CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 10-K/A

10-K/A 1 cns_10ka1-123122.htm 10-K/A Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C., 20549 FORM 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 OR ☐ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _________________ to ___________________ Commission File Number: 001-39126 CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Nevada 82-2318545 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 2100 West Loop South, Suite 900 Houston, Texas 77027 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: 800-946-9185 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock CNSP The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES ☐ NO ☒ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES ☐ NO ☒ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods as 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 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. (check one) Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒ Emerging growth company ☒ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐ If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. □ Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b). □ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES ☐ NO ☒ The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the common stock was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $8.78 million. In determining the market value of the voting equity held by non-affiliates, securities of the registrant beneficially owned by directors, officers and 10% or greater shareholders of the registrant have been excluded. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of April 29, 2023 was 4,143,339. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE None. EXPLANATORY NOTE The purpose of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A is to amend Part III, Items 10 through 15 of CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s (“Company,” “we,” “our,” “us”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 31, 2023 (the “2022 10-K”), to include information previously omitted from the 2022 10-K in reliance on General Instruction G to Form 10-K, which provides that registrants may incorporate by reference certain information from a definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year. We will not file our definitive proxy statement before April 30, 2023 (i.e., within 120 days after the end of our 2022 fiscal year) pursuant to Regulation 14A. The reference on the cover of the Annual Report on Form 10-K to the incorporation by reference of the registrant's definitive proxy statement into Part III of the Annual Report has been deleted. For purposes of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, and in accordance with Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), Items 10 through 15 of our 2022 10-K have been amended and restated in their entirety. Except as stated herein, this Form 10-K/A does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Form 10-K on March 31, 2023 and no attempt has been made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A to modify or update other disclosures as presented in the 2022 10-K. Accordingly, this Form 10-K/A should be read in conjunction with our filings with the SEC subsequent to the filing of the Form 10-K. In addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Exchange Act, new certifications by our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. i TABLE OF CONTENTS PART III ITEM 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 1 ITEM 11 Executive Compensation 4 ITEM 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 8 ITEM 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 10 ITEM 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services 12 PART IV ITEM 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 14 Exhibit Index ITEM 16 10-K Summary 15 Signatures 17 ii PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance The following table sets forth the names and ages of all of our directors and executive officers as of April 29, 2023. Our officers are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors. Name Age Position John M. Climaco 54 Chief Executive Officer Christopher S. Downs 45 Chief Financial Officer Sandra L. Silberman 68 Chief Medical Officer Donald Picker 77 Chief Science Officer Faith L. Charles 61 Director and Chair of the Board of Directors Jerzy (George) Gumulka 74 Director Jeffry R. Keyes 50 Director Andrzej Andraczke 80 Director Carl Evans 76 Director Set forth below is biographical information about each of the individuals named in the tables above: John M. Climaco, Esq. – Chief Executive Officer and Director . Mr. Climaco joined CNS in September 2017 as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Climaco has served in leadership roles in a variety of healthcare companies. From April 2015 to June 2017 Mr. Climaco served as the Executive Vice-President of Perma-Fix Medical S.A where he managed the development of a novel method to produce Technitium-99. Mr. Climaco also served as President and CEO of Axial Biotech, Inc., a DNA diagnostics company, from January 2003 to January 2013. In the process of taking Axial from inception to product development to commercialization, Mr. Climaco created strategic partnerships with Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson and Smith & Nephew. Mr. Climaco currently serves as a director of several public companies including Moleculin Biotech, Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on anticancer drug candidates, where he has served since May 2017. Mr. Climaco served on the boards of Digirad, Inc., a leading national provider of imaging services, from May 2012 until April 2020, and Birner Dental Management Services, Inc., a provider of practice management services in the dental industry, since June 2017. Mr. Climaco also served as a director of PDI, Inc., a provider of outsourced commercial services to pharma companies, in 2015, and InfuSystem Holdings, Inc., the largest supplier of infusion services to oncologists in the U.S., from April 2012 to April 2014. Mr. Climaco obtained his Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of California Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, CA in January 2000 and a Bachelor of Philosophy from Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT, in May 1991. Mr. Climaco is active with the State Bar of Utah. We believe Mr. Climaco’s history with our company, coupled with his vast experience with development stage companies and his legal background provides him with the qualifications to serve as our chairman of the board. Christopher S. Downs, CPA – Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Downs has served as our chief financial officer since the closing of our IPO in November 2019. From March 2018 until September 2019, Mr. Downs served as vice president of finance and treasurer of Innovative Aftermarket Systems, L.P., a privately held provider of finance and insurance solutions. Mr. Downs served as director of finance (from June 2011 to September 2013), vice president and treasurer (October 2013 to August 2016), executive vice president and interim chief financial officer (August 2016 to May 2017), and executive vice president, interim chief financial officer and member of the office of the president (May 2017 to March 2018) for InfuSystem Holdings, Inc., a supplier of infusion services to oncologists in the United States. Mr. Downs spent 10 years in investment banking with various firms including Citigroup. Mr. Downs has also served as a director of EBET, Inc., a technology company developing and operating platforms focused on esports and competitive gaming, from March 2021. Mr. Downs is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he earned his Bachelor of Science. Mr. Downs earned his MBA at Columbia Business School and his Master of Science in Accounting at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Mr. Downs is a Certified Public Accountant in Utah and Texas. Sandra L. Silberman, MD PhD – Chief Medical Officer . Dr. Silberman joined CNS in December 2017 and currently serves on a part-time basis. Dr. Silberman has served as chief medical officer for new products of Moleculin Biotech, Inc. since November 2017 on a part-time basis. Dr. Silberman advanced several original, proprietary compounds into Phases I through III during her work with leading biopharmaceutical companies, including BristolMyers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Imclone and Roche. Dr. Silberman is a Hematologist/Oncologist who earned her B.A., Sc.M. and Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Arts and Sciences, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, respectively, and her M.D. from Cornell University Medical College, and then completed both a clinical fellowship in Hematology/Oncology as well as a research fellowship in tumor immunology at the Brigham & Women’ s Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. Dr. Silberman is currently devoting only 45% of her work time to us and provides services as needed to us. 1 Donald Picker, PhD - Chief Science Officer . Dr. Picker has served as our part-time chief science officer since June 2019. Dr. Picker has served as the chief scientific officer of Moleculin Biotech, Inc. since August 2017 after serving as its chief operating officer from July 2015 until August 2017 and as its president from January 2016 to August 2017. In 2007, Dr. Picker became the chief executive officer of IntertechBio Corp. From 2006 through 2007, Dr. Picker was the President of Tapestry Pharmaceuticals. From 1998 to 2003, Dr. Picker was CEO of Synergy Pharmaceuticals. Synergy was merged into Callisto Pharmaceuticals where he was vice present of research and development until 2006. From 2017 to 2018, Dr. Picker served on our board of directors. Dr. Picker received his B.S. degree from Brooklyn Polytechnic University and his PhD from SUNY Albany in 1975. Dr. Picker is currently devoting only 25% of his work time to us and provides services as needed to us. Faith L. Charles, JD – Director and Chair of the Board of Directors . Ms. Charles joined our board of directors on December 30, 2022 and currently serves as chair of the board of directors. Ms. Charles has been a corporate transactions and securities partner at the law firm of Thompson Hine, LLP, since 2010. She leads Thompson Hine’s Life Sciences practice and co-heads the securities practice, advising public and emerging biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. and internationally. Ms. Charles negotiates complex private and public financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, licensing transactions and strategic collaborations. She serves as outside counsel to a myriad of life sciences companies and is known in the industry as an astute business advisor, providing valuable insights into capital markets, corporate governance and strategic development. From 2018 until October 2021, Ms. Charles served on the board of directors and as a member of the audit committee and chair of the compensation committee of Entera Bio, a publicly traded biotechnology company. She also serves on the Board of Directors of several private life science companies. Ms. Charles founded the Women in Bio Metro New York chapter and chaired the chapter for five years. She currently serves on the national board of Women in Bio. Ms. Charles is also a member of the board of Red Door Community (formerly Gilda’s Club New York City.) She has been recognized as a Life Sciences Star by Euromoney’s LMG Life Sciences, has been named a BTI Client Service All-Star, and was named by Crain’s New York Business to the list of 2020 Notable Women in the Law. Ms. Charles holds a JD degree from The George Washington University Law School and a B.A. in Psychology from Barnard College, Columbia University. Ms. Charles is a graduate of Women in Bio’s Boardroom Ready Program, an Executive Education Program taught by The George Washington University School of Business. Ms. Charles’ qualifications to serve on our Board include her leadership skills and her vast legal experience representing companies in the biotech and pharmaceutical field. Jerzy (George) Gumulka, PhD – Director . Dr. Gumulka joined our board of directors on November 8, 2017. Dr. Gumulka has been retired since 2016. From 2001 until his retirement, he served as a Global Technology Manager ASC, a Technology Manager, Special Projects/New Technology Platforms, Kraton Polymers US LLC, and a Technical Director of Kraton Polymers do Brasil. Prior to his employment at Shell Chemical Company and Kraton Polymers US LLC, Dr. Gumulka worked at BioSpectrum, Inc. (aka IML) and was involved in the development and application of Human Immune Interferon (INF-γ) and Interleukin-2 in the HIV-focused clinical studies and animal models. Dr. Gumulka is the recipient of the 2011 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. Dr. Gumulka served on the Board of Directors of Moleculin LLC from 2010 through 2016. Dr. Gumulka received a Ph.D. from the University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. We believe Dr. Gumulka’s technical knowledge and experience in the field of biochemistry coupled with his vast experience in corporate leadership provide him with the qualifications to serve as a director. Jeffry R. Keyes – Director . Mr. Keyes joined our board on June 25, 2018. Mr. Keyes is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Spinal Elements, Inc., a private equity backed medical device company, a role that he has held since April 2022. From April 2018 to August 2022, Mr. Keyes was the Chief Financial Officer of Custopharm, Inc., a private equity backed developer of generic sterile injectable pharmaceuticals. From September 2012 to April 2018, Mr. Keyes was the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of Digirad Corporation, a publicly traded healthcare services and medical device company. From August 2011 until September 2012, Mr. Keyes was Corporate Controller of Sapphire Energy, Inc., a venture capital backed start-up renewable energy company. From April 2011 to August 2011, Mr. Keyes was the Corporate Controller of Advanced BioHealing, Inc., a venture backed provider of regenerative medicine solutions, until its sale to Shire, PLC in August 2011. Prior to April 2011 Mr. Keyes held a variety of leadership roles in healthcare and medical device companies in finance, accounting, and M&A support, and he started his career in public accounting. Mr. Keyes earned a B.A. degree in accounting from Western Washington University and is a certified public accountant licensed by the Washington State Board of Accountancy. Mr. Keyes is considered a financial expert under relevant rules of the SEC, the NYSE and NASDAQ. We believe Mr. Keyes’ financial knowledge and experience, which qualify him as an Audit Committee Financial Expert, coupled with his vast experience in corporate leadership provides him with the qualifications to serve as a director. 2 Andrzej Andraczke – Director . Mr. Andraczke joined our board on July 9, 2018. Mr. Andraczke is currently Chief Executive Officer of Pol-Tex Holdings, LLC, a role he has held since November 2012. He is also currently Chief Technology Officer of Syntech LLC (Ireland), a role he has held since November 2017. From March 2000 through November 2012, Mr. Andraczke was Vice-President of Pol-Tex Methane. Mr. Andraczke earned a M.Sc. in Engineering from Warsaw Technical University. We believe Mr. Andraczke’s vast experience in corporate leadership provides him with the qualifications to serve as a director. Carl Evans – Director . Mr. Evans joined our board on July 9, 2018. Mr. Evans has been retired since 2015. From 2011 until his retirement Mr. Evans was Executive Vice President – Exploration for KMD Operating Company, LLC. Prior to 2011, he managed international and domestic oil exploration and production projects for several oil companies, including British Petroleum, Texaco, and Pennzoil. Mr. Evans earned Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of California, Los Angeles. We believe Mr. Evan’s vast experience in corporate leadership provides him with the qualifications to serve as a director. No director is related to any other director or executive officer of our company or our subsidiaries, and, there are no arrangements or understandings between a director and any other person pursuant to which such person was elected as director. Code of Ethics Our Board of Directors has adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all officers, directors and employees, which is available on our website (www.cnspharma.com) under “Governance Documents” within the “Corporate Governance” section. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this Code and by posting such information on the website address and location specified above. Nomination of Director Candidates We receive suggestions for potential director nominees from many sources, including members of the Board, advisors, and stockholders. Any such nominations, together with appropriate biographical information, should be submitted to the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in the manner discussed below. Any candidates submitted by a stockholder or stockholder group are reviewed and considered in the same manner as all other candidates. Qualifications for consideration as a Board nominee may vary according to the particular areas of expertise being sought as a complement to the existing board composition. However, minimum qualifications include high level leadership experience in business activities, breadth of knowledge about issues affecting the Company, experience on other boards of directors, preferably public company boards, and time available for meetings and consultation on Company matters. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director candidates, but seeks a diverse group of candidates who possess the background, skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to the Board, to the Company and our stockholders. Candidates whose evaluations are favorable are recommended by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to the full Board for consideration. The full Board selects and recommends candidates for nomination as directors for stockholders to consider and vote upon at the annual meeting. A stockholder wishing to nominate a candidate for election to our Board of Directors at any annual meeting at which the Board of Directors has determined that one or more directors will be elected must submit a written notice of his or her nomination of a candidate to the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (c/o the Corporate Secretary), providing the candidates name, biographical data and other relevant information together with a consent from the nominee. Pursuant to our Bylaws, the submission must be received at our principal executive offices 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the mailing date of our previous year’s proxy statement so as to permit the Board of Directors time to evaluate the qualifications of the nominee. We have employed an executive search firm to locate additional qualified candidates for director positions. Board Committees We established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. Our Board of Directors has adopted and approved a charter for each of these standing committees. The charters, which include the functions and responsibilities of each of the committees, can be found in the “Investors - Corporate Governance” section on our web site at www.cnspharma.com. 3 Audit Committee . The members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Keyes (Chair), Mr. Andraczke and Mr. Evans. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent as defined by the Nasdaq Rules. In addition, each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the additional requirements of the SEC and Nasdaq Rules for audit committee membership, including the additional independence requirements and the financial literacy requirements. The Board has determined that at least one member of the Audit Committee, Mr. Keyes, is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the SEC’s rules and regulations. The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee the quality and integrity of our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audit of our financial statements. The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting, compensating, overseeing and terminating the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Mr. Evans (Chair), Dr. Gumulka, and Mr. Keyes. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent as defined by Nasdaq Rules. The primary functions and responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are to: (a) determine the qualifications, qualities, skills, and other expertise required to be a director; (b) identify and screen individuals qualified to become members of the Board; (c) make recommendations to the Board regarding the selection and approval of the nominees for director; and (d) review and assess the adequacy of our corporate governance policies and procedures. Compensation Committee . The members of the Compensation Committee are Dr. Gumulka (Chair), Mr. Keyes and Mr. Andraczke. Each member of the Compensation Committee is independent as defined by Nasdaq Rules. The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the annual compensation for our Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee also is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors the annual compensation and benefits for our other executive officers. The Compensation Committee also, among other things, reviews compensation of the Board, reviews and makes recommendations on all new executive compensation programs that are proposed for adoption and administers the Company’s equity incentive plans. The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing director compensation for service on the Board and Board committees at least once a year and to recommend any changes to the Board. Our Chief Executive Officer reviews the performance of our other executive officers (other than himself) and, based on that review, our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee about the compensation of executive officers (other than himself). Our Chief Executive Officer does not participate in any deliberations or approvals by the Board or the Compensation Committee with respect to his own compensation. Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock, file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the SEC. Such directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. SEC regulations require us to identify in this Form 10-K/A anyone who filed a required report late during the most recent fiscal year. Based solely on our review of copies of such forms that we have received, or written representations from reporting persons, we believe that during fiscal 2022, all executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders complied with all applicable SEC filing requirements. During the current fiscal year, Dr. Gumulka filed a Form 4 reporting one transaction three business days after the due date. Item 11. Executive Compensation Executive Officer Compensation Our named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, which consist of our principal executive officer and our two other most highly compensated executive officers, are: (i) John Climaco, our chairman and chief executive officer; (ii) Chris Downs, our chief financial officer; and (ii) Sandra Silberman, our chief medical officer. 4 Summary Compensation Table – 2022 Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) (1) Bonus ($) Stock Awards ($)(1) Option awards ($) (1) Nonequity incentive plan compensation ($) Total ($) John Climaco, Chief Executive Officer 2022 525,000 - - 14,178 288,750 827,928 2021 525,000 - 197,940 - 123,000 845,940 Christopher Downs, Chief Financial Officer 2022 340,000 - - 5,224 136,000 481,224 2021 340,000 - 82,475 - 58,000 480,475 Sandra Silberman, Chief Medical Officer 2022 200,000 - - 1,306 80,000 281,306 2021 200,000 10,000 41,238 - 18,000 269,238 (1) Represents the full grant date fair value of the awards calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These amounts do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that may be realized by the named executive officer. For a summary of the assumptions made in the valuation of the awards, please see Note 5 to our financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2022 included in our Form 10-K. Stock awards for the 2021 calendar year consist of restricted stock unit awards that were granted in April 2022. Option awards for the 2022 calendar year were granted in March 2023. Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table We review compensation annually for all employees, including our executives. In setting executive base salaries and bonuses and granting equity incentive awards, we consider compensation for comparable positions in the market, the individual executive’s performance as compared to our expectations and objectives, our desire to motivate our employees to achieve short and long-term results that are in the best interests of our stockholders and a long-term commitment to our company. We do not target a specific competitive position or a specific mix of compensation among base salary, bonus or long-term incentives. Our Compensation Committee typically reviews and discusses management’s proposed compensation with the Chief Executive Officer for all executives other than the Chief Executive Officer. Based on those discussions and its discretion, the Compensation Committee then determines the compensation for each executive officer. Our Compensation Committee, without members of management present, discusses and ultimately approves the compensation of our executive officers. Annual Base Salary For 2022, the base salaries for Mr. Climaco, Mr. Downs, and Dr. Silberman did not change from the prior year and were $525,000, $340,000, and $200,000, respectively. Annual Bonus and Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation We seek to motivate and reward our executives for achievements relative to our corporate goals and objectives for each fiscal year. For the 2022 compensation year, the target bonus for Mr. Climaco, Mr. Downs and Dr. Silberman were 55%, 40%, and 40%, respectively, of their base salary. The actual performance-based annual bonus paid is calculated by multiplying the executive’s annual base salary, target bonus percentage, the percentage attainment of the corporate goals established by the Board for such year. However, the Compensation Committee is not required to calculate bonuses in this manner and retains discretion in the amounts it awards and the factors it takes into consideration in determining bonus amounts. At the end of the year, the Compensation Committee reviews our performance against our goals and objectives and approves the extent to which we achieved each of our corporate goals and objectives, and, for each named executive officer, the amount of the bonus awarded. 5 For 2022, bonuses were awarded based on our achievement of specified corporate goals, including the clinical trial progress of Berubicin, our ability to maintain sufficient funding, and certain Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (“CMC”) development goals. Based on the level of achievement, our Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Climaco, Mr. Downs and Dr. Silberman 100% of their potential bonuses for 2022. These actual bonus amounts are reflected in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plans” column of the Summary Compensation Table above. For 2023, bonuses will be awarded based on our achievement of specified corporate goals. Long-Term Incentives Each year our Compensation Committee provides for equity grants to each of our named executive officers to provide for long-term performance incentive. Awarded in 2023 for services provided in 2022, Mr. Climaco, Mr. Downs and Dr. Silberman received stock option grants of 16,476 options, 6,067 options and 3,337 options, respectively. Each stock option is convertible into one share of our common stock, and vests as follows: (i) 25% of the grant will vest in four equal annual installments over 2 years; (ii) 25% of the grant will vest if within 24 months from issuance the average the closing price of our common stock over a ten trading day period exceeds $6.00 (subject to pro rata adjustment for stock splits or similar events); and (iii) 25% of the grant will vest if within 36 months from issuance the average the closing price of our common stock over a ten trading day period exceeds $24.00 (subject to pro rata adjustment for stock splits or similar events). Employment Agreements John Climaco On September 1, 2017, we entered into an employment agreement with John Climaco pursuant to which Mr. Climaco agreed to serve as our Chief Executive Officer commencing on such date for an initial term of three years. On September 1, 2020, we entered into an amendment to the employment agreement. The amendment extends the term of employment under the employment agreement for additional twelve-month periods, unless and until either the Company or Mr. Climaco provides written notice to the other party not less than sixty days before such anniversary date that such party is electing not to extend the term. If the Company provides notice of its election not to extend the term, Mr. Climaco may terminate his employment at any time prior to the expiration of the term by giving written notice to the Company at least thirty days prior to the effective date of termination, and upon the earlier of such effective date of termination or the expiration of the term, Mr. Climaco shall be entitled to receive the same severance benefits as are provided upon a termination of employment by the Company without cause. Pursuant to the amendment, the severance benefits shall be twelve months of Mr. Climaco’s base salary. Such severance payment shall be made in a single lump sum sixty days following the termination, provided that Mr. Climaco has executed and delivered to the Company, and has not revoked a general release of the Company. Other Executive Arrangements On June 28, 2019, our we entered into employment letters with Drs. Silberman and Picker. Dr. Silberman agreed to commit 50% of her time to our matters and Dr. Picker agreed to commit 25% of his time to our matters. 6 Outstanding Equity Awards The following table sets forth certain information concerning our outstanding options for our named executive officers on December 31, 2022. Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End —2022 Option Awards Stock Awards (2) Name Grant Date of Equity Award Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable (1) Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable (1) Option Exercise Price ($) Option Expiration Date Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) Market value of shares of units of stock that have not vested ($) (3) John Climaco 4/28/2022 20,000 48,000 2/5/2021 2,584 7,750 100.80 2/5/2031 6/28/2019 10,988 3,662 60.00 6/28/2029 Christopher Downs 4/28/2022 8,334 20,002 2/5/2021 1,092 3,275 100.80 2/5/2031 11/13/2019 7,500 2,500 120.00 11/13/2029 Sandra Silberman 4/28/2022 4,167 10,001 2/5/2021 350 1,050 100.80 2/5/2031 6/28/2019 3,125 1,042 60.00 6/28/2029 12/22/2017 2,500 - 1.35 12/22/2027 (1) The shares underlying the options vest in equal annual installments over a four-year period (i.e., one-quarter of each grant vests on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date). (2) Consists of restricted stock unit awards that vest as follows: · 25% of the RSU grant will vest in four (4) equal annual installments over 4 years, provided officer is serving in such position on each vesting date; · 25% of the RSU grant will vest if within 24 months from grant the average the closing price of the Company’s common stock over a ten trading day period exceeds $60.00 (subject to pro rata adjustment for stock splits or similar events); · 25% of the RSU grant will vest if within 36 months from grant the average the closing price of the Company’s common stock over a ten trading day period exceeds $120.00 (subject to pro rata adjustment for stock splits or similar events); · 25% of the RSU grant will vest if within 24 months from issuance the Company achieves “Positive Interim, Clinical Data” as defined by the Board of Directors. (3) Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2022 of $2.40. 7 Director Compensation The following table sets forth the total compensation earned by our non-employee directors in 2022 (Mr. Climaco did not earn additional compensation during 2022 for his services on the Board, and his compensation is fully reflected in the “—Summary Compensation Table” above): Name Fees earned or paid in cash ($) Option Awards ($) (1) Total ($) Faith L. Charles 380 7,091 7,471 Jerzy (George) Gumulka 51,200 - 51,200 Jeffry R. Keyes 71,500 - 71,500 Andrzej Andraczke 49,500 - 49,500 Carl Evans 51,000 - 51,000 (1) Represents the full grant date fair value of the awards calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These amounts do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that may be realized by the director. For a summary of the assumptions made in the valuation of the awards, please see Note 4 to our financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2022 included in our Form 10-K. As of December 31, 2022, the aggregate number of shares outstanding under all options to purchase our common stock held by our non-employee directors were: Dr. Gumulka – 5,953 shares; Mr. Keyes – 5,953 shares; Mr. Andraczke – 5,953 shares; Mr. Evans – 5,953 shares; Ms. Charles – 3,500 shares. None of our non-employee directors held stock awards other than options as of December 31, 2022. In July 2021, our compensation committee recommended to our Board and our Board approved the following policy for compensating non-employee members of the Board. Each independent director shall receive annual cash compensation of $40,000. In addition, the chairperson of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee shall receive an annual compensation of $12,000, $7,700 and $5,500, respectively; the other members of such committees shall receive an annual compensation of $5,500, $4,000 and $3,500, respectively; and the lead independent director shall receive annual compensation of $12,000. On December 30, 2022, concurrent with the appointment of Ms. Charles to the Board as a director and election as Chair of the Board, our compensation committee recommended to our Board and our Board approved the following policy for compensating a non-executive Chair of the Board of Directors: an additional $30,000 annual cash compensation. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters The following table sets forth information, as of April 29, 2023, regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock by: · each of our directors; · each of our executive officers; · all directors and executive officers as a group; and · each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than five percent of our shares of common stock. Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, and generally means that person has beneficial ownership of a security if he or she possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security and includes options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Each director or officer, as the case may be, has furnished us with information with respect to beneficial ownership. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that the beneficial owners of common stock listed below, based on the information each of them has given to us, have sole investment and voting power with respect to their shares, except where community property laws may apply. Except as otherwise noted below, the address for each person or entity listed in the table is c/o CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2100 West Loop South, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77027. 8 Name and address of beneficial owner Shares beneficially owned Percentage of Class (1) John Climaco 66,078 (2) (3) 1.6% Christopher S. Downs 19,456 (2) (4) * Sandra Silberman 7,628 (2) (5) * Faith Charles 583 (2) (6) * Jerzy (George) Gumulka 15,626 (7) * Jeffry R. Keyes 6,323 (7) * Andrzej Andraczke 5,953 (7) * Carl Evans 6,078 (7) * Directors and Officers as a group 134,934 3.26% 5% Stockholders Armistice Capital, LLC (8) 165,456 4.0% * Less than 1%. (1) Based on 4,143,339 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 30, 2023. (2) The restricted stock units granted to Mr. Climaco, Mr. Downs and Dr. Silberman vest, in part, on the achievement of certain stock price and clinical trial milestones. For purposes of the above table, we have assume that the foregoing milestones have not been achieved. See “Item 11. Executive Compensation – Executive Officer Compensation – Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table – Long-Term Incentives” for details on the foregoing restricted stock unit grants. (3) Includes options to purchase 19,818 shares of common stock which are exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2023 and 1,250 restricted stock units which have vested by April 30, 2023. (4) Includes options to purchase 9,684 shares of common stock which are exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2023 and 521 restricted stock units which have vested by April 30, 2023. (5) Includes options to purchase 7,367 shares of common stock which are exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2023 and 261 restricted stock units which have vested by April 30, 2023. (6) Includes options to purchase 583 shares of common stock which are exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2023. (7) Includes options to purchase 5,953 shares of common stock which are exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2023. (8) Based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2023 on behalf of Armistice Capital, LLC and Steven Boyd. Armistice Capital, LLC ("Armistice Capital") is the investment manager of Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd. (the "Master Fund"), the direct holder of the shares in the table, and pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement, Armistice Capital exercises voting and investment power over our securities held by the Master Fund and thus may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held by the Master Fund. Mr. Boyd, as the managing member of Armistice Capital, may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held by the Master Fund. The Master Fund specifically disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by it by virtue of its inability to vote or dispose of such securities as a result of its Investment Management Agreement with Armistice Capital. The address of the principal business office of Armistice Capital and Mr. Boyd is 510 Madison Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10022. 9 Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans The following table sets forth information regarding our equity compensation plans at December 31, 2022: Plan category Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities (by class) remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) 131,085 $ 48.56 35,582 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2) 8,844 $ 90.02 – (1) Represents shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and rights under our 2017 and 2020 Stock Plans. (2) Consists of warrants issued to the underwriter in our IPO and follow-on offering and to consultants. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence On December 28, 2017, we obtained the rights to a worldwide, exclusive royalty-bearing, license to the chemical compound commonly known as Berubicin from Houston Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“HPI”) in an agreement we refer to as the HPI License. Dr. Waldemar Priebe, our founder, controls HPI. Under the HPI License we obtained the exclusive right to develop certain chemical compounds for use in the treatment of cancer anywhere in the world. In the HPI License we agreed to pay HPI: (i) development fees of $750,000 over a three-year period beginning after our IPO; (ii) a 2% royalty on net sales; (iii) a $50,000 per year license fee; (iv) milestone payments of $100,000 upon the commencement of a Phase II trial and $1.0 million upon the approval of an NDA for Berubicin; and (v) 200,000 shares of our common stock. Unrelated to this agreement we purchased $441,075 of pharmaceutical products from HPI for use in our clinical trials during 2021. On August 30, 2018, we entered into a sublicense agreement with WPD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“WPD”). Pursuant to the agreement, the Company granted WPD an exclusive sublicense, even as to us, for the patent rights we licensed pursuant to the HPI License within the following countries: Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Chechnya, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Greece, Austria, and Russia. The sublicense agreement provides that WPD must use commercially reasonable development efforts to attempt to develop and commercialize licensed products in the above mentioned territories, which means the expenditure of at least $2.0 million on the development, testing, regulatory approval or commercialization of the licensed products during the three year period immediately following the date of the sublicense agreement. In the event that WPD fails to use commercially reasonable development efforts by the foregoing three-year deadline, we have the right to terminate this sublicense agreement. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has received reports of the WPD expenditures related to this agreement, has conducted due inquiry into validating those expenditures, and has determined that WPD has exercised commercially reasonable development efforts and has therefore fulfilled the terms of the agreement necessary to secure their rights under the sublicense in perpetuity subject to the ongoing obligations of the sublicense. In consideration for the rights granted under the sublicense agreement, to the extent we are required to make any payments to HPI pursuant to the HPI License as a result of this sublicense agreement, WPD agreed to advance us such payments, and to pay us a royalty equal to 1% of such payments. WPD is a Polish corporation that is majority-owned by an entity controlled by our founder Dr. Priebe. 10 On February 19, 2021, CNS entered into an Investigational Medicinal Product Supply Agreement with WPD. CNS agreed to sell the Berubicin drug product to WPD at historical cost of manufacturing without markup so that WPD may conduct the clinical trials contemplated by the sublicense agreement. WPD agreed to pay CNS the following payments: (i) an upfront payment of $131,073 upon execution of the agreement, (ii) a payment of $262,145 upon final batch release and certification performed by WPD's subcontractor, and (iii) a final payment of $262,145 upon Clinical Trial Application acceptance by the relevant regulatory authority. All three milestones have been met as of December 31, 2021. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, the drug product with a cost of approximately $655,000 has been delivered to WPD and is being held at a third party depot. As such, the full amount of approximately $655,000 was due from WPD. As of December 31, 2021, CNS had invoiced the three amounts plus pass through cost for a total of $656,938. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had received payments for the first and second amounts due for a total of $393,182 and entered into a settlement agreement whereby WPD agreed to return 168 vials (approximately 40% of the total) to us in settlement of the final amount owed. On October 24, 2022, the Company received confirmation from our third party depot service provider that the vials had been transferred into our inventory. As such, this matter is now fully resolved. On August 31, 2018, we entered into a sublicense agreement with Animal Life Sciences, LLC, or ALI, pursuant to which we granted ALI an exclusive sublicense, even as to us, for the patent rights we licensed pursuant to the HPI License solely for the treatment of cancer in non-human animals through any type of administration. In consideration for the rights granted under the sublicense agreement, ALI agreed to issue us membership interests in ALI equal to 1.52% of the outstanding ALI membership interests. As additional consideration for the rights granted, to the extent we are required to make any payments to HPI pursuant to the HPI License as a result of this sublicense agreement, ALI agreed to advance us such payments, and to pay us a royalty equal to 1% of such payments. Dr. Priebe holds 38% of the membership interests of ALI. On March 20, 2020, the Company entered into a development agreement with WPD. Pursuant to the Agreement, WPD agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts in good faith to develop and commercialize certain products that WPD had previously sublicensed, solely in the field of pharmaceutical drug products for the treatment of any viral infection in humans, with a goal of eventual approval of in certain territories consisting of: Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Greece, Austria, Russia, Netherlands, Turkey, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Luxembourg, Iceland. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to pay WPD the following payments: (i) an upfront payment of $225,000 to WPD (paid in April 2020); and (ii) within thirty days of the verified achievement of the Phase II Milestone, (such verification shall be conducted by an independent third party mutually acceptable to the parties hereto), the Company will make a payment of $775,000 to WPD. WPD agreed to pay the Company a development fee of 50% of the net sales for any products in the above territories; provided that Poland shall not be included as a territory after WPD receives marketing approval for a product in one-half of the countries included in the agreed upon territories or upon the payment by WPD to the Company of development fees of $1.0 million. The term of the Agreement will expire on the expiration of the sublicense pursuant to which WPD has originally sublicensed the products. Our scientific advisory board included Dr. Priebe until August 25, 2022, after which time he is no longer a member of the scientific advisory board. On July 15, 2021, our compensation committee recommended to our board and our board approved cash compensation to each scientific advisory board member of $68,600 annually. Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions Our audit committee charter provides that our audit committee is responsible for reviewing and approving in advance any related party transaction. This will cover, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which we were or are to be a participant, where the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including, without limitation, purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness and employment by us of a related person. In determining whether to approve a proposed transaction, our Audit Committee will consider all relevant facts and circumstances including: (i) the materiality and character of the related party’s direct or indirect interest; (ii) the commercial reasonableness of the terms; (iii) the benefit or perceived benefit, or lack thereof, to us; (iv) the opportunity cost of alternate transactions; and (v) the actual or apparent conflict of interest of the related party. 11 Director Independence The rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, or the Nasdaq Rules, require a majority of a listed company’s board of directors to be composed of independent directors. In addition, the Nasdaq Rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees be independent. Under the Nasdaq Rules, a director will only qualify as an independent director if, in the opinion of our Board of Directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The Nasdaq Rules also require that audit committee members satisfy independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. In order to be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3, a member of an audit committee of a listed company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee, accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries. In considering the independence of compensation committee members, the Nasdaq Rules require that our board of directors must consider additional factors relevant to the duties of a compensation committee member, including the source of any compensation we pay to the director and any affiliations with our company. Our board of directors undertook a review of the composition of our board of directors and its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that each of our directors, with the exception of Mr. Climaco, are independent as defined under the Nasdaq Rules. Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services Aggregate fees for professional services rendered by MaloneBailey, LLP for their services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were as follows: 2022 2021 Audit Fees $ 129,000 $ 78,000 Audit-related fees 39,000 32,000 Tax fees 0 0 All other fees 0 0 TOTAL $ 168,000 $ 110,000 Audit Fees Audit fees represent the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our independent accounting firm for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports, review of registration statements or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. Audit-Related Fees Audit-related fees represent the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under Audit Fees. 12 Tax Fees Tax fees represent the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning for such years. All Other Fees All other fees represent the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than the services reported in the other categories. Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures The Audit Committee on an annual basis reviews audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditors. All audit and non-audit services are pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which considers, among other things, the possible effect of the performance of such services on the auditors’ independence. 13 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules (a) The following documents are filed or furnished as part of this Form 10-K: 1. Financial Statements. Reference is made to the Index to Financial Statements under Item 8, Part II hereof. 2. Financial Statement Schedules. The Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted either because they are not required or because the information has been included in the financial statements or the notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 3. Exhibits EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description of Document 3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 1-A file no. 024-10855) 3.2 Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 28, 2022) 3.3 Amended and Restated Bylaws of CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Form 1-A file no. 024-10855) 4.1 Form of warrant issued to convertible debt holders (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 1-A file no. 024-10855) 4.2 Form of Underwriter Warrant (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Form 1-A Amendment file no. 024-10855) 4.3 Description of Securities of CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 10-K/A filed April 30, 2021) 4.4 Form of Warrant issued in January 2022 offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2022) 4.5 Form of Pre-Funded Warrant issued in January 2022 offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2022) 4.6 Form of Pre-Funded Warrant issued in November 2023 offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Form S-1 file no. 333-267975) 14 4.7 Form of Common Warrant issued in November 2023 offering (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Form S-1 file no. 333-267975) 4.8 Form of Placement Agent Warrant issued in November 2023 offering (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Form S-1 file no. 333-267975) 10.1 Amended And Restated Patent License Agreement effective as of December 28, 2017 between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Houston Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 6.1 to the Company’s Form 1-A file no. 024-10855) 10.2 Collaboration and Asset Purchase Agreement between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. dated November 21, 2017 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 6.2 to the Company’s Form 1-A file no. 024-10855) 10.3 ** 2017 Stock Plan of CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 6.3 to the Company’s Form 1-A file no. 024-10855) 10.4 ** Employment Agreement between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and John M. Climaco dated September 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 6.4 to the Company’s Form 1-A file no. 024-10855) 10.5 ** Consulting Agreement between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Fresh Notion Financial Services dated July 27, 2017 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 6.5 to the Company’s Form 1-A file no. 024-10855) 10.6 Sublicense Agreement between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and WPD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. dated August 30, 2018 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 6.6 to the Company’s Form 1-A Amendment file no. 024-10855) 10.7 Sublicense Agreement between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Animal Life Sciences, LLC. dated August 31, 2018 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 6.7 to the Company’s Form 1-A Amendment file no. 024-10855) 10.8 ** Employment Letter between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Donald Picker (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form S-1 Amendment file no. 333-232443) 10.9 ** Employment Letter between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sandra Silberman (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Form S-1 Amendment file no. 333-232443) 10.10 ** Employment Agreement between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Christopher Downs (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Form S-1 file no. 333-232443) 10.11 + Patent and Technology License Agreement with The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, an agency of the State of Texas, on behalf of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, dated January 10, 2020 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed March 12, 2020) 10.12 ** Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed March 12, 2020) 10.13 Development Agreement between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and WPD Pharmaceuticals dated March 20, 2020 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 26, 2020) 10.14 ** 2020 Stock Plan of CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Form S-8, file no. 333-239998, filed on July 22, 2020 15 10.15** Amendment to Employment Agreement between CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and John Climaco dated September 1, 2020 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2020) 10.16 Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2020, by and between the Company and Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 21, 2020) 10.17 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2020, by and between the Company and Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 21, 2020) 10.18 Form of Registration Rights Agreement to investors in January 2022 offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2022) 10.19 Form of Registration Rights Agreement to investors in January 2022 offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2022) 10.20 Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy effective July 15, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 12, 2022) 10.21 Form of Placement Agent Agreement in November 2022 offering (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Form S-1 file no. 333-267975) 23.1 Consent of MaloneBailey LLP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 23.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 31, 2023) 31.1 * Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended 31.2 * Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended 32.1 * Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 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 Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 * Filed herewith. ** Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. + Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC, certain portions of this exhibit have been redacted. The Company hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC, upon its request, an unredacted copy of this exhibit. Item 16. 10-K Summary None. 16 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. CNS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. Date: May 1, 2023 By: /s/ John Climaco John Climaco Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated. Date: May 1, 2023 By: /s/ John Climaco John Climaco Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Date: May 1, 2023 /s/ Christopher Downs Christopher Downs Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Date: May 1, 2023 /s/ Faith L. Charles Faith L. Charles Director and Chair of the Board of Directors Date: May 1, 2023 /s/ Jerzy (George) Gumulka Jerzy (George) Gumulka Director Date: May 1, 2023 /s/ Carl Evans Carl Evans Director Date: May 1, 2023 /s/ Jeffry Keyes Jeffry Keyes Director Date: May 1, 2023 /s/ Andrzej Andraczke Andrzej Andraczke Director 17