10-Q
1
tm2020427-1_10q.htm
FORM 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For
Quarterly Period ended June 30, 2020
¨ 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: 00 1-36357
LIPOCINE
INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified
in its charter)
Delaware
99-0370688
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
675
Arapeen Drive, Suite 202 ,
Salt
Lake City , Utah
84108
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
801-994-7383
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
LPCN
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or 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: x
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 x 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
x
Smaller reporting company
x
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 x
Outstanding Shares
As
of August 4, 2020, the registrant had 65,582,650 shares of common stock outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
3
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
21
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
38
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
38
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
39
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
39
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
43
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
43
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
43
Item 5.
Other Information
43
Item 6.
Exhibits
44
2
PART I— FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
ITEM
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LIPOCINE
INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
June 30,
December 31,
2020
2019
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 13,837,818
$ 9,728,523
Restricted cash
5,000,000
5,000,000
Marketable investment securities
4,466,541
4,340,041
Accrued interest income
7,919
16,522
Prepaid and other current assets
147,308
545,887
Total current assets
23,459,586
19,630,973
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,141,741 and $1,140,143, respectively
1,956
3,554
Other assets
23,753
23,753
Total assets
$ 23,485,295
$ 19,658,280
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity.
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 906,826
$ 1,182,241
Accrued expenses
993,258
449,303
Debt - current portion
2,331,710
3,333,333
Total current liabilities
4,231,794
4,964,877
Debt - non-current portion
4,002,221
3,814,407
Warrant liability
2,166,312
4,591,200
Total liabilities
10,400,327
13,370,484
Commitments and contingencies (notes 5, 7, 8 and 10)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized; zero issued and outstanding
-
-
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 61,383,016 and 37,655,175 issued and 61,377,306 and 37,649,465 outstanding
6,138
3,766
Additional paid-in capital
176,327,120
157,391,969
Treasury stock at cost, 5,710 shares
(40,712 )
(40,712 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(104 )
(38 )
Accumulated deficit
(163,207,474 )
(151,067,189 )
Total stockholders' equity
13,084,968
6,287,796
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 23,485,295
$ 19,658,280
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
3
LIPOCINE
INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
2020
2019
Operating expenses:
Research and development
$ 2,268,984
$ 1,964,146
$ 4,780,739
$ 3,913,966
General and administrative
1,953,535
1,386,457
4,038,795
2,562,385
Total operating expenses
4,222,519
3,350,603
8,819,534
6,476,351
Operating loss
(4,222,519 )
(3,350,603 )
(8,819,534 )
(6,476,351 )
Other income (expense):
Interest and investment income
7,177
124,581
67,115
249,846
Interest expense
(87,847 )
(204,575 )
(221,192 )
(428,364 )
Loss on warrant liability
(2,066,445 )
-
(3,166,474 )
-
Total other expense, net
(2,147,115 )
(79,994 )
(3,320,551 )
(178,518 )
Loss before income tax expense
(6,369,634 )
(3,430,597 )
(12,140,085 )
(6,654,869 )
Income tax expense
-
-
(200 )
(200 )
Net loss
$ (6,369,634 )
$ (3,430,597 )
$ (12,140,285 )
$ (6,655,069 )
Basic loss per share attributable to common stock
$ (0.13 )
$ (0.14 )
$ (0.27 )
$ (0.28 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
49,769,253
24,591,419
45,558,442
23,990,552
Diluted loss per share attributable to common stock
$ (0.13 )
$ (0.14 )
$ (0.27 )
$ (0.28 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
49,769,253
24,591,419
45,558,442
23,990,552
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss
$ (6,369,634 )
$ (3,430,597 )
$ (12,140,285 )
$ (6,655,069 )
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
(104 )
1,528
(66 )
3,880
Comprehensive loss
$ (6,369,738 )
$ (3,429,069 )
$ (12,140,351 )
$ (6,651,189 )
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements
4
LIPOCINE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For
the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019
(Unaudited)
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Total
Number of
Shares
Amount
Number of
Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Gain (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders'
Equity
Balances at March 31, 2019
24,574,953
$ 2,458
5,710
$ (40,712 )
$ 153,872,876
$ 1,389
$ (141,284,317 )
$ 12,551,694
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,430,597 )
(3,430,597 )
Unrealized
net gain on marketable investment securities
-
-
-
-
-
1,528
-
1,528
Stock-based compensation
-
-
-
-
446,350
-
-
446,350
Common stock sold through ATM offering
149,037
15
-
-
281,216
-
-
281,231
Balances at June 30, 2019
24,723,990
$ 2,473
5,710
$ (40,712 )
$ 154,600,442
$ 2,917
$ (144,714,914 )
$ 9,850,206
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Total
Number
of
Shares
Amount
Number
of
Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Gain (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders'
Equity
Balances
at December 31, 2018
21,731,486
$ 2,174
5,710
$ (40,712 )
$ 147,533,019
$ (963 )
$ (138,059,845 )
$ 9,433,673
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,655,069 )
(6,655,069 )
Unrealized
net gain on marketable investment securities
-
-
-
-
-
3,880
-
3,880
Stock-based
compensation
-
-
-
-
723,277
-
-
723,277
Common
stock sold through ATM offering
2,992,504
299
-
-
6,344,146
-
-
6,344,445
Balances
at June 30, 2019
24,723,990
$ 2,473
5,710
$ (40,712 )
$ 154,600,442
$ 2,917
$ (144,714,914 )
$ 9,850,206
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Total
Number
of
Shares
Amount
Number
of
Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Gain (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders'
Equity
Balances
at March 31, 2020
47,854,499
$ 4,786
5,710
$ (40,712 )
$ 163,426,502
$ -
$ (156,837,840 )
$ 6,552,736
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,369,634 )
(6,369,634 )
Unrealized
net gain on marketable investment securities
-
-
-
-
-
(104 )
-
(104 )
Stock-based
compensation
-
-
-
-
465,058
-
-
465,058
Vesting
of restricted stock units
25,000
2
(2 )
-
Common
stock issued for warrant exercises
13,497,807
1,350
-
-
6,852,308
-
-
6,853,658
Settlement
of warrant liability on warrant exercises
-
-
-
-
5,591,362
-
-
5,591,362
Costs
associated with ATM offering
-
-
-
-
(8,108 )
-
-
(8,108 )
Balances
at June 30, 2020
61,377,306
$ 6,138
5,710
$ (40,712 )
$ 176,327,120
$ (104 )
$ (163,207,474 )
$ 13,084,968
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Total
Number
of
Shares
Amount
Number
of
Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Gain (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders'
Equity
Balances
at December 31, 2019
37,649,465
$ 3,766
5,710
$ (40,712 )
$ 157,391,969
$ (38 )
$ (151,067,189 )
$ 6,287,796
Net
loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
(12,140,285 )
(12,140,285 )
Unrealized
net loss on marketable investment securities
-
-
-
-
-
(66 )
-
(66 )
Stock-based
compensation
-
-
-
-
786,971
-
-
786,971
Vesting
of restricted stock units
25,000
2
-
-
(2 )
-
-
-
Common
stock sold through equity offering
10,084,034
1,008
-
-
5,652,132
-
-
5,653,140
Common
stock issued for warrant exercises
13,618,807
1,362
-
-
6,912,796
-
-
6,914,158
Settlement
of warrant liability on warrant exercises
-
-
-
-
5,591,362
-
-
5,591,362
Costs
associated with ATM offering
-
-
-
-
(8,108 )
-
-
(8,108 )
Balances
at June 30, 2020
61,377,306
$ 6,138
5,710
$ (40,712 )
$ 176,327,120
$ (104 )
$ (163,207,474 )
$ 13,084,968
See
accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
5
LIPOCINE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$ (12,140,285 )
$ (6,655,069 )
Adjustments to reconcile net
loss to cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation expense
1,598
7,722
Stock-based compensation expense
786,971
723,277
Non-cash interest expense
63,765
123,893
Non-cash loss on change in fair value of warrant liability
3,166,474
-
Amortization of discount on marketable investment securities
(9,755 )
(105,788 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest income
8,603
22,903
Prepaid and other current assets
398,579
371,183
Accounts payable
(275,415 )
(555,249 )
Accrued expenses
543,955
506,321
Cash used in operating activities
(7,455,510 )
(5,560,807 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of marketable investment securities
(4,466,811 )
(12,530,190 )
Maturities of marketable investment securities
4,350,000
9,000,000
Cash used in investing activities
(116,811 )
(3,530,190 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt repayments
(1,111,111 )
(1,666,668 )
Proceeds from debt
233,537
-
Net proceeds from common stock offering
5,653,140
-
Net proceeds from sale of common stock through (costs associated with) ATM
(8,108 )
6,344,445
Net proceeds from exercise of warrants
6,914,158
-
Cash provided by financing activities
11,681,616
4,677,777
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
4,109,295
(4,413,220 )
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
14,728,523
13,077,539
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
$ 18,837,818
$ 8,664,319
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid
$ 156,979
$ 304,471
Income taxes paid
200
200
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activity:
Settlement of warrant liability on warrant exercises
5,591,362
-
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
$ (66 )
$ 3,880
Accrued final payment charge on debt
63,765
123,893
Other accrued interest
448
-
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
6
LIPOCINE
INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements
(Unaudited)
(1) Basis of Presentation
The
accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Lipocine Inc. (“Lipocine”
or the “Company”) in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are comprised of the financial statements of Lipocine
and its subsidiaries collectively referred to as the Company. In management's opinion, the interim financial data presented includes
all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring items) necessary for fair presentation. All intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated. Certain information required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles has been condensed or omitted
in accordance with rules and regulations of the SEC. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020
are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period or for the year ending December 31,
2020.
These
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 201 9.
The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions relating to reporting of the assets and liabilities
and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Certain
prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect
on the previously reported net loss.
The
Company believes that its existing capital resources, together with interest thereon, will be sufficient to meet its projected
operating requirements through at least September 30, 2021 which includes an on-going clinical study for LPCN 1144, compliance
with regulatory requirements, including the Company’s NDA submission for TLANDO™, and on-going litigation activities.
The Company has based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and the Company could utilize its available capital
resources sooner than it currently expects if additional activities are performed by the company including pre-commercial and commercial
activities for TLANDO and new clinical studies for LPCN 1144, TLANDO XR and LPCN 1148 .While the Company believes it has sufficient
liquidity and capital resources to fund our projected operating requirements through at least September 30, 2021, the Company will
need to raise additional capital at some point through the equity or debt markets or through out-licensing activities, before or
after September 30, 2021, to support its operations. If the Company is unsuccessful in raising additional capital, its ability
to continue as a going concern will become a risk. Further, the Company’s operating plan may change, and the Company may
need additional funds to meet operational needs and capital requirements for product development, regulatory compliance and clinical
trial activities sooner than planned. In addition, the Company’s capital resources may be consumed more rapidly if it pursues
additional clinical studies for LPCN 1144, TLANDO XR and LPCN 1148. Conversely, the Company’s capital resources could last
longer if it reduces expenses, reduces the number of activities currently contemplated under our operating plan, if it terminates,
modifies the design or suspends on-going clinical studies, or if it terminates or settles any on-going litigation activities.
( 2) Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic
earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding plus, where applicable, the additional potential common shares that would have been outstanding
related to dilutive options, warrants and, unvested restricted stock units to the extent such shares are dilutive.
7
The
following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share of common stock for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
2020
2019
Basic loss per share attributable to common stock:
Numerator
Net loss
$ (6,369,634 )
$ (3,430,597 )
$ (12,140,285 )
$ (6,655,069 )
Denominator
Weighted avg. common shares outstanding
49,769,253
24,591,419
45,558,442
23,990,552
Basic loss per share attributable to common stock
$ (0.13 )
$ (0.14 )
$ (0.27 )
$ (0.28 )
Diluted loss per share attributable to common stock:
Numerator
Net loss
$ (6,369,634 )
$ (3,430,597 )
$ (12,140,285 )
$ (6,655,069 )
Denominator
Weighted avg. common shares outstanding
49,769,253
24,591,419
45,558,442
23,990,552
Diluted loss per share attributable to common stock
$ (0.13 )
$ (0.14 )
$ (0.27 )
$ (0.28 )
The
computation of diluted loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 does not include the following stock
options and unvested restricted stock units to purchase shares in the computation of diluted loss per share because these instruments
were antidilutive:
June 30,
2020
2019
Stock options
3,012,041
2,369,751
Unvested restricted stock units
605,682
678,687
Warrants
3,423,210
-
(3) Marketable Investment Securities
The
Com pany has classified its marketable investment securities as available-for-sale securities, all of which are debt securities.
These securities are carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, included in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity until realized. Gains and losses on investment security
transactions are reported on the specific-identification method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest
income is recognized on an accrual basis. The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses,
and fair value for available-for-sale securities by major security type and class of security at June 30, 2020 and December 31,
2019 were as follows:
June 30, 2020
Amortized
Cost
Gross
unrealized
holding
gains
Gross
unrealized
holding
losses
Aggregate
fair value
Government treasury bills
$ 1,998,540
$ 100
$ -
$ 1,998,640
Corporate bonds, notes and commercial paper
2,468,105
-
(204 )
2,467,901
$ 4,466,645
$ 100
$ (204 )
$ 4,466,541
December 31, 2019
Amortized
Cost
Gross
unrealized
holding
gains
Gross
unrealized
holding
losses
Aggregate
fair value
Corporate bonds, notes and commercial paper
4,340,079
-
(38 )
4,340,041
$ 4,340,079
$ -
$ (38 )
$ 4,340,041
8
Maturities of debt securities
classified as available-for-sale securities at June 30, 2020 are as follows:
June 30, 2020
Amortized Cost
Aggregate fair value
Due within one year
$ 4,466,645
$ 4,466,541
$ 4,466,645
$ 4,466,541
There were no sales of marketable investment
securities during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and therefore no realized gains or losses.
Additionally, there were no marketable investment securities that matured during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and
$4.3 million of marketable investment securities matured during the three months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, and $4.3
million and $9.0 million of marketable investment securities matured during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019,
respectively. The Company determined there were no other-than-temporary impairments for the three and six months ended June
30, 2020 and 2019.
( 4) Fair Value
The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize
the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. The Company determines fair value
based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous
market. When considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the following fair value hierarchy distinguishes
between observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in one of the following levels:
•
Level 1 Inputs: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
•
Level 2 Inputs: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuation in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
•
Level 3 Inputs: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
All of the Company’s financial instruments
are valued using quoted prices in active markets or based on other observable inputs. For accrued interest income, prepaid and
other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short
maturity of these instruments. The following table presents the placement in the fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities
that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
9
Fair value measurements at reporting date using
June 30, 2020
Level 1 inputs
Level 2 inputs
Level 3 inputs
Assets:
Cash equivalents - money market funds and commercial paper
$ 13,053,935
$ 12,653,651
$ 400,284
$ -
Government treasury bills
1,998,640
1,998,640
-
-
Corporate bonds, notes and commercial paper
2,467,901
-
2,467,901
-
$ 17,520,476
$ 14,652,291
$ 2,868,185
$ -
Liabilities:
Warrant liability
$ 2,166,312
-
-
2,166,312
$ 19,686,788
$ 14,652,291
$ 2,868,185
$ 2,166,312
Fair value measurements at reporting date using
December 31, 2019
Level 1 inputs
Level 2 inputs
Level 3 inputs
Assets:
Cash equivalents - money market funds and commercial paper
$ 8,921,249
$ 6,575,862
$ 2,345,387
$ -
Corporate bonds, notes and commercial paper
4,340,041
-
4,340,041
-
$ 13,261,290
$ 6,575,862
$ 6,685,428
$ -
Liabilities:
Warrant liability
$ 4,591,200
-
-
4,591,200
$ 17,852,490
$ 6,575,862
$ 6,685,428
$ 4,591,200
The following methods and assumptions were used to
determine the fair value of each class of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the balance sheets:
Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents primarily consist
of highly-rated money market funds, commercial paper and treasury bills with original maturities to the Company of three months
or less and are purchased daily at par value with specified yield rates. Cash equivalents related to money market funds and treasury
bills are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices or broker or
dealer quotations for similar assets. Cash equivalents related to commercial paper are classified within Level 2 of the fair value
hierarchy because they are valued using broker/dealer quotes, bids and offers, benchmark yields and credit spreads and other observable
inputs.
Corporate bonds, notes, and commercial paper: The
Company uses a third-party pricing service to value these investments. Corporate bonds, notes and commercial paper are classified
within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using broker/dealer quotes, bids and offers, benchmark yields
and credit spreads and other observable inputs.
10
Warrant liability: The
warrant liability (which relates to warrants to purchase shares of common stock) is marked-to-market each reporting period with
the change in fair value recorded to other income (expense) in the accompanying statements of operations until the warrants are
exercised, expire or other facts and circumstances lead the warrant liability to be reclassified to stockholders’ equity.
The fair value of the warrant liability is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The significant assumptions used
in preparing the option pricing model for valuing the warrant liability as of June 30, 2020, include (i) volatility of 140.22%,
(ii) risk free interest rate of 0.29%, (iii) strike price of $0.50, (iv) fair value of common stock of
$1.26, and (v) expected life of 4.38 years. The significant assumptions used in preparing the option pricing model
for valuing the warrant liability as of December 31, 2019, include (i) volatility of 225.93%, (ii) risk
free interest rate of 1.69%, (iii) strike price of $0.50, (iv) fair value of common stock of $0.385, and
(v) expected life of 4.9 years.
The Company’s accounting policy is to recognize
transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy on the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
There were no transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.
(5) Loan and Security Agreements
Silicon Valley Bank Loan
On January 5, 2018, the Company entered into a Loan
and Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) pursuant to
which SVB agreed to lend the Company $10.0 million. The principal borrowed under the Loan and Security Agreement bears interest
at a rate equal to the Prime Rate, as reported in the money rates section of The Wall Street Journal or any successor publication
representing the rate of interest per annum then in effect, plus one percent per annum (4.25% as of June 30, 2020), which interest
is payable monthly. Additionally on April 1, 2020, the Company and SVB entered into a Deferral Agreement. Under the Deferral Agreement,
principal repayments are deferred by six months and the Company is only required to make monthly interest payments. The loan matures
on June 1, 2022. Previously, the Company only made monthly interest payments until December 31, 2018, following which the Company
also made equal monthly payments of principal and interest until the signing of the Deferral Agreement. The Company will also be
required to pay an additional final payment at maturity equal to $650,000 (the “Final Payment Charge”). The Final Payment
Charge will be due on the scheduled maturity date and to date approximately $545,000 has been recognized as an increase to the
principal balance with a corresponding charge to interest expense with the remaining final payment charge to be recognized over
the term of the facility using the effective interest method. At its option, the Company may prepay all amounts owed under the
Loan and Security Agreement (including all accrued and unpaid interest and the Final Payment Charge).
In connection with the Loan and Security Agreement,
the Company granted to SVB a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets now owned or hereafter acquired,
excluding intellectual property and certain other assets. In addition, as TLANDO was not approved by the United States Food and
Drug Administration (“FDA”) prior to May 31, 2018, the Company maintains $5.0 million of cash collateral at SVB as
required under the Loan and Security Agreement until such time as TLANDO is approved by the FDA.
While any amounts are outstanding under the Loan
and Security Agreement, the Company is subject to a number of affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants regarding
dispositions of property, business combinations or acquisitions, incurrence of additional indebtedness and transactions with affiliates,
among other customary covenants. The credit facility also includes events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which
could cause interest to be charged at the rate that is otherwise applicable plus 5.0% and would provide SVB, as collateral agent,
with the right to exercise remedies against the Company and the collateral securing the credit facility, including foreclosure
against the property securing the credit facilities, including its cash. These events of default include, among other things, any
failure by the Company to pay principal or interest due under the credit facility, a breach of certain covenants under the credit
facility, the Company’s insolvency, a material adverse change, and one or more judgments against the Company in an amount
greater than $100,000 individually or in the aggregate.
Future maturities of principal payments on the Loan
and Security Agreement at June 30, 2020, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Amount (in thousands)
2020
$
556
2021
3,333
2022
1,667
Thereafter
—
$
5,556
11
The following table provides a reconciliation of
cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheet that sum to the total of the same such
amounts shown in the statement of cash flows.
June 30, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 13,837,818
Restricted cash
5,000,000
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted
cash shown in the statement of cash flows
$ 18,837,818
Amounts included in restricted cash represent those
required to be set aside by the Loan and Security Agreement. The restriction will lapse if and when TLANDO is approved by the FDA.
Payroll Protection Program Loan
On April 21, 2020, the Company was
granted a loan from SVB in the aggregate amount of $233,537, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”)
under Division A, Title I of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020.
The PPP loan, which was in the form
of a note dated April 21, 2020 issued by SVB, matures on April 21, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum, payable
monthly commencing on November 21, 2020 (“Note”). The Note may be prepaid by the Company at any time prior to maturity
with no prepayment penalties. Funds from the PPP loan may only be used for payroll costs, costs used to continue group health care
benefits, mortgage payments, rent, utilities, and interest on other debt obligations incurred before February 15, 2020. The Company
intends to use the entire PPP loan amount for qualifying expenses. Under the terms of the PPP loan, certain amounts of the PPD
loan may be forgiven if they are used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act.
Future maturities of principal payments on the PPP
Loan at June 30, 2020, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Amount (in thousands)
2020
$
27
2021
165
2022
42
Thereafter
—
$
234
Other
E ffective
June 15, 2020, the Company began deferring Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes under the CARES Act Section
2302. Payment of these tax deferrals are delayed to December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022.
( 6) Income Taxes
The tax provision for interim periods is determined
using an estimate of the Company’s effective tax rate for the full year adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken
into account in the relevant period. Each quarter the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if the
estimated tax rate changes, the Company makes a cumulative adjustment.
At
June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, net
of expected reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, as it believes it is more likely than not that these benefits will
not be realized.
12
( 7) Contractual Agreements
(a) Abbott Products, Inc.
On
March 29, 2012, the Company terminated its collaborative agreement with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (later acquired by
Abbott Products, Inc.) for TLANDO. As part of the termination, the Company reacquired the rights to the intellectual property from
Abbott. All obligations under the prior license agreement have been completed except that Lipocine will owe Abbott a perpetual
1% royalty on net sales. Such royalties are limited to $1.0 million in the first two calendar years following product launch, after
which period there is not a cap on royalties and no maximum aggregate amount. If generic versions of any such product are introduced,
then royalties are reduced by 50%. The Company did not incur any royalties during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020
and 2019.
( b) Contract Research and Development
The
Company has entered into agreements with various contract organizations that conduct preclinical, clinical, analytical and manufacturing
development work on behalf of the Company as well as a number of independent contractors and primarily clinical researchers
who serve as advisors to the Company. The Company incurred expenses of $1.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively, for the three
months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and $2.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and
2019 under these agreements and has recorded these expenses in research and development expenses.
( 8) Leases
On
August 6, 2004, the Company assumed a non-cancelable operating lease for office space and laboratory facilities in Salt Lake
City, Utah. On May 6, 2014, the Company modified and extended the lease through February 28, 2018 . On February 8, 2018,
the Company extended the lease through February 28, 2019, on January 2, 2019, the Company extended the lease through February 29,
2020, and on February 24, 2020, the Company extended the lease through February 28, 2021.
Future
minimum lease payments under non -cancelable operating leases as of June 30, 2020 are:
Operating
leases
Year ending December 31:
2020
$ 165,191
2021
55,064
Total minimum lease payments
$ 220,255
The Company’s rent expense
was $83,000 for each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and was $165,000 and $164,000, respectively, for the
six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
(9) Stockholders’ Equity
( a) Issuance of Common Stock
On February 27, 2020, the Company completed a registered
direct offering of securities registered under an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (“February 2020 Offering”). The gross proceeds from the February 2020 Offering were approximately $6.0 million,
before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses of approximately $347,000. In the February 2020 Offering, the
Company sold 10,084,034 Class A Units at an offering price of $0.595 per unit, with each Class A Unit consisting of one share of
its common stock and one-half of a common warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.53 per share
of common stock. Additionally, the common stock warrants were immediately exercisable and expire on February 27, 2025. By their
terms, however, the common stock warrants cannot be exercised at any time that the common stock warrant holder would beneficially
own, after such exercise, more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of the shares of common stock then outstanding
after giving effect to such exercise.
On November 18, 2019, the Company completed a public
offering of securities registered under an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(“November 2019 Offering”). The gross proceeds from the November 2019 Offering were approximately $6.0 million, before
deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses of $404,000. In the November 2019 Offering, the Company sold (i) 10,450,000
Class A Units, with each Class A Unit consisting of one share of its common stock and a common warrant to purchase one share of
its common stock, and (ii) 1,550,000 Class B Units, with each Class B Unit consisting of one pre-funded warrant to purchase one
share of its common stock and a common warrant to purchase one share of its common stock, at a price of $0.50 per Class A Unit
and $0.4999 per Class B Unit. The pre-funded warrants, which were exercised for common stock in December 2019, were issued in lieu
of common stock in order to ensure the purchaser did not exceed certain beneficial ownership limitations. The pre-funded warrants
were immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $.0001 per share, subject to adjustment. Additionally, the common stock warrants
were immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, subject to adjustment, and expire on November 17, 2024. By
their terms, however, neither the pre-funded warrants nor the common stock warrants can be exercised at any time that the pre-funded
warrant holder or the common stock warrant holder would beneficially own, after such exercise, more than 4.99% (or, at the election
of the holder, 9.99%) of the shares of common stock then outstanding after giving effect to such exercise. On the date of
the November 2019 Offering, the Company allocated approximately $768,000 and $4.8 million to common stock/additional paid-in capital
and warrant liability, respectively.
13
In
March 2017, the Company entered into a Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”), to sell shares of our common stock, with aggregate gross sales proceeds of
up to $20.0 million, from time to time, through an “at the market” (“ATM”), equity offering program, under
which Cantor acts as sales agent. The shares of common stock to be sold under the Sales Agreement were originally sold and issued
pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-199093) (the “Prior Form S-3”), which
was previously declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the related prospectus and one or more prospectus
supplements. On October 13, 2017, the Company filed a Form S-3 (File No. 333-220942) (the “New Form S-3”) to replace
the Prior Form S-3. The New Form S-3 has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Prior
Form S-3 has been terminated. The New Form S-3 registered the sale of up to $150.0 million of any combination of common stock,
preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units pursuant to a shelf registration statement. The New Form S-3 also contains
a prospectus pursuant to which we may sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of
up to $25.0 million through Cantor as our sales agent, pursuant to the Sales Agreement. On April 10, 2020, the Company filed a
prospectus supplement in which the Company disclosed that the Company was subject to the limitations of General Instruction I.B.6.
of Form S-3 with the amount of shares of our common stock available for sale under the New Form S-3 limited to one-third of the
aggregate market value of our common equity held by non-affiliates of the Company over any rolling 12-month period and further
limited the future amount sold under the Sales Agreement to $5.0 million.
As
of June 30, 2020, we had sold an aggregate of 6,635,535 shares at a weighted-average sales price of $3.02 per share
under the ATM for aggregate gross proceeds of $20.0 million and net proceeds of $19.3 million, after deducting sales agent
commission and discounts and our other offering costs. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company did
not sell any shares under the ATM. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company sold an aggregate of 149,037
shares at a weighted-average sales price of $1.95 per share under the ATM for aggregate gross proceeds of $290,000 and
$281,000 in net proceeds. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company sold an aggregate of 2,992,504
shares at a weighted-average sales price of $2.18 per share under the ATM for aggregate gross proceeds of $6.5 million and
$6.3 million in net proceeds.
(b) Rights Agreement
On November 13, 2015, the Company and American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent, entered into a Rights Agreement. Also on November 12, 2015, the board of directors
of the Company authorized and the Company declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right (each a “Right”
and collectively, the “Rights”) for each outstanding share of common stock of the Company. The dividend was payable
to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 30, 2015 and entitles the registered holder to purchase from
the Company one one-thousandth of a fully paid non-assessable share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Company
at a price of $63.96 per one-thousandth share (the “Purchase Price”). The Rights will generally become exercisable
upon the earlier to occur of (i) 10 business days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated
persons has become an Acquiring Person (as defined below) or (ii) 10 business days (or such later date as may be determined by
action of the board of directors prior to such time as any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an Acquiring
Person) following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to make, a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation
of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the outstanding common stock of the Company.
Except in certain situations, a person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an “Acquiring Person” upon
acquiring beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.
In
general, in the event a person becomes an Acquiring Person, then each Right not owned by such Acquiring Person will entitle its
holder to purchase from the Company, at the Right’s then current exercise price, in lieu of shares of Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, common stock of the Company with a market value of twice the Purchase Price. In addition, if after any
person has become an Acquiring Person, (a) the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination, or (b) 50% or more
of the Company’s assets, or assets accounting for 50% or more of its earning power, are sold, leased, exchanged or otherwise
transferred (in one or more transactions), proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right (other than the Acquiring
Person, its affiliates and associates and certain transferees thereof, whose Rights became void) shall thereafter have the right
to purchase from the acquiring corporation, for the Purchase Price, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring corporation
which at the time of such transaction would have a market value of twice the Purchase Price.
14
The Company will be entitled to redeem the Rights
at $0.001 per Right at any time prior to the time an Acquiring Person becomes such. The terms of the Rights are set forth in the
Rights Agreement, which is summarized in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 13, 2015. The rights plan was
originally set to expire on November 12, 2018; however, on November 5, 2018 our Board of Directors approved an Amended and Restated
Rights Agreement pursuant to which the expiration date was extended to November 5, 2021, unless the rights are earlier redeemed
or exchanged by the Company.
(c) Share-Based Payments
The
Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense for grants of stock option awards, restricted stock units and restricted stock
under the Company’s Incentive Plan to employees and nonemployee members of the Company’s board of directors based on
the grant-date fair value of those awards. The grant-date fair value of an award is generally recognized as compensation expense
over the award’s requisite service period. In addition, the Company grants stock options to nonemployee consultants from
time to time in exchange for services performed for the Company .
The
Company uses the Black-Scholes model to compute the estimated fair value of stock option awards. Using this model, fair value is
calculated based on assumptions with respect to (i) expected volatility of the Company’s common stock price, (ii) the
periods of time over which employees and members of the board of directors are expected to hold their options prior to exercise
(expected term), (iii) expected dividend yield on the Common Stock, and (iv) risk-free interest rates. Stock-based compensation
expense also includes an estimate, which is made at the time of grant, of the number of awards that are expected to be forfeited.
This estimate is revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Stock-based compensation
cost that has been expensed in the statements of operations amounted to $ 465,000 and $446,000, respectively, for the three
months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and amounted to $787,000 and $723,000, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2020
and 2019, and is allocated as follows:
Three
Months Ended June 30,
Six
Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
2020
2019
Research and development
$ 199,777
$ 177,137
$ 334,441
$ 286,175
General and administrative
265,281
269,213
452,530
437,102
$ 465,058
$ 446,350
$ 786,971
$ 723,277
The
Company issued 113,000 stock options and 739,000 stock options, respectively, during the three and six months ended June
30, 2020 and issued 55,000 stock options during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.
Key assumptions used in the determination of the
fair value of stock options granted are as follows:
2020
2019
Expected term
5.81 years
5.60 years
Risk-free interest rate
1.33 %
1.90 %
Expected dividend yield
—
—
Expected volatility
99.52 %
79.13 %
Expected Term : The expected term represents
the period that the stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. Due to limited historical experience of similar awards,
the expected term was estimated using the simplified method in accordance with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”)
No. 107, Share-Based Payment, for awards with stated or implied service periods. The simplified method defines the
expected term as the average of the contractual term and the vesting period of the stock option. For awards with performance conditions,
and that have the contractual term to satisfy the performance condition, the contractual term was used.
15
Risk-Free
Interest Rate : The risk-free interest rate used was based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury
issues with an equivalent remaining term.
Expected
Dividend : The expected dividend assumption is based on management’s current expectation about the Company’s
anticipated dividend policy. The Company does not anticipate declaring dividends in the foreseeable future.
Expected
Volatility : Since the Company did not have sufficient trading history, the volatility factor was based on the average
of similar public companies through August 2014. When selecting similar companies, the Company considered the industry, stage of
life cycle, size, and financial leverage. Beginning in July 2017, the volatility factor is based solely on the Company’s
trading history since March 2014.
FASB
ASC 718, Stock Compensation, requires the Company to recognize compensation expense for the portion of options that are
expected to vest. Therefore, the Company applied estimated forfeiture rates that were derived from historical employee termination
behavior. If the actual number of forfeitures differs from those estimated by management, additional adjustments to compensation
expense may be required in future periods.
As
of June 30, 2020, there was $556,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation
arrangements granted under the Company’s stock option plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average
period of 1.68 years and will be adjusted for subsequent changes in estimated forfeitures. Additionally, as of June 30, 2020, there
was $408,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units that have either time-based or
performance vesting.
(d) Stock Option Plan
In April 2014, the board of directors adopted the
2014 Stock and Incentive Plan ("2014 Plan") subject to shareholder approval which was received in June 2014. The 2014
Plan provides for the granting of nonqualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units,
restricted stock and dividend equivalents. An aggregate of 1,000,000 shares were authorized for issuance under the 2014 Plan. Additionally,
271,906 remaining authorized shares under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan ("2011 Plan") were issuable under the 2014 Plan
at the time of the 2014 Plan adoption. Upon receiving shareholder approval in June 2016, the 2014 Plan was amended and restated
to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock of the Company issuable under all awards granted under the 2014 Plan
from 1,271,906 to 2,471,906. Additionally, upon receiving shareholder approval in June 2018, the 2014 Plan was further amended
and restated to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock of the Company issuable under all awards granted under
the 2014 Plan from 2,471,906 to 3,221,906. Finally, upon receiving shareholder approval in June 2020, the 2014 Plan was further
amended and restated to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock of the Company issuable under all awards granted
under the 2014 Plan from 3,221,906 to 5,721,906. The board of directors, on an option-by-option basis, determines the number of
shares, exercise price, term, and vesting period for options granted. Options granted generally have a ten-year contractual life.
The Company issues shares of common stock upon the exercise of options with the source of those shares of common stock being either
newly issued shares or shares held in treasury. An aggregate of 5,721,906 shares are authorized for issuance under the 2014 Plan,
with 2,491,332 shares remaining available for grant as of June 30, 2020.
16
A
summary of stock option activity is as follows:
Outstanding stock options
Number of
shares
Weighted average
exercise price
Balance at December 31, 2019
2,310,485
$ 4.81
Options granted
739,000
0.54
Options exercised
-
-
Options forfeited
(37,444 )
0.94
Options cancelled
-
-
Balance at June 30, 2020
3,012,041
3.81
Options exercisable at June 30, 2020
2,059,877
5.16
The
following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2020:
Options outstanding
Options exercisable
Number
outstanding
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (Years)
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
Number
exerciseable
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life
(Years)
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
3,012,041
6.40
$ 3.81
$ 511,610
2,059,877
5.05
$ 5.16
$ 1,083
T he
intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price. There were
no stock options exercised during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
( e) Restricted Stock Units
A
summary of restricted stock unit activity is as follows:
Number of
unvested
restricted
stock units
Balance at December 31, 2019
661,307
Granted
-
Vested
(25,000 )
Forfeited
(30,625 )
Balance at June 30, 2020
605,682
17
( f) Common Stock Warrants
The Company accounts for
its common stock warrants under ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity , which requires any financial instrument,
other than an outstanding share, that, at inception, embodies an obligation to repurchase the issuer’s equity shares, or
is indexed to such an obligation, and requires or may require the issuer to settle the obligation by transferring assets, to be
classified as a liability. In accordance with ASC 480, the Company’s outstanding warrants from the November 2019 Offering
are classified as a liability. The liability is adjusted to fair value at each reporting period, with the changes in fair value
recognized as gain (loss) on change in fair value of warranty liability in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The warrants issued in the November 2019 Offering allow the warrant holder, if certain change in control events occur, the option
to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the warrants as determined in accordance with the Black-Scholes option pricing
model with certain defined assumptions upon a fundamental transaction.
As of June 30, 2020, the
Company had 1,873,000 common stock warrants outstanding from the November 2019 Offering to purchase an equal number of shares of
common stock. The fair value of these warrants on December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020 was determined using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following Level 3 inputs (as defined in the November 2019 Offering):
June
30, 2020
December
31, 2019
Expected life in years
4.38
4.88
Risk-free interest rate
0.29 %
1.69 %
Dividend yield
—
—
Volatility
140.22 %
225.93 %
Stock price
$ 1.26
$ 0.39
During the three and six
months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded a non-cash loss of $2.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively, from the change
in fair value of the November 2019 Offering warrants. The following table is a reconciliation of the warrant liability measured
at fair value using level 3 inputs:
Warrant Liability
Balance at December 31, 2019
$ 4,591,200
Settlement of liabilty on warrant exercise
(5,591,362 )
Change in fair value of common stock warrants
3,166,474
Balance at June 30, 2020
$ 2,166,312
Additionally, in the February
2020 Offering, the Company issued 5,024,017 common stock warrants. However, the February 2020 Offering warrants do not provide
the warrant holder the option to receive an amount of cash equal to the Black-Scholes value of the warrants upon a fundamental
transaction. Therefore, the Company has not recorded a warrant liability with respect to the warrants issued in the February 2020
Offering.
The following table summarizes
the number of common stock warrants outstanding and the weighted average exercise price:
Common Stock
Warrants
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
12,000,000
$ 0.50
Issued
5,042,017
0.53
Exercised
(13,618,807 )
0.51
Expired
-
-
Cancelled
-
-
Forfeited
-
-
Balance at June 30, 2020
3,423,210
$ 0.51
During
the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 , 13,497,807, and 13,618,807, respectively, common stock warrants to purchase
one share of our common stock were exercised resulting in proceeds of approximately $6.9 million in each of the three and six-month
periods ending June 30, 2020.
18
The
following table summarizes information about common stock warrants outstanding at June 30, 2020:
Warrants outstanding
Number exercisable
Weighted average
remaining contractual
life (Years)
Weighted average
exercise price
Aggregate intrinsic
value
3,423,210
4.51
$ 0.51
$ 2,555,134
(10 ) Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims
and other legal matters from time to time that arise in the ordinary course of conducting business. The Company records a liability
when a particular contingency is probable and estimable.
O n
February 15, 2019, a purported shareholder filed a shareholder derivative complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware,
John Wajda, derivatively on behalf of Lipocine Inc. v. Mahesh Patel, et al., against certain of the Company’s current
and former officers and directors as well as the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint asserts claims for alleged
breaches of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment arising out of the Company’s dissemination of purportedly false and misleading
statements relating to the filing of the New Drug Application (“NDA”) for TLANDO. The relief sought in the complaint
includes unspecified damages, changes to the Company’s corporate governance procedures, equitable and/or injunctive relief,
restitution, and attorneys’ fees. On August 16, 2019, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. In response,
the plaintiff’s filed an amended stockholder derivative complaint. Defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint
was filed on December 12, 2019; plaintiff’s response was filed on January 27, 2020 and defendants’ reply was filed
on February 26, 2020. Oral arguments on the motion to dismiss were held on July 28, 2020. On July 30, 2020, the court entered an
order dismissing the complaint in its entirety.
On
April 2, 2019, the Company filed a lawsuit against Clarus in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware
alleging that Clarus’s JATENZO® product infringes six of Lipocine’s issued U.S. patents: 9,034,858; 9,205,057;
9,480,690; 9,757,390; 6,569,463; and 6,923,988. Clarus has answered the complaint and asserted counterclaims of non-infringement
and invalidity. The Company answered Clarus’s counterclaims on April 29, 2019. The Court held a scheduling conference
on August 15, 2019, a claim construction hearing on February 11, 2020 and scheduled a five-day jury trial beginning on February
8, 2021. On February 11, 2020, the Company voluntarily dismissed allegations of patent infringement for expired U.S. Patent Nos.
6,569,463 and 6,923,988 in an effort to streamline the issues and associated costs for dispute. The parties are currently engaged
in the fact discovery phase of the lawsuit.
On November 14, 2019, the Company and certain of
its officers were named as defendants in a purported shareholder class action lawsuit, Solomon Abady v. Lipocine Inc. et al .,
2:19-cv-00906-PMW, filed in the United District Court for the District of Utah. The complaint alleges that the defendants made
false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that our filing of the NDA for TLANDO to the FDA contained deficiencies
and as a result the defendants’ statements about our business and operations were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable
basis in violation of federal securities laws. The lawsuit seeks certification as a class action (for a purported class of purchasers
of the Company’s securities from March 27, 2019 through November 8, 2019), compensatory damages in an unspecified amount,
and unspecified equitable or injunctive relief. The Company has insurance that covers claims of this nature. The retention amount
payable by the Company under our policy is $1.25 million. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the class action lawsuit on July
24, 2020. Further, the Company intends to vigorously defend itself and its current and former officers and directors against these
allegations and has not recorded a liability related to this shareholder class action lawsuit as the outcome is not probable nor
can an estimate be made of loss, if any.
Beyond
John Wajda, derivatively on behalf of Lipocine Inc. v. Mahesh Patel, et al. and Solomon Abady v. Lipocine Inc.
et al ., 2:19-cv-00906-PM, management does not currently believe that any other matter, individually or in the aggregate, will
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
19
Guarantees and Indemnifications
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters
into agreements, such as lease agreements, licensing agreements, clinical trial agreements, and certain services agreements, containing
standard guarantee and / or indemnifications provisions. Additionally, the Company has indemnified its directors and officers to
the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware.
( 11) Spriaso, LLC
On
July 23, 2013, the Company entered into an assignment/license and a services agreement with Spriaso, a related-party that
is majority-owned by certain current and former directors of Lipocine Inc. and their affiliates. Under the license agreement, the
Company assigned and transferred to Spriaso all of the Company’s rights, title and interest in its intellectual property
to develop products for the cough and cold field. In addition, Spriaso received all rights and obligations under the Company’s
product development agreement with a third-party. In exchange, the Company will receive a royalty of 20 percent of the net proceeds
received by Spriaso, up to a maximum of $10.0 million. Spriaso also granted back to the Company an exclusive license to such intellectual
property to develop products outside of the cough and cold field. Under the service agreement, the Company provided facilities
and up to 10 percent of the services of certain employees to Spriaso for a period of 18 months which expired January 23, 2015.
Effective January 23, 2015, the Company entered into an amended services agreement with Spriaso in which the Company agreed to
continue providing up to 10 percent of the services of certain employees to Spriaso at a rate of $230/hour for a period of six
months. The agreement was further amended on July 23, 2015, on January 23, 2016, on July 23, 2016, on January 23, 2017, on July
23, 2017 , on January 23, 2018, on July 23, 2018 and again on January 23, 2019 to extend the term of the agreement for an
additional six months. The agreement was further amended on July 23, 2019 and again on July 23, 2020 to extend the term of the
agreement for an additional twelve months. The agreement may be extended upon written agreement of Spriaso and the Company. The
Company did not receive any reimbursements during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally,
the Company did not receive any royalty payments from Spriaso during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Spriaso filed its first NDA and as an affiliated entity of the Company, it used up the one-time waiver for user fees for a small
business submitting its first human drug application to the FDA. Spriaso is considered a variable interest entity under the FASB
ASC Topic 810-10, Consolidations , however the Company is not the primary beneficiary and has therefore not consolidated
Spriaso.
(1 2) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted
In
2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Measurement
of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This standard replaces the incurred loss impairment
methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses on instruments within its scope, including
trade receivables, and requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date
based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The original effective date for ASU
2016-13 was for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019.
However, in
October 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Derivatives and Hedging, and Leases:
Effective Dates , which deferred the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for certain entities, including those that are eligible to
be smaller reporting companies . A company’s determination about whether it is eligible for the deferral is a
one-time assessment as of November 15, 2019 based on its most recent determination of its small reporting company eligibility as
of the last business day of the most recently completed second quarter. Based on this determination, the Company qualifies as a
smaller reporting entity and is therefore eligible for the deferral of adoption of ASU 2016-13, resulting in a new effective date
of January 1, 2023. The Company has historically not had credit losses on financial instruments and is currently evaluating the
impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements
(1 3) Subsequent Events
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the
Company has received an aggregate of approximately $688,000 in cash proceeds from the exercises of warrants to purchase 1,375,344
shares of the Company’s common stock.
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the
Company has sold an aggregate of 2,830,000 shares at a weighted-average sales price of $1.43 per share under the ATM for aggregate
gross proceeds of $4.0 million.
20
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The
following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited
condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in
this report. For additional context with which to understand our financial condition and results of operations, see the management’s
discussion and analysis included in our Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020 as well as the financial statements and
related notes contained therein.
As used in the discussion below, “we,”
“our,” and “us” refers to Lipocine.
Forward -Looking
Statements
This
section and other parts of this report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement
that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements may refer to such matters as products,
product benefits, pre-clinical and clinical development timelines, clinical and regulatory expectations and plans, expected
responses to regulatory actions, anticipated financial performance, future revenues or earnings, business prospects, projected
ventures, new products and services, anticipated market performance, expected research and development and other expenses, future
expectations for liquidity and capital resources needs and similar matters. Such words as “may”, “will”,
“expect”, “continue”, “estimate”, “project”, and “intend” and similar
terms and expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors
that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part II, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2020 or Item 1A (Risk Factors) of this Form 10-Q
or in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020. Except as required by applicable
law, we assume no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Overview of Our Business
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical
company focused on applying our oral drug delivery technology for the development of pharmaceutical products focusing on metabolic
and endocrine disorders. Our proprietary delivery technologies are designed to improve patient compliance and safety through orally
available treatment options. Our primary development programs are based on oral delivery solutions for poorly bioavailable drugs.
We have a portfolio of proprietary product candidates designed to produce favorable pharmacokinetic (“PK”) characteristics
and facilitate lower dosing requirements, bypass first-pass metabolism in certain cases, reduce side effects, and eliminate gastrointestinal
interactions that limit bioavailability.
Our
most advanced product candidate, TLANDO™, is an oral testosterone replacement therapy (“TRT”). On November 8,
2019 we received a Complete Response Letter ("CRL") from the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA")
regarding our New Drug Application ("NDA") filed in May 2019 for TLANDO as a TRT in adult males for conditions associated
with a deficiency of endogenous testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. A CRL is a communication from the FDA that informs companies
that an application cannot be approved in its present form. The CRL identified one deficiency stating the efficacy trial did not
meet the three secondary endpoints for maximal testosterone concentrations (“Cmax”). The CRL did not identify any
specific issues relating to chemistry, manufacturing and controls (“CMC”) of TLANDO. We had our Post Action meeting
with the FDA in January 2020 and discussed a potential path forward for the approval of TLANDO. Based on the Post Action
meeting and written feedback, the FDA indicated our approach to addressing the deficiency through the reanalysis of existing data
in accordance with FDA feedback appears to be a reasonable path forward. The FDA requested that the information generated by the
reanalysis be submitted as part of an NDA resubmission with a six-month Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) clock.
We resubmitted the NDA on February 28, 2020 and it has been assigned a PDUFA date of August 28, 2020.
Additional pipeline candidates include
LPCN 1144, an oral prodrug of bioidentical testosterone comprised of TU for the treatment of non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
(“NASH”), TLANDO XR, a next generation oral TRT product with the potential for once daily dosing which has completed
Phase 2 testing, LPCN 1148, an oral prodrug of bioidentical testosterone for the treatment of cirrhosis, and LPCN 1107, potentially
the first oral hydroxyprogesterone caproate product indicated for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth, which has completed
an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA.
21
LPCN 1144 is currently being tested
in the LiFT (“Liver Fat intervention with oral Testosterone”) Phase 2 clinical study, a paired-biopsy study
in confirmed pre-cirrhotic NASH subjects. Additionally, LPCN 1144 recently completed a Proof-Of-Concept (“POC”) liver
imaging clinical study which demonstrated substantial liver fat reductions in hypogonadal males at risk of developing NASH as assessed
using magnetic resonance imaging, proton density fat fraction (“MRI-PDFF”) technique.
To date, we have
funded our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities, debt and convertible debt and through up-front payments,
research funding and royalty and milestone payments from our license and collaboration arrangements. We have not generated any
revenues from product sales and we do not expect to generate revenue from product sales unless and until we obtain regulatory approval
of TLANDO or other products.
We
have incurred losses in most years since our inception. As of June 30, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $163 million.
Income and losses fluctuate year to year, primarily depending on the nature and timing of research and development occurring on
our product candidates. Our net loss was $12.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and $6.7 million for the six months
ended June 30, 2019. Substantially all of our operating losses resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our product candidate
development programs, our research activities and general and administrative costs, including on-going litigation activities, associated
with our operations.
We expect to continue to incur significant
expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future as we:
· conduct any other pre or post-approval clinical studies required in support of TLANDO;
· conduct further development of our other product candidates, including LPCN 1144;
· continue our research efforts;
· research new products or new uses for our existing products;
· maintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio; and
· provide general and administrative support for our operations ,
including on-going litigation.
To fund future long-term operations, we
will need to raise additional capital. The amount and timing of future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including
capital market conditions, regulatory requirements and outcomes related to TLANDO as outlined in our most recent CRL, regulatory
requirements related to our other product development programs, the timing and results of our ongoing development efforts, the
potential expansion of our current development programs, potential new development programs, our ability to license our products
to third parties, the pursuit of various potential commercial activities and strategies associated with our development programs
and related general and administrative support. We anticipate that we will seek to fund our operations through public or private
equity or debt financings or other sources, such as potential license, partnering and collaboration agreements. We cannot be certain
that anticipated additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. Although we have previously been successful
in obtaining financing through public and private equity securities offerings and our license and collaboration agreements, there
can be no assurance that we will be able to do so in the future.
Our Product Candidates
Our current portfolio includes
our most advanced product candidate, TLANDO, an oral testosterone replacement therapy product candidate, which has a FDA PDUFA
date of August 28, 2020 . Additionally, we are in the process of establishing our pipeline of other clinical candidates including
an oral androgen therapy for the treatment of non-cirrhotic NASH, LPCN 1144, a next-generation potential once daily oral testosterone
replacement therapy, TLANDO XR, an androgen therapy for the treatment of cirrhosis, LPCN 1148, and an oral therapy for the prevention
of preterm birth, LPCN 1107.
22
Our Development Pipeline
TLANDO: An Oral Product Candidate for Testosterone Replacement
Therapy
Our most advanced product, TLANDO, is an
oral formulation of the chemical, TU, which is an eleven-carbon side chain attached to T. TU is an ester prodrug of T. An ester
is chemically formed by bonding an acid and an alcohol. Upon the cleavage, or breaking, of the ester bond, T is formed. TU has
been approved for use outside the United States for many years for delivery via intra-muscular injection and in oral dosage form
and recently TU has received regulatory approval in the United States for delivery via intra-muscular injection. We are using our
proprietary technology to facilitate steady gastrointestinal solubilization and absorption of TU. Proof of concept was initially
established in 2006, and subsequently TLANDO was licensed in 2009 to Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. which was then acquired by Abbott
Products, Inc. ("Abbott"). Following a portfolio review associated with the spin-off of AbbVie by Abbott in 2011, the
rights to TLANDO were reacquired by us. All obligations under the prior license agreement have been completed except that Lipocine
will owe Abbott a perpetual 1% royalty on net sales. Such royalties are limited to $1 million in the first two calendar years following
product launch, after which period there is not a cap on royalties and no maximum aggregate amount. If generic versions of any
such product are introduced, then royalties are reduced by 50%.
NDA PDUFA Outcome
On
November 8, 2019 we received a CRL from the FDA regarding our NDA filed in May 2019 for TLANDO as a TRT in adult males for conditions
associated with a deficiency of endogenous testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. The CRL identified one deficiency stating
the efficacy trial did not meet the three Cmax secondary endpoints. The CRL does not identify any specific issues relating to CMC
of TLANDO. We had a Post Action meeting with the FDA in January 2020 and discussed a potential path forward for the approval of
TLANDO. Based on the Post Action meeting and written feedback, the FDA indicated our approach to addressing the deficiency through
the reanalysis of existing data in accordance with FDA feedback appears to be a reasonable path forward. The FDA requested that
the information generated by the reanalysis be submitted as part of an NDA resubmission with a six-month PDUFA clock. We resubmitted
the NDA on February 28, 2020 and it has been assigned a PDUFA date of August 28, 2020. Previously, we have received two
other CRL’s from the FDA on TLANDO NDA submissions. The first CRL was received on June 28, 2016 and the second CRL was received
on May 8, 2018. We are exploring the possibility of licensing TLANDO to a third party should it receive approval, although no licensing
agreement has been entered into by us yet. We are unable to estimate whether or when we will be able to out-license TLANDO, should
it be approved. Additionally, the timing of the potential commercial launch of TLANDO should it receive approval, is uncertain.
The timing of any commercial launch of TLANDO is contingent upon numerous factors including FDA approval, the availability of commercial
launch supplies, the impact of COVID-19, our financial resources and our ability to license TLANDO to a third party or build out
a commercial sales and marketing team/organization.
Results from the ABPM Study
The ABPM Study was an open label,
single arm study that enrolled 144 male hypogonadal subjects undergoing four months of treatment with TLANDO, 225 mg BID dosing,
with 24-hour blood pressure measurements taken at baseline and at the end of the study. There were 138 subjects who received at
least one dose of study drug and 126 subjects completed the study. There were 118 subjects enrolled in the ABPM Study with evaluable
weighted average 24-hour ABPM data at both baseline and at the end of the study.
Subjects receiving treatment in the ABPM Study had the following baseline parameters:
Baseline Parameters
Mean (SD)
Age (years)
53.8 (10.2)
BMI (kg/m2)
33.1 (5.8)
24h SBP (mm Hg)
127 (16)
24h DBP (mm Hg)
79 (6)
SD = Standard Deviation, BMI = Body Mass
Index, SBP = Systolic Blood Pressure, DBP = Diastolic Blood Pressure
Additionally, among the subjects enrolled
in the ABPM Study, 48% of the subjects were hypertensive and 24% of subjects were type 2 diabetic.
23
Top-line results from the ABPM Study are as follows:
Parameter
Mean Change, mm Hg (95% CI)
24-hour SBP
3.82 (1.69, 5.96)
24-hour DBP
1.20 (0.31, 2.08)
CI = Confidence Interval, SBP = Systolic
Blood Pressure, DBP = Diastolic Blood Pressure
Of the subjects (n=25) with baseline
24-hour average systolic blood pressure (“SBP”) greater than 140 mm Hg, 32% of the subjects were less than or equal
to 140 mm Hg at the end of study. Additionally, of the subjects (n=93) with baseline 24-hour average SBP of less than or equal
to 140 mm Hg, 9.7% of the subjects were greater than 140 mm Hg at the end of study.
Results from the Definitive Phlebotomy Study
The definitive phlebotomy study
was designed based on the FDA’s protocol recommendations and conducted in response to a deficiency cited in the TLANDO CRL
by the FDA to confirm the reliability of TLANDO Phase 3 study results and to assess the impact of any material deviation from instructions
on sample collection/processing times by clinical sites.
The definitive phlebotomy
study measured testosterone concentrations in blood samples collected in plain serum separation tubes (“SST”) at three-hour
and five-hour time points (N=24) post dose and processed within 30 minutes of sample collection under the tube manufacturer’s
recommended conditions and consistent with Phase 3 instructions. The definitive phlebotomy study enrolled 12 hypogonadal male subjects
and dosed subjects with a single oral 225 mg TU dose of TLANDO. The testosterone measurements in SST were compared against the
FDA’s recommended time zero control (processed immediately) measurement of testosterone concentrations in blood samples in
plasma tubes with EDTA (“PT”) to assess ex vivo conversion, if any.
The top-line results
of the definitive phlebotomy study demonstrated that the overall (N=24) mean percentage difference and the associated percentage
standard deviation post dose of testosterone concentrations measured between SST samples and PT samples are -1.0% and 9.2%, respectively.
Results from DV and DF Studies
The DV and
DF studies were both an open-label, fixed dose (no titration), single treatment clinical study of oral TRT in hypogonadal males
with low testosterone (T) (< 300 ng/dL) that assessed TLANDO in hypogonadal males on a fixed daily dose of 450 mg divided into
two equal doses (“BID”) in the DV study and into three equal doses (“TID”) in the DF study. In total, 95
and 100 subjects were enrolled into DV and DF studies, respectively, with 94 and 98 subjects completing the DV and DF studies,
respectively.
We believe the results from the
DV study confirm the validity of a fixed dose approach without the need for dose titration to orally administering TLANDO although
there is no guarantee of FDA approval of TLANDO. The DV study is considered our pivotal efficacy clinical study. TLANDO successfully
met the FDA primary efficacy guidelines in the DV study safety statistical analysis set (“SS”) where 80% of the subjects
achieved average testosterone levels (“Cavg”) within the normal range with a lower bound confidence interval (“CI”)
of 72%. The DF study restored 70% of the subjects’ average testosterone levels within the normal range (Cavg) confirming
that twice daily (“BID”) dosing is the appropriate dosing regimen for TLANDO and was the basis for resubmission. The
safety set is defined as any subject that was randomized into the study and took at least one dose (N=95 subjects in the DV study
and N=100 in the DF study). A baseline carried forward approach was used to account for missing data as a result of subject discontinuation.
The primary efficacy endpoint is
the percentage of subjects with Cavg within the normal range, which is defined as 300-1080 ng/dL. The FDA guidelines for primary
efficacy success is that at least 75% of the subjects on active treatment achieve a testosterone Cavg within the normal range;
and the lower bound of the 95% CI must be greater than or equal to 65%.
The adverse
event profile of TLANDO in both the DV and DF studies was consistent with the previously conducted 52-week Phase 3 Study of Androgen
Replacement (“SOAR”) clinical trial. All drug related adverse events (“AEs”) were either mild or moderate
in intensity and none were severe. To date, the safety database of TLANDO includes ~591 subjects demonstrating a profile consistent
with other TRT products.
The secondary
endpoints assessed the maximum total testosterone concentration (“Cmax”) post dosing using predetermined limits developed
by the FDA for transdermals. The FDA guidelines for secondary efficacy success is that at least 85% of the subjects achieve Cmax
less than 1500 ng/dL; no greater than 5% of the subjects have Cmax between 1800 ng/dl and 2500 ng/dL; and zero percent of the subjects
have Cmax greater than 2500 ng/dL. Consistent with the definition of Cmax and the pharmacokinetic profile of multiple times a day
dosing, two pre-specified analyses were performed, Cmax per dose and Cmax per day.
24
In the DV study SS Cmax per dose
analysis, the percentage of subjects with Cmax less than 1500 ng/dL and between 1800 ng/dL and 2500 ng/dL were 85% and 7%, respectively.
Deviations from the predetermined limits in the DV study were observed in the Cmax per day dose analysis for these thresholds.
As such, this efficacy trial did not meet the three Cmax per day secondary endpoints. Only one subject, who was a major protocol
violator, exceeded the 2500 ng/dL limit independent of per dose or per day dose analyses. Through reanalysis of Cmax data in the
DV study, we resubmitted the NDA to the FDA on February 28, 2020 and have a PDUFA date of August 28, 2020.
The DF study SS met all Cmax thresholds in per dose
and per day dose analyses.
Prior to conducting the DV study
and the DF study, we completed our SOAR pivotal Phase 3 clinical study evaluating efficacy and 52-week safety of TLANDO. The SOAR
study is considered our pivotal safety clinical study for the NDA resubmission.
Results from SOAR
SOAR was a randomized, open-label, parallel-group,
active-controlled, Phase 3 clinical study of TLANDO in hypogonadal males with low testosterone (< 300 ng/dL). In total, 315
subjects at 40 active sites were assigned, such that 210 were randomized to TLANDO and 105 were randomized to the active control,
AndroGel 1.62%®, for 52 weeks of treatment. The active control is included for safety assessment. TLANDO subjects were started
at 225 mg TU (equivalent to ~ 142 mg of T) twice daily (“BID”) with a standard meal and then dose titrated, if needed,
based on average T levels during the day, Cavg, and peak serumT levels, Cmax, up to 300 mg TU BID or down to 150 mg TU BID based
on serum testosterone measured at weeks 3 and 7 based on PK profile with multiple blood samples drawn at each time period. The
mean age of the subjects in the trial was ~53 years with ~91% of the patients < 65 years of age. The discontinuation rate for
TLANDO was 38% compared to 32% for AndroGel 1.62%.
Primary statistical analysis was
conducted using the Efficacy Population Set ("EPS"). The EPS is defined as subjects randomized into the study with at
least one PK profile and no significant protocol deviations and includes imputed missing data by last observation carried forward,
N=151. Further analysis was performed using the full analysis set ("FAS") (any subject randomized into the study with
at least one post-baseline efficacy variable response, N=193) and the SS (any subject that was randomized into the study and took
at least one dose, N=210).
Safety
The safety component of the SOAR
trial was completed the last week of April 2015. The safety extension phase was designed to assess safety based on information
such as metabolites, biomarkers, laboratory values, serious adverse events SAEs and AEs, with subjects on their stable dose regimen
in both the treatment arm and the active control arm. TLANDO treatment was well tolerated in there were no hepatic, cardiac or
drug related SAEs.
TLANDO safety highlights include:
· TLANDO was well tolerated during 52 weeks of dosing;
· Overall AE profile for TLANDO was comparable to the active
control;
· Cardiac AE profiles were consistent between treatment groups and none of the observed cardiac AEs
occurred in greater than 1.0% of the subjects in the TLANDO arm and none were classified as severe; and
· All observed adverse drug reactions (“ADRs”) were classified as mild or moderate in
severity and no serious ADRs occurred during the 52-week treatment period.
Food Effect Study
We also completed our labeling
"food effect" study in May 2015. Results from the labeling "food effect" study indicate that bioavailability
of testosterone from TLANDO is not affected by changes in meal fat content. The results demonstrate comparable testosterone levels
between the standard fat meal (similar to the meal instruction provided in the Phase 3 clinical study) and both the low and high
fat meals. The labeling “food effect” study was conducted per the FDA requirement and we submitted preliminary results
from this study to the FDA in the second quarter of 2015 prior to submitting the NDA.
25
Other Safety Requirements
Based on our meetings with the
FDA, we do not expect to be required to conduct a heart attack and stroke risk study prior to the potential approval of TLANDO.
We may, however, be required to conduct a heart attack and stroke risk study on our own or with a consortium of sponsors that have
an approved TRT product subsequent to the potential approval of TLANDO.
Recent Competition Update
On March 27, 2019, Clarus Therapeutics,
Inc.’s (“Clarus”) product JATENZO®, an oral testosterone undecanoate product, was approved by the FDA and
also received three years of data exclusivity. It is unclear how Jatenzo’s three years of data exclusivity will impact the
potential full approvability of TLANDO. The potential exists that, as a result of Clarus’ data exclusivity, the approval
of TLANDO by the FDA, if received, could be delayed until March 27, 2022. On February 10, 2020, Clarus announced that JATENZO®
has been launched and is commercially available.
LPCN 1144: An Oral Prodrug of Bioidentical Testosterone
Product Candidate for the Treatment of NASH
We are currently evaluating LPCN
1144, an oral prodrug of bioidentical testosterone comprised of TU, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic NASH. NASH is a more advanced
state of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (“NAFLD”) and can progress to a cirrhotic liver and eventually hepatocellular
carcinoma or liver cancer. Twenty to thirty percent of the U.S. population is estimated to suffer from NAFLD and fifteen to twenty
percent of this group progress to NASH, which is a substantially large population that lacks effective therapy. Currently, there
are no FDA approved treatments for NASH. Approximately 50% of NASH patients are in adult males and the number of NASH cases is
projected to increase 63% from 16.5 million cases in 2015 to 27.0 million cases in 2030. NAFLD/NASH is becoming more common due
to its strong correlation with obesity and metabolic syndrome, including components of metabolic syndrome such as diabetes, cardiovascular
disease and high blood pressure. In men, especially with comorbidities associated with NAFLD/NASH, testosterone deficiency has
been associated with an increased accumulation of visceral adipose tissue and insulin resistance, which could be factors contributing
to NAFLD/NASH.
History of Liver Disease
The liver is the largest internal
organ in the human body and its proper function is indispensable for many critical metabolic functions, including the regulation
of lipid and sugar metabolism, the production of important proteins, including those involved in blood clotting, and purification
of blood. There are over 100 described diseases of the liver, and because of its many functions, these can be highly debilitating
and life-threatening unless effectively treated. Liver diseases can result from injury to the liver caused by a variety of insults,
including hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), obesity, chronic excessive alcohol use or autoimmune diseases. Regardless
of the underlying cause of the disease, there are important similarities in the disease progression including increased inflammatory
activity and excessive liver cell apoptosis, which if unresolved leads to fibrosis. Fibrosis, if allowed to progress, will lead
to cirrhosis, or excessive scarring of the liver, and eventually reduced liver function. Some patients with liver cirrhosis have
a partially functioning liver and may appear asymptomatic for long periods of time, which is referred to as decompensated liver
disease. Decompensated liver disease is when the liver is unable to perform its normal functions. Many people with active liver
disease remain undiagnosed largely because liver disease patients are often asymptomatic for many years.
Markers of Liver Cell Death
Alanine aminotransferase (“ALT”)
is an enzyme that is produced in liver cells and is naturally found in the blood of healthy individuals. In liver disease, liver
cells are damaged and as a consequence, ALT is released into the blood, increasing ALT levels above the normal range. Physicians
routinely test blood levels of ALT to monitor the health of a patient's liver. ALT level is a clinically important biochemical
marker of the severity of liver inflammation and ongoing liver disease. Elevated levels of ALT represent general markers of liver
cell death and inflammation without regard to any specific mechanism. Aspartate aminotransferase (“AST”) is a second
enzyme found in the blood that is produced in the liver and routinely measured by physicians along with ALT. As with ALT, AST is
often elevated in liver disease and, like ALT, is considered an overall marker of liver inflammation.
26
Relationship between Hypogonadism and NAFLD
Preclinical and clinical studies
in the NAFLD/NASH literature have shown the prevalence of testosterone deficiency across the NAFLD/NASH histological spectrum wherein
low testosterone was independently associated with NAFLD/NASH with an inverse relationship between testosterone and NAFLD/NASH
symptom severity. A recent National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (“NIDDK”) report suggests
that 75% of biopsy confirmed NASH subjects have less than 372 ng/dL of total testosterone and that the degree of fibrosis severity
is inversely related to free testosterone levels; thus, providing a good rationale for testing LPCN 1144 in adult NASH patients
regardless of their hypogonadal status. Recently, we received clearance from the FDA to clinically investigate LPCN 1144 in an
expanded target population of adult male NASH patients. Specifically, the FDA waived the limitation of only testing LPCN 1144 in
NASH subjects with total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (threshold for hypogonadism).
Post hoc analyses of our existing
clinical trials in subjects with comorbidities typically associated with NASH comorbidities indicate that testosterone therapy
significantly and consistently reduced elevated levels of key serum biomarkers (liver function enzymes and serum triglyceride)
generally associated with NAFLD/NASH.
Current Status
We have completed a 16-week POC liver imaging
clinical study to assess liver fat changes in hypogonadal men at risk of developing NASH using MRI-PDFF technique. Treatment results
from the POC liver imaging study demonstrated that 48% of the treated NAFLD subjects, defined as baseline liver fat of at least
5%, had NAFLD resolution, defined as liver fat <5% post treatment. Additionally, 100% of the subjects experiencing NAFLD resolution
had at least a 35% relative liver fat reduction from baseline with a relative mean liver fat reduction of 55% in this group. Further
results from the POC liver fat clinical study after 16 weeks of treatment are as follows:
Baseline Liver Fat %
Mean Liver Fat % at
Relative Reductions at EOS
Responder Rate** at
Category, n
Baseline
Mean %
Median %
EOS, %
At least 10%, n=8
20.5
40
39
75
At least 8%, n=10
18.3
42
42
80
At least 5%, n=21
12.1
33
41
71
**Based on subjects who experienced at least a 30% reduction
in liver fat from baseline.
We have also investigated the pharmacological
effect of LPCN 1144 in a validated, non-genomic, multiple arm, 12-week high fat diet (“HFD”)-induced, rabbit animal
model of NASH and hepatic fibrosis. NASH, induced by the HFD, lowered circulating T and free T levels. The results from this pre-clinical
model demonstrate that LPCN 1144 treatment restores circulating T and free T levels. Additionally, the histological and biomarker
results suggest LPCN 1144 decreases liver inflammation, ballooning, fibrosis, and visceral fat that were all increased due to the
HFD, while normalizing insulin sensitivity, prostate and seminal vesicle weight.
Additionally, we have initiated the LiFT
(“Liver Fat intervention with oral Testosterone”) Phase 2 clinical study, a paired-biopsy study in confirmed pre-cirrhotic
NASH subjects with the first subject being dosed in the third quarter of 2019. The formulations being studied in the Phase 2 clinical
trial are differentiated from TLANDO. The LiFT Phase 2 clinical study is a prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled multiple-arm study in biopsy-confirmed hypogonadal or eugonadal male NASH subjects with grade F2/F3 fibrosis
and a NAFLD Activity Score (“NAS”) ≥ 4 with a 36-week treatment period. The LiFT clinical study is designed
to enroll between 60 and 75 biopsy confirmed NASH male subjects, randomized into one of three arms (two test arms and one placebo
arm) with a 1:1:1 randomization ratio. We currently expect top-line liver fat reduction data by the end of 2020 as measured by
MRI-PDFF at 12 weeks, followed by 36-week biopsy data which is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2021. Enrollment in
the LiFT Phase 2 clinical study has been impacted by COVID-19 quarantine measures and may be further impacted which would
result in delays to the projected timing of primary endpoint results as well as biopsy results. Further due to COVID-19, we are
uncertain as to the actual number of subjects that will be enrolled in the clinical study and we believe that subject drop-out
rates and the number of subjects that ultimately complete the clinical study could be negatively impacted by COVID-19.
27
TLANDO
XR: A Next-Generation Long-Acting Oral Product Candidate for TRT
TLANDO XR is a next-generation,
novel ester prodrug of testosterone which uses the Lip’ral technology to enhance solubility and improve systemic absorption.
We completed a Phase 2b dose finding study in hypogonadal men in the third quarter of 2016. The primary objectives of the Phase
2b clinical study were to determine the starting Phase 3 dose of TLANDO XR along with safety and tolerability of TLANDO XR and
its metabolites following oral administration of single and multiple doses in hypogonadal men. The Phase 2b clinical trial was
a randomized, open label, two-period, multi-dose PK study that enrolled hypogonadal males into five treatment groups. Each of the
12 subjects in a group received treatment for 14 days. Results of the Phase 2b study suggest that the primary objectives were met,
including identifying the dose expected to be tested in a Phase 3 study. Good dose-response relationship was observed over the
tested dose range in the Phase 2b study. Additionally, the target Phase 3 dose met primary and secondary end points. Overall, TLANDO
XR was well tolerated with no drug-related severe or serious adverse events reported in the Phase 2b study.
Additionally in October 2014, we
completed a Phase 2a proof-of-concept study in hypogonadal men. The Phase 2a open-label, dose-escalating single and multiple dose
study enrolled 12 males. Results from the Phase 2a clinical study demonstrated the feasibility of a once daily dosing with TLANDO
XR in hypogonadal men and a good dose response. Additionally, the study confirmed that steady state is achieved by day 14 with
consistent inter-day performance observed on day 14, 21 and 28. No subjects exceeded Cmax of 1500 ng/dL at any time during the
28-day dosing period on multi-dose exposure. Overall, TLANDO XR was well tolerated with no serious AE’s reported.
We have also completed a preclinical toxicology study
with TLANDO XR in dogs.
In February 2018 we had a meeting
with the FDA to discuss these pre-clinical results and to discuss the Phase 3 clinical study and path forward for TLANDO XR. Based
on the results of the FDA meeting and additional pre-clinical trials conducted after the FDA meeting, we have designed a Phase
3 protocol for TLANDO XR and have solicited FDA feedback. Based on initial FDA feedback, we expect the Phase 3 clinical trial design
to follow the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (“ICH”)
guidelines and will include a three-month efficacy treatment period and a one-year safety component for up to 100 subjects. We
continue to refine the Phase 3 protocol and plan to request FDA approval of the protocol once it is finalized. Additionally, the
FDA previously requested that a food effect study be completed, and that ABPM be included as part of the Phase 3 clinical study.
Based on our capital resources and the clinical status of our product candidates, we plan to primarily focus our efforts in 2020
on TLANDO and LPCN 1144. We do not anticipate the initiation of a Phase 3 study with TLANDO XR to occur in 2020 unless and until
additional capital is secured or the product candidate is out-licensed. We are exploring the possibility of licensing TLANDO XR
to a third party, although no licensing agreement has been entered into by the Company.
LPCN 1148: An Oral Prodrug of Bioidentical Testosterone Product
Candidate for the Treatment of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is an end stage NAFLD for which there is no FDA approved
drug treatment. Liver cirrhosis is estimated to affect in excess of 600,000 Americans, with men affected at twice the rate of women,
and results in approximately 45,000 deaths every year. Due to a lack of available organs, only a third of waitlisted patients are
getting liver transplants, and patients that do receive a transplant are increasingly being described as frail. Low testosterone
affects up to 90% of cirrhotic men, and is a predictor of mortality and increased adverse events including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy,
and clinically significant portal hypertension.
We are currently formulating plans
to conduct a proof-of-concept study in male cirrhotic subjects through consultations with the FDA and key opinion leaders to evaluate
the therapeutic potential of LPCN 1148 for the treatment of cirrhotic subjects. On May 5, 2020 the FDA accepted our Investigational
New Drug application ("IND") to initiate a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study to evaluate the therapeutic potential of LPCN
1148 for the treatment of liver cirrhosis in adult male cirrhotic patients. The planned Phase 2 clinical study is a prospective,
multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled 52-week study in male cirrhotic patients that are on the liver transplant list. Based
on our capital resources and the clinical status of our product candidates, we plan to primarily focus our efforts in 2020 on TLANDO
and LPCN 1144. We do not anticipate the initiation of a Phase 2 study with LPCN 1148 in 2020 unless and until additional capital
is secured or the product candidate is out-licensed. We are exploring the possibility of licensing LPCN 1148 to a third party,
although no licensing agreement has been entered into by the Company
LPCN 1107: An Oral Product Candidate for the Prevention
of Preterm Birth
We believe
LPCN 1107 has the potential to become the first oral hydroxyprogesterone caproate (“HPC”) product indicated for the
reduction of risk of preterm birth (delivery less than 37 weeks) (“PTB”) in women with singleton pregnancy who have
a history of singleton spontaneous PTB. Prevention of PTB is a significant unmet need as approximately 11.7% of all U.S. pregnancies
result in PTB, a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
28
We have completed a multi-dose PK dose
selection study in pregnant women. The objective of the multi-dose PK selection study was to assess HPC blood levels in order to
identify the appropriate LPCN 1107 Phase 3 dose. The multi-dose PK dose selection study was an open-label, four-period, four-treatment,
randomized, single and multiple dose, PK study in pregnant women of three dose levels of LPCN 1107 and the injectable intramuscular
("IM") HPC (Makena®). The study enrolled 12 healthy pregnant women (average age of 27 years) with a gestational age
of approximately 16 to 19 weeks. Subjects received three dose levels of LPCN 1107 (400 mg BID, 600 mg BID, or 800 mg BID) in a
randomized, crossover manner during the first three treatment periods and then received five weekly injections of HPC during the
fourth treatment period. During each of the LPCN 1107 treatment periods, subjects received a single dose of LPCN 1107 on Day 1
followed by twice daily administration from Day 2 to Day 8. Following completion of the three LPCN 1107 treatment periods and a
washout period, all subjects received five weekly injections of HPC. Results from this study demonstrated that average steady state
HPC levels (Cavg0-24) were comparable or higher for all three LPCN 1107 doses than for injectable HPC. Additionally, HPC levels
as a function of daily dose were linear for the three LPCN 1107 doses. Also, unlike the injectable HPC, steady state exposure was
achieved for all three LPCN 1107 doses within seven days. We have also completed a proof-of-concept Phase 1b clinical study of
LPCN 1107 in healthy pregnant women in January 2015 and a proof-of-concept Phase 1a clinical study of LPCN 1107 in healthy non-pregnant
women in May 2014. These studies were designed to determine the PK and bioavailability of LPCN 1107 relative to an IM HPC, as well
as safety and tolerability.
A traditional pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics
(“PK/PD”) based Phase 2 clinical study in the intended patient population is not expected to be required prior to entering
into Phase 3. Therefore, based on the results of our multi-dose PK study we had an End-of-Phase 2 meeting and subsequent guidance
meetings with the FDA to define a Phase 3 development plan for LPCN 1107. During the meetings, the FDA agreed to a randomized,
open-label, two-arm clinical study to include a LPCN 1107 arm and a comparator IM arm with treatment up to 23 weeks. The FDA also
provided preliminary feedback on other critical Phase 3 study design considerations including: positive feedback on the proposed
800 mg BID Phase 3 dose and dosing regimen; confirmation of the use of a surrogate primary endpoint focusing on rate of delivery
less than 37 weeks gestation rather than on clinical infant outcomes; acknowledgment that the use of a gestational age endpoint
would likely lead to any FDA approval, if granted, being a Subpart H approval; and, recommendation of a non-inferiority (“NI”)
study margin of 7% with interim analyses. A standard statistical design for an NI study based on the FDA feedback of 7% for the
primary endpoint may require approximately 1,100 subjects per treatment arm with a 90% power. However, based on the FDA’s
suggestion of including an interim analysis in the NI design, an adaptive study design is under consideration that may allow for
fewer subjects. We submitted the initial LPCN 1107 Phase 3 protocol to the FDA via an SPA in June 2017 and have received multiple
rounds of FDA’s feedback. However, agreement with the FDA on the Phase 3 protocol via SPA has not occurred as we are waiting
for minutes from the FDA’s Advisory Committee meeting for AMAG Pharmaceuticals’ Makena which was held on October 29,
2019. Final agreement with the FDA on the Phase 3 protocol, if reached, may or may not confirm the FDA’s preliminary feedback
on the Phase 3 design. Additionally, a Phase 3 study will not occur until the results from a planned food-effect study with LPCN
1107 are reviewed by the FDA, though manufacturing scale-up work for LPCN 1107 has been completed.
Based on our capital resources and the
clinical status of our product candidates, we plan to primarily focus our efforts in 2020 on TLANDO and LPCN 1144. We do not anticipate
the initiation of a Phase 3 study with LPCN 1107 to occur in 2020 unless and until additional capital is secured or the product
candidate is out-licensed. We are exploring the possibility of licensing LPCN 1107 to a third party, although no licensing agreement
has been entered into by the Company. No assurance can be given that any license agreement will be completed, or, if an agreement
is completed, that such an agreement would be on acceptable terms.
The FDA has granted
orphan drug designation to LPCN 1107 based on a major contribution to patient care. Orphan designation qualifies Lipocine for various
development incentives, including tax credits for qualified clinical testing, and a waiver of the prescription drug user fee when
we file our NDA.
Financial Operations Overview
Revenue
To
date, we have not generated any revenues from product sales and do not expect to do so until one of our product candidates receives
approval from the FDA. Revenues to date have been generated substantially from license fees, royalty and milestone payments
and research support from our licensees. Since our inception through June 30, 2020, we have generated $28.1 million in revenue
under our various license and collaboration arrangements and from government grants. We may never generate revenues from TLANDO
or any of our other clinical or preclinical development programs or licensed products as we may never succeed in obtaining regulatory
approval or commercializing any of these product candidates.
29
Research and Development Expenses
Research
and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation and related personnel costs, fees paid
to external service providers such as contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations, contractual obligations
for clinical development, clinical sites, manufacturing and scale-up for late-stage clinical trials, formulation of clinical drug
supplies, and expenses associated with regulatory submissions. Research and development expenses also include an allocation of
indirect costs, such as those for facilities, office expense, travel, and depreciation of equipment based on the ratio of direct
labor hours for research and development personnel to total direct labor hours for all personnel. We expense research and development
expenses as incurred. Since our inception, we have spent approximately $ 116 million in research and development expenses
through June 30, 2020.
As
a result of the CRL we received from the FDA on TLANDO’s NDA, we are uncertain as to whether we will incur additional research
and developments costs for TLANDO. On January 16, 2020, we met with the FDA in a Post Action Meeting to review our CRL,
and based on these discussions, we do not expect to conduct any additional clinical trials with TLANDO for TRT. However, any further
expenditures, if needed, are subject to numerous uncertainties regarding timing and cost to completion.
We expect to continue to incur significant
costs as we develop our other product candidates, including the ongoing LiFT Phase 2 clinical study with LPCN 1144.
In general, the cost of clinical trials
may vary significantly over the life of a project as a result of uncertainties in clinical development, including, among others:
• the number of sites included in the trials;
• the length of time required to enroll suitable subjects;
• the duration of subject follow-ups;
• the length of time required to collect, analyze and report trial results;
• the cost, timing and outcome of regulatory review; and
• potential changes by the FDA in clinical trial and NDA filing requirements for testosterone replacement therapies.
We have also incurred significant manufacturing
costs to prepare launch supplies for TLANDO. However, future expenditures are subject to numerous uncertainties regarding timing
and cost to completion, including, among others:
• the timing and outcome of regulatory filings and FDA reviews and actions for TLANDO;
• our dependence on third-party manufacturers for the production of satisfactory finished product for registration and launch
should regulatory approval be obtained;
• the potential for future license or co-promote arrangements for TLANDO, when such arrangements will be secured, if at all,
and to what degree such arrangements would affect our future plans and capital requirements; and
• the effect on our product development activities of actions taken by the FDA or other regulatory authorities.
A change of outcome for any of these variables
with respect to the development of TLANDO and our other product development candidates could mean a substantial change in the costs
and timing associated with these efforts, will require us to raise additional capital, and may require us to reduce operations.
Given the stage of clinical development
and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the clinical development, manufacturing and regulatory approval process,
we are unable to estimate with any certainty the time or cost to complete the development of LPCN 1144, TLANDO XR, LPCN 1148, LPCN
1107 and other product candidates. Clinical development timelines, the probability of success and development costs can differ
materially from expectations and results from our clinical trials may not be favorable. If we are successful in progressing
LPCN 1144, TLANDO XR, LPCN 1148, LPCN 1107 or other product candidates into later stage development, we will require additional
capital. The amount and timing of our future research and development expenses for these product candidates will depend on the
preclinical and clinical success of both our current development activities and potential development of new product candidates,
as well as ongoing assessments of the commercial potential of such activities.
30
Summary of Research and Development Expense
We are conducting on-going clinical and
regulatory activities with most of our product candidates. Additionally, we incur costs for our other research programs. The following
table summarizes our research and development expenses:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
2020
2019
External service provider costs:
TLANDO
$ 122,544
$ 849,372
$ 207,477
$ 2,156,582
LPCN 1144
1,330,886
366,066
3,060,439
410,935
TLANDO XR (LPCN 1111)
1,490
97,391
71,898
117,642
LPCN 1107
1,360
26,136
2,360
39,460
Total external service provider costs
1,456,280
1,338,965
3,342,174
2,724,619
Internal personnel costs
682,334
468,938
1,174,705
904,823
Other research and development costs
130,370
156,243
263,860
284,524
Total research and development
$ 2,268,984
$ 1,964,146
$ 4,780,739
$ 3,913,966
We expect research and development expenses
to increase in the future as we complete on-going clinical studies, including the LiFT Phase 2 clinical study with LPCN
1144, as we conduct future clinical studies, including when and if we conduct Phase 2 clinical studies with LPCN 1148 and Phase
3 clinical studies with TLANDO XR and LPCN 1107, and as we manufacture commercial supplies of TLANDO pre-approval. However, if
we are unable to raise additional capital, we may need to reduce research and development expenses in order to extend our ability
to continue as a going concern.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist
primarily of salaries and related benefits, including stock-based compensation related to our executive, finance, business development,
marketing, sales and support functions. Other general and administrative expenses include rent and utilities, travel expenses,
professional fees for auditing, tax and legal services, litigation settlement and market research and market analytics.
General and administrative expenses also
include expenses for the cost of preparing, filling and prosecuting patent applications and maintaining, enforcing and defending
intellectual property-related claims, including our on-going patent interference and patent infringement lawsuits against Clarus.
We expect that general and administrative
expenses will increase in the future as we incur additional legal fees in the on-going court cases with Clarus. Additional areas
that may see increases as we mature as a public company include legal and consulting fees, accounting and audit fees, director
fees, increased directors’ and officers’ insurance premiums, fees for investor relations services and enhanced business
and accounting systems, litigation costs, professional fees and other costs. However, if we are unable to raise additional capital,
we may need to reduce general and administrative expenses in order to extend our ability to continue as a going concern.
Other Expense (Income), Net
Other
expense (income), net consists primarily of interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment
securities, interest expense incurred on our outstanding Loan and Security Agreement and
losses (gains) on our warrant liability.
31
Results of Operations
Comparison
of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019
The
following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
Three Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Variance
Research and development expenses
$ 2,268,984
$ 1,964,146
304,838
General and administrative expenses
1,953,535
1,386,457
567,078
Interest and investment income
(7,177 )
(124,581 )
(117,404 )
Interest expense
87,847
204,575
(116,728 )
Loss on warrant liability
2,066,445
-
2,066,445
Research and Development Expenses
The
increase in research and development expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to increased
contract research organization and outside consulting and manufacturing costs related to the LPCN 1144 LiFT Phase 2 clinical
study in NASH subjects of $965,000, as well as a $213,000 increase in personnel expense. These increases were offset by a $727,000
decrease in costs incurred in conjunction with TLANDO with the completion of the ABPM study in the first half of 2019, a $96,000
decrease in costs for TLANDO XR, a $25,000 decrease in contract manufacturing costs for LPCN 1107 and a $25,000 decrease in other
research and development expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses
The
increase in general and administrative expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to a $613,000
increase in legal costs associated with the following activities: lawsuit filed against Clarus Therapeutics Inc. for patent infringement
in April 2019, interference cases filed against Clarus and the on-going class action lawsuit defense. In addition, there was a
$48,000 increase in personnel costs, offset by a $41,000 decrease marketing expense, a $34,000 decrease in administrative travel
expenses and a $19,000 decrease in other general and administrative expenses.
Interest and Investment Income
The
decrease in interest and investment income during the three months ended June 30, 2020 was due to lower interest rates and
lower average balances of marketable securities in 2020 compared to 2019.
Interest Expense
The
decrease in interest expense during the three months ended June 30, 2020 was due to a decrease in interest expense on our
Loan and Security Agreement with SVB, as a result of lower principal balances and lower interest rates in 2020 compared to 2019.
Loss
on Warrant Liability
We recorded a $2.1 million loss on warrant
liability during the three months ended June 30, 2020 related to the change in the fair value of outstanding common stock warrants
issued in the November 2019 Offering. We did not record a similar change during the three months ended June 30, 2019 as there were
no similar warrants outstanding during this period. The loss in 2020 was mainly attributable to an increase in the value of both
warrants exercised during the period and warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2020 as compared to March 31, 2020 due to an increase
in our stock price. There were 10,006,000 common stock warrants exercised during the three months ended June 30, 2020. The warrants
are classified as a liability due to a provision contained within the warrant agreement which allows the warrant holder the option
to elect to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the warrants as determined in accordance with the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with certain defined assumptions upon a change of control. The warrant liability will continue to fluctuate in the
future based on inputs to the Black-Scholes model including our current stock price, the remaining life of the warrants, the volatility
of our stock price, and the risk-free interest rate and the number of common stock warrants outstanding.
32
Comparison
of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019
The
following table summarizes our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
Six months ended June 30,
2020
2019
Variance
Research and development expenses
$ 4,780,739
$ 3,913,966
866,773
General and administrative expenses
4,038,795
2,562,385
1,476,410
Interest and investment income
(67,115 )
(249,846 )
(182,731 )
Interest expense
221,192
428,364
(207,172 )
Loss on warrant liability
3,166,474
-
3,166,474
Income tax expense
200
200
-
Research and Development Expenses
The
increase in research and development expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to increased contract
research organization and outside consulting and manufacturing costs related to the LPCN 1144 LiFT Phase 2 clinical study
in NASH subjects of $2.6 million and a $270,000 increase in personnel expense. These increases were offset by a $1.9 million decrease
in costs incurred in conjunction with TLANDO with the completion of the ABPM study in the first half of 2019, a $46,000 decrease
in costs for TLANDO XR, a $37,000 decrease in contract manufacturing costs for LPCN 1107 and a $20,000 decrease in other research
and development expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses
The
increase in general and administrative expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily due to a $1.7 million
increase in legal costs associated with the with the following activities: lawsuit filed against Clarus for patent infringement
in April 2019, interference cases filed against Clarus and the on-going class action lawsuit defense, offset by a $11,000 decrease
in personnel costs, a $60,000 decrease in administrative travel expense, a $41,000 decrease in marketing expense and a $112,000
decrease in other administrative expenses.
Interest and Investment Income
The
decrease in interest and investment income during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was due to lower average balances of
marketable securities and lower interest rates in 2020 compared to 2019.
Interest Expense
The
decrease in interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was due to a decrease in interest expense on our
Loan and Security Agreement with SVB, as a result of lower principal balances and lower interest rates in 2020 compared to 2019.
Loss
on Warrant Liability
We recorded a $3.2 million loss on warrant
liability during the six months ended June 30, 2020 related to the change in the fair value of outstanding common stock warrants
issued in the November 2019 Offering. We did not record a similar change during the six months ended June 30, 2019 as there were
no similar warrants outstanding during this period. The loss in 2020 was mainly attributable to an increase in the value of both
warrants exercised during the period and warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2020 as compared to March 31, 2020 due to an increase
in our stock price. There were 10,127,000 common stock warrants exercised during the three months ended June 30, 2020. The warrants
are classified as a liability due to a provision contained within the warrant agreement which allows the warrant holder the option
to elect to receive an amount of cash equal to the value of the warrants as determined in accordance with the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with certain defined assumptions upon a change of control. The warrant liability will continue to fluctuate in the
future based on inputs to the Black-Scholes model including our current stock price, the remaining life of the warrants, the volatility
of our stock price, and the risk-free interest rate and the number of common stock warrants outstanding.
33
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since
our inception, our operations have been primarily financed through sales of our equity securities, debt and payments received under
our license and collaboration arrangements. We have devoted our resources to funding research and development programs, including
discovery research, preclinical and clinical development activities. We have incurred operating losses in most years since our
inception and we expect to continue to incur operating losses into the foreseeable future as we evaluate our options related to
TLANDO should it receive approval and as we advance clinical development of LPCN 1144, TLANDO XR, LPCN 1148, LPCN 1107 and
any other product candidate, including continued research efforts.
As
of June 30, 2020, we had $18.3 million of unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities compared
to $14.1 million at December 31, 2019. Additionally, as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 we had $5.0 million of restricted
cash, which is required to be maintained as cash collateral under the SVB Loan and Security Agreement until TLANDO is approved
by the FDA.
On April 21, 2020, we entered
into a loan (the “Loan”) from Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) in the aggregate amount of $234,000, pursuant
to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under Division A, Title I of the CARES Act, which was enacted March
27, 2020. The Loan, which was in the form of a note dated April 21, 2020 issued by us, matures on April 21, 2022 and bears interest
at a rate of 1.0% per annum, payable monthly commencing on November 21, 2020. The Loan may be prepaid by us at any time prior to
maturity with no prepayment penalties. Funds from the Loan may only be used for payroll costs, costs used to continue group health
care benefits, mortgage payments, rent, utilities, and interest on other debt obligations incurred before February 15, 2020. We
intend to use the entire Loan amount for qualifying expenses. Under the terms of the PPP, certain amounts of the Loan may be forgiven
if they are used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act.
On February 27, 2020, we completed a registered
direct offering of securities registered under an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (“February 2020 Offering”). The gross proceeds from the February 2020 Offering were approximately $6.0 million,
before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses of approximately $347,000. In the February 2020 Offering, the
Company sold 10,084,034 Class A Units, with each Class A Unit consisting of one share of common stock and a one-half of one common
warrant to purchase one share of common stock, at a price of $0.595 per Class A Unit. The common stock warrants were immediately
exercisable at an exercise price of $0.53 per share, subject to adjustment, and expire on February 27, 2025. By their terms, however,
the common stock warrants cannot be exercised at any time that the common stock warrant holder would beneficially own, after such
exercise, more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of the shares of common stock then outstanding after giving
effect to such exercise.
As
of June 30, 2020, 3,491,807 common warrants to purchase one share of our common stock from the February 2020 Offering have
been exercised resulting in proceeds of approximately $1.9 million.
On November 18, 2019, we completed a public
offering of securities registered under an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(“November 2019 Offering”). The gross proceeds from the November 2019 Offering were approximately $6.0 million, before
deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses of $404,000. In the November 2019 Offering, the Company sold (i) 10,450,000
Class A Units, with each Class A Unit consisting of one share of common stock and a common warrant to purchase one share of common
stock, and (ii) 1,550,000 Class B Units, with each Class B Unit consisting of one pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of common
stock and one common warrant to purchase one share of common stock, at a price of $0.50 per Class A Unit and $0.4999 per Class
B Unit. The pre-funded warrants, which were exercised for common stock in December 2019, were issued in lieu of common stock in
order to ensure the purchaser did not exceed certain beneficial ownership limitations. The pre-funded warrants were immediately
exercisable at an exercise price of $.0001 per share, subject to adjustment. Additionally, the common stock warrants were immediately
exercisable at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, subject to adjustment, and expire on November 17, 2024. By their terms, however,
neither the pre-funded warrants nor the common stock warrants can be exercised at any time that the pre-funded warrant holder or
the common stock warrant holder would beneficially own, after such exercise, more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder,
9.99%) of the shares of common stock then outstanding after giving effect to such exercise.
As
of June 30, 2020, 10,127,000 common warrants to purchase one share of our common stock from the November 2019 Offering
have been exercised resulting in proceeds of approximately $5.1 million.
34
On January 5, 2018, we entered into the
Loan and Security Agreement with SVB pursuant to which SVB agreed to lend us $10.0 million. The principal borrowed under the Loan
and Security Agreement bears interest at a rate equal to the Prime Rate, as reported in money rates section of The Wall Street
Journal or any successor publication representing the rate of interest per annum then in effect, plus one percent per annum, which
interest is payable monthly. Additionally on April 1, 2020, we and SVB entered into a Deferral Agreement. Under the Deferral Agreement,
principal repayments are deferred by six months and we are only required to make monthly interest payments during the deferral
period. The loan matures on June 1, 2022. Previously, we were only required to make monthly interest payments until December 31,
2018, following which we also made equal monthly payments of principal and interest until the signing of the Deferral Agreement.
We will also be required to pay an additional final payment at maturity equal to $650,000 (the “Final Payment Charge”).
At our option, we may prepay all amounts owed under the Loan and Security Agreement (including all accrued and unpaid interest
and the Final Payment Charge). In connection with the Loan and Security Agreement, we granted to SVB a security interest in substantially
all of our assets now owned or hereafter acquired, excluding intellectual property and certain other assets. In addition, as TLANDO
was not approved by the FDA by May 31, 2018, we are required to maintain $5.0 million of cash collateral at SVB until such time
as TLANDO is approved by the FDA. While any amounts are outstanding under the Loan and Security Agreement, we are subject to a
number of affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants regarding dispositions of property, business combinations or
acquisitions, incurrence of additional indebtedness and transactions with affiliates, among other customary covenants. The credit
facility also includes events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which could cause interest to be charged at the rate
that is otherwise applicable plus 5.0% and would provide SVB, as collateral agent, with the right to exercise remedies against
us and the collateral securing the credit facility, including foreclosure against the property securing the credit facilities,
including its cash. These events of default include, among other things, any failure by us to pay principal or interest due under
the credit facility, a breach of certain covenants under the credit facility, the Company’s insolvency, a material adverse
change, and one or more judgments against us in an amount greater than $100,000 individually or in the aggregate.
On March 6, 2017, we entered into the
Sales Agreement with Cantor pursuant to which we may issue and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock having an aggregate
offering price of up to $25.0 million through Cantor as our sales agent. Cantor may sell our common stock by any method permitted
by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, including sales
made directly on or through the Nasdaq Capital Market or any other existing trade market for our common stock, in negotiated transactions
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to prevailing market prices, or any other method permitted
by law. Cantor uses its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable law
and regulations to sell these shares. We pay Cantor 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of shares under the Sales
Agreement. We have also provided Cantor with customary indemnification rights.
The shares of our common stock sold under
the Sales Agreement are sold and issued pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-220942) (the “Form
S-3”), which was previously declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the related prospectus and
one or more prospectus supplements.
We are not obligated to make any sales
of our common stock under the Sales Agreement. The offering of our common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement will terminate
upon the termination of the Sales Agreement as permitted therein. We and Cantor may each terminate the Sales Agreement at any time
upon ten days’ prior notice.
As
of June 30, 2020, we have sold 6,635,535 shares of our common stock resulting in net proceeds of approximately $19.3 million
under the Sales Agreement which is net of $716,000 in expenses consisting of commissions paid to Cantor in connection with these
sales and other offering and accounting costs.
We
believe that our existing capital resources, together with interest thereon, will be sufficient to meet our projected operating
requirements through at least September 30, 2021 which includes an on-going clinical study for LPCN 1144, compliance with
regulatory requirements, including the NDA submission for TLANDO, and on-going litigation activities. We have based this estimate
on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect
if additional activities are performed by us including pre-commercial and commercial activities for TLANDO and new clinical studies
for LPCN 1144, TLANDO XR and LPCN 1148. While we believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to fund our projected
operating requirements through at least September 30, 2021, we will need to raise additional capital at some point through the
equity or debt markets or through out-licensing activities, either before or after September 30, 2021, to support our operations.
If we are unsuccessful in raising additional capital our ability to continue as a going concern will be limited. Further, our operating
plan may change, and we may need additional funds to meet operational needs and capital requirements for product development, regulatory
compliance and clinical trial activities sooner than planned. In addition, our capital resources may be consumed more rapidly if
we pursue additional clinical studies for LPCN 1144, TLANDO XR, LPCN 1148 and LPCN 1107. Conversely, our capital resources could
last longer if we reduce expenses, reduce the number of activities currently contemplated under our operating plan or if we terminate
or suspend on-going clinical studies or intellectual property litigation, or if we terminate or settle any on-going litigation
activities.
35
We can raise capital pursuant to the
Sales Agreement in the ATM when not restricted due to terms of previous financings but may choose not to issue common stock if
our market price is too low to justify such sales in our discretion. There are numerous risks and uncertainties associated with
the development and, subject to approval by the FDA, commercialization of our product candidates. There are numerous risks and
uncertainties impacting our ability to enter into collaborations with third parties to participate in the development and potential
commercialization of our product candidates. We are unable to precisely estimate the amounts of increased capital outlays and
operating expenditures associated with our anticipated or unanticipated clinical studies and ongoing development and pre-commercialization
efforts. All of these factors affect our need for additional capital resources. To fund future operations, we will need to ultimately
raise additional capital and our requirements will depend on many factors, including the following:
• further clinical development requirements or other requirements of the FDA related to approval of TLANDO;
• the scope, rate of progress, results and cost of our clinical studies, preclinical testing and other related activities for
all of our product candidates, including LPCN 1144, TLANDO XR, LPCN 1148 and LPCN 1107;
• the cost of manufacturing clinical supplies, and establishing commercial supplies, of our product candidates and any products
that we may develop;
• the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, if any;
• the terms and timing of any collaborative, licensing and other arrangements that we may establish;
• the number and characteristics of product candidates that we pursue;
• the cost, timing and outcomes of regulatory approvals;
• the timing, receipt and amount of sales, profit sharing or royalties, if any, from our potential products;
• the cost of preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights;
• the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies, although we currently have no commitments
or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions; and
• the extent to which we grow significantly in the number of employees or the scope of our operations.
Funding
may not be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. Also, market conditions may prevent us from accessing the debt and equity
capital markets, including sales of our common stock through the ATM. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing when needed,
we may have to delay, reduce the scope of or suspend one or more of our clinical studies, research and development programs or,
if any of our product candidates receive approval from the FDA, commercialization efforts. We may seek to raise any necessary additional
capital through a combination of public or private equity offerings, including the ATM, debt financings, collaborations, strategic
alliances, licensing arrangements and other marketing and distribution arrangements. These arrangements may not be available to
us or available on terms favorable to us. To the extent that we raise additional capital through marketing and distribution arrangements,
other collaborations, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights
to our product candidates, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may
not be favorable to us. If we do raise additional capital through public or private equity offerings, the ownership interest of
our existing stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences, warrants
or other terms that adversely affect our stockholders’ rights or further complicate raising additional capital in the future.
If we raise additional capital through debt financing, we may be subject to covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take
specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we are unable, for
any reason, to raise needed capital, we will have to reduce costs, delay research and development programs, liquidate assets,
dispose of rights, commercialize products or product candidates earlier than planned or on less favorable terms than desired or
reduce or cease operations.
Sources and Uses of Cash
The following table provides a summary
of our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:
Six Months Ended June 30,
2020
2019
Cash used in operating activities
$ (7,455,510 )
$ (5,560,807 )
Cash used in investing activities
(116,811 )
(3,530,190 )
Cash provided by financing activities
11,681,616
4,677,777
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
During the six months ended June 30, 2020
and 2019, net cash used in operating activities was $7.5 million and $5.6 million, respectively.
36
Net cash used in operating activities
during the six months June 30, 2020 and 2019 was primarily attributable to cash outlays to support ongoing operations, including
research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses. During 2020, we were performing activities related to
the LPCN 1144 LiFT Phase 2 paired biopsy clinical study and the submission of the TLANDO NDA. During 2019, we were performing
activities related to the ABPM study for TLANDO and the POC liver imaging study for LPCN 1144.
Net Cash Used in
Investing Activities
During the six months ended June 30, 2020
and 2019, net cash used in investing activities was $117,000 compared to $3.5 million, respectively.
Net cash used in investing activities
during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was primarily the result of purchasing marketable investment securities, net, of $117,000. Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily the result of
purchasing marketable investment securities, net, of $3.5 million. There were no capital expenditures for the six months
ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
During the six months ended June 30, 2020
and 2019 net cash provided by financing activities was $11.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
Net cash provided by financing activities
during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was attributable to the net proceeds from the sale of 10,084,034 shares of common stock
pursuant to February 2020 Offering resulting in net proceeds of $5.7 million, to $6.9 million in proceeds from the exercise of
warrants and to $234,000 in loan proceeds under the Payment Protection Program offset by $1.1 million in debt principal repayments
under the SVB Loan and Security Agreement.
Net cash provided by financing activities
during the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to the net proceeds from the sale of 2,992,504 shares of common
stock pursuant to the ATM resulting in net proceeds of $6.3 million offset by $1.7 million in debt principal repayments under the
SVB Loan and Security Agreement.
Contractual Commitments and Contingencies
Long-Term Debt Obligations and Interest on Debt
On
January 5, 2018, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with Silicon
Valley Bank (“SVB”) pursuant to which SVB agreed to lend us $10.0 million. The principal borrowed under the Loan and
Security Agreement bears interest at a rate equal to the Prime Rate plus one percent per annum, which interest is payable monthly.
The loan matures on June 1, 2022 and we are required to make equal monthly payments of principal and interest for the remaining
term of the loan beginning in November 1, 2020 although there was a principal deferment period of six months beginning on April
1, 2020 due to COVID-19. We will also be required to pay an additional final payment equal to $650,000 (the “Final Payment
Charge”) at maturity.
On April 21, 2020, we were
granted a loan from SVB in the aggregate amount of $234,000, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”)
under Division A, Title I of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020. The PPP loan, which was in the form of a Note dated
April 21, 2020 issued by us, matures on April 21, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum, payable monthly commencing
on November 21, 2020. The PPP loan may be prepaid by us at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Funds from
the PPP loan may only be used for payroll costs, costs used to continue group health care benefits, mortgage payments, rent, utilities,
and interest on other debt obligations incurred before February 15, 2020. We intend to use the entire loan amount for qualifying
expenses. Under the terms of the PPP, certain amounts of the PPP loan may be forgiven if they are used for qualifying expenses
as described in the CARES Act.
Purchase Obligations
We
enter into contracts and issue purchase orders in the normal course of business with clinical research organizations for clinical
trials and clinical and commercial supply manufacturing and with vendors for preclinical research studies, research supplies and
other services and products for operating purposes. These contracts generally provide for termination on notice and are
cancellable obligations.
37
Operating Leases
In August 2004, we entered into an agreement
to lease our facility in Salt Lake City, Utah consisting of office and laboratory space which serves as our corporate headquarters.
On February 24, 2020, we modified and extended the lease through February 28, 2021.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In preparing our financial statements,
we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions. There have been no significant and material changes in our critical accounting policies during the six months
ended June 30, 2020, as compared to those disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates” in our Form 10-K filed March
13, 2020.
New Accounting Standards
Refer
to Note 12, in “Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of accounting
standards not yet adopted.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to various market risks,
which include potential losses arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates. We do not enter
into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest
Rate Risk . Our interest rate risk exposure results from our investment portfolio. Our primary objectives
in managing our investment portfolio are to preserve principal, maintain proper liquidity to meet operating needs and maximize
yields. The securities we hold in our investment portfolio are subject to interest rate risk. At any time, sharp changes in interest
rates can affect the fair value of the investment portfolio and its interest earnings. After a review of our marketable investment
securities, we believe that in the event of a hypothetical ten percent increase in interest rates, the resulting decrease in fair
value of our marketable investment securities would be insignificant to the consolidated financial statements. Currently, we do
not hedge these interest rate exposures. We have established policies and procedures to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates. We place our investments with high quality issuers and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer and do not
use derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio. We invest in highly liquid, investment-grade securities and money
market funds of various issues, types and maturities. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and, consequently,
are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as accumulated other comprehensive income
as a separate component in stockholders' deficit unless a loss is deemed other than temporary, in which case the loss is recognized
in earnings.
Additionally
in January 2018, we entered into the Loan and Security Agreement with SVB for $10.0 million. A one percent increase in the prime
rate would result in a $ 63,000 increase in interest expense, while a one percent decrease in the prime rate would result
in a $71,000 decrease in interest expense.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain "disclosure controls and
procedures" within the meaning of Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
Our disclosure controls and procedures, or Disclosure Controls, are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed
by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act, such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Our
Disclosure Controls include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated
and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow
timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
38
As
of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation
of our Disclosure Controls, which was done under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including
our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. Based on the controls evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our Disclosure Controls were effective as of June 30, 2020.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There
have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during
the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting .
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On February 15, 2019, a purported shareholder
filed a shareholder derivative complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, John Wajda, derivatively on behalf
of Lipocine Inc. v. Mahesh Patel, et al., against certain of our current and former officers and directors as well as the Company
as a nominal defendant. The complaint asserts claims for alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment arising
out of our dissemination of purportedly false and misleading statements relating to the filing of the New Drug Application (“NDA”)
for TLANDO. The relief sought in the complaint includes unspecified damages, changes to our corporate governance procedures, equitable
and/or injunctive relief, restitution, and attorneys’ fees. On August 16, 2019, defendants filed a motion to dismiss
the complaint. In response, the plaintiff’s filed an amended stockholder derivative complaint. Defendants’ motion to
dismiss the amended complaint was filed on December 12, 2019; plaintiff’s response was filed on January 27, 2020 and defendants’
reply was filed on February 26, 2020. Oral arguments on the motion to dismiss were held on July 28, 2020. On July 30, 2020, the
court entered an order dismissing the complaint in its entirety.
On
April 2, 2019, we filed a lawsuit against Clarus in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging
that Clarus’s JATENZO® product infringes six of Lipocine’s issued U.S. patents: 9,034,858; 9,205,057; 9,480,690;
9,757,390; 6,569,463; and 6,923,988. Clarus has answered the complaint and asserted counterclaims of non-infringement and invalidity.
We answered Clarus’s counterclaims on April 29, 2019. The Court held a scheduling conference on August 15, 2019, a claim
construction hearing on February 11, 2020 and scheduled a five-day jury trial beginning on February 8, 2021. On February 11, 2020,
we voluntarily dismissed allegations of patent infringement for expired U.S. Patent Nos. 6,569,463 and 6,923,988 in an effort to
streamline the issues and associated costs for dispute. The parties are currently engaged in the fact discovery phase of the lawsuit.
On November 14, 2019, the Company
and certain of its officers were named as defendants in a purported shareholder class action lawsuit, Solomon Abady v. Lipocine
Inc. et al ., 2:19-cv-00906-PMW, filed in the United District Court for the District of Utah. The complaint alleges that the
defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that our filing of the NDA for TLANDO to the FDA contained
deficiencies and as a result the defendants’ statements about our business and operations were false and misleading and/or
lacked a reasonable basis in violation of federal securities laws. The lawsuit seeks certification as a class action (for a purported
class of purchasers of the Company’s securities from March 27, 2019 through November 8, 2019), compensatory damages in an
unspecified amount, and unspecified equitable or injunctive relief. We have insurance that covers claims of this nature. The retention
amount payable by us under our policy is $1.25 million. We filed a motion to dismiss this class action lawsuit on July 24, 2020.
Further, we intend to vigorously defend ourselves and our current and former officers and directors against these allegations and
have not recorded a liability related to this shareholder class action lawsuit as the outcome is not probable nor can an estimate
be made of loss, if any.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set
forth in this Report, consider the risk factors discussed in Part 1, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual
Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020, risk factors discussed
in Item 1A of the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2020 and the risk factors discussed
in Item 1A of this Form 10-Q, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described
in the aforementioned report are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known
to the Company or that it currently deems to be not material also may materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial
condition and or operating results.
39
The following are the risk factors that
have materially changed from our risk factors included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC
on March 13, 2020 and from our risk factors included in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on
May 7, 2020:
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
Even
if we obtain FDA approval for TLANDO, our ability to commercialize TLANDO may be limited.
Our
ability to commercialize TLANDO, should it receive approval, is uncertain. Our ability to commercially launch TLANDO is
contingent upon numerous factors including FDA approval, the availability of commercial launch supplies, the impact of COVID-19,
our financial resources, and our ability to license TLANDO to a third party or build out a commercial sales and marketing team/organization.
If we are unable to launch TLANDO commercially at scale, our business and operations will be adversely affected. As an alternative
to launching TLANDO directly, we are exploring the possibility of licensing TLANDO to a third party, although no licensing agreement
has been entered into by us yet. We are unable to estimate whether or when we will be able to out-license TLANDO, should it be
approved.
We rely on a single supplier for our supply of TU, the
active pharmaceutical ingredient of TLANDO, and the loss of this supplier could harm our business.
We
rely on a single third-party supplier for our supply of TU, the active pharmaceutical ingredient of TLANDO and LPCN 1144. We have
purchased sufficient quantities of TU for early commercial launch supplies should TLANDO get approved by the FDA. We plan on using
this same supplier for our commercialization needs if TLANDO is approved. Since there are only a limited number of TU suppliers
in the world, if this supplier ceases to provide us with TU, we may be unable to procure TU on commercially favorable terms, may
not be able to obtain it in a timely manner, or may not be able to qualify a new supplier timely post FDA approval, if that occurs.
Furthermore, the limited number of suppliers of TU may provide such companies with greater opportunity to raise their prices. If
we are unable to obtain TU in a timely manner and/or in sufficient quantities, our ability to commercially launch TLANDO will be
adversely affected. In addition, any increase in price for TU will likely reduce our gross margins.
We rely on limited suppliers for our supply of inactive
ingredients and the loss of these suppliers could harm our business.
We
rely on limited qualified third-party raw material suppliers for our supply of inactive ingredients of TLANDO and our other product
candidates. We do not have supply agreements in place with these suppliers. We purchased sufficient quantities of some of
these inactives for early commercial launch of TLANDO if it is approved. We plan on using these same suppliers for our commercialization
needs if TLANDO is approved. We may be unable to procure inactives on commercially favorable terms, or may not be able to obtain
them in a timely manner, which would adversely affect our ability to commercially launch TLANDO. In addition, any increase in price
for inactives will likely reduce our gross margins, which could further limit our ability to commercially launch TLANDO.
The ongoing outbreak of coronavirus
around the world could adversely impact our business and operating results.
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus,
SARS-CoV-2, was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. Since then, SARS-CoV-2, and the resulting disease COVID-19, has spread
to multiple countries, including the United States and all of the primary markets where we conduct business. On March 10, 2020,
the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, and the U.S. government imposed travel restrictions on
travel between the United States and Europe for a 30-day period. Further, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States
declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency, invoking powers under the Stafford Act, the legislation that directs federal
emergency disaster response. Almost all U.S. states and many local jurisdictions have issued, and others in the future may issue,
"shelter-in-place" orders, quarantines, executive orders and similar government orders, restrictions and recommendations
for their residents to control the spread of COVID-19. Such orders, restrictions and recommendations, and the perception that additional
orders, restrictions or recommendations could occur, have resulted in widespread closures of businesses not deemed “essential,”
work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, work-from-home policies, travel restrictions and cancellation of events, as well as record
declines in stock prices, among other effects.
The duration and extent of COVID-19's impact
on our business may be difficult to assess or predict. The widespread pandemic has resulted, and may continue to result for an
extended period, in significant disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, which would negatively
affect our liquidity. Further, quarantines or government reaction or shutdowns for COVID-19 could disrupt our operations and harm
our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our key personnel and other employees could also be affected by COVID-19,
potentially reducing their availability, and an outbreak such as COVID-19 or the procedures we take to mitigate its effect on our
workforce could reduce the efficiency of our operations or prove insufficient. We may delay or reduce certain capital spending
and certain projects until the travel and logistical impacts of COVID-19 are lifted, which will delay the completion of such projects.
40
In
addition, the conduct of clinical trials and studies required to obtain regulatory approvals for our products have been and we
expect may continue to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As hospital resources are prioritized for the COVID-19 outbreak and
quarantines impede patient movement or interrupt healthcare services, clinical studies may continue to be disrupted. If we are
unable to successfully complete our clinical studies, our business and operating results will be harmed. Further, we are
uncertain as to the actual number of subjects that will be enrolled in our clinical studies and we believe that subject drop-out
rates and the number of subjects that ultimately complete the clinical study could be negatively impacted by COVID-19. Interruptions
caused by COVID-19 may also limit our ability to collect data from clinical studies. If we are unable to complete or effectively
collect data from clinical studies, our business and operating results will be harmed.
The global outbreak of COVID-19 continues
to rapidly evolve. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the
full extent of potential delays or impacts on our business or the global economy as a whole. However, these effects have harmed
our business, financial condition and results of operations in the near term and could have a continuing material impact on our
operations, sales and ability to continue as a going concern.
We may have to dedicate resources to the defense and resolution
of litigation.
Securities
legislation in the United States makes it relatively easy for stockholders to sue. This can lead to frivolous law suits which take
substantial time, money, resources and attention or force us to settle such claims rather than seek adequate judicial remedy or
dismissal of such claims. Historically, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a
decline in the market price of its securities. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including the Company, have experienced
significant stock price volatility in recent years, increasing the risk of such litigation. As we defend the class action lawsuits
or future patent infringement actions should they be filed, or if we are required to defend additional actions brought by other
shareholders, we may be required to pay substantial litigation costs and managerial attention and financial resources may be diverted
from business operations even if the outcome is in our favor. In addition, while our insurance carrier may cover the costs
of settling claims, the Company’s capital resources are critical to its continued operations, and the payment of litigation
settlements and associated legal fees diverts these capital resources away from our operations, even if such amounts do not have
a material impact on our financial statements.
On
February 15, 2019, a purported shareholder filed a shareholder derivative complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, John
Wajda, derivatively on behalf of Lipocine Inc. v. Mahesh Patel, et al., against certain of the our current and
former officers and directors as well as the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint asserts claims for alleged breaches
of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment arising out of our dissemination of purportedly false and misleading statements relating
to the filing of the NDA for TLANDO. The relief sought in the complaint includes unspecified damages, changes to our corporate
governance procedures, equitable and/or injunctive relief, restitution, and attorneys’ fees. On August 16, 2019, defendants
filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. In response, the plaintiff’s filed an amended stockholder derivative complaint.
Defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint was filed on December 12, 2019; plaintiff’s response was filed
on January 27, 2020 and defendants’ reply was filed on February 26, 2020. Oral arguments on the motion to dismiss were held
on July 28, 2020. On July 30, 2020, the court entered an order dismissing the complaint in its entirety.
On November 14, 2019, the Company
and certain of its officers were named as defendants in a purported shareholder class action lawsuit, Solomon Abady v. Lipocine
Inc. et al ., 2:19-cv-00906-PMW, filed in the United District Court for the District of Utah. The complaint alleges that the
defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that our filing of the NDA for TLANDO to the FDA contained
deficiencies and as a result the defendants’ statements about our business and operations were false and misleading and/or
lacked a reasonable basis in violation of federal securities laws. The lawsuit seeks certification as a class action (for a purported
class of purchasers of the Company’s securities from March 27, 2019 through November 8, 2019), compensatory damages in an
unspecified amount, and unspecified equitable or injunctive relief. We have insurance that covers claims of this nature.
Defendants
intend to vigorously defend themselves against these allegations , but doing so may result in substantial litigation costs
and managerial attention and financial resources may be diverted from business operations even if outcome is in favor of our current
and former officers and directors and the Company.
41
On
April 2, 2019, we filed a lawsuit against Clarus in the United States District Court in Delaware alleging that Clarus’s
JATENZO® product infringes six of Lipocine’s issued U.S. patents: 9,034,858; 9,205,057; 9,480,690; 9,757,390; 6,569,463;
and 6,923,988. Clarus has answered the complaint and asserted counterclaims of non-infringement and invalidity. We answered
Clarus’s counterclaims on April 29, 2019. The Court held a scheduling conference on August 15, 2019 and a claim construction
hearing on February 11, 2020 and scheduled a five-day jury trial beginning on February 8, 2021. On February 11, 2020, we also voluntarily
dismissed allegations of patent infringement for expired U.S. Patent Nos. 6,569,463 and 6,923,988 in an effort to streamline the
issues and associated costs for dispute. The parties are currently engaged in the fact discovery phase of the lawsuit.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The value of our warrants outstanding
from the November 2019 Offering is subject to potentially material increases and decreases based on fluctuations in the price of
our common stock.
In November 2019,
we completed a public offering of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock (the “November 2019 Offering”).
Gross proceeds from the November 2019 Offering were approximately $6.0 million. In the November 2019 Offering, the Company sold
(i) 10,450,000 Class A Units, with each Class A Unit consisting of one share of common stock and a common stock warrant to purchase
one share of common stock, and (ii) 1,550,000 Class B Units, with each Class B Unit consisting of one pre-funded warrant to purchase
one share of a common stock and one common stock warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a price of $0.50 per Class A
Unit and $0.4999 per Class B Unit. The pre-funded warrants were issued in lieu of common stock in order to ensure the purchaser
did not exceed certain beneficial ownership limitations. The pre-funded warrants were immediately exercisable at an exercise price
of $.0001 per share, subject to adjustment. Additionally, the common stock warrants were immediately exercisable at an exercise
price of $0.50 per share and expire on November 17, 2024.
We account for
the common stock warrants as a derivative instrument, and changes in the fair value of the warrants are included under other income
(expense) in the Company’s statements of operations for each reporting period. At June 30, 2020, the aggregate fair value
of the warrant liability included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet was $2.2 million. We use the Black-Scholes
option pricing model to determine the fair value of the warrants. As a result, the option-pricing model requires the input of several
assumptions, including the stock price volatility, share price and risk-free interest rate. Changes in these assumptions can materially
affect the fair value estimate. While the liability may only result from a change of control at that point in time, we ultimately
may incur amounts significantly different than the carrying value.
Our management and directors will be able to exert influence
over our affairs.
As of June 30, 2020, our executive officers
and directors beneficially owned approximately 5.8% of our common stock. These stockholders, if they act together, may be able
to influence our management and affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including significant corporate transactions.
This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control and might affect the market price
of our common stock.
Our common stock is thinly traded, may continue to be
thinly traded in the future, and our stockholders may be unable to sell at or near asking prices or at all if they need to sell
their shares.
Currently,
we have a low volume of daily trades in our common stock on NASDAQ. For example, the average daily trading volume in our common
stock on NASDAQ during the second quarter of 2020 was approximately 1.4 million shares per day. Our stockholders may be
unable to sell their common stock at or near their asking prices or at all, which may result in substantial losses to our stockholders.
The market for our common stock may be
characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will be more
volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. As noted above, our common stock may be sporadically and/or thinly traded.
As a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our stockholders may disproportionately
influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could, for example, decline significantly in
the event that a large number of shares of our common stock are sold on the market without commensurate demand, as compared to
a seasoned issuer that could better absorb those sales without adverse impact on its share price.
42
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
43
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
44
Exhibit
Incorporation By Reference
Number
Exhibit Description
Form
SEC File No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
10.1*
Fourth Amended and Restated Lipocine Inc. 2014 Stock and Incentive Plan
S-8
333-240197
99.1
7/30/20
31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350 (1)
32.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350 (1)
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*
Filed herewith
(1)
This certification accompanies the Form 10-Q to which it relates, is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Registrant under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act (whether made before or after the date of the Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
45
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 the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Lipocine Inc.
(Registrant)
Dated: August 6, 2020
/s/ Mahesh V. Patel
Mahesh V. Patel, President and Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Dated: August 6, 2020
/s/ Morgan R. Brown
Morgan R. Brown, Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
46
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.