate principal amount
of $3,750,000, and may issue additional Debentures upon the mutual agreement of the Company and the holders of Debentures representing
at least a majority of the aggregate principal and interest owed under the outstanding Debentures (“Requisite Holders”),
under the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Offering”). The conversion price per share of each Debenture is equal to 92.5%
of the lowest daily VWAP (as defined in the Debentures) of the Company’s shares of common stock during the five trading day period
ending on the trading day immediately prior to delivery or deemed delivery of the applicable Conversion Notice (as defined in the Debentures),
subject to adjustments related to the trading price of the Company’s common stock provided that no conversion may be at a price
per share less than the floor price of $4.00 per share. The closing was consummated on February 20, 2025 (the “SPA Closing”)
and the Company issued to the Investors Debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $3,750,000 (the “Closing Debentures”).
The Closing Debentures were sold to the Investors for a purchase price of $3,000,000, representing an original issue discount of twenty
percent (20%). The Company may issue additional Debentures under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement if the Requisite Holders
agree. Any such additional closings would be in such amounts as the Company and the Requisite Holders mutually agree upon and would be
subject to substantially the same closing conditions as the Closing Debentures.
Use
of Proceeds
None.
Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
49
ITEM
5. OTHER INFORMATION.
Subscription
Agreements
On
February 13, 2025, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement (“ELOC Agreement”) with Arena Business Solutions Global
SPC II, Ltd. (“Arena”). Under the ELOC Agreement, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to direct Arena to purchase
up to $100,000,000 in shares of the Company’s common stock (the “ELOC Shares”) upon satisfaction of certain terms and
conditions contained in the ELOC Agreement, including, without limitation, an effective registration statement filed with the SEC registering
the resale of ELOC Commitment Shares (as defined below) and additional shares to be sold to Arena from time to time under the ELOC Agreement.
The term of the ELOC Agreement began on the date of execution and ends on the earlier of (i) the first day of the month following the
36-month anniversary of the execution date, (ii) the date on which the Investor shall have purchased the maximum amount of ELOC Shares,
or (iii) the effective date of any written notice of termination delivered pursuant to the terms of the ELOC Agreement.
On
February 17, 2025, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) with Cobra
Alternative Capital Strategies, LLC, a sole member entity controlled by Aspire’s former Director of Investor Relations, Lance Friedman,
which services were provided through a consulting agreement with Blackstone Capital Advisors, Inc. that was terminated effective February
17, 2025, and Target Capital X LLC (collectively, the “Investors”). Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company
issued two 20% original issue discount senior secured convertible debentures (“Debentures”) in an aggregate principal amount
of $3,750,000, and may issue additional Debentures upon the mutual agreement of the Company and the holders of Debentures representing
at least a majority of the aggregate principal and interest owed under the outstanding Debentures (“Requisite Holders”),
under the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Offering”). The conversion price per share of each Debenture is equal to 92.5%
of the lowest daily VWAP (as defined in the Debentures) of the Company’s shares of common stock during the five trading day period
ending on the trading day immediately prior to delivery or deemed delivery of the applicable Conversion Notice (as defined in the Debentures),
subject to adjustments related to the trading price of the Company’s common stock provided that no conversion may be at a price
per share less than the floor price of $4.00 per share. The closing was consummated on February 20, 2025 (the “SPA Closing”)
and the Company issued to the Investors Debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $3,750,000 (the “Closing Debentures”).
The Closing Debentures were sold to the Investors for a purchase price of $3,000,000, representing an original issue discount of twenty
percent (20%). The Company may issue additional Debentures under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement if the Requisite Holders
agree. Any such additional closings would be in such amounts as the Company and the Requisite Holders mutually agree upon and would be
subject to substantially the same closing conditions as the Closing Debentures.
Nasdaq
Notice
On April 16, 2025, Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”),
received two letters from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), each addressing a separate compliance deficiency under the
Nasdaq Listing Rules. The first letter notified of the deficiency with regard to Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) (the “MVLS Notice”), which
requires a company, whose securities are listed on The Nasdaq Global Market under the “Market Value Standard,” to maintain
a minimum Market Value of Listed Securities (an “MVLS”) of $50,000,000. The deficiency was caused by the Company’s MVLS
having been below the minimum level for the prior 30 consecutive business days. Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(C), the Company was
entitled to a 180-day period, which ended on October 13, 2025, to rectify the deficiency. In order to do so, the Company must achieve
and maintain an MVLS of at least $50,000,000 or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days (Nasdaq may review for up to 20 consecutive
business days).
The
second letter notified of the deficiency with regard to Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “Bid Price Notice” together with the MVLS Notice,
the “Notices”), which requires the Company to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Bid Price Rule”)
for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market.
50
ITEM
6. EXHIBITS
The
following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Exhibit
No.
Description
10.1
Form of Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2025)
10.2
Form of Leak Out Agreement (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2025)
10.3
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report 8-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025)
10.4
Form of Debenture (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.40 to the Current Report 8-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2025)
10.5
Purchase Agreement, dated November 11, 2025, between Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. and Arena Business Solutions Global SPC II, Ltd. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 14, 2025)
31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a), as adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a), as adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1**
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2**
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*
Inline
XBRL Instance Document
101.CAL*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.SCH*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.DEF*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and included as Exhibit 101)
*Filed
herewith.
**Furnished
herewith.
51
SIGNATURES
In
accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
ASPIRE
BIOPHARMA HOLDINGS, INC.
Date:
November 13, 2025
By:
/s/
Kraig T. Higginson
Name:
Kraig
T. Higginson
Title:
Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman
(Principal
Executive Officer)
Date:
November 13, 2025
By:
/s/
Ernest J. Scheidemann
Name:
Ernest
J. Scheidemann
Title:
Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
52
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.