UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
DC 20549
FORM
10-Q
☒
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For
the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
☐
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For
the transition period from to
Commission
file number 001-35853
Harvard
Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc.
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
45-5210462
(State
or Other Jurisdiction of
(IRS
Employer
Incorporation
or Organization)
Identification
No.)
84
October Hill Road , Suite 11 , Holliston , MA
01746
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip
Code)
(774)
233-7300
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of each exchange on which registered
N/A
N/A
N/A
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ YES ☐ NO
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). ☒ YES ☐ NO
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated
filer ☐
Non-accelerated
filer ☒
Smaller
reporting company ☒
Emerging
growth company ☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ YES ☒ NO
As
of November 6, 2023, there were 13,947,324 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.
Harvard
Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc.
(formerly
Biostage, Inc.)
Form
10-Q
For
the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023
INDEX
Page
PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
Item
1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited)
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
6
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
Item
2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
14
Item
3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
21
Item
4.
Controls and Procedures
21
PART II-OTHER INFORMATION
22
Item
1.
Legal Proceedings
22
Item
1A.
Risk Factors
22
Item
6.
Exhibits
22
SIGNATURES
24
2
PART
I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item
1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
HARVARD
APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in
thousands, except share and par value data)
September 30,
December 31,
2023
2022
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 269
$ 1,241
Short-term investments
1,232
—
Accounts receivable
3
—
Inventory
56
—
Prepaid research and development
210
274
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
120
79
Total current assets
1,890
1,594
Property, plant and equipment, net
31
49
Right-of-use assets, net
103
147
Deferred financing costs
544
610
Long-term prepaid contracts
1,214
—
Total assets
$ 3,782
$ 2,400
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 424
$ 682
Accrued and other current liabilities
539
582
Operating lease liability, current
92
99
Total current liabilities
1,055
1,363
Operating lease liability, net of current portion
11
48
Total liabilities
1,066
1,411
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
-
-
Series E convertible preferred stock, par value $ 0.01 per share, 5,000 shares authorized; 0 and 4,180 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
—
4,180
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock, par value $ 0.01 per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized; 13,882,060 and 12,174,467 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
139
122
Additional paid-in capital
92,707
79,698
Accumulated deficit
( 90,130 )
( 83,011 )
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
2,716
( 3,191 )
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
$ 3,782
$ 2,400
See
accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
HARVARD
APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in
thousands, except share and per share data)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Product revenue
$ 40
$ —
$ 40
$ —
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales
13
—
13
—
Research and development
339
369
2,414
998
Sales and marketing
143
—
198
—
General and administrative
1,169
711
4,577
3,662
Total operating expenses
1,664
1,080
7,202
4,660
Operating loss
( 1,624 )
( 1,080 )
( 7,162 )
( 4,660 )
Other income, net:
Sublease (expense) income
( 5 )
26
( 5 )
87
Other income (expense), net
14
( 2 )
48
( 5 )
Total other income, net
9
24
43
82
Net loss
( 1,615 )
( 1,056 )
( 7,119 )
( 4,578 )
Preferred stock dividends
—
( 77 )
( 77 )
( 95 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$ ( 1,615 )
$ ( 1,133 )
$ ( 7,196 )
$ ( 4,673 )
Basic and diluted net loss per share
$ ( 0.12 )
$ ( 0.10 )
$ ( 0.54 )
$ ( 0.42 )
Weighted average common shares, basic and diluted
13,882,060
11,615,642
13,297,391
11,205,477
See
accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
HARVARD
APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Unaudited)
( in
thousands, except share data )
Outstanding
Stock
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Number of
Common
Shares
Common
Additional
Paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Stockholders’
(Deficit)
Outstanding
Stock
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Balance at July 1, 2023 -
13,882,060
$ 139
$ 92,172
$ ( 88,515 )
$ 3,796
Share-based compensation expense -
—
—
535
—
535
Net loss
—
—
—
( 1,615 )
( 1,615 )
Balance at September 30, 2023 -
13,882,060
$ 139
$ 92,707
$ ( 90,130 )
$ 2,716
Series E
Convertible
Preferred
Number of
Common
Shares
Common
Additional
Paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Stockholders’
Stock
Outstanding
Stock
Capital
Deficit
Deficit
Balance at July 1, 2022
$ 4,018
11,615,642
$ 116
$ 79,347
$ ( 80,460 )
$ ( 997 )
Preferred stock dividends
77
—
—
( 77 )
—
( 77 )
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
—
244
—
244
Net loss
—
—
—
—
( 1,056 )
( 1,056 )
Balance at September 30, 2022
$ 4,095
11,615,642
$ 116
$ 79,514
$ ( 81,516 )
$ ( 1,886 )
Series E
Convertible
Preferred
Number of
Common
Shares
Common
Additional
Paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Stockholders’
(Deficit)
Stock
Outstanding
Stock
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2023
$ 4,180
12,174,467
$ 122
$ 79,698
$ ( 83,011 )
$ ( 3,191 )
Preferred stock dividends
77
—
—
( 77 )
—
( 77 )
Conversion of preferred stock for common stock
( 4,257 )
706,626
7
4,250
—
4,257
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs
—
1,000,967
10
5,982
—
5,992
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
—
2,854
—
2,854
Net loss
—
—
—
—
( 7,119 )
( 7,119 )
Balance at September 30, 2023
$ —
13,882,060
$ 139
$ 92,707
$ ( 90,130 )
$ 2,716
Series E
Convertible
Preferred
Number of
Common
Shares
Common
Additional
Paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Stockholders’
Stock
Outstanding
Stock
Capital
Deficit
Deficit
Balance at January 1, 2022
$ —
10,760,871
$ 108
$ 73,801
$ ( 76,938 )
$ ( 3,029 )
Issuance of series E convertible preferred stock
4,000
—
—
—
—
—
Preferred stock dividends
95
—
—
( 95 )
—
( 95 )
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs
—
854,771
8
5,052
—
5,060
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
—
756
—
756
Net loss
—
—
—
—
( 4,578 )
( 4,578 )
Balance at September 30, 2022
$ 4,095
11,615,642
$ 116
$ 79,514
$ ( 81,516 )
$ ( 1,886 )
See
accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
5
HARVARD
APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in
thousands)
2023
2022
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2023
2022
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss
$ ( 7,119 )
$ ( 4,578 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense
2,854
756
Depreciation
29
40
Amortization of right-of-use assets
44
81
Change in fair value of warrant liability
—
( 2 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
( 3 )
—
Inventory
( 56 )
—
Prepaid research and development
64
—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
( 41 )
83
Deferred financing costs
66
( 311 )
Long-term prepaid contracts
( 1,214 )
—
Accounts payable
( 258 )
206
Operating lease liabilities
( 44 )
( 81 )
Accrued and other current liabilities
( 43 )
433
Net cash used in operating activities
( 5,721 )
( 3,373 )
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of short-term investments
( 2,523 )
—
Redemption of short-term investments
1,291
—
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
( 11 )
( 8 )
Net cash used in investing activities
( 1,243 )
( 8 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
5,992
5,060
Net cash provided by financing activities
5,992
5,060
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
( 972 )
1,679
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
1,241
1,292
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
$ 269
$ 2,971
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Settlement of contingency matter
$ —
$ ( 3,250 )
Settlement of due to Harvard Bioscience included in accrued and other current liabilities
$ —
$ ( 750 )
Issuance of Series E convertible preferred stock
$ —
$ 4,000
Purchases of property and equipment in accounts payable or accrued expenses
$ 3
$ —
Preferred stock dividends
$ 77
$ 95
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock
$ 4,257
$ —
See
accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
HARVARD
APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
Overview and Basis of Presentation
Overview
Harvard
Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., formerly Biostage, Inc., (HRGN or the Company) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused
on the development of regenerative medicine treatments for disorders of the gastro-intestinal system and other organs that result from
cancer, trauma or birth defects. The Company’s technology is based on our proprietary cell-therapy platform that uses a patient’s
own stem cells to regenerate and restore function to damaged organs. The Company believes that its technology represents a next generation
solution for restoring organ function because it allows the patient to regenerate their own organ, thus eliminating the need for human
donor or animal transplants, the sacrificing of another of the patient’s own organs or permanent artificial implants. Since inception,
the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to business planning, research and development, recruiting management and technical
staff, and acquiring operating assets. The Company has two business segments and does not have significant costs or assets outside the
United States.
On
October 31, 2013, Harvard Bioscience, Inc., or Harvard Bioscience, contributed its regenerative medicine business assets, plus $ 15 million
of cash into HRGN, or the Separation. On November 1, 2013, the spin-off of the Company from Harvard Bioscience was completed. On that
date, the Company became an independent company that operates the regenerative medicine business previously owned by Harvard Bioscience.
The spin-off was completed through the distribution to Harvard Bioscience stockholders of all the shares of common stock of HRGN, or
the Distribution.
The
Company filed an amendment (the “Certificate of Amendment”) to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
“Certificate of Incorporation”) with the Secretary of State for the State of Delaware to change its name from Biostage, Inc.
to Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. The Company also amended and restated its Amended and Restated Bylaws, solely to reflect
the name change (as amended, the “Third Amended and Restated Bylaws”). The Certificate of Amendment and the Third Amended
and Restated Bylaws each became effective on July 20, 2023.
In
connection with the name change, the Company traded on the OTCQB under the new ticker symbol “HRGN”. The new ticker symbol
was effective at the open of the market on July 20, 2023.
Longevity Products
In
the second quarter of 2023, the Company’s subsidiary in Hong Kong, Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology Limited, or HRGN LTD,
started a longevity products business.
The
longevity products business plans to include a broad range of products focused on longevity dietary supplements. The Company started
selling longevity supplements through HRGN LTD in the third quarter of 2023. These products are marketed to the general public and initially
targeted at consumers in the Great China Region through eCommerce (online sales).
Going
Concern
The
Company has incurred substantial operating losses since its inception, and as of September 30, 2023 had an accumulated deficit of approximately
$ 90.1 million and will require additional financing to fund future operations. The Company expects that its operating cash and short-term
investments on-hand as of September 30, 2023 of approximately $ 1.5 million will enable it to fund its operating expenses and capital
expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2024. Therefore, these conditions present risks about the Company’s ability
to continue as a going concern.
The
Company will need to raise additional funds to fund its operations. In the event the Company is unable to raise additional capital from
outside sources before or during the first quarter of 2024, it may be forced to curtail or cease its operations.
Cash
requirements and cash resource needs will vary significantly depending upon the timing of the financial and other resource needs that
will be required to complete ongoing development, pre-clinical and clinical testing of product candidates, as well as regulatory efforts
and collaborative arrangements necessary for the Company’s product candidates that are currently under development. The Company
is currently seeking and will continue to seek financing from other existing and/or new investors to raise necessary funds through a
combination of public or private equity offerings. The Company may also pursue debt financings, other financing mechanisms, research
grants, or strategic collaborations and licensing arrangements. The Company may not be able to obtain additional financing on favorable
terms, if at all.
The
Company’s operations will be adversely affected if it is unable to raise or obtain needed funding and may materially affect the
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared
assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and therefore, the condensed consolidated financial statements do not include
any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amount and classifications
of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
7
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
The
accounting policies underlying the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are those set forth in Note 2 to
the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Prior
Period Reclassifications
Certain
prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. “Selling and marketing”
operating expenses was reclassified from “Selling, general and administrative” operating expenses on our condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Principles
of Consolidation
The
condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HRGN and its subsidiaries, Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology
Limited (Hong Kong), Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology (Hangzhou) Limited (China), Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology
GmbH (Germany) and HRGN Limited (UK). The functional currency for HRGN and these subsidiaries is the U.S dollar. All intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis
of Presentation
The
condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP.
Use
of Estimates
The
process of preparing condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates
include, but are not limited to, share-based compensation, valuation of warrant liability, accrued expenses and the valuation allowance
for deferred income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue
We recognize revenue in accordance with FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts
with Customers. We offer consumer products primarily through a third-party online store.
Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which generally occurs upon the delivery
to the customer. For any company direct sales to customers, revenue is recognized at a point in time upon shipment of product or hand-delivery
to customer. Revenue also excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties, including sales and indirect taxes.
We identify a performance obligation as distinct if both the following
criteria are true: the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily
available to the customer and the entity’s promise to transfer the good or service to the customer is separately identifiable from
other promises in the contract. Determining the standalone selling price (“SSP”) and allocation of consideration from a contract
to the individual performance obligations, and the appropriate timing of revenue recognition, is the result of significant qualitative
and quantitative judgments. Management considers a variety of factors such as historical sales, usage rates, costs, and expected margin,
which may vary over time depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each performance obligation in making these estimates.
While changes in the allocation of the SSP between performance obligations will not affect the amount of total revenue recognized for
a particular contract, any material changes could impact the timing of revenue recognition, which would have a material effect on our
financial position and result of operations. This is because the contract consideration is allocated to each performance obligation, delivered
or undelivered, at the inception of the contract based on the SSP of each distinct performance obligation.
Cost
of Sales
Cost
of sales primarily consists of the purchase price of consumer products, taxes, inbound and outbound shipping costs. Shipping costs
to receive products from our suppliers are recognized as cost of sales when incurred. E-commerce processing and related transaction
costs, including those associated with seller transactions, are classified in sales and marketing on our condensed consolidated
statements of operations.
Sales
and Marketing
Sales
and marketing costs include advertising and payroll and related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing and selling activities.
General
and Administrative
General
and administrative expenses primarily consist of costs for corporate functions, including payroll and related expenses; facilities and
equipment expenses, such as depreciation and amortization expense and rent; and professional fees.
Cash
Concentrations
The
Company maintains its cash balances with a financial institution in federally insured accounts and may periodically have cash balances
in excess of insurance limits. The Company maintains its accounts with financial institutions with a high credit rating. The Company
has not experienced any losses to date and believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
The Company currently invests available cash in money market funds.
Inventory
Inventory, consisting of products available
for sale, are primarily accounted for using the first-in, first-out method, and are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
This valuation requires us to make judgments, based on currently available information, about the likely method of disposition, such
as through sales to individual customers, returns to product vendors, or liquidations, and expected recoverable values of each disposition
category.
We maintain ownership of our inventory at the third-party
warehouse, regardless of whether fulfillment is provided by us or the third-party e-commerce seller, and therefore these products are
included in our inventories.
Long-term prepaid contracts
We have contracted with partners relating to our clinical trial activities.
Upon execution of the contracts, we made initial payments as deposits to be held on account and reconciled against final invoices when
the clinical trial is substantially completed.
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets
as follows:
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of
expected useful
life or lease term
Furniture, machinery and equipment, computer equipment and software
3 - 7 years
Maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while any additions or improvements are capitalized.
Net
Loss Per Share
Basic
net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding
during the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted-average
number of shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock
method. For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, warrants to purchase common stock and stock options are considered
to be common stock equivalents, but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, as their effect would be anti-dilutive
for all periods presented. Therefore, basic and diluted net loss per share applicable to common stockholders were the same for all periods
presented.
Unaudited
Interim Financial Information
The
accompanying interim condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2023, condensed consolidated interim statements of operations
and stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and cash flows for the nine
months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are unaudited. The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with GAAP on the same basis as the annual audited consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management,
reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2023, its condensed
consolidated results of operations and stockholders’ equity (deficit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and
2022, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. The financial data and other information disclosed in these
notes related to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are unaudited. The results for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023, any other interim
periods or any future year or period.
8
Recently
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting
standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future
date are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In
June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments (ASU 2016-12) . The new standard requires that expected credit losses relating to financial assets measured on an amortized
cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. It also limits the amount of credit
losses to be recognized for available-for-sale debt securities to the amount by which carrying value exceeds fair value and also requires
the reversal of previously recognized credit losses if fair value increases. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2023, and
the adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
3.
Fair Value Measurements and Short-term Investments
Fair
value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal
or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
The
Company utilizes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to the valuations used to measure fair value that prioritizes the
inputs into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level
3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A
financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant
to the fair value measurement.
The
Company had no assets or liabilities classified as Level 2 or Level 3 as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Company’s
short-term investments consist of a certificate of deposit account held to maturity and is carried at amortized cost. The carrying value
of financial instruments (consisting of cash, accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued expenses) is considered to be representative
of their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of those instruments. The certificate of deposit matured in October 2023
with the remaining $ 1.2 million released from short-term investments into cash and cash equivalents.
The
company has investments classified as short term and held-to-maturity on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Investment
income is included as other income. Investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 consists primarily
of interest earned of $ 18,000 and $ 0 , respectively. Investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30,
2022 consists of interest earned of $ 59,000 and $ 0 , respectively.
The
Company had approximately $ 0.3 million in cash equivalents and $ 1.2 million in short-term investments that consist of a certificate of
deposit held to maturity and is carried at amortized cost on the Company’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2023. The Company
had $ 1.2 million in cash equivalents and $ 0 in short-term investments that were measured and recorded at fair value on the Company’s
balance sheet at December 31, 2022.
Schedule
of Short Term Investment Securities
September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Amortized cost
Held-to-maturity
Certificate of deposit
$ 1,232
Total investment securities
$ 1,232
4.
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued
and other current liabilities consist of the following:
Schedule
of Accrued and Other Current Liabilities
September 30,
December 31,
2023
2022
(in thousands)
Research and development
$ 39
$ —
Advisory costs
300
300
Legal costs
—
135
Audit services
84
80
Payroll
110
55
Other liabilities
6
12
Total accrued and other current liabilities
$ 539
$ 582
5.
Capital Stock
Private
Placement
On
April 12, 2023 and on March 31, 2023, the Company entered into Securities Purchase Agreements, each a Purchase Agreement, with new and
existing investors, the Investors, pursuant to which the Investors agreed to purchase in a private placement an aggregate of 1,000,967
shares of common stock for the aggregate purchase price of approximately $ 6 million with a purchase price per unit of $ 6.00 .
9
The
Company had 1,113,622 warrants to purchase common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2023 with a weighted-average exercise price of
$ 4.69 .
6.
Series E Convertible Preferred Stock
On
April 28, 2022, the Company entered into a Preferred Issuance Agreement, or PIA, with Harvard Bioscience, Inc., or HBIO, dated as of
April 27, 2022. Pursuant to the PIA, the Company and HBIO agreed that once HBIO had paid at least $ 4.0 million in certain settlement
and related legal expenses, to satisfy the Company’s indemnification obligations with respect thereto, in lieu of paying cash,
the Company would issue senior convertible preferred stock to HBIO that will contain terms as described in the PIA.
On
June 10, 2022, following the execution of a subscription agreement and HBIO providing evidence of payment of the requisite $ 4.0 million
amount, the Company issued HBIO 4,000 shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, or Series E Preferred Stock, at a price of $ 1,000
per share to satisfy the Company’s related indemnification obligations pertaining to the $ 4.0 million, in lieu of paying cash.
On
January 18, 2023, HBIO converted 200 Series E Preferred Shares with accrued dividends of $ 9,545 into 31,933 shares of common stock.
In
connection with the private placement, as of April 12, 2023, the Company had received $ 6.0
million in aggregate proceeds in such private placement. The private placement resulted in gross proceeds of at least $ 4.0
million which triggered the mandatory conversion of all the Company’s outstanding Series E Preferred Stock and related
accrued dividends into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $ 6.00
per share. The conversion resulted in 674,693
shares of common stock being issued to the holder of the Series E Preferred Stock. Following such conversion, there are no shares of
Series E Preferred Stock outstanding.
There
were no shares of any of the classes of preferred stock outstanding as of September 30, 2023. Authorized shares for each preferred stock
class are as follows:
Schedule
of Categories of Preferred Stock
Authorized
Undesignated preferred stock
979,000
Series B convertible preferred stock
1,000,000
Series C convertible preferred stock
4,000
Series D convertible preferred stock
12,000
Series E convertible preferred stock
5,000
7.
Share-Based Compensation
HRGN
Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan
The
Company maintains the Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) for the benefit of certain officers, employees, non-employee
directors, and other key persons (including consultants and advisory board members). All options and awards granted under the Plan consist
of the Company’s shares of common stock. The Company’s policy is to issue stock available from its registered but unissued
stock pool through its transfer agent to satisfy stock option exercises and vesting of the restricted stock units. The vesting period
for awards is generally four years and the contractual life is ten years . Canceled and forfeited options and awards are available to
be reissued under the Plan.
The
Company’s Plan has 9,098,000 authorized shares to be issued under the Plan. There were 5,035,775 shares available for issuance
as of September 30, 2023.
The
following table summarizes information concerning options outstanding and exercisable:
Schedule
of Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Amount
Weighted-average exercise price
Weighted-average contractual life (years)
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2022
2,516,924
$ 3.95
7.68
$ 6,917
Granted
2,120,913
5.81
Canceled / forfeited
( 593,333 )
6.12
Outstanding at September 30, 2023
4,044,504
4.61
7.93
6,909
Options exercisable
2,109,399
4.70
7.31
4,605
Options vested and expected to vest
3,945,086
4.65
7.93
6,667
The
Company’s outstanding stock options include 773,195 performance-based awards that have vesting provisions subject to the achievement
of certain business milestones. Total unrecognized compensation expense for the remaining performance-based awards is approximately $ 2.9
million. No expense has been recognized for these awards as of September 30, 2023 given that the milestone achievements for these awards
have not yet been deemed probable for accounting purposes.
Aggregate
intrinsic value for outstanding options and exercisable options as of September 30, 2023, was approximately $ 6.9 million and $ 4.6 million,
respectively, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $ 5.36 per share as of September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2023,
unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested non-performance-based awards amounted to $ 4.4 million, which will be recognized over
a weighted-average period of 2.43 years.
10
The
Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value its stock options. The weighted average assumptions for valuing options
granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions
Nine months ended September 30,
2023
2022
Risk-free interest rate
3.82 %
2.71 %
Expected volatility
125.38 %
1 23.53 %
Expected term (in years)
5.8 years
5.8 years
Expected dividend yield
— %
— %
The
Company recorded share-based compensation expense in the following expense categories of its condensed consolidated statements of operations:
Schedule
of Share-based Compensation Expense
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Research and development
$ 69
$ 72
$ 182
$ 220
General and administrative
466
172
2,672
536
Total
$ 535
$ 244
$ 2,854
$ 756
8.
Commitments and Contingencies
On
April 14, 2017, representatives for the estate of an individual plaintiff filed a wrongful death complaint with the Suffolk Superior
Court, in the County of Suffolk, Massachusetts, against the Company and other defendants, including Harvard Bioscience, Inc., or HBIO,
the former parent of the Company that spun off the Company in 2013, as well as another third party. The complaint sought payment for
an unspecified amount of damages and alleged that the plaintiff sustained terminal injuries allegedly caused by products provided by
certain of the named defendants and utilized in connection with surgeries performed by third parties in Europe in 2012 and 2013. This
lawsuit related to the Company’s first-generation trachea scaffold technology for which the Company discontinued development in
2014, and not to the Company’s current HRGN Esophageal Implant.
On
April 27, 2022, the Company and HBIO executed a settlement with the plaintiffs (the “Settlement”), which resolves all claims
relating to the litigation. The Settlement resulted in the dismissal with prejudice of the wrongful death claim, and neither the Company
nor HBIO admit any fault or liability in connection with the claim. The Settlement also resolved any and all claims by and between the
parties and the Company’s product liability insurance carriers, which resulted in the dismissal with prejudice of all claims asserted
by or against those carriers, the Company and HBIO.
In
relation to the litigation, the Company paid approximately $ 5.9 million of aggregate costs related to the lawsuit. As of December 31, 2022, all such lawsuit related costs had
been paid or otherwise satisfied as provided below. This aggregate amount included the cost of legal and related costs incurred by the Company, which
consisted of attorneys’ fees and advisor and specialist costs as part of its defense in this matter. On March 3, 2022, the Company
received a cash payment of approximately $ 0.1 million from Medmarc, the Company’s insurance carrier. This amount represented a
reimbursement of previously incurred legal costs and was recorded as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses during
the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
11
With
respect to such $ 5.9 million of costs described above, the Company was required to either pay such costs directly or indemnify HBIO as
to such amounts it incurs. Of such amounts, the Company anticipated that HBIO would pay an aggregate amount of $ 4.0 million by the end
of the second quarter of 2022. With respect to the indemnification obligation of the Company to HBIO pertaining to such costs, the Company
and HBIO entered into a Preferred Issuance Agreement dated as of April 27, 2022 (the PIA). In connection with the PIA,
the Company and HBIO agreed that once HBIO had paid at least $ 4.0 million in such costs, to satisfy the Company’s indemnification
obligations with respect thereto, in lieu of paying cash, the Company would issue senior 8 % convertible preferred stock to HBIO that
will contain terms as described in the PIA, including the term sheet attached thereto. On June 10, 2022, following the execution of a
subscription agreement and HBIO providing evidence of payment of the requisite $ 4.0 million amount, the Company issued HBIO 4,000 shares
of Series E 8 % Convertible Preferred Stock at a price of $ 1,000 per share to satisfy the Company’s related indemnification obligations
aggregating $ 4.0 million, which included the accrual for contingency of $ 3.3 million and approximately $ 0.8 million of legal and related
costs paid on behalf of the Company by HBIO previously included in accrued expenses.
From
time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than
the above matter, there are no such matters pending that the Company expects to be material in relation to its business, financial condition,
results of operations, or cash flows.
9.
Leases
The
Company leases laboratory and office space and certain equipment with remaining terms ranging from 1 to 2 years.
The
laboratory and office space arrangement is under a sublease that was renewed in December of 2022 and currently extends through May 31,
2024. This lease automatically renews annually for one-year periods unless the Company or the counterparty provides a notice of termination
within one hundred and eighty days prior to May 31 st of each year.
On
January 5, 2022, the Company executed a four-month sublease agreement for certain laboratory and office space at its Holliston, Massachusetts
facility. The Company further extended the sublease agreement on a month-to-month basis until August 31, 2022 when the other party vacated
the premises. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded sublease income of approximately $ 61,000 relating to
this agreement.
All
of the Company’s leases qualify as operating leases. The following table summarizes the presentation of the Company’s operating
leases in its condensed consolidated balance sheets:
Schedule of Operating Leases in Consolidated Balance Sheets
Balance Sheet Classification
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
(in thousands)
Assets:
Operating lease assets
Right-of-use asset, net
$ 103
$ 147
Liabilities:
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
92
99
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
11
48
Total operating lease liabilities
$ 103
$ 147
The
Company recorded operating lease expense in the following categories in its condensed consolidated statements of operations:
Schedule
of Operating Lease Expense Categories in Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Research and development
$ 17
$ 19
$ 51
$ 58
Sales and marketing
5
—
5
—
General and administrative
11
11
33
33
Total
$ 33
$ 30
$ 89
$ 91
12
Cash
paid included in the computation of the operating lease assets and lease liabilities during the three and nine months ended September
30, 2023 amounted to approximately $ 33,000 and $ 89,000 , respectively. Cash paid included in the computation of the operating lease assets
and lease liabilities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 amounted to approximately $ 30,000 and $ 91,000 , respectively.
The
weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate of the Company’s operating leases are as follows:
Schedule
of Weighted Average Lease Term and Discount Rates
As of September 30,
2023
2022
Remaining lease term (in years)
0.66
0.94
Discount rate
12.77 %
9.35 %
The
minimum lease payments for the next three years are expected to be as follows:
Schedule
of Minimum Lease Payments
As of
September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
2023
$ 33
2024
69
2025
5
Total lease payments
107
Less: imputed interest
( 4 )
Present value of operating lease liabilities
$ 103
10.
Net Loss Per Share
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share
2023
2022
2023
2022
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
Net loss
$ ( 1,615 )
$ ( 1,056 )
$ ( 7,119 )
$ ( 4,578 )
Preferred stock dividends
—
( 77 )
( 77 )
( 95 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$ ( 1,615 )
$ ( 1,133 )
$ ( 7,196 )
$ ( 4,673 )
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
13,882,060
11,615,642
13,297,391
11,205,477
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
$ ( 0.12 )
$ ( 0.10 )
$ ( 0.54 )
$ ( 0.42 )
The
following potential common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:
Schedule
of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share
Nine months ended September 30,
2023
2022
Options to purchase common stock
4,044,504
2,508,490
Warrants to purchase common stock
1,113,622
1,888,622
Series E convertible preferred stock
—
653,128
Total
5,158,126
5,050,240
11.
Income Taxes
The
Company did not record a federal or state income tax provision or benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively,
due to the expected loss before income taxes to be incurred for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, as well as the Company’s
continued maintenance of a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets.
12.
Subsequent Events
The
Company performed a review of events subsequent to the balance sheet through the date the financial statements were issued and determined
that there were no such events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
13
Item
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward
Looking Statements
This
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements that are not statements of historical fact and are forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange
Act”). The forward-looking statements are principally, but not exclusively, contained in “Item 2: Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements
about management’s confidence or expectations and our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical facts
and the potential impact of COVID-19 on our business and operations. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms
such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expects,”
“plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “goals,” “sees,” “estimates,”
“projects,” “predicts,” “intends,” “think,” “potential,” “objectives,”
“optimistic,” “strategy,” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements
reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these
uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause our actual results to
differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include our ability to access debt and equity markets and raise additional
funds when needed; the success of our collaborations, clinical trials and pre-clinical development efforts and programs, which success
may not be achieved on a timely basis or at all; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for our implant products, bioreactors,
scaffolds and other devices we pursue, including for the esophagus or airway, which approvals may not be obtained on a timely basis or
at all; the number of patients who can be treated with our products; the amount and timing of costs associated with our development of
implant products, bioreactors, scaffolds and other devices; our failure to comply with regulations and any changes in regulations; unpredictable
difficulties or delays in the development of new technology; our collaborators or other third parties we contract with, including with
respect to conducting any clinical trial or pre-clinical development efforts, not devoting sufficient time and resources to successfully
carry out their duties or meet expected deadlines; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and key employees and retain
senior management; potential liability exposure with respect to our products; the availability and price of acceptable raw materials
and components from third-party suppliers; difficulties in obtaining or retaining the management and other human resource competencies
that we need to achieve our business objectives; increased competition in the field of regenerative medicine and bioengineering, and
the financial resources of our competitors; our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our device and product
candidates; our inability to implement our growth strategy; the control our principal stockholders can exert based on holding a majority
of voting power; plus factors described under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 30, 2023 or described
in our other public filings. Our results may also be affected by factors of which we are not currently aware. We may not update these
forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future, unless we have obligations under the federal securities
laws to update and disclose material developments related to previously disclosed information.
Harvard
Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. is referred to herein as “we,” “our,” “us”, and “the
Company”.
Business
Overview
We
are a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of regenerative medicine treatments for disorders of the gastro-intestinal
system and other organs that result from cancer, trauma or birth defects. Our technology is based on our proprietary cell-therapy platform
that uses a patient’s own stem cells to regenerate and restore function to damaged organs. We believe that our technology represents
a next generation solution for restoring organ function because it allows the patient to regenerate their own organ, thus eliminating
the need for human donor or animal transplants, the sacrificing of another of the patient’s own organs or permanent artificial
implants.
14
We
conducted the world’s first successful regeneration of the esophagus in a cancer patient in August 2017. This surgery was performed
by Dr. Dennis Wigle, Chair of Thoracic Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in a patient with esophageal cancer. The results were published in
the Journal of Thoracic Oncology Clinical and Research Reports in August 2021. The procedure demonstrated that using HRGN’s technology,
we were able to successfully regenerate esophageal tissue, including the mucosal lining, to restore the integrity, continuity and functionality
of the esophageal tube. This successful first-in-human experience, plus the research we have performed on 45 pigs, led the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to approve our 10-patient combined phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trial. This combination trial
will measure both safety and efficacy in the patient population.
We
were incorporated and commenced operations on November 1, 2013 as a result of a spin-off from Harvard Bioscience, Inc., or Harvard Bioscience.
On that date, we became an independent company that operates the regenerative medicine business previously owned by Harvard Bioscience.
The spin-off was completed through the distribution of all the shares of common stock of HRGN to Harvard Bioscience stockholders.
We continue to assess the market and
regulatory approval pathway in China as to our implant products. We are not certain at this time as to which market, including U.S. or
China for example, may provide the most viable initial pathway for regulatory approval to a commercial product. This will depend on a
number of factors, including the approval and development processes, related costs, ability to raise capital and the terms and conditions
thereof, among other factors. Any development and capital raising efforts in China may include a joint venture in relation to our Hong
Kong subsidiary, and would also involve a number of commercial variables, including rights and obligations pertaining to licensing, development,
and financing, among others. Our failure to receive or obtain such clearances or approvals on a timely basis or at all, whether that
be in the U.S., China or otherwise, would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
We
filed an amendment (the “Certificate of Amendment”) to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary
of State for the State of Delaware to change our name from Biostage, Inc. to Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. We also
amended and restated our Amended and Restated Bylaws, solely to reflect the name change (as amended, the “Third Amended and Restated
Bylaws”). The Certificate of Amendment and the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws each became effective on July 20, 2023.
Since
our incorporation, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to developing our programs, building our intellectual property
portfolio, business planning, raising capital and providing selling, general and administrative support for these operations. To date,
we have financed our operations with proceeds from the sales of common stock and preferred stock. In December 2017, we sold the inventory
and rights to manufacture and sell research-only versions of our bioreactors to Harvard Bioscience.
We
have contracted with IQVIA, a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions and clinical research services to the
life sciences industry, as the contract research organization (CRO) to manage our first clinical trial. We activated the first clinical
trial site and started screening patients in the third quarter of 2023. Our product candidates are currently in development and have
not yet received regulatory approval for sale anywhere in the world.
In
the second quarter of 2023, the Company’s subsidiary in Hong Kong, Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology Limited, or HRGN LTD,
started a longevity products business.
The
longevity products business plans to include a broad range of products focused on personal healthcare including longevity dietary
supplements. The Company started selling longevity supplements through the Hong Kong subsidiary in the third quarter of 2023. These products
are marketed to the general public and initially targeted at consumers in the Great China Region through eCommerce (online sales).
Financial
Condition and Need for Additional Funds
We
expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flows from operations for 2023 and in future years.
Operating
Losses and Cash Requirements
We
have incurred substantial operating losses since our inception, and as of September 30, 2023 had an accumulated deficit of approximately
$90.1 million and will require additional financing to fund future operations. We expect that our operating cash and short-term investments
on-hand as of September 30, 2023 of approximately $1.5 million will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure
requirements into the first quarter of 2024. We expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flows from operations
for 2023 and in future years. Therefore, as disclosed in Note 1 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere
in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, these conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We
will need to raise additional funds to fund our operations. In the event we do not raise additional capital from outside sources before
or during the first quarter of 2024, we may be forced to curtail or cease our operations.
15
Cash
requirements and cash resource needs will vary significantly depending upon the timing of the financial and other resource needs that
will be required to complete ongoing development, pre-clinical and clinical testing of product candidates, as well as regulatory efforts
and collaborative arrangements necessary for our product candidates that are currently under development. We are currently seeking and
will continue to seek financings from other existing and/or new investors to raise necessary funds through a combination of public or
private equity offerings. We may also pursue debt financings, other financing mechanisms, research grants, or strategic collaborations
and licensing arrangements. We may not be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, if at all.
Our
operations will be adversely affected if we are unable to raise or obtain needed funding and may materially affect our ability to continue
as a going concern. Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern
and therefore, the condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects
on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amount and classifications of liabilities that may result from the outcome
of this uncertainty.
Components
of Operating Loss
Product
revenue . Product revenue consists of longevity product sales, launched in the Asia region in the third quarter of 2023. We had not
generated any revenue prior to the launch of our longevity products.
Research
and development expense . Research and development expense consists of salaries and related expenses, including share-based compensation,
for personnel and contracted consultants and various materials and other costs to develop our new products, primarily: synthetic scaffolds,
including investigation and development of materials and investigation and optimization of cellularization, as well as studies of cells
and cell behavior. Other research and development expenses include the costs of outside service providers and material costs for prototype
and test units and outside laboratories and testing facilities performing cell growth and materials experiments, as well as the costs
of all other preclinical research and testing including animal studies and expenses related to potential patents. We expense research
and development costs as incurred.
Sales and marketing expense . Sales and marketing
costs include advertising and payroll and related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing and selling activities.
General and administrative expense . Selling, general and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries and other related
expenses, including share-based compensation. Other costs include professional fees for legal and accounting services, insurance, investor
relations and facility costs.
Sublease
income. On January 5, 2022, we executed a four-month sublease agreement for certain laboratory and office space at its Holliston,
Massachusetts facility. We further extended the sublease agreement to a month-to-month basis until August 31, 2022 when the other party
vacated the premises. We have no sublease agreements generating sublease income as of September 30, 2023.
Other
income, net. Other income, net, consists primarily of interest income and the changes in fair value of our warrant liability from
the change in the fair value of common stock warrants classified as liability awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
We previously used the Black-Scholes pricing model to value the related warrant liability. In February of 2022, the underlying common
stock warrants expired unexercised.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our
management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements,
which we have prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or. GAAP. The preparation of
these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the expenses during the reporting
periods. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various
other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our actual results may differ materially
from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While
our significant accounting policies are discussed in more detail in Note 2 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements appearing
elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical for fully understanding
and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations.
16
Share-based
Compensation
We
account for our share-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of current authoritative guidance.
Share-based awards, including stock options, are measured at fair value as of the grant date and recognized as expense over the requisite
service period (generally the vesting period), which we have elected to amortize on a straight-line basis. Expense on share-based awards
for which vesting is performance or milestone based is recognized on a straight-line basis from the date when we determine the achievement
of the milestone is probable to the vesting/milestone achievement date. Since share-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately
expected to vest, it has been reduced by an estimate for future forfeitures. Until December 31, 2022, we estimated forfeitures at the
time of grant and would revise our estimate, if necessary, in subsequent periods. As of January 1, 2023, we account for forfeitures as
they occur. We estimate the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Significant judgment is required
in determining the proper assumptions used in this model. The assumptions used include the risk-free interest rate, expected term, expected
volatility, and expected dividend yield. We base our assumptions on historical data when available or, when not available, on a peer
group of companies. However, these assumptions consist of estimates of future market conditions, which are inherently uncertain and subject
to our judgment, and therefore any changes in assumptions could significantly impact the future grant date fair value of share-based
awards.
Warrant
Liability
Most
of the warrants to purchase shares of our common stock have been classified on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as equity. We
classify warrants as a liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets if the warrant is a free-standing financial instrument
that may require us to transfer cash consideration upon exercise and that cash transfer event would be out of our control. Such a “liability
warrant” is initially recorded at fair value on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model, net of issuance costs, and it
is subsequently re-measured to fair value at each subsequent balance sheet date. Changes in fair value of the warrants is recognized
as a component of other expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The warrants classified as a liability expired
unexercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the remaining liability on the expiration date of approximately $2,000
was recognized as other income.
Results
of Operations
The
following table summarizes the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
Three
months
ended
September 30,
Change
2023
vs. 2022
Nine
months ended September 30,
Change
2023
vs. 2022
2023
2022
Change
%
2023
2022
Change
%
Product
revenue
$
40
$
—
$
40
100
%
$
40
$
—
$
40
100
%
Operating
expenses
Cost
of sales
13
—
13
100
%
13
—
13
100
%
Research
and development
339
369
(30
)
(8)
%
2,414
998
1,416
142
%
Sales and marketing
143
—
143
100
%
198
—
198
100
%
General and administrative
1,169
711
458
64
%
4,577
3,662
915
25
%
Total
operating expenses
1,664
1,080
584
54
%
7,202
4,660
2,542
55
%
Other
income
Sublease
(expense) income
(5
)
26
(31
)
nm
%
(5
)
87
(92
)
nm
%
Other
income (expense), net
14
(2
)
16
nm
%
48
(5
)
53
nm
%
Total
other income, net
9
24
(15
)
(63)
%
43
82
(39
)
(48
)%
Net
loss
$
(1,615
)
$
(1,056
)
$
(559
)
53
%
$
(7,119
)
$
(4,578
)
$
(2,541
)
56
%
nm
= not meaningful
17
Comparison
of the three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022
Product
Revenue
Product
revenue was $40,000 and zero for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Product revenue consists of longevity
product sales, launched in the Asia region in the third quarter of 2023. We had not generated any revenue prior to the launch of our
longevity products.
Cost
of Sales
Cost of sales was $13,000 and zero for the three months ended September
30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, cost of sales consists of the purchase price of consumer
products, taxes, inbound and outbound shipping costs.
Research
and Development Expense
Research
and development expense decreased approximately $30,000, or 8%, to approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30,
2023 as compared to approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. This decrease was primarily due to lower
advisory costs for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Sales and Marketing Expense
HRGN Limited launched its longevity products
Business in the second quarter of 2023 so there were no prior comparable period costs. Selling and marketing expense was $0.1
million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to zero for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
General and Administrative Expense
General
and administrative expense increased approximately $0.5 million, or 64%, to approximately $1.2 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2023 as compared to approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. This increase was
primarily due to share-based compensation expense of $0.3 million from the vesting of time-based awards in the third quarter of 2023
and increased headcount related costs of approximately $0.2 million.
Sublease
(expense) income
On
January 5, 2022, we executed a four-month sublease agreement for certain laboratory and office space at our Holliston, Massachusetts
facility. We further extended the sublease agreement on a month-to-month basis until August 31, 2022 when the other party vacated the
premises. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, we recorded sublease income of approximately $26,000 relating to this agreement.
We have no sublease agreements generating sublease income as of September 30, 2023. In 2023, we refunded $5,000 of a deposit not utilized,
which was recorded as sublease income in 2022.
Other
income, net
During
the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded interest income of approximately $18,000 earned from our money market account
and certificate of deposit offset by approximately $4,000 on insurance installment payments. During the three months ended September
30, 2022, we recorded interest expense of approximately $2,000 on insurance installment payments.
Comparison
of the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022
Product
Revenue
Product
revenue was $40,000 and zero for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Product revenue consists of longevity
product sales, launched in the Asia region in the third quarter of 2023. We had not generated any revenue prior to the launch of our
longevity products.
18
Cost
of Sales
Cost of sales was $13,000 and zero for the nine months ended September
30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, cost of sales consists of the purchase price of consumer
products, taxes, inbound and outbound shipping costs.
Research
and Development Expense
Research
and development expense increased approximately $1.4 million, or 142%, to approximately $2.4 million for the nine months ended September
30, 2023 as compared to approximately $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. This increase was primarily due to preclinical
trial activities to increase our product pipeline and clinical trial activities resulting in our first site activation in the third quarter
of 2023.
Sales and Marketing Expense
HRGN Limited launched its longevity products
Business in the second quarter of 2023 so there were no prior period costs. Selling and marketing expense was $0.2 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to zero for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
General and Administrative Expense
General
and administrative expense increased approximately $0.9 million, or 25%, to approximately $4.6 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2023 as compared to approximately $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. This increase was
primarily due to share-based compensation expense of $2.1 million from the vesting of performance based awards in the first half of
2023 and increased headcount related costs of approximately $0.4 million offset by a decrease of approximately $0.3 million for
supporting our ongoing public company requirements and reduced legal and related costs of approximately $1.3 million relating to the
completion of litigation for a wrongful death complaint and related matters more fully described in Note 8 to our condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Sublease
(expense) income
On
January 5, 2022, we executed a four-month sublease agreement for certain laboratory and office space at our Holliston, Massachusetts
facility. We further extended the sublease agreement on a month-to-month basis until August 31, 2022 when the other party vacated the
premises. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recorded sublease income of approximately $87,000 relating to this agreement.
We have no sublease agreements generating sublease income as of September 30, 2023. In 2023, we refunded $5,000 of a deposit not utilized,
which was recorded as sublease income in 2022.
Other
income, net
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded interest income of approximately $59,000 earned from our money market account and
certificate of deposit offset by approximately $11,000 on insurance installment payments.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recorded a gain on expiration of the common share warrants of approximately $2,000 in other
expense, net as they expired unexercised in February 2022. We also recorded interest expense of approximately $7,000 on insurance installment
payments.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Sources
of liquidity. We have incurred operating losses since inception, and as of September 30, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately
$90.1 million. We are currently investing significant resources in the development and commercialization of our product candidates for
use by clinicians and researchers in the fields of regenerative medicine and bioengineering. As a result, we expect to incur operating
losses and negative operating cash flows for the foreseeable future.
19
The
following table sets forth the primary uses of cash for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
Net cash used in operating activities
$ (5,721 )
$ (3,373 )
Net cash used by investing activities
$ (1,243 )
$ (8 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
$ 5,992
$ 5,060
Comparison
of nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Operating activities. Net cash used in operating activities of approximately
$5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was due primarily to our net loss of approximately $7.1 million offset by adjustments
for non-cash items of approximately $2.9 million due to non-cash expenses for share-based compensation and depreciation, and an approximately
$1.5 million decrease to cash from changes in working capital due to the timing of payments for accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid
expenses, deferred financing costs, long-term prepaid contracts, accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Net
cash used in operating activities of approximately $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was due primarily to our
net loss of approximately $4.6 million and offset by adjustments for non-cash items of approximately $0.8 million due to non-cash expenses
for share-based compensation and depreciation, and an approximately $0.4 million increase to cash from changes in working capital due
to the timing of payments for accounts payable, accrued expenses, prepaid expenses and deferred financing costs.
Investing
activities. Net cash used in investing activities included purchases of property, plant and equipment for the nine months ended
September 30, 2023 and 2022 representing approximately $11,000 and $8,000, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30,
2023, we invested in a certificate of deposit for $2.5 million that earned $32,000 in interest. We withdrew $1.3 million from the
certificate of deposit prior to the maturity date to pay clinical trial related deposits. The certificate of deposit matured in
October 2023 with the remaining $1.2 million released from short-term investments into cash and cash equivalents.
Financing
activities. Net cash generated from financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 of approximately $6.0 million
consisted of net proceeds received from a private placement transaction that resulted in the issuance of 1,000,967 shares of our common
stock at a purchase price of $6.00 per share to a group of investors.
Net
cash generated from financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 of approximately $5.1 million consisted of net
proceeds received from a private placement transaction that resulted in the issuance of 854,771 shares of our common stock at a purchase
price of $5.92 per share and warrants to purchase 427,390 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $8.88 per share to a group of
investors.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We
do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2023.
Other
Information
None.
20
Item
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The
Company is a smaller reporting company and is not required to provide this information pursuant to Item 305(e), Regulation S-K.
Item
4. Controls and Procedures.
This
Report includes the certifications of our principal executive officer and our principal financial and accounting officer required by
Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act. See Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2. This Item 4 includes information concerning the controls and control evaluations
referred to in those certifications.
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within
the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including
the Chief Executive Officer, Director, and Chairman, who is our principal executive officer, and our Chief Financial Officer, who is
our principal financial and accounting officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
In
connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management, under the supervision and with the participation
of our principal executive officer and our principal financial and accounting officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of
the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2023. Based upon the evaluation described above,
our principal executive officer and our principal financial and accounting officer have concluded that they believe our disclosure controls
and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report, in providing reasonable assurance that information
required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management,
including our principal executive officer and our principal financial and accounting officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosures, and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
rules and forms.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our
management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial and accounting officer, has evaluated
whether any change in our internal control over financial accounting and reporting occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
During the period covered by this report, we have concluded that there were no changes during the fiscal quarter in our internal control
over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, which have materially affected, or are reasonably
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial accounting and reporting.
21
PART
II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1. Legal Proceedings
From
time to time, we may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than the civil
lawsuit described in Item 3 of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2023 and in our Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on April 27, 2022, there are no such matters pending that we expect to be material in relation to our business, financial
condition, and results of operations or cash flows.
Item
1A. Risk Factors
To
our knowledge and except to the extent additional factual information disclosed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relates to such
risk factors, there have been no material changes in the risk factors described in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 30, 2023.
Item
5. Other Information
In
the three months ended September 30, 2023, no directors or officers adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading
arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation
S-K.
Item
6. Exhibits
Exhibit
Index
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form 10-12B, filed on July 31, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (previously filed as exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 31, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (previously filed as exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 17, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.4
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock classifying and designating the Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock (previously filed as exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on October 31, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.5
Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock classifying and designating the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (previously filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 12, 2015, and incorporated by reference thereto).
3.6
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (previously filed as exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 27, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.7
Certificate of Designations, Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock classifying and designating the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (previously filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 17, 2017, and incorporated by reference thereto).
3.8
Certificate of Elimination of Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock (previously filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 17, 2017, and incorporated by reference thereto).
3.9
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (previously filed as exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 22, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.10
Certificate of Designations, Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock classifying and designating the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (previously filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 3, 2018, and incorporated by reference thereto).
22
3.11
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (previously filed as exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 28, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.12
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (previously filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 20, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.13
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (previously filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 20, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1#
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2023, by and between Biostage, Inc. and Junli He (previously filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 10, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2+
Third Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
31.1+
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Director, and Chairman of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2+
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Director, and Chairman of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
Inline
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within
the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
Exhibit
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags
are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
#
Management
contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
+
Filed
herewith.
*
This
certification shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise
subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities
Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
23
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date:
November 13, 2023
HARVARD
APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
By:
/s/
Junli He
Name:
Junli
He
Title:
Chief
Executive Officer, Director, and Chairman
(principal
executive officer)
By:
/s/
Joseph L.Damasio Jr.
Name:
Joseph
L. Damasio Jr.
Title:
Chief
Financial Officer
(principal
financial officer)
24
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.