Item 1. Business
ITEM
1. BUSINESS
Overview
Safety
Shot Inc. (NASDAQ: SHOT) was formerly known as Jupiter Wellness Inc. In August 2023, the Company successfully completed the asset purchase
of the functional beverage Safety Shot from GBB Drink Lab, Inc. (“GBB”), thereby gaining ownership of various assets, including
the intellectual property, trade secrets, and trademarks associated with its dietary supplement Safety Shot Beverage (the “Safety
Shot Beverage”). Concurrently with the asset purchase, the Company changed its name to Safety Shot, Inc. and changed its NASDAQ
trading symbol to SHOT. The Company launched its e-commerce sale of the Safety Shot Beverage in December 2023.
The
Safety Shot Beverage has been formulated to reduce the accumulation of blood alcohol. Noteworthy is the fact that the Safety Shot Beverage
comprises 28 active ingredients, all falling under the Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) category. Under sections 201(s) and 409 of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), any substance that is intentionally added to food is a dietary supplement, that is subject
to premarket review and approval by FDA, unless the substance is generally recognized, among qualified experts, as having been adequately
shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use, or unless the use of the substance is otherwise excepted from the definition
of a dietary supplement.
It’s
crucial to note that the Safety Shot Beverage is currently manufactured in a facility adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),
ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety throughout its production process. The Company currently maintains a workforce comprising
eight full-time employees of its own.
Specializing
in Consumer Packaged Goods, our focus centers on the commercialization of a 12-ounce beverage positioned as a dietary supplement. Beyond
our existing product, we are actively pursuing a future product line, including a convenient powdered stick pack version. This strategic
expansion aligns with our corporate vision to address evolving consumer demands, positioning the Company in the market for dietary supplements.
We believe that this initiative not only enriches our product portfolio but also emphasizes our dedication to innovation and adaptability,
catering to the discerning preferences of health-conscious consumers. The Company intends to continue its current product lines, except
for its products which contain CBD, which the Company no longer sells. Our product pipeline also includes a diverse range of products,
such as hair loss treatments, vitiligo solutions, and sexual wellness products, that cater to different health and wellness needs and
our commitment to supporting health and wellness by developing innovative solutions to a range of conditions but will focus our efforts
on the commercialization of the Safety Shot Beverage.
The
Safety Shot Beverage has established a development infrastructure that the Company believes fits with its existing over-the-counter and
prescription-grade health and wellness products.
To
achieve our mission, we rely on our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals who are committed to advancing our vision of
health and wellness. Our team includes individuals with scientific backgrounds, an experienced researcher, product developers, and business
experts who collaborate to create new products and enhance existing ones. We also seek to partner with industry leaders and organizations
to gain access to the latest technologies and expand our reach.
We
generate revenue through various channels, our primary sales include our “nostingz” suncare products which are sold through
e-commerce platforms, licensing revenues from Photocil and sales of the Safety Shot Beverage. Photocil is currently sold in India through
a licensing agreement. We received FDA approval of our labelling and composition to sell Photocil as an OTC product in the US and plan
to relaunch the product in the US in the fourth quarter of 2024 through e-commerce channels. Safety Shot Beverage is currently sold through
e-commerce and social media platforms. Additionally, we are collaborating with other companies to license our intellectual property,
to create additional revenue streams and expand our global presence. At present, we do not experience concentration risk or dependence
on major customers.
We
maintain a diverse network of raw material suppliers integral to our production processes. Acquisition strategies encompass both direct
procurement and collaborative efforts with our co-packers. The selection of suppliers is contingent upon various factors, including ingredient
specificity, availability, and other essential considerations. Notably, these suppliers coincide with those currently providing materials
to other facilities engaged in the manufacturing of drinks, powders, tablets, and capsules. Our roster of suppliers comprises reputable
entities such as Jiaherb, Compound Solutions, Kyowa-Hakko, Mitsubishi Ingredients, Nura, Sensapure Flavors, Brenntag, E3 Ingredients,
Ingredients Online, among others. This strategic alliance with established industry players underscores our commitment to sourcing high-quality
raw materials essential for the production of our innovative product line. Furthermore, our approach to supplier relationships reflects
a dedication to maintaining a seamless and reliable supply chain. We believe that this not only ensures the consistency of our current
offerings but also positions us favorably for future developments. The Management believes that as we continue to expand our product
portfolio, we believe that these partnerships with trusted suppliers play a pivotal role in upholding the standards that we expect of
our brand.
As
a result of recent changes to the laws governing CBD products, as well as the declining popularity of CBD products, the Company no longer
markets or sells any CBD products. The Company hopes to find a suitor or partner to dispose of its CBD related assets but has not entered
into any agreements to do so.
Products
Roadmap
The
Safety Shot Beverage was launched on our own website and through Amazon in December 2023 and is currently speaking with Big Box stores
with the intention to launch by the end of the first quarter or early second quarter of 2024.
The
Company is advancing several formulations to address psoriasis and vitiligo (Photocil), increase the effectiveness of minoxidil to treat
hair loss (JW-700 “minoxidil booster”), women’s sexual wellness (JW-500), and jellyfish sting prevention sunscreen
(NoStingz). The Company halted testing related to its atopic dermatitis product and all other compounds and products containing CBD.
Photocil
was launched commercially in India in Q3 2022 as a treatment for vitiligo and psoriasis. Photocil is a topical cream that works with
natural sunlight to provide patients with safe and effective phototherapy at home by blocking harmful radiation and permitting the passage
of therapeutic UV radiation from the sun. The Company plans to re-launch Photocil in the US in the fourth quarter of 2024. The product
is an OTC cosmetic product using a USP monographed compound as a skin protectant. The product labelling and ingredients were approved
by the FDA.
NoStingz
provides an effective barrier against the stinging mechanism of jellyfish cnidocyte preventing the delivery of venom to the victim. Applied
like other topical sun screen products, the product is clinically proven to protect users from jellyfish, sea lice, and UVA/UVB rays.
It is not intended to treat jellyfish or sea lice bites. As the product contains ingredients with well-established safety profiles it
did not require pre-market FDA approval ahead of product launch. Its manufacturing, labeling and components comply with FDA regulations
for sunscreens.
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JW-700,
currently being licensed abroad and developed for US launch, the product has been clinically shown to increase the enzymes needed for
minoxidil to work, sulfotransferase enzymes, by using the product topically in conjunction with topical minoxidil. Additional studies
and formulation work are ongoing. The Company intends to launch JW-700 in the U.S in the fourth Quarter of 2024.
JW-500
was born out of clinical trials designed to establish a topical treatment for the restoration of nipple sensitivity for breast augmentation
patients, in addition to patients who had undergone chemotherapy or lumpectomy surgery following a cancer diagnosis. The Company plans
to complete the formulation and test launch the product in Q4, 2024.
Design
of SS-100 formulation will be completed after the reviewing the results of the on-going clinical trial of the Safety Shot Beverage. Thereafter
the Company plans to set up a Pre-IND meeting with the FDA, unlike Safety Shot Beverage which does not require FDA approval on grounds
of being a dietary supplement product. SS-100 will be classified as a drug as it will used to treat acute alcohol poisoning which the
Company believes meets the definition of a rare disease as described below, and will require filing an IND with the FDA and conducting
clinical trials to determine safety and efficacy. The Company plans to seek Orphan Drug Designation for SS-100, a modified version of
Safety Shot Beverage. Given that the FDA defines a drug as Orphan if it is used for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a rare
disease or condition, which is one that affects less than 200,000 persons in the US (which equates to approximately 6 cases per 10,000)
and that Acute Alcohol Poisoning (which has ~ 10% fatality rate and has ~20,000 cases in US) meets these criteria and therefor it meets
the criteria for Orphan Drug Designation. Orphan Drug status provides certain benefits to the Company including exclusive marketing and
development rights, tax credits and fee waivers. The development of the modified Safety Shot Beverage which we call SS-100 designed to
treat acute alcohol poisoning will require the filing of an IND and controlled clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy. As with
any other drug, the Company will be required to take the steps necessary to have any drug approved. The main steps are (i) the request
for a pre-IND meeting with the FDA for feedback on clinical plans, (ii) based on the feedback from (i) to file an IND, (iii) subject
to IND acceptance by the FDA conduct Phase 1, phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials and then submit an NDA for product approval. A company
seeking orphan drug designation for a drug must submit a request for designation to the agency. The company requesting designation of
the same drug for the same rare disease or condition as a previously designated product must submit their own data and information to
support their designation request. Orphan drug designation is a separate process from seeking approval or licensing. Drugs for rare diseases
go through the same rigorous scientific review process as any other drug for approval or licensing. Without receiving such product approval,
the drug product can’t be sold.
For
a detailed timeline of the products, please see “Our Business – Product Roadmap” section on page 43.
Research
and Development
Our
research and development team in continually looking to develop new therapeutic products, while continually improving and enhancing our
existing products and product candidates to address customer demands and emerging trends to develop more effective formulas for our JW-700
product.
We
have conducted extensive research and experimentation involving a substantial number of volunteers under the influence of intoxicants.
Our findings indicate that the Safety Shot Beverage can reduce a person’s Blood Alcohol Content, as measured by the premier Breathalyzer
in the market. The observable enhancements in cognitive abilities among the test subjects have been carefully documented. See “Business-Research
and Development”
The
Company incurred research and development expenses of $100,591 and $1,637,117 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Sales
and Marketing
We
primarily sell our products through e-commerce websites including Amazon. To drive loyalty, word-of-mouth marketing, and sustainable
growth, we invest in customer experience and customer relationship management. Our marketing investments are directed towards driving
profitable growth through advertising, public relations, and brand promotion activities, including digital platforms, sponsorships, collaborations,
brand activations, and channel marketing. Additionally, we continue to invest in our marketing and brand development efforts by investing
capital expenditures on product displays to support our channel marketing via our retail partners. We are currently speaking with Big
Box stores with the intention to launch end of the first quarter to early second quarter of 2024.
Manufacturing,
Logistics and Fulfillment
We
outsource the manufacturing of our products to contract manufacturers, who produce them according to our formulation specifications.
Our products are manufactured by contract manufacturers in India and the US. The majority of our products will then be shipped to third-party
warehouses and to our corporate offices, which can either transport them to our distributors, retailers, or directly to our customers.
Our third-party warehouses are located in the US. We use a limited number of logistics providers to deliver our products to both distributors
and retailers, which allows us to lessen order fulfillment time, cut shipping costs, and improve inventory flexibility.
SRM
Entertainment
The
Company entered into a stock exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with SRM Entertainment, Inc. (“SRM”)
to govern the separation of SRM and the Company. On May 26, 2023, we amended and restated the Exchange Agreement (the “Amended
and Restated Exchange Agreement”) to include additional information regarding the distribution and the separation of SRM and the
Company. The separation as set forth in the Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement with the Company closed August 14, 2023. Pursuant
to the Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement, on May 31, 2023, SRM issued to the Company 6,500,000 shares of SRM Common Stock (representing
79.3% of SRM’s outstanding shares of Common Stock) in exchange for 2 ordinary shares of SRM Ltd owned by the Company (representing
all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of SRM) (the “Share Exchange”). On August 14, 2023, SRM consummated its
Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), pursuant to which it sold 1,250,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $5.00 per share.
In connection with the Share Exchange and SRM’s IPO, the Company distributed 2,000,000 shares of SRM’s common stock to the
Company’s stockholders and certain warrant holders (out of the 6.5 million shares issued in May 2023) which occurred on the effective
date of the Registration Statement but prior to the closing of the IPO. Following such distribution, the Company owns 4.0 million of
the 9,450,000 shares of common stock outstanding and SRM is now a minority owned subsidiary of the Company.
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Our
Competitive Strengths
We
are committed to driving continuous improvement through innovation. Since our inception, we have made significant investments in research
and development and have acquired a substantial portfolio of intellectual property, which continues to grow each year. Our commitment
to innovation has allowed us to create unique products that address unmet needs in the market, all backed by rigorous clinical research.
We believe that our focus on research and development is designed to enable us to stay ahead of the curve and provide our customers with
products that are not only effective but also innovative. We take pride in our patent portfolio and the continuous growth we have achieved,
as we believe that it showcases our dedication to creating new and unique solutions for our customers. By staying committed to innovation,
we are confident in our ability to meet the ever-changing needs of the health and wellness market. We believe that the Safety Shot Beverage
stands as a unique product in the dietary supplement beverage market. Nevertheless, our competitive landscape includes many companies
involved in the production of health and welfare products, including beverages.
Recent
Developments
On
January 19, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “PIPE Agreement”) with certain purchasers,
for the issuance of 8,631,574 common stock warrants (the “PIPE Offering”) at a price of $0.125 per warrant, comprised of
two common stock warrants (the “Common Warrants,”), each to purchase up to one share of Common Stock per Common Warrant with
an exercise price of $1.00 per share, with (a) 4,315,787 Common Warrants being immediately exercisable for three years following 6 months
from the closing of the PIPE Offering, and (b) 4,315,787 Common Warrants being immediately exercisable for five years following 6 months
from the closing of the PIPE Offering. Concurrently to the PIPE Agreement, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the
“RD Agreement”) with certain purchasers, pursuant to which on January 23, 2023, 4,315,787 shares of common stock, par value
$0.001 (the “Common Stock”), at a price of $0.70 per share were issued to the purchasers (the “RD Offering”).
The Common Stock was issued pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the “Commission”) on September 28, 2022 (File No. 333-267644) and declared effective on November 9, 2022. The aggregate
gross proceeds to the Company from both the PIPE Offering and the RD Offering were approximately $4.1 million, with the purchase price
of one share, one 3-year warrant and one 5-year warrant as $0.95. The net proceeds were $3,450,675.
On
March 31, 2023 the Company entered into a Financial Advisory Agreement (“FSA”) with Greentree Financial Group, Inc. to render
certain professional services to the Company. In connection with the FSA, the Company issued 500,000 restricted shares of its common
stock to Greentree.
On
July 10, 2023, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with GBB Labs, Inc., a Delaware corporation
set up as an acquisition company (“Buyer”), GBB Drink Lab Inc., a Florida corporation (“Seller”), 2V Consulting
LLC, a Florida limited liability company, the Jarrett A Boon Revocable Trust Dated October 22, 2014, Gregory D. Blackman, an individual
and Brothers Investment 7777, LLC. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Buyer purchased certain assets relating to the Safety Shot Beverage
for a consideration comprising of: (a) the sum of Two Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (US $200,000) (the “Cash Purchase Price”);
and (b) 5,000,000 Common Shares (the “Consideration Shares” and together with the Cash Purchase Price, collectively, the
“Purchase Price”). The asset purchase was closed on August 31, 2023.
Intellectual
Property
We
filed Provisional Patent (CBD Formulations and Uses Thereof: USAN: 62/884,995) on a combination of CBD and Aspartame on August 8, 2019.
The patent is to cover any products that contain a combination of CBD and Aspartame. This initially was intended to cover the products
under the CaniDermRX Brand. The provisional patent application was converted into a full US patent application (No.: 16/987,941) and
PCT application (PCT/US2020/045408I) on August 9, 2020. If issued, the patent will give patent protection until 2040. The Company no
longer sells CaniDermRX products.
We
filed Provisional Patent (CBD Sunscreen Formulations and Uses Thereof: USAN: 63/005,854) on our CBD-infused sunscreen products on August
6, 2020. The patent is to cover any products under our CaniSun product line that contains CBD. The priority date starts at the time the
provisional is converted into a full patent application, which occurred on April 6, 2021. If issued, the patent will give patent protection
until 2041. The Company no longer sells CaniSun products.
We
filed Provisional Patent (Oroanasal CBD formulations and uses thereof (No.: 63/042,458) on June 22, 2020. This covers the use of CBD
products for the treatment of respiratory viruses. We are not advancing these products as they contain CBD.
As
of the date hereof, the Company owns five patents, including the patent (US 9,186,350 B2) and patent (US 10,028,991 B2) for the composition
of the Safety Shot Beverage used for minimizing the harmful effects associated with alcohol consumption.
Government
Regulation
The
Safety Shot Beverage:
The
production, distribution and sale in the United States of the Safety Shot Beverage is subject to various U.S. federal, state and local
regulations, including but not limited to: the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”); the Occupational Safety
and Health Act and various state laws and regulations governing workplace health and safety; various environmental statutes; the Safe
Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (“California Proposition 65”); data privacy and personal data protection
laws and regulations, including the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (as modified by the California Privacy Rights Act) and a
number of other federal, state and local statutes and regulations applicable to the production, transportation, sale, safety, advertising,
marketing, labeling, packaging, and ingredients of the Safety Shot Beverage.
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We
also may in the future be affected by other existing, proposed and potential future regulations or regulatory actions, including those
described below, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore,
legislation and regulation may be introduced in the United States at the federal, state, municipal and supranational level in respect
of each of the subject areas discussed below. Public health officials and health advocates are increasingly focused on the public health
consequences associated with obesity and alcohol consumption, especially as they may affect children, and are seeking legislative change
to reduce the consumption of sweetened and alcohol beverages.
We
are subject to a number of regulations applicable to the formulation, labeling, packaging, and advertising (including promotional campaigns)
of our products. In California, we are subject to California Proposition 65, a law which requires that a specified warning be provided
before exposing California consumers to any product that contains in excess of threshold amounts of a substance listed by California
as having been found to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. California Proposition 65 does not require a warning if the manufacturer
of a product can demonstrate that the use of the product in question exposes consumers to an average daily quantity of a listed substance
that is below that threshold amount, which is determined either by scientific criteria set forth in applicable regulations or via a “safe
harbor” threshold that may be established by the state, or the substance is naturally occurring, or is subject to another applicable
exception. As of the date of this registration statement, we are not required to put a warning label on our product and our products
are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) free. We are unable to predict whether a component found in our
product might be added to the California list in the future. Furthermore, we are also unable to predict when or whether the increasing
sensitivity of detection methodology may become applicable under this law and related regulations as they currently exist, or as they
may be amended. If we are required to add warning labels to any of our products or place warnings in certain locations where our products
are sold, it will be difficult to predict whether, or to what extent, such a warning would have an adverse impact on sales of our products
in those locations or elsewhere. In addition, there has been increasing regulatory activity globally regarding constituents in packaging
materials, including PFAS. Regardless of whether perceived health consequences of these constituents are justified, such regulatory activity
could result in additional government regulations that impact the packaging of our beverages.
In
addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) has regulations with respect to serving size information and
nutrition labeling on food and beverage products, including a requirement to disclose the amount of added sugars in such products. Further,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture promulgated regulations requiring that, by January 1, 2022, the labels of certain bioengineered foods
include a disclosure that the food is bioengineered. These regulations may impact, reduce and/or otherwise affect the purchase and consumption
of our products by consumers.
All
ingredients in the Safety Shot Beverage are deemed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and align with FDA standards, permitting their
inclusion in supplements. In the event that the FDA or any governmental agency identifies an ingredient or aspect of our product as unsafe,
we commit to promptly withdrawing that component in accordance with regulatory directives. From a product and sales perspective, there
are no impediments or concerns raised by any governmental agency. It is essential to note that the Safety Shot Beverage is classified
as a dietary supplement, exempt from the approval or filing requirements mandated for pharmaceutical drugs by the FDA or other regulatory
authorities.
The
development of SS-100 concentrate for the treatment of acute alcohol poisoning will require filing an IND with the FDA for a clinical
program to demonstrate safety and efficacy, unlike Safety Shot Beverage which does not require FDA approval on grounds of being a dietary
supplement product.
The
process for obtaining Orphan Drug designation is to submit an application to the FDA that provides data (patient population; uniqueness
of product) supporting the application. The FDA will make a determination based on the data and whether it is unique against other drugs
in the same category already granted Orphan Drug status.
Other
Products
The
development and manufacturing of JW 500, JW 700, and Photocil are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local regulations, including
but not limited to: the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”); the Occupational Safety and Health Act and
various state laws and regulations governing workplace health and safety; various environmental statutes. JW 500, and JW700, are cosmetic
products and do not require pre-marketing approval but must follow the FDA guidelines on manufacturing. We are fully compliant with these
guidelines. Photocil is an OTC product and has received FDA approval for packaging and ingredients.
NoStingz
follows the FDA requirements, i.e. manufacturing, labelling and components, for sunscreens.
The
laws related to CBD have undergone significant change. From the passage of the Farm Bill to recent proclamations from the FDA the laws
and rules related to CBD procucts have changed. As a result of the uncertainty regarding CBD rules, coupled with the reduced demand for
CBD products, the Company recently made a decision not to market or sell any further CBD products. We had not generated any significant
revenues from the sale of CBD products.
Overall,
we believe that our sunscreen products comply with the FDA Final Rule for sunscreen products under 21 CFR 352 Sunscreen products for
Over-the-Counter Human Use. Therefore, we believe that our sunscreen products fall within the FDA monograph and that FDA premarket approval
and testing is not required. Our products have been tested for SPF Evaluation (SPF rating), Critical Wave Length (Broad Spectrum claim)
and Water Resistance, each of which is defined within the monograph and labeled accordingly.
Our
products are tested each time they are manufactured. NoStingz is manufactured by DCR Labs and is compliant with the FDA’s Current
Good Manufacturing Practice (“CGMP”) regulations in accordance with 21 CFR 210/211 (required for Over-the-Counter drug products).
DCR Labs has self-imposed health and safety standards to ensure compliance with the FDA’s CGMPs.
However,
as a result of uncertainty regarding government regulation, and a declining market for CBD products, the Company is no longer marketing
or selling any CBD related products, including our CaniSun sunscreen product.
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Human
Capital
We
are committed to producing exceptional therapeutic products for our customers, and our employees play a crucial role in realizing this
vision. To keep advancing innovative products and remain competitive in our fast-paced and fiercely competitive market, it is essential
that we attract and retain talented and skilled employees. To achieve this goal, we endeavor to provide a compensation and benefits package
that is competitive, cultivate a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels supported and empowered to excel, and create opportunities
for our staff to contribute to their communities and make a positive social impact..
As
of December 31, 2023, we had eight full-time employees. We believe our relations with our employees to be good.
Properties
Currently,
we do not own any real property. We rent office space at 1061 E. Indiantown Rd., Ste. 110, Jupiter, FL 33477 for $15,038 per month. The
Company entered into the office lease effective July 1, 2021, which has a primary term of the lease of five years with one renewal option
for an additional three years.
Available
Information
We
aim to provide our stakeholders with transparent and timely information on our company’s performance. As such, we offer free access
to our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any changes made to those reports
filed or furnished under Sections 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as
amended, through our website. We make these reports available as soon as reasonably feasible after submitting them electronically to
the SEC.
The
SEC maintains an internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding
issuers that file electronically with the SEC.