UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
☒ QUARTERLY
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the quarterly period ended March 31, 2026
☐ TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from __________ to __________.
Commission
File Number: 001-36357
LIPOCINE
INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
99-0370688
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
(I.R.S.
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 for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes : ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated
filer
☐
Non-accelerated
filer
☒
Smaller
reporting company
☒
Emerging
growth company
☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act . ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Outstanding
Shares
As
of May 6, 2026 the registrant had 8,244,253 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 Risk
38
Item
4.
Controls
and Procedures
38
PART
II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1.
Legal
Proceedings
39
Item
1A.
Risk
Factors
39
Item
6.
Exhibits
40
2
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LIPOCINE
INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
March
31,
December
31,
2026
2025
Assets
Current
assets:
Cash
and cash equivalents
$ 5,015,608
$ 5,205,842
Marketable
investment securities
19,713,463
9,724,545
Accrued
interest income
111,411
14,189
License
fee and royalties receivable
119,397
1,145,390
Prepaid
and other current assets
285,055
787,600
Total
current assets
25,244,934
16,877,566
Property
and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $ 1,298,893 and $ 1,284,079 respectively
89,479
104,293
Other
assets
23,753
23,753
Total
assets
$ 25,358,166
$ 17,005,612
Liabilities
and Stockholders' Equity
Current
liabilities:
Accounts
payable
$ 1,562,728
$ 971,822
Accrued
expenses
645,115
1,236,374
Deferred
revenue
320,000
320,000
Total
current liabilities
2,527,843
2,528,196
Total
liabilities
2,527,843
2,528,196
Commitments
and contingencies (notes 8 and 10)
-
Stockholders’
equity:
Common
stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share, 75,000,000 shares
authorized; 7,475,451 and 6,158,779 issued and 7,475,115 and 6,158,443 outstanding, respectively
9,076
8,944
Additional
paid-in capital
235,937,414
223,901,106
Treasury
stock at cost, 336 shares
( 40,712 )
( 40,712 )
Accumulated
other comprehensive income
( 7,194 )
4,445
Accumulated
deficit
( 213,068,261 )
( 209,396,367 )
Total
stockholders’ equity
22,830,323
14,477,416
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 25,358,166
$ 17,005,612
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
3
LIPOCINE
INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited)
2026
2025
Three
Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025
Revenues:
Royalty revenue
119,397
93,864
Total revenues
119,397
93,864
Operating expenses:
Research and development
2,764,394
1,061,571
General and administrative
1,204,467
1,122,477
Total operating expenses
3,968,861
2,184,048
Operating loss
( 3,849,464 )
( 2,090,184 )
Other income:
Interest and investment
income
177,570
225,511
Total other income
177,570
225,511
Loss before income tax
expense
( 3,671,894 )
( 1,864,673 )
Income tax expense
-
( 200 )
Net loss attributable to
common shareholders
$ ( 3,671,894 )
$ ( 1,864,873 )
Basic loss per share attributable to common
stock
$ ( 0.54 )
$ ( 0.35 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
6,795,002
5,348,557
Diluted loss per share attributable to common
stock
$ ( 0.54 )
$ ( 0.35 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
6,795,002
5,348,557
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss
$ ( 3,671,894 )
$ ( 1,864,873 )
Net unrealized loss on
marketable investment securities
( 11,639 )
( 3,617 )
Comprehensive loss
$ ( 3,683,533 )
$ ( 1,868,490 )
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
4
LIPOCINE
INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For
the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025
(Unaudited)
Number
of Shares
Amount
Number
of Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders’
Equity
Stockholders’
Equity
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Total
Number
of Shares
Amount
Number
of Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders’
Equity
Balances at December 31, 2024
5,347,940
$ 8,863
336
$ ( 40,712 )
$ 220,789,138
$ 9,138
$ ( 199,768,862 )
$ 20,997,565
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 1,864,873 )
( 1,864,873 )
Unrealized net loss on marketable
investment securities
-
-
-
-
-
( 3,617 )
-
( 3,617 )
Unrealized net loss on marketable investment
securities
-
-
-
-
-
( 3,617 )
-
( 3,617 )
Stock-based compensation
-
-
-
-
71,002
-
-
71,002
Vesting of restricted stock units
2,416
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balances at March 31, 2025
5,350,356
$ 8,863
336
$ ( 40,712 )
$ 220,860,140
$ 5,521
$ ( 201,633,735 )
$ 19,200,077
Stockholders’
Equity
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
Total
Number
of Shares
Amount
Number
of Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders’
Equity
Balances at December 31, 2025
6,158,443
$ 8,944
336
$ ( 40,712 )
$ 223,901,106
$ 4,445
$ ( 209,396,367 )
$ 14,477,416
Balances
6,158,443
$ 8,944
336
$ ( 40,712 )
$ 223,901,106
$ 4,445
$ ( 209,396,367 )
$ 14,477,416
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 3,671,894 )
( 3,671,894 )
Unrealized net loss on marketable investment
securities
-
-
-
-
-
( 11,639 )
-
( 11,639 )
Unrealized net loss on marketable investment
securities
-
-
-
-
-
( 11,639 )
-
( 11,639 )
Stock-based compensation
-
-
-
-
65,398
-
-
65,398
Option exercises
1,325
-
-
-
6,986
-
-
6,986
Vesting of restricted stock units
1,209
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Common stock sold through ATM offering, net
of costs
1,314,138
132
-
-
11,963,924
-
-
11,964,056
Balances at March 31,
2026
7,475,115
$ 9,076
336
$ ( 40,712 )
$ 235,937,414
$ ( 7,194 )
$ ( 213,068,261 )
$ 22,830,323
Balances
7,475,115
$ 9,076
336
$ ( 40,712 )
$ 235,937,414
$ ( 7,194 )
$ ( 213,068,261 )
$ 22,830,323
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
5
LIPOCINE
INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
2026
2025
Three
Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$ ( 3,671,894 )
$ ( 1,864,873 )
Adjustments to reconcile
net loss to cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation expense
14,814
15,570
Stock-based compensation
expense
65,398
71,002
Amortization of discounts
on marketable investment securities
( 96,418 )
( 58,209 )
Changes in operating assets
and liabilities:
Accrued interest income
( 97,222 )
( 58,580 )
License and royalties receivable
1,025,993
( 2,459 )
Prepaid and other current
assets
502,545
141,579
Accounts payable
590,906
88,543
Accrued expenses
( 591,259 )
( 301,830 )
Cash used in operating
activities
( 2,257,137 )
( 1,969,257 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of marketable
investment securities
( 15,204,139 )
( 5,082,073 )
Maturities of marketable
investment securities
5,300,000
4,200,000
Net cash used in investing
activities
( 9,904,139 )
( 882,073 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from sale
of common stock through ATM
11,964,056
-
Proceeds from stock option
exercises
6,986
-
Cash provided by financing
activities
11,971,042
-
Net decrease in cash and
cash equivalents
( 190,234 )
( 2,851,330 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
5,205,842
6,205,926
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 5,015,608
$ 3,354,596
Supplemental disclosure
of non-cash investing and financing activity:
Net unrealized loss on
available-for-sale securities
$ ( 11,639 )
$ ( 3,617 )
See
accompanying notes to 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 (“U.S. GAAP”) has been condensed or omitted
in accordance with rules and regulations of the SEC. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2026 are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period or for the year ending December 31, 2026.
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, 2025.
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. GAAP. Actual
results could differ from these estimates.
The
Company believes that its existing capital resources, together with interest thereon, will be sufficient to meet its projected operating
requirements through at least May 7, 2027. 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. While the Company believes it has sufficient liquidity
and capital resources to fund our projected operating requirements through at least May 7, 2027, the Company will need to raise additional
capital through the equity or debt markets or via out-licensing activities to support its operations. If the Company is unsuccessful
in raising additional capital, its long-term 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 1154, LPCN 2201, LPCN 2101, LPCN 2203, LPCN 2401, LPCN 1148, and/or LPCN
1107. Conversely, the Company’s capital resources could last longer if the Company reduces expenses, reduces the number of activities
currently contemplated under its operating plan, or terminates, modifies the design of or suspends on-going clinical studies.
On
January 12, 2024, the Company entered into a License Agreement (the “Verity License Agreement”) with Gordon Silver Limited
(“GSL”) and Verity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Verity Pharma”), pursuant to which the Company granted to GSL (an
affiliate of Verity Pharma) an exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable right and license to commercialize the TLANDO product with respect
to testosterone replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone, as indicated
in a New Drug Application (“NDA”) No. 208088, treatment of Klinefelter syndrome, and pediatric indications relating to testosterone
replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone (the “Field”),
in each case within the United States and Canada (the “Licensed Verity Territory”). The Verity License Agreement also provides
GSL with a license to develop and commercialize TLANDO XR (LPCN 1111), the Company’s potential once-daily oral product candidate
for testosterone replacement therapy in the Licensed Verity Territory. The Company retains development and commercialization rights for
TLANDO and TLANDO XR (LPCN 1111) outside of the Licensed Verity Territory, and with respect to applications outside of the Field inside
or outside the Licensed Verity Territory.
7
Upon
execution of the Verity License Agreement, GSL agreed to pay the Company a license fee of $ 11.0 million consisting of an initial payment
of $ 2.5 million which was received on signing of the Verity License Agreement, $ 5.0 million which was received on February 1, 2024, $ 2.5
million which was received on December 30, 2024, and $ 1.0 million which was received on January 5, 2026. The Company is also eligible
to receive development and sales milestone payments of up to $ 259 million in the aggregate, depending primarily on the achievement of
certain sales milestones in a single calendar year with respect to all products licensed by GSL under the Verity License Agreement. In
addition, the Company is eligible to receive tiered royalty payments at rates ranging from 12 % up to 18 % of net sales of licensed products
in the Licensed Verity Territory.
In
addition to the Verity License Agreement, the Company entered into a license agreement in the territories of South Korea, the Gulf Cooperation
Council, or GCC, and Brazil. The Company retains development and commercialization rights for TLANDO outside of the United States, Canada,
South Korea, the GCC, and Brazil and retains the development and commercialization rights for TLANDO XR (LPCN 1111) outside the United
States and Canada, and with respect to applications outside of the Field inside or outside the Licensed Verity Territory.
(2) Revenue
The
Company generates most of its revenue from license and royalty arrangements. At inception of each contract, the Company identifies the
goods and services that have been promised to the customer and each of those that represent a distinct performance obligation, determines
the transaction price including any variable consideration, allocates the transaction price to the distinct performance obligations and
determines whether control transfers to the customer at a point in time or over time. Variable consideration is included in the transaction
price to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when
the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. The Company reassesses its reserves for variable
consideration at each reporting date and makes adjustments, if necessary, which may affect revenue and earnings in periods in which any
such changes become known.
See
Note 7 for a description of the Verity License Agreement, the SPC License Agreement, the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement, and the Aché
License Agreement. See Note 11 for a description of the agreement with Spriaso, a related party.
License
Fees
For
distinct license performance obligations, upfront license fees are recognized when the Company satisfies the underlying performance obligation.
Performance obligations under these licenses, which consist of the right to use the Company’s proprietary technology, are satisfied
at a point in time corresponding with delivery of the underlying technology rights to the licensee, which is generally upon transfer
of the licensed technology/product to the customer. In addition, license arrangements may include contingent milestone payments, which
are due following achievement by our licensee of specified sales or regulatory milestones and the licensee and/or Company will fulfill
its performance obligation prior to achievement of these milestones. Because of the uncertainty of the milestone achievement, and/or
the dependence on sales of our licensee, variable consideration for contingent milestones is fully constrained and is not recognized
as revenue until the milestone is achieved by our licensee, to the extent collectability is reasonably certain.
Royalties
Royalty
revenue consists of sales-based and minimum royalties earned under license agreements for our products. Sales-based royalty revenue represents
variable consideration under license agreements and is recognized in the period a customer sells products incorporating the Company’s
licensed technologies/products. The Company estimates sales-based royalty revenue earned but unpaid at each reporting period using information
provided by the licensee. The Company’s license arrangements may also provide for minimum royalties, which the Company recognizes
upon the satisfaction of the underlying performance obligation, which generally occurs with delivery of the underlying technology rights
to the licensee. Sales-based and minimum royalties are generally due within 45 days after the end of each quarter in which they are earned.
Deferred
Revenue – Customer Prepayment for Inventory
As
of March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025, the Company has recorded deferred revenue of $ 320,000 related to a one-time non-refundable, non-creditable
upfront prepayment received from SPC Korea (“SPC”) in consideration for TLANDO product inventory that has not yet been delivered
or transferred. This prepayment is recognized as a contract liability in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ,
because the Company has an obligation to transfer inventory in the future. Revenue associated with this advance payment will be recognized
when the inventory is transferred to the customer, which will occur upon shipment of the inventory. The deferred revenue is expected
to be recognized as revenue within 60 days of SPC’s receipt of marketing authorization for TLANDO in South Korea (the “SPC
Territory”), which is expected to occur in 2027. The Company periodically evaluates deferred revenue balances to ensure they appropriately
reflect remaining performance obligations and expected fulfillment timelines.
8
Revenue
Concentration
A
major partner is considered to be one that comprises more than 10 % of the Company’s total revenues. For the three months ended
March 31, 2026, the Company recognized royalty revenue of approximately $ 119,000 relating to the Verity License Agreement. For the three
months ended March 31, 2025, the Company recognized royalty revenue of approximately $ 94,000 relating to the Verity License Agreement.
The revenue recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 was from one major customer, Verity Pharma.
(3) Loss per Share
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted 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.
The
following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share of common stock for the three months ended
March 31, 2026 and 2025:
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
2026
2025
Three
Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025
Basic loss per share attributable
to common stock:
Numerator
Net loss
$ ( 3,671,894 )
$ ( 1,864,873 )
Denominator
Weighted avg. common
shares outstanding
6,795,002
5,348,557
Basic loss per share attributable to common
stock
$ ( 0.54 )
$ ( 0.35 )
Diluted loss per share attributable
to common stock:
Numerator
Net loss
$ ( 3,671,894 )
$ ( 1,864,873 )
Total net loss for purpose of calculating
diluted net loss per common share
$ ( 3,671,894 )
$ ( 1,864,873 )
Denominator
Weighted avg. common
shares outstanding
6,795,002
5,348,557
Total shares for purpose of calculating
diluted net loss per common share
6,795,002
5,348,557
Diluted loss per share attributable to common
stock
$ ( 0.54 )
$ ( 0.35 )
9
The
computation of diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 does not include the following stock options
and warrants to purchase shares of common stock or unvested restricted stock units in the computation of diluted loss per
share because these instruments were antidilutive:
Schedule of Anti-dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Three Months Ended
March
31,
2026
2025
Stock options
442,105
349,616
Unvested restricted stock units
16,928
19,346
(4)
Marketable Investment
Securities
The
Company 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 as of March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025, were as follows:
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities
March
31, 2026
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Holding Losses
Aggregate
Fair
Value
Government treasury bills
$ 19,720,657
$ 93
$ ( 7,287 )
$ 19,713,463
$ 19,720,657
$ 93
$ ( 7,287 )
$ 19,713,463
December
31, 2025
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses
Aggregate
Fair
Value
Government treasury bills
$ 9,720,100
$ 4,445
$ -
$ 9,724,545
$ 9,720,100
$ 4,445
$ -
$ 9,724,545
Maturities
of debt securities classified as available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2026 are as follows:
Schedule of Maturities of Debt Securities Classified as Available-for-Sale Securities
March
31, 2026
Amortized
Cost
Aggregate
Fair
Value
Due within
one year
$ 19,720,657
$ 19,713,463
$ 19,720,657
$ 19,713,463
10
There
were no sales of marketable investment securities during either the three months ended March 31, 2026 or 2025 and therefore no realized
gains or losses. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, $ 5.3 million and $ 4.2 million of marketable investment
securities matured, respectively.
The
Company evaluates its available-for-sale debt securities for credit losses at each reporting date. As of March 31, 2026, the Company’s
available-for-sale portfolio consisted of U.S. Treasury bills with maturities due within one year. The Company concluded that any unrealized
losses were not attributable to credit and, accordingly, no allowance for credit losses was recorded and no impairment was recognized
in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2026 or 2025.
(5) 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 as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025:
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
Fair
value measurements at reporting date using
March
31, 2026
Level
1 inputs
Level
2 inputs
Level
3 inputs
Assets:
Cash equivalents
- money market funds
$ 4,180,312
$ 4,180,312
$ -
$ -
Government
treasury bills
19,713,463
19,713,463
-
-
$ 23,893,775
$ 23,893,775
$ -
$ -
Fair
value measurements at reporting date using
December
31, 2025
Level
1 inputs
Level
2 inputs
Level
3 inputs
Assets:
Cash equivalents
- money market funds
$ 4,459,687
$ 4,459,687
$ -
$ -
Government treasury bills
9,724,545
9,724,545
-
-
$ 14,184,232
$ 14,184,232
$ -
$ -
11
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 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.
Government
treasury bills: The Company uses a third-party pricing service to value these investments. United States treasury bills are classified
within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets
and reportable trades.
The
Company’s accounting policy is to recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy on the date of the event or changes
in circumstances that caused the transfer. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 for the three months ended
March 31, 2026.
(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
March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, 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.
(7) Contractual
Agreements
(a) Verity
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
On
January 12, 2024, the Company entered into the Verity License Agreement with GSL and Verity Pharma, pursuant to which the Company granted
to GSL (an affiliate of Verity Pharma) an exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable right and license to commercialize the Company’s
TLANDO® product with respect to testosterone replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous
testosterone, as indicated in NDA No. 208088, treatment of Klinefelter syndrome, and pediatric indications relating to testosterone replacement
therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone (the “Field”), in each
case within the United States and Canada (the “Licensed Verity Territory”). The Verity License Agreement also provides GSL
with a license to develop and commercialize TLANDO XR (LPCN 1111), the Company’s potential once-daily oral product candidate for
testosterone replacement therapy in the Licensed Verity Territory. Under the Verity License Agreement, the Company retains rights to
TLANDO in applications outside of the Field and to the development and commercialization rights outside of the United States and Canada.
The Company retains rights to TLANDO XR in applications outside of the Field and to development and commercialization rights in the field
outside of the United States and Canada.
Upon
execution of the Verity License Agreement, GSL agreed to pay the Company a license fee of $ 11.0 million consisting of an initial payment
of $ 2.5 million which was received on signing of the Verity License Agreement, $ 5.0 million which was received on February 1, 2024, $ 2.5
million which was received on December 30, 2024, and $ 1.0 million was received on January 5, 2026. The Company is also eligible to receive
development and sales milestone payments of up to $ 259.0 million in the aggregate, depending primarily on the achievement of certain
sales milestones in a single calendar year with respect to all products licensed by GSL under the Verity License Agreement. Under the
Verity License Agreement, GSL is generally responsible for expenses relating to the development (including the conduct of any clinical
trials) and commercialization of licensed products in the Field in the Licensed Verity Territory, while the Company is generally responsible
for expenses relating to development activities outside of the Field and/or the Licensed Verity Territory.
The
Company concluded that licensing revenue recognized in conjunction with the Verity License Agreement met the requirements under ASC 606,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts
the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. License revenue from payments to be received in the future will be recognized
when it is probable that we will receive license payments under the terms of the Verity License Agreement.
Under
the Verity License Agreement with Verity Pharma, during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the Company recognized royalty
revenue of approximately $ 119,000 and $ 94,000 , respectively.
12
(b)
SPC Korea
In
September 2024, the Company entered into a Distribution and License Agreement (the “SPC License Agreement”) with SPC, pursuant
to which the Company granted to SPC a non-transferable, exclusive, royalty-bearing license to commercialize the Company’s TLANDO
product with respect to the Field, specific to the SPC Territory. SPC paid the Company a one-time non-refundable, non-creditable upfront
fee in October 2024. The Company also received an additional payment for a non-refundable prepayment in consideration for TLANDO product
inventory, and is eligible to receive additional payments for various marketing authorization and sales milestones, and the Company will
supply TLANDO to SPC and receive a supply price. In addition, the Company will receive royalties on net sales in the SPC Territory.
(c)
Pharmalink
In
October 2024, the Company entered into a distribution and supply agreement (the “Pharmalink Distribution Agreement”) with
Pharmalink, pursuant to which the Company granted to Pharmalink a non-transferable, exclusive, license to commercialize the Company’s
TLANDO product with respect to the Field, specific to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (“GCC”), including Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”), Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman (the “GCC Territory”). Pharmalink paid the
Company a one-time non-refundable, non-creditable upfront fee. The Company is eligible to receive additional payments in regulatory authorization
milestones related to the marketing approval in countries in the GCC Territory under the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement and the Company
will supply TLANDO to Pharmalink at an agreed transfer price.
(d)
Aché Laboratórios
Farmacêuticos S.A .
In
April 2025, the Company entered into a License and Supply Agreement (the “Aché License Agreement”) with Aché,
pursuant to which the Company granted to Aché an exclusive license to commercialize the Company’s TLANDO product with respect
to the Field, specific to Brazil (the “Aché Territory”). Under the agreement, the Company is entitled to receive fees
upon the achievement of certain regulatory milestones, royalties on net sales and will supply TLANDO to Aché at an agreed transfer
price.
(e)
Abbott Products, Inc.
On
March 29, 2012, the Company terminated its collaborative agreement with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (later acquired by Abbott Products,
Inc. (“Abbott”) 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 %. TLANDO was commercially launched on June 7, 2022. The Company incurred royalty expense of approximately $ 10,000 and
$ 8,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
(f)
Contract Research and
Development
The
Company has entered into agreements with various contract organizations that conduct pre-clinical, clinical, analytical and manufacturing
development work on behalf of the Company as well as a number of independent contractors and clinical researchers who serve
as advisors to the Company. The Company incurred expenses of $ 1.8 million and $ 109,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and
2025, respectively, under these agreements and has recorded these expenses in research and development expenses.
13
(8) Leases
The
Company has a non-cancelable operating lease for office space and laboratory facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah. The term of the lease
has been extended through February 28, 2027.
Future
minimum lease payments under the non-cancelable operating lease as of March 31, 2026 are:
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases
Operating
Lease
2026
$ 290,033
2027
64,452
Total minimum lease
payments
$ 354,485
The
Company’s rent expense was $ 94,000 and $ 93,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
(9) Stockholders’
Equity
On
June 4, 2025, the Company held its annual general meeting of shareholders, at which a proposal to amend the Company’s Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Restated Certificate”) to reduce the number of authorized shares of the Company’s
common stock from 200,000,000 to 75,000,000 shares was approved. The Company filed the amendment to the Restated Certificate with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 4, 2025. The amendment to the Restated Certificate became effective upon filing with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
The
Company is authorized to issue up to 75,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value $ 0.0001 .
(a) Issuance
of Common Stock
On
April 26, 2024, the Company entered into a sales agreement with A.G.P. /Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.”) (the “A.G.P.
Sales Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell, from time to time, shares of its common stock having an aggregate
offering price of up to the amount the Company registered on an effective registration statement pursuant to which the offering is being
made. As of February 26, 2026, the Company has registered $ 50,000,000 of common shares for sale under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement, pursuant
to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended (File No. 333-275716) (the “Form S-3”), through A.G.P. as the Company’s
sales agent. A.G.P. may sell the Company’s 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. A.G.P. will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with
its normal trading and sales practices and applicable law and regulations to sell shares under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement. The Company
will pay A.G.P. 3.0 % of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of shares under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement. In addition, the Company
has also provided A.G.P. with customary indemnification rights.
The
shares of the Company’s common stock to be sold under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement will be sold and issued pursuant to the Form S-3,
as amended, which was previously declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the related prospectus and one or
more prospectus supplements.
The
Company is not obligated to make any sales of its common stock under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement. The offering of common stock pursuant
to the A.G.P. Sales Agreement will terminate upon the termination of the A.G.P. Sales Agreement as permitted therein. The Company and
A.G.P. may each terminate the A.G.P. Sales Agreement at any time upon ten days’ prior notice.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company sold 1,314,138 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $ 9.39 per share
under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement, for aggregate gross proceeds of $ 12.3 million and net proceeds of $ 12.0 million, after deducting sales
agent commissions, discounts and other offering costs.
14
(b)
Rights Agreement
On
November 13, 2015, the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent, entered into a Rights Agreement
(the “Rights Agreement”). Also on November 12, 2015, the Board 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 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.
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 approved
an Amended and Restated Rights Agreement pursuant to which the expiration date was extended to November 5, 2021, and again on November
2, 2021, the Company adopted a Second Amended and Restated Rights Agreement pursuant to which the expiration date was extended to November
1, 2024. On October 22, 2024, the Company adopted a Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement pursuant to which the expiration date
was extended to October 22, 2027, 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, nonemployees and nonemployee members of the Company’s Board 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 has granted performance-based stock option awards and restricted stock units, which
vest based upon the Company satisfying certain performance conditions. Potential compensation cost, measured on the grant date, related
to these performance options will be recognized only if, and when, the Company estimates that these options or units will vest, which
is based on whether the Company considers the performance conditions to be probable of attainment. The Company’s estimates of the
number of performance-based options or units that will vest will be revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods.
15
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 for stock option and restricted stock awards
that has been expensed in the statements of operations amounted to approximately $ 65,000 and $ 71,000 , respectively, for the three months
ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, and is allocated as follows:
Schedule
of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs
2026
2025
Three
Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025
Research and development
$ 35,752
$ 35,029
General and administrative
29,646
35,973
Total
$ 65,398
$ 71,002
The
Company issued 39,000 and 16,371 stock options during each of the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025. The Company did not issue
any restricted stock options during either the three months ended March 31, 2026 or 2025.
Key
assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of stock options granted are as follows:
Expected
Term : The expected term represents the period that the stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. 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.
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 : The volatility factor is based solely on the Company’s trading history.
For
options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the Company calculated the fair value of each option grant on
the respective dates of grant using the following weighted average assumptions:
Schedule of Key Assumption of Fair Value of Stock Options Granted
2026
2025
Expected term
5.85
years
5.85
years
Risk-free interest rate
3.84 %
4.42 %
Expected dividend yield
—
—
Expected volatility
78.83 %
99.49 %
FASB
Accounting Standards Codification (“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 March 31, 2026, there was approximately $ 651,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation
arrangements granted under the Company’s stock plan, of which $ 590,000 relates to unvested stock options and $ 61,000 relates to
unvested restricted stock units. Share-based compensation related to options is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period
of 1.4 years. The cost will be adjusted for subsequent changes in estimated forfeitures. The weighted average fair value of stock options
granted during the quarters ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 was approximately $ 5.53 and $ 3.89 per share, respectively.
16
(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 58,823 shares were authorized for issuance
under the 2014 Plan. Additionally, 15,994 remaining authorized shares under the 2011 Equity Incentive 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
74,817 to 145,405 . 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 145,405
to 189,522 . 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 189,522 to 336,582 . In June
2024, 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 from 336,582 to 600,000 . The Board, 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 600,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under the 2014 Plan, with 109,133 shares
remaining available for grant as of March 31, 2026.
A
summary of stock option activity is as follows:
Schedule of Stock Option Activity
Outstanding
stock options
Number
of shares
Weighted
average exercise price
Balance at December 31, 2024
335,258
$ 23.59
Options granted
100,994
4.22
Options exercised
-
-
Options forfeited
( 8,327 )
4.62
Options cancelled
( 10,616 )
48.83
Balance at December 31, 2025
417,309
18.64
Options granted
39,000
7.93
Options exercised
( 1,325 )
5.27
Options forfeited
( 11,115 )
196.62
Options cancelled
( 1,764 )
3.20
Balance at March 31, 2026
442,105
13.32
Options exercisable at March 31, 2026
278,156
18.13
17
The
following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Schedule
of Share-based Compensation of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable
As
of March 31, 2026
Options
outstanding
Options
exercisable
Number
outstanding
Weighted
average remaining contractual life (Years)
Weighted
average exercise price
Aggregate
intrinsic value
Number
exercisable
Weighted
average remaining contractual life (Years)
Weighted
average exercise price
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
442,105
6.81
$ 13.32
$ 690,452
278,156
5.27
$ 18.13
$ 226,834
As
of March 31, 2025
Options
outstanding
Options
exercisable
Number
outstanding
Weighted
average remaining contractual life (Years)
Weighted
average exercise
price
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
Number
exercisable
Weighted
average remaining contractual
life
(Years)
Weighted
average exercise
price
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
349,616
6.70
$ 22.75
$ -
244,926
5.58
$ 30.26
$ -
The
intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price.
(e) Restricted
Stock Units
A
summary of restricted stock unit activity is as follows:
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity
Number
of Unvested Restricted
Stock
Units
Balance at December 31, 2025
18,137
Granted
-
Vested
( 1,209 )
Cancelled
-
Balance at March 31, 2026
16,928
(f) Common
Stock Warrants
In
an offering in February 2020, the Company issued 296,593 common stock warrants to shareholders which allowed the shareholder the option
to purchase shares of common stock. However, because these warrants did not provide the warrant holder the option to put the warrant
back to the Company, the warrants were classified as equity. As of March 31, 2025, the warrants that had been outstanding from the offering
done in February 2020 to purchase an equal number of shares of common stock had expired. No common stock warrants were exercised during
the three months ended March 31, 2025.
18
(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.
The
Company is not currently aware of any matter, individually or in the aggregate, that could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, liquidity, or results of operations.
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 indemnification provisions. Additionally, the Company has indemnified
its directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware.
(11) Agreement
with Spriaso, LLC
The
Company has a 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. The Company
also agreed to continue providing up to 10 percent of the services of certain employees to Spriaso for a period of time. The agreement
to provide services expired in 2021 ; however, it may be extended upon written agreement of Spriaso and the Company. During the three
months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the Company did not receive any revenue from Spriaso. Spriaso filed its first NDA and as an affiliated
entity of the Company, using 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.
(12)
Segment Reporting
Operating
segments are defined as components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and that is regularly reviewed
by the Chief Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing
performance. The Company operates as a 1 single reporting segment, focused on leveraging its proprietary technology platform to
augment therapeutics through effective oral delivery of products and product candidates. The Company’s measure of segment
profit or loss is net income (loss). The CODM is the chief executive officer (“CEO”). The CODM manages and allocates
resources to the operations of the Company on a total company basis. Managing and allocating resources on a consolidated basis
enables the CEO to assess the overall level of resources available and how to best deploy these resources across functions,
therapeutic target areas and research and development projects that are in line with the Company’s long-term company-wide
strategic goals. Consistent with this decision-making process, the CEO uses consolidated financial information for purposes of
evaluating performance, forecasting future period financial results, allocating resources and setting incentive targets. Operating
expenses are used to monitor budget versus actual results. The review of budgeted versus actual results is used in assessing
performance of the segment. All the Company’s long-lived assets are held in the United States and all the Company’s
revenues are primarily related to TLANDO.
19
The
following table is representative of the significant expense categories regularly provided to the CODM when managing the Company’s
single reporting segment. A reconciliation to the consolidated net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 is
included at the bottom of the table below.
Schedule of Significant Expense Categories
2026
2025
Three
Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025
Total revenues
$ 119,397
$ 93,864
Program expenses (1)
Lead clinical candidate (1)
1,757,169
6,692
Other research and development
programs (1)
( 3,261 )
290,546
Non-program expenses (2)
987,645
731,043
Personnel costs
1,161,910
1,084,765
Stock-based compensation
65,398
71,002
Total segment operating income (loss)
( 3,849,464 )
( 2,090,184 )
Other income (loss) (3)
177,570
225,311
Net income (loss)
$ ( 3,671,894 )
$ ( 1,864,873 )
(1)
Includes external research
and development expenses.
(2)
Includes general and administrative
expenses, information technology, infrastructure, facilities, intellectual property, and legal and professional fees.
(3)
Includes interest income
and income tax expense.
20
I TEM
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 management’s discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2025, filed with the SEC on March 10, 2026 (the “2025 Form 10-K”), 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 (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”), 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 I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our 2025 Form 10-K. 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 biopharmaceutical company focused on leveraging our proprietary technology platform to develop innovative products with effective
oral delivery of previously difficult to deliver molecules. 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 differentiated innovative product candidates that target high unmet needs for neurological
and psychiatric CNS disorders, liver disease, and hormone supplementation for men and women.
On
January 12, 2024, we entered into the Verity License Agreement with Verity, pursuant to which we granted to Verity an exclusive, royalty-bearing,
sublicensable right and license to develop and commercialize the TLANDO product for TRT in the Licensed Verity Territory. Any FDA post-marketing
studies required will also be the responsibility of our licensee, Verity.
In
September 2024, we entered into the SPC License Agreement (the “SPC License Agreement”) for the development and commercialization
of TLANDO with SPC Korea Limited (“SPC”), pursuant to which the Company granted to SPC a non-transferable, exclusive, royalty-bearing
license to commercialize our TLANDO product for TRT in the SPC Territory. In October 2024, we entered into the Pharmalink Distribution
Agreement with Pharmalink, granting a non-transferable, exclusive, license to commercialize our TLANDO product specific to the Gulf Cooperation
Council (“GCC”), including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman (the “Pharmalink Territory”).
In April 2025, we entered into a License and Supply Agreement (the “Aché License agreement”) with Aché Laboratórios
Farmacêuticos S.A. (“Aché”) pursuant to which we granted to Aché an exclusive license to commercialize
our TLANDO product with respect to the Field, specific to Brazil (the “Aché Territory”). Under the agreement, we are
entitled to receive fees upon the achievement of certain regulatory milestones, royalties on net sales and will supply TLANDO to Aché
at an agreed transfer price.
Additional
clinical development pipeline candidates include: LPCN 1154 for postpartum depression (“PPD”); LPCN 2201 for major depressive
disorder (“MDD”); LPCN 2203 for essential tremor; LPCN 2101 for epilepsy; LPCN 2401 for improved body composition in obesity
management. In addition to our clinical development product candidates, we have assets for which we expect to seek partnerships to enable
further development including TLANDO for territories outside of the United States, South Korea, the GCC and Brazil, LPCN 1148 comprising
a novel prodrug of testosterone and testosterone laurate (“TL”), for the management of decompensated cirrhosis; and LPCN
1107, potentially the first oral hydroxy progesterone caproate (“HPC”) product indicated for the prevention of recurrent
preterm birth (“PTB”), which has completed a dose finding clinical study in pregnant women and has been granted orphan drug
designation by the FDA.
21
The
following chart summarizes the status of our product candidate development programs:
Corporate
Strategy
Our
goal is to become a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on leveraging our proprietary drug delivery technology platform to develop
differentiated products through oral delivery of previously difficult to deliver molecules. The key components of our corporate strategy
are to:
Advance
LPCN 1154 and other CNS product candidates. We intend to focus on the development of endogenous neuroactive steroids (“NASs”)
which have broad applicability in treating various CNS conditions where we can leverage our technology platform to develop highly differentiated
oral therapeutics. Our priority is on the development of LPCN 1154, a potential fast-acting oral antidepressant for PPD with potential
for outpatient use.
Support
our Licensees, Verity, SPC, Pharmalink and Aché, in commercialization of our licensed oral TRT product. We believe the TRT
market needs a differentiated, convenient oral option. We have exclusively licensed rights to TLANDO to Verity for commercialization
of TLANDO in the U.S. and Canada (the “Licensed Verity Territory”), to SPC for commercialization in South Korea (the “Licensed
SPC Territory”), to Pharmalink in the GCC (the “Licensed Pharmalink Territory”) and to Aché in Brazil (the “Licensed
Aché Territory”) (together, the “Currently Licensed TLANDO Territories”). We plan to support Verity’s,
SPC’s, Pharmalink’s, and Aché’s efforts to effectively enable the availability of TLANDO to patients in a timely
manner, in addition to receiving milestone, royalty payments and/or payments for product sales associated with TLANDO commercialization
as agreed to in the Verity License Agreement, the SPC License Agreement, the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement and the Aché License
Agreement.
Develop
partnership(s) to continue the advancement of pipeline assets . We continuously strive to prioritize our resources in seeking partnerships
of our pipeline assets. We are currently exploring partnerships for our liver program LPCN 1148 for the management of decompensated cirrhosis
including prevention of the recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (“OHE”); LPCN 2401 for improved body composition
as adjunct therapy to incretin mimetics use in obesity management; and LPCN 1107, our candidate for prevention of pre-term birth. We
are also exploring the possibility of licensing LPCN 1021 (known as TLANDO in the United States) to third parties outside of the Currently
Licensed TLANDO Territories although no additional licensing agreements have been entered into by the Company in any other territories.
22
Our
Pipeline Product Candidates
Our
pipeline of clinical development candidates includes LPCN 1154 for PPD, LPCN 2201 for MDD, LPCN 2101 for epilepsy, and LPCN 2203 for
essential tremor. We will continue to explore other product development candidates targeting CNS indications with a significant unmet
need. We will also continue efforts to enter into partnership arrangements for the continued development and/or marketing of LPCN 1144,
LPCN 1148, LPCN 2401, and LPCN 1107 as well as for the TRT assets outside of the Currently Licensed TLANDO Territories. We continually
evaluate our pipeline product candidates and all strategic options available to us, which options may include, but are not limited to,
continued development of LPCN 1154, including the potential submission of a validation study protocol, development of other product candidates,
strategic transactions, partnerships, and other opportunities.
Our
products are based on our proprietary drug delivery technology platform. TLANDO was approved by the FDA in March 2022. Our patented technology
is based on lipidic compositions which form an optimal dispersed phase in the gastrointestinal environment for improved absorption of
insoluble drugs. The drug loaded dispersed phase presents the solubilized drug efficiently at the absorption site (gastrointestinal tract
membrane) thus improving the absorption process and making the drug less dependent on physiological variables such as dilution, gastrointestinal
pH and food effects for absorption. Our formulation enables improved solubilization and higher drug-loading capacity, which can lead
to improved bioavailability, reduced dose, faster and more consistent absorption, reduced variability, reduced sensitivity to food effects,
improved patient compliance, and targeted lymphatic delivery where appropriate.
TRT
Franchise – TLANDO and LPCN 1111 (TLANDO XR)
TLANDO:
An Oral Product for Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Under
the Verity License Agreement, in January 2024, we granted to Verity an exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable right and license to
develop and commercialize TLANDO, our product for TRT, in the U.S. and Canada effective February 1, 2024. TLANDO received FDA approval
on March 28, 2022. Any FDA requirement to conduct certain post-marketing studies will be the responsibility of Verity. In addition, in
September 2024, we granted SPC an exclusive, royalty-bearing license to commercialize TLANDO in South Korea, in October 2024 we granted
Pharmalink an exclusive license to commercialize TLANDO in the GCC countries and in April 2025, we granted Aché an exclusive license
to commercialize and supply TLANDO in Brazil.
Proof-of-concept
for TLANDO was initially established in 2006, and TLANDO was subsequently 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 Inc.
by Abbott in 2011, we re-acquired the rights to TLANDO. All obligations under the prior license agreement have been completed except
that Lipocine will owe Abbott a perpetual 1% royalty on net sales of TLANDO. Such royalties are limited to $1 million in the first two
calendar years following product launch, after which period there is no cap on royalties and no maximum aggregate amount. If generic
versions of any such product are introduced, then royalties will be reduced by 50%. TLANDO was commercially launched on June 7, 2022. During
the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, we incurred royalty expense of approximately $10,000 and $8,000, respectively.
Since
TLANDO received full FDA approval, under the terms of the Verity License Agreement, Verity will need to assess the safety and effectiveness
of TLANDO in pediatric patients, as required by the Pediatric Research Equity Act. The FDA may also require certain post-marketing studies
to be conducted which will also be the responsibility of Verity. Similarly, SPC, Pharmalink, and Aché are responsible for obtaining
any regulatory/marketing approvals for TLANDO required for the SPC Territory, the Pharmalink Territory, and the Aché Territory,
respectively.
Upon
execution of the Verity License Agreement, Verity Pharma paid us an initial payment of $2.5 million which was received on signing of
the License Agreement and $5 million which was received on February 1, 2024. Verity Pharma also paid an additional payment of $2.5 million
to us on December 30, 2024, and we received an additional payment of $1 million on January 5, 2026. We are also eligible to receive milestone
payments of up to $259 million in the aggregate, depending on the achievement of certain sales milestones in a single calendar year and/or
development milestones with respect to products licensed by Verity Pharma under the Verity License Agreement. In addition, we will receive
tiered royalty payments at rates ranging from 12% up to 18% of net sales of all products licensed under the Verity License Agreement
in the Licensed Verity Territory.
SPC
paid us a non-refundable, non-creditable upfront fee in October 2024. We also received additional payments including a non-refundable
payment in consideration for TLANDO product inventory, and we are eligible to receive additional payments for marketing authorization
and sales milestones, and we will supply TLANDO to SPC and receive a supply price. In addition, we will receive royalties on net sales
in South Korea under the SPC License Agreement.
23
Upon
execution of the Pharmalink License Agreement, Pharmalink paid us a non-refundable, non-creditable upfront fee in October 2024. Under
the Pharmalink License Agreement, we could receive additional payments in regulatory authorization milestones and we will supply TLANDO
to Pharmalink at an agreed transfer price.
Upon
execution of the Aché License Agreement, Aché paid us a non-refundable, non-creditable upfront fee in May 2025. Under the
Aché License Agreement, we may receive additional payments in regulatory authorization milestones, royalties on net sales and
will supply TLANDO to Aché at an agreed transfer price.
We
are exploring the possibility of licensing LPCN 1021 (known as TLANDO in the United States) to third parties outside the Currently
Licensed TLANDO Territories, although no licensing agreement has been entered into by the Company in any other territories. If and
when an agreement is made with a partner, such arrangement would likely be partially contingent upon obtaining local regulatory
approval. 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 terms favorable to us.
Oral
Programs for CNS Disorders
Some
preferred endogenous or naturally occurring NAS present in the central nervous system act as positive allosteric modulators (“PAMs”)
of the GABA A receptor, the major biological target of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (“GABA A ”).
In
October 2024, we announced positive data from our qEEG study of our oral brexanolone with results indicating robust central nervous system
activity of oral brexanolone, with concentration- and time-dependent post-dose changes in qEEG as follows:
● Quantitative
Electroencephalogram (“qEEG”) in healthy subjects administered single doses of
oral brexanolone, a neuroactive steroid, confirmed GABA A modulation
● Rapid
and durable CNS target engagement confirms effective oral delivery of bioidentical brexanolone
● Promising
results support continued development of oral brexanolone for the treatment of neuropsychiatric
disorders
We
believe through utilization of our proprietary technology we may have the ability to enable effective oral delivery of endogenous GABA A
receptor PAMs which historically had been deemed to be not orally bioavailable. As a novel drug class, NASs have received considerable
attention because of their potential to treat various neuropsychiatric conditions including depression, movement disorders, epilepsy,
anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. We have conducted Phase 1 pharmacokinetic (“PK”) studies for each of our three lead
NAS candidates which have demonstrated promising PK results, safety, and tolerability and we are evaluating additional undisclosed CNS-focused
candidates.
LPCN
1154: Product Candidate for PPD
Our
most advanced NAS candidate is LPCN 1154, a rapid onset, oral formulation of the neuroactive steroid brexanolone which we are developing
for the treatment of PPD. We have completed clinical oral PK studies including a pilot food effect study and a pilot PK bridge study.
In addition, as a prelude to a LPCN 1154 pivotal study, a multi-dose study was done confirming the dosing regimen for the PK bridge study
using the scaled up “to be marketed” formulation required for New Drug Application (“NDA”) filing. In June 2024,
we announced results from a dosing regimen confirmation study which demonstrated LPCN 1154 meets bioequivalence with comparator, IV brexanolone,
meeting standard bioequivalence criteria and Ctrough criteria. LPCN 1154 treatment was well-tolerated with no sedation nor somnolence
events observed in the dosing regimen confirmation study.
After
completing PK studies and labeling studies such as a food effect study and PK profiling in women with PPD, we met with the FDA in the
first quarter of 2025. In the meeting, we were advised that the FDA believes, in addition to the previously completed PK dosing regimen
confirmation data, an efficacy and safety study of oral LPCN 1154 in the target population will be required for 505(b)(2) NDA submission.
Based on observed comparable exposure of LPCN 1154 and IV brexanolone in the dosing confirmation study, we have confirmed the target
dosing regimen and completed a Phase 3 safety and efficacy study.
In
April 2026, we released the topline results from our Phase 3 placebo-controlled trial for post-partum depression. LPCN 1154 did not show
a statistically significant reduction from baseline in HAM-D total score compared to placebo at hour 60 in the full analysis set and
the primary endpoint was not met. The results showed LPCN 1154 to be well tolerated and the treatment demonstrated a favorable safety
profile to support outpatient administration without the need for healthcare provider monitoring. No treatment-related severe or serious
adverse events (SAEs) were reported; no cases of excessive sedation or loss of consciousness were observed; and no treatment-related
discontinuations were reported.
24
Although
the primary endpoint in the study was not met, in a post hoc analysis of participants with a history of psychiatric conditions diagnosed
using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI, a structured diagnostic interview used to screen for and diagnose psychiatric
disorders using DSM/ICD criteria), we identified signals that could indicate a potential development path for LPCN 1154.
Based
on a post hoc analysis of participants with a history of psychiatric conditions identified using the MINI, we plan to further evaluate
these findings. We have submitted requests for breakthrough therapy and fast track designations for LPCN 1154 in PPD; however, the FDA
may not grant either designation. We expect to submit a proposed validation study protocol and request a meeting with the FDA, and we
plan to present additional analyses as available.
We
continue to explore the possibility of partnering with a third party for the further development, marketing and commercialization of
LPCN 1154, although no partnering agreement has been entered into by the Company. No assurance can be given that any partnering
agreement will be completed, or, if an agreement is completed, that such an agreement would be on terms favorable to us.
PPD
PPD,
a type of major depressive disorder with onset either during pregnancy or within four weeks of delivery, refers to depression
persisting up to 12 months after childbirth. PPD can be clinically segmented by the severity of symptoms and presence of a
comorbidity, including epilepsy. PPD is a life-threatening condition with few existing treatment options. Maternal depression and
suicide can have far-reaching consequences for child development, family functioning, and the nation’s economy. Approximately
600,000 women are affected by PPD annually with approximately 240,000 women diagnosed with PPD, and approximately 144,000 of those
diagnosed patients are treated with prescription medication. We believe that PPD is a significant and growing market opportunity,
and increased awareness of PPD and effective therapies is expected to increase diagnosis for symptomatic women with PPD.
Disease
Overview - PPD
● PPD
is distinct from the “baby blues,” a condition that up to 70% of all new mothers
experience; “baby blues” tend to be short-lived emotional conditions that do
not interfere with daily activities.
● Symptoms
of PPD include hallmarks of major depression, including, but not limited to, sadness, depressed
mood, loss of interest, change in appetite, insomnia, sleeping too much, fatigue, difficulty
thinking/concentrating, excessive crying, fear of harming the baby/oneself, and/or thoughts
of death or suicide.
● During
pregnancy, levels of endogenous NASs increase considerably along with levels of progesterone;
however, they drop sharply postpartum. It has been hypothesized that the rapid perinatal
decrease in circulating levels of endogenous NASs may be involved in the development of PPD.
The first approved treatment option for PPD was an injectable containing endogenous NASs.
● Depression
may persist long after child delivery. Additionally, approximately 40% of women relapse in
subsequent pregnancies or on other occasions.
● Psychiatric
comorbidities are common in patients with epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy are at high risk
for major depressive disorders and PPD. Reported PPD rates are higher among women with epilepsy
than the general population.
25
Associated
Risk Factors
● Genetic:
family history and/or previous experience of depression or other mood disorders.
● Physiological:
rapid changes in sex hormones, stress hormones, and thyroid hormone levels during and after
delivery.
● Environmental:
stressful life events, changes in relationships at home and at work, and/or lack of familial
support.
Unmet
Medical Need
We
believe there is considerable unmet need within women with PPD due to a lack of convenient and fast-acting oral therapies with good tolerability,
especially with respect to CNS depressant effects. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (“SSRIs”) have been the traditional
first-line choice for women with severe PPD and require weeks for onset of efficacy; therefore, a need for an oral treatment option with
a faster onset of action, short treatment duration, and improved tolerability remains a significant unmet need in treating PPD, especially
in mothers with moderate to severe depression prone to harmful actions.
Injectable
brexanolone (Zulresso™, SAGE Therapeutics (“SAGE”)) became the first FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression.
However, numerous factors limited the utilization of injectable brexanolone such as method of administration, cost, and safety concerns
and SAGE discontinued Zulresso in October 2024. In addition to Zulresso, SAGE received FDA approval for zuranolone (brand name ZURZUVAE™)
in August 2023 and ZURZUVAE was launched commercially in December 2023. Zuranolone, a synthetic neuroactive steroid derivative, is an
oral, once daily 14-day treatment for postpartum depression and is the first oral medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of
postpartum depression. Per label, besides a long terminal half-life of approximately 19.7 to 24.6 hours and dosage modifications needed
for concomitant use with CYP3A4 modulators, warnings and precautions include CNS depressant effects, impaired ability to drive or engage
in other potentially hazardous activities and embryo-fetal toxicity. In June 2025, Sage announced the acquisition of Sage by Supernus
Pharmaceuticals (“Supernus”) and Supernus’ intention to strengthen their leading presence in neuropsychiatric conditions
with Sage’s innovative commercial product, ZURZUVAE. The transaction closed in the third quarter of 2025.
We
believe LPCN 1154 has the potential to target the current unmet need for robust, rapid relief of PPD symptoms with 48-hour dosing duration
through a convenient oral therapy candidate comprising bioidentical NASs with improved tolerability. If approved, we believe that LPCN
1154 has the potential to be a first-line therapy option in treating PPD, providing the following advantages over current treatment options:
○ Rapid
relief : faster management of depression, reduced risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors,
fewer hospitalizations, positive outcomes in terms of mother and family relationships, and
reduced financial burden.
○ Short
treatment duration : better compliance, scheduling flexibility (e.g. weekend) with minimal
family disruption, more amenable to discreet treatment, and a quick return to normal daily
activities, including breast feeding and driving.
○ Improved
tolerability : fewer CNS depressant effects, better adherence to dosing regimen, more
quality time for baby care, and less dependence on caregiver support.
LPCN
2201: NAS for Major Depressive Disorders (“MDD”)
We
are currently advancing LPCN 2201, a unique oral brexanolone formulation, as a novel, rapid relief oral treatment option for MDD with
the goal of improving outcomes without the limitations of existing therapies. LPCN 2201 is chemically identical to the endogenous human
hormone allopregnanolone, a positive allosteric modulator of y-aminobutyric acid (GABA A ) receptor. Post planned clinical assessment of
unique formulations, we plan to submit a protocol for a Phase 2 study to the FDA, and we may initiate a study to evaluate LPCN 2201 for
MDD, subject to resource prioritization.
Disease
Overview – MDD
MDD
affects approximately 21 million adults in the U.S., representing 8.4% of the population. While 12.8 million individuals receive treatment,
nearly 3.8 million patients continue to struggle with treatment-resistant depression (“TRD”), a condition where symptoms
persist despite multiple antidepressant therapies. These patients experience persistent, debilitating symptoms, reduced quality of life,
higher comorbidities, and significant social and occupational impairment. In 2018, the total annual burden of medication-treated MDD
in the U.S. was approximately $92.7 billion, with $43.8 billion (47%) attributable to TRD.
26
Unmet
Medical Need
Current
treatment options for MDD pose significant challenges. Most available antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs require 4-6 weeks to show
meaningful effects and often fail to deliver adequate relief. Additionally, SSRIs and SNRIs can lead to metabolic issues, sexual dysfunction,
and heightened risk of cerebrovascular events in vulnerable populations. Even newer therapies that can be used for fast depression symptom
relief like Spravato® (esketamine) come with serious safety concerns, including black box warnings for sedation, dissociation, cognitive
impairment, and increased blood pressure. Beyond safety, access remains a major hurdle – esketamine, for example, requires intranasal
administration in a clinical setting under a restricted program, limiting convenience and scalability.
Patients
and providers urgently need a convenient, well-tolerated, at-home rapid relief option for MDD. Ideal solutions should offer ease of use
without monitoring requirements, enabling treatment in outpatient or home settings. Improved treatments should deliver effective antidepressant
action with high and sustained remission rates, while maintaining a wide therapeutic index for safety and tolerability. Improved compliance,
better management of comorbid conditions such as anxiety, and enhanced patient experience are critical to addressing the gaps left by
current therapies.
We
believe LPCN 2201 has the potential to be a convenient, fastest time to action treatment through its fast-acting mechanism promoting
acute stabilization of symptoms with the freedom of at home dosing while presenting no significant risk of adverse reactions from exposure
to bioidentical brexanolone. LPCN 2201 could be an appealing option for patients for whom rapid improvement is a priority for the treatment
of moderate or severe MDD with suicidal ideation.
LPCN
2101: NAS for Epilepsy
We
are currently evaluating an additional NAS candidate, LPCN 2101, for Drug Resistant Epilepsy (“DRE”) and women with epilepsy
(“WWE”). We have completed pre-clinical and Phase 1 studies for LPCN 2101 which demonstrated promising PK results, safety
and tolerability. In July 2022 our IND was accepted by the FDA for LPCN 2101 for adults with epilepsy and we may initiate a Phase 2 proof-of-concept
study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of LPCN 2101, subject to resource prioritization.
Disease
Overview – Epilepsy
Epilepsy
is one of the most common neurological disorders characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity
in the brain. Epilepsy is defined by the 1) occurrence of at least two unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart, 2) occurrence of
one unprovoked seizure and a probability of further seizures occurring over the next 10 years, and/or 3) diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome.
Patients with epilepsy have increased risk of mortality due to direct effects of seizures (e.g., status epilepticus, car accidents) and
indirect effects of seizures (e.g., suicide, cardiovascular effects).
Epilepsy
is a disorder of the brain that causes seizures, affecting the physical, mental, and social well-being of persons, and is associated
with a 2 to 3 times greater mortality rate compared with the general population. About 60-65% of epilepsy is idiopathic and about 30%
of patients are refractory or have “DRE” (i.e., epilepsy not well managed with currently available Anti-Seizure Medications
(“ASMs”)).
DRE:
There are about 2.9 million adults and 456,000 children with active epilepsy, meaning they are either taking medication or have had a
seizure in the past year, with approximately 150,000 new diagnoses annually. Approximately 38% of adults with epilepsy report having
a disability and the unemployment rate among adults with epilepsy is approximately 29%. DRE is a significant clinical challenge in epilepsy
care, with high social and occupational limitations. DRE affects 30-40% of epilepsy patients in the U.S. and DRE contributes heavily
to the $24.5 billion annual epilepsy-related healthcare costs and DRE poses significant treatment challenges due to limited success with
medications, and need for early identification.
Unmet
needs in DRE: Many patients with DRE cycle through multiple ASMs with limited success. Seizures may cause physical injuries,
and a minority may last long (status epilepticus) or recur in clusters and can be life-threatening. Rescue treatments (primarily benzodiazepines)
do not prevent future seizures, they only stop the current episode. DRE patients are at high risk of seizure recurrence within hours
or days after a cluster. There is a lack of post-rescue medications, especially for patients who experience recurrent seizure clusters
or drug-resistant epilepsy and a need to transition effectively to maintenance therapy and sustain seizure control after acute treatment
prevents status epilepticus and to prevent patients from requiring emergency room treatment for seizure management. There remains an
unmet need for medications with novel mechanism of action and minimal cognitive, mood, or systemic side effects, especially for patients
who experience recurrent seizure clusters or DRE.
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WWE :
It is estimated that approximately 1,000,000 childbearing (“CB”) aged women suffer from active epilepsy in the U.S. Women
of CB age with epilepsy face many additional challenges due to hormonal influences on seizure activity and endocrine function throughout
the different phases of their reproductive cycles. Elevated estrogen or decreased progesterone levels can exacerbate seizure frequency.
Often, these women experience hormonal and endogenous NAS imbalances, coupled with fluctuations in the blood levels of ASMs that impact
control of seizures, efficacy of oral contraceptives, any coexisting anxiety and/or depression and any associated sleep impairment. Epileptic
patients are 5-20 times more likely to develop depression.
Women
with epilepsy were once counseled to avoid pregnancy, but epilepsy is no longer considered a contraindication to pregnancy. Caregivers
for WWE in the preconception phase either intending to start a family (planning pregnancy) or using contraception to prevent an unplanned
pregnancy face significant challenges to balance seizure control efficacy with the selection and dosage of ASMs and ASM-related risks
such as, among other risks, fetal-neonatal toxicity, contraception failure, and psychiatric side effects.
Several
ASMs are known to have teratogenic effects on the developing fetus (converging evidence from registry studies indicates that teratogenic
risks are highest with valproate, followed by carbamazepine and topiramate). Other commonly prescribed ASMs, including older generation
agents, such as phenobarbital and phenytoin, have been associated with higher risks as compared with lamotrigine, levetiracetam, clonazepam
and gabapentin (Vajda et al., 2014; Voinescu and Pennell, 2015). Moreover, risks associated with ASMs are considerable early in pregnancy;
therefore, it is necessary that WWE of CB age undergo counseling, monitoring, and adjustment to the most appropriate ASM prior to becoming
pregnant. It is preferable that WWE of CB age discuss seizure control with their doctor for at least 6 months before conception and,
if possible, cease ASM therapy or use the lowest effective dose of a single anticonvulsant according to the type of epilepsy and the
fetal toxicity of the ASM. Anxiety, depression, lack of adherence to ASM, and/or contraception failure may be experienced by women who
are worried about unplanned pregnancy or are late in confirming pregnancy, planned or unplanned. ASMs can reduce the efficacy of oral
contraceptives, compounding this problem.
Complex,
multidirectional interactions between female hormones, seizures, and ASMs exist. Most hormones act as NASs and can thus modulate brain
excitability. Any changes in endogenous or exogenous hormone levels can affect the occurrence of seizures, either directly or via PK
interactions that modify the plasma levels of ASMs (Harden, 2008). The PK interactions between oral contraceptives and ASMs are bidirectional
(Johnston and Crawford, 2014). The efficacy of hormonal contraception may be diminished for women taking CYP-P450 enzyme inducing ASMs.
Epilepsy is not a medical condition in which contraceptives are contraindicated. Contraceptive failure, possibly related to ASMs, may
be responsible for up to 1 in 4 unplanned pregnancies in WWE (~12.5% of all WWE pregnancies), versus a rate of 1% in healthy women.
Unmet
need to treat WWE in CB age
Approximately
30% of patients with epilepsy cannot efficiently control their condition with available ASMs, making consideration of newer pharmacological
treatment development options important, and managing uncontrolled seizures in WWE of CB age is the primary aim during preconception,
pregnancy, and postpartum phases. Therefore, uncompromised ASM efficacy with acceptable variability and less or no drug-drug interactions
achieved with lowest possible monotherapy dose to address fetal toxicity concerns remain highly unmet needs. Moreover, control of seizures
including prevention of breakthrough seizures is critical when planning for pregnancy and also during pregnancy, as it can also lead
to undesired falls or auto-accidents and compromise freedom to drive.
Select
ASMs have the potential to induce contraception failures, reproductive hormone imbalance, anxiety, and depression. There remains an unmet
need for an ASM without the aforementioned downsides, with no to low fetal-neonatal toxicity and without breast-feeding concerns, as
well as the potential to treat associated comorbidities.
While
over 30 molecules have been approved for the treatment of epilepsy in the U.S., no epilepsy drug has been specifically approved for WWE
of CB age. We believe our endogenous NASs as GABA A PAMs, while targeting the goal of seizure control, also have the potential for additional
benefits in psychiatric disorders comorbidities (e.g., anxiety and/or depression) and sleep impairment. Moreover, these oral endogenous
NASs could potentially address some of the fetal toxicity concerns related to unplanned or planned pregnancy in WWE. (1)
(1) Ref:
S.Bangar et al. Functional Neurology 2016; 31(3): 127-134; Reimers et al. Seizure. 2015 May;
28: 66-70.
LPCN
2203: Oral Product for Management of Essential Tremor
LPCN
2203 is an oral candidate for management of essential tremor (“ET”) comprising a bioidentical GABA A modulating NAS. We have
successfully completed oral pharmacokinetics with bioidentical GABA A and are planning to submit a protocol for a proof-of-concept Phase
2 study for ET to the FDA.
28
Disease
Overview - Essential Tremor
Essential
Tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in the United States, affecting an estimated 7 million in the U.S. For ET patients,
uncontrollable shaking of the hands, head, voice, or legs creates difficulty eating, dressing, writing, and pursuing other day-to-day
tasks. The etiology of ET is largely unknown, but reduced GABA A receptor levels and decreased GABAergic activity have been observed in
ET.
While
ET is often associated with aging populations, ET can begin much earlier in life, with a progressive disease course that can eventually
necessitate a care partner. Social anxiety and depressive symptoms can manifest in patients with ET as tremor severity increases and
may negatively impact a patient’s ability to work and engage in hobbies. In an interview study of ET patients and care partners,
the most common impacts on activities of daily living are pouring liquids and writing/typing (100%) and grooming/hygiene, drinking, dressing,
eating, and reading (80-85%). Overall, 90% of participants noted the emotional impact of ET, with 75% reporting tremor-related worry
or anxiety.
The
only FDA approved pharmacological treatment for ET was approved more than 50 years ago, and the majority of patients with ET experience
a sub-optimal response with standard-of-care treatments, highlighting numerous and compelling unmet needs in care such as daytime efficacy
and improved tolerability, a PRN (pro re nata) or “as needed” option, and a superior benefit-to-risk profile.(1) (2)
(1)
Ref: Louis ED, Ottman R. Tremor Other Kyperkinet Mov (NY). 2014;4:259.
(2)
Ref: Gerbasi et.al. Patient experiences in essential tremor: Mapping functional impacts to existing measures using qualitative research.
MDS 2023.
Other
Pipeline Candidates
We
continue to pursue opportunities for partnering and/or development arrangements for the continued development of LPCN 2401, LPCN 1148,
and LPCN 1107. We do not currently anticipate conducting any further significant development activities with respect to these products
and product candidates without the participation of a partner. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to identify or enter into
partnering arrangements on terms that are beneficial to us or at all. Even if we do enter into partnering arrangements, such arrangements
may not be sufficient to successfully develop and commercialize these products.
LPCN
2401: Obesity Management
LPCN
2401 is targeted to be a once daily oral formulation comprising a proprietary anabolic androgen receptor agonist. LPCN 2401 is expected
to have a favorable benefit to risk profile as a non-invasive option for use as an adjunct to GLP-1 chronic weight management therapies
for quality weight loss and/or as a monotherapy post cessation of GLP-1 chronic weight management therapies for weight and glycemic status
maintenance with demonstrated benefits to the liver.
LPCN
2401 has potential for use as an adjunct to incretin mimetics (GLP-1/GIP agonists) including amplification of GLP-1 insulinotropic actions
which is supported by studies demonstrating the role of androgen receptor agonist in regulation of GLP-1 through:
● Enhancement
of GLP-1-mediated insulin release from β cells through genomic- and non-genomic mechanisms
● Increase
in GLP-1 Receptor Expression in diabetics and non-diabetics
● Promoting
proliferation of β cells and improving insulin sensitivity
Target
benefits of LPCN 2401 in combination with GLP-1 agonists include inducing quality weight loss by attenuation of functionality and activities
of daily life while lessening lean mass loss, a serious unmet need, especially for elderly and sarcopenic adult GLP-1 agonist users who
are most vulnerable to accelerated lean mass loss and functional decline. In a recent study with 16 weeks of GLP-1 agonist use for weight
management in elderly (60 yr and above) patients, a rapid loss of lean mass was observed with a median percentage of total body weight
loss that is due to lean mass of 32% in 16 weeks. In addition, 43% of GLP-1 users lost ≥10% Stair Climb Power from baseline; the equivalent
of almost eight years of expected age-related stair climb power loss was observed in just 4 months of GLP-1 use.
29
Moreover,
as an adjunct to incretin mimetics, LPCN 2401 may help maintain or increase weight loss, particularly in diabetics, through increased
expression activity of GLP1R and increased effectiveness of GIP1 therapies secondary to actions at GLP1R (glucose lowering). LPCN 2401
could also be potentially used as monotherapy post discontinuation of GLP-1 agonist to manage weight/fat regain and durability of diabetes
remission.
Data
from preclinical and clinical studies support the potential of LPCN 2401 and LPCN 2401+E in improving body composition. In April 2024,
Lipocine announced results from a multi-center prospective, blinded Phase 2 study, which demonstrated increases in lean mass of 4.4%,
decreases in fat mass of 6.7%, reduction in android fat of 4.1% and increased bone mineral content of 2.8% in a population consistent
with GLP-1 use for weight management. LPCN 2401 was well tolerated with minimal GI or androgenic adverse events and no reports of muscle
spasms. :
Per
FDA Guidance (2025), for efficacy claims related to changes in body composition, trial design should include appropriate choice of population
and selection of endpoints that measure how a patient feels, functions, or survives, to potentially support such a claim. We may initiate
a proof-of-concept study evaluating LPCN 2401 as an adjunct to GLP-1 agonist after we obtain regulatory clarity with respect to development
path and acceptable end points for improved body composition in obesity management pending available resources. We may explore the possibility
of partnering LPCN 2401 with a third party, although no partnering agreement has been entered into by us. 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 terms favorable to us.
Disease
and Market Overview – Obesity Management
Approximately
74% of U.S. adults aged 20 and older are either obese or overweight, and an estimated 30% of the U.S. adult population has a BMI ≥
30 kg/m 2 . Elderly and sarcopenic GLP-1 agonist users are the population of GLP-1 users who are most vulnerable to accelerated
lean mass loss and functional decline. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing health risk defined by excess body fat. Excess body fat increases
the risk of death and major comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis
of the knee, sleep apnea, and some cancers 1 . About 30% of overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 ) adults 2 have
type 2 diabetes, 50% 3 have dyslipidemia, and 67% 4 have hypertension. In the U.S. alone, ~34M older adults aged
60+ years are obese (BMI at or above 30.0) and ~31M older adults aged 60+ years are overweight (BMI between 25.0 to 30).
It
is estimated that the total GLP-1 users in the U.S. may reach 30 million (around 9% of the overall population) by 2030 5 .
Reportedly, ~24M 6 obese elderly are most vulnerable to losing muscle mass. The rapid weight loss observed with the currently
approved chronic weight management GLP-1 receptor agonist medications includes unwanted lean mass loss, up to 40% of the patient’s
total weight lost. Moreover, discontinuation of these therapies frequently results in a rapid regain in weight. Loss of lean mass has
multiple negative health implications including weakness/fatigue, lowered metabolism which can cause a regain in fat mass, declines in
neuromuscular function, potential effects on emotion and psychological states, and increased risk of injury.
Several
recent studies showed that body composition, especially lean body mass (muscle) may play an independent role in survival of patients
with diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases (DH Lee and EL Giovannucci, Exp Biol Med. 2018). Therefore, a focus on body
composition in obesity management to sustainably lose fat mass while maintaining lean mass should be an essential goal.
There
is a significant unmet need for an oral, efficacious, muscle preserving/gaining option for chronic obesity/weight management that ameliorates
the loss of lean mass associated with GLP-1/GIP agonist treatment, resulting in a higher quality weight loss. Moreover, there is a need
for a chronic long-term pharmacotherapy option to maintain weight upon cessation of incretin mimetic therapy, prevent fat/weight rebound
“overshoot” and minimize lag in muscle recovery to prevent collateral fattening as well as improve the durability of any
achieved diabetes remission while on GLP-1.
(1) Ref:
Caterson and Hubbard et al. 2004; Calle and Thun et al. 1999
(2) https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/03/the-big-setup/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK305895/
(4) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6316192/#sec3-nutrients-10-01976
(5) https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/current-events/obesity-drugs
(6) Ref:
Flynn et al. Morgan Stanley, February 27, 2024
LPCN
1148: Oral Product Candidate for the Management of Decompensated Cirrhosis
We
are currently evaluating LPCN 1148 comprising testosterone laurate (“TL”) for the management of decompensated cirrhosis.
We believe LPCN 1148 targets unmet needs for patients with cirrhosis, including improvement in the quality of life of patients while
on the liver transplant waiting list, prevention or reduction in the occurrence of new decompensation events such as OHE, and improvement
in post liver transplant survival, including outcomes and costs. We are exploring the possibility of partnering with a third party for
the development and/or marketing of LPCN 1148, although no partnering agreement has been entered into by the Company. No assurance can
be given that any partnering agreement will be completed, or, if an agreement is completed, that such an agreement would be on terms
favorable to us.
30
We
conducted a Phase 2 proof of concept (“POC”) study (NCT04874350) in male subjects with cirrhosis to evaluate the therapeutic
potential of LPCN 1148 for the management of sarcopenia. The Phase 2 POC study was a prospective, multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled
study in male sarcopenic patients with cirrhosis. Subjects were initially randomized 1:1 to 1 of 2 arms. The treatment arm was an oral
dose of LPCN 1148, and the second arm was a matching placebo. There were no restrictions on patients with respect to background therapies,
including current standard of care, diet or exercise. The primary endpoint was a change in skeletal muscle index at week 24 with key
secondary endpoints including change in liver frailty index, rates of breakthrough OHE, and number of waitlist events, including all-cause
mortality. Total treatment was 52 weeks, with 24-week placebo-controlled treatment subjects receiving LPCN 1148 in the 28-week open-label
extension (“OLE”) phase of the study for the duration of the study through week 52.
In
July 2023 we announced that the Phase 2 study met its primary endpoint, increased skeletal muscle index (L3-SMI) relative to placebo
(P<.01), in patients with cirrhosis. The study also demonstrated improvements in clinical outcomes such as prevention of new decompensation
events including OHE, rates of hospitalizations, and patient reported outcomes (“PROs”). LPCN 1148 was well-tolerated, with
adverse event (“AE”) rates and severities similar to placebo and no mortality was noted in the LPCN 1148 treatment group,
nor were there any cases of drug-induced liver injury.
In
March 2024 we announced that 24-week L3-SMI increases were maintained through 52 weeks of LPCN 1148 intervention and that placebo patients
who switched to LPCN 1148 in the open label extension period of the study had increases in L3-SMI. Furthermore, fewer OHE events were
observed in LPCN 1148 treated patients and time to first recurrent OHE event was longer for treated patients. LPCN 1148 was well-tolerated,
with AE rates and severities similar to placebo and fewer participants experienced serious or severe adverse events when switched from
placebo to LPCN 1148 and patients on therapy were hospitalized for fewer days. We had a Type D meeting with the FDA to discuss the clinical
development plan for LPCN 1148 for OHE, and we plan to continue discussions with the FDA seeking clarity on the Phase 3 study design
and endpoint.
Disease
Overview – Cirrhosis
Annually,
cirrhosis has caused more than 1 million deaths, and there are over 500,000 people living with decompensated cirrhosis in the U.S. Non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease is the most rapidly increasing indication for liver transplant. 62% of those on the liver transplant (“LT”)
waitlist are male and the economic burden (approximately $812,500/transplant) is high and continues to increase. Each year about half
of the approximately 17,000 people in the U.S. on the LT waitlist undergo transplant, while nearly 3,000 patients either die or are removed
from the list because they were “too sick to transplant.”
Liver
cirrhosis is defined as the histological development of regenerative nodules surrounded by fibrous bands. Patients with cirrhosis typically
have a year-long silent, asymptomatic phase (compensated cirrhosis) until decreasing liver function and increasing portal pressure move
the patient into the symptomatic phase (decompensated cirrhosis). Transition to decompensated cirrhosis is marked by clinical events
including ascites, encephalopathy, jaundice, and/or variceal hemorrhage. Decompensated subjects survive on average less than 2 years.
Common causes of liver cirrhosis include alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (“NAFLD”), chronic hepatitis
B and C, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis and some patients have liver disease of unknown cause (cryptogenic).
Common
complications in patients with cirrhosis may include: compromised liver function, portal hypertension, varices in GI tract with internal
bleeding, edema, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (“HE”), compromised immunity with post-transplant acute rejection risk,
high sodium levels, increased bilirubin, low albumin level, insulin resistance with impaired peripheral uptake of glucose, depression,
accelerated muscle disorder in the form of sarcopenia, myosteatosis, and frailty with compromised energetics, bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis),
high alkaline phosphatase, cachexia, malnutrition, weight loss (>5%), symptoms of hypogonadism such as abnormal hair distribution,
anemia, sexual dysfunction, testicular atrophy, muscle wasting, fatigue, osteoporosis, gynecomastia, inflammation with elevated cytokines,
and infection risk leading to hospital admissions and possibly death.
HE,
a significant decompensation event in patients with cirrhosis, is a brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal systemic
shunting. Because the damaged liver cannot function normally (as in cirrhosis), neurotoxins such as ammonia are inadequately removed
from systemic circulation and travel to the brain, where they affect neurotransmission. This can cause episodes of HE, which may present
as alterations in consciousness, cognition, and behavior that range from minimal to severe. Overt HE occurs in 30% to 40% of patients
with cirrhosis at some point during the clinical course of their disease. As the burden of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis is increasing,
the frequency of HE is also increasing.
31
LPCN
1107: An Oral Product Candidate for the Prevention of Preterm Birth (“PTB”)
We
are exploring the possibility of partnering with a third party for the development and/or marketing of LPCN 1107, although no partnering
agreement has been entered into by us. No assurance can be given that any partnering agreement will be completed, or, if an agreement
is completed, that such an agreement would be on terms favorable to us.
We
believe LPCN 1107 has the potential to become the first oral hydroxyprogesterone caproate (“HPC”) product indicated for the
reduction of risk of PTB (delivery less than 37 weeks) in women with singleton pregnancy who have a history of singleton spontaneous
PTB. Prevention of PTB is a significant unmet need as approximately 11% of all U.S. pregnancies result in PTB, a leading cause of neonatal
mortality and morbidity.
Current
Status
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,
4-period, 4-treatment, randomized, single and multiple dose PK study in pregnant women with 3 dose levels of LPCN 1107 and the 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 3 treatment periods and then received 5 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 3 LPCN 1107 treatment periods and a washout period, all subjects received 5 weekly injections of HPC.
Results from this study demonstrated that average steady state HPC levels (Cavg0-24) were comparable or higher for all 3 LPCN 1107 doses
than for injectable HPC. Additionally, HPC levels as a function of daily dose were linear for the 3 LPCN 1107 doses. Also, unlike the
injectable HPC, steady state exposure was achieved for all 3 LPCN 1107 doses within 7 days.
A
traditional 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 pivotal Phase 2b/3 development plan for LPCN 1107. We have completed a food effect study to characterize the
dosing regimen for the pivotal study and we have submitted a pivotal clinical study protocol to the FDA.
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.
32
Financial
Operations Overview
Revenue
To
date, we have not generated any revenues from product sales and do not expect to do so until our FDA approved product receives regulatory
approval outside the U.S. and Canada or 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 March 31, 2026, we have generated $55.2 million in revenue under our various license and collaboration arrangements and from
government grants. We have entered into the Verity License Agreement, the SPC License Agreement, the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement
and the Aché License Agreement with the potential for revenue from future milestones, royalties and/or product sales, but we may
never generate revenues from any of our clinical or preclinical development programs or licensed products as we may never succeed in
obtaining regulatory approval or commercializing any of these product candidates.
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, 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 $165.9 million in research and development expenses through March 31, 2026.
We
expect to continue to incur significant costs as we develop our other product candidates, including our CNS product candidates, as well
as the development of any future pipeline product candidates.
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.
Future
research and development 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 product candidates;
● our
dependence on third-party manufacturers for the production of satisfactory finished products
for registration and launch should regulatory approval be obtained on any of our product
candidates;
● the
potential for future license or co-promote arrangements for our product candidates, 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 our product development candidates could mean a substantial
change in the costs and timing associated with these efforts, could 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 1154,
LPCN 2201, LPCN 2101, LPCN 2203, LPCN 2401, 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 1154, LPCN 2201, LPCN 2101, LPCN 2203, or other future 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 pre-clinical 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. We will continue efforts to enter into partnership
arrangements for the continued development and/or marketing of LPCN 1154, LPCN 2401, LPCN 1148, LPCN 1107, and for the development and
commercialization of TLANDO outside of the United States, Canada, South Korea, the GCC countries and Brazil.
33
We
expect to continue to incur significant research and development expenses in the future as we complete on-going clinical studies, including
studies for our CNS product candidates, including a possible confirmatory study for LPCN 1154, and as we conduct future clinical studies,
when and if we conduct Phase 2 clinical studies with LPCN 1154, LPCN 2201, LPCN 2101, LPCN 2203, LPCN 2401, and/or development product
candidates and when and if we conduct Phase 3 clinical studies with LPCN 1144, LPCN 1148, and LPCN 1107. We are also exploring the possibility
of licensing all of our product candidates, although we have not entered into a licensing agreement and no assurance can be given that
any license agreement will be completed, or, if an agreement is completed, that such agreement would be on terms favorable to us. If
we are unable to raise additional capital or obtain non-dilutive financing, 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, and outside consulting
services related to our executive, finance, business development and administrative support functions. Other general and administrative
expenses include rent and utilities, travel expenses, and professional fees for auditing, tax, legal, and various other services.
General
and administrative expenses also include expenses for the cost of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications and maintaining,
enforcing and defending intellectual property-related claims.
We
expect that general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we continue as a public company. These fees include legal
and consulting fees, accounting and audit fees, director fees, 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
Income and Expense
Other
income and expense consists primarily of interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities.
Results
of Operations
Comparison
of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025
The
following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
Three
Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025
Variance
Revenue
$ 119,397
$ 93,864
$ 25,533
Research and development expenses
2,764,394
1,061,571
1,702,823
General and administrative expenses
1,204,467
1,122,477
81,990
Interest and investment income
177,570
225,511
(47,941 )
Income tax expense
-
(200 )
200
Revenue
We
recognized royalty revenue from TLANDO sales of $119,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to royalty revenue of
$94,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Research
and Development Expenses
The
increase in research and development expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2026, as compared to the three months ended March
31, 2025 consists of an approximately $1.7 million increase in costs related to our LPCN 1154 clinical study in 2026 which had not yet
started in 2025 and a $28,000 increase in personnel related costs, offset by a $54,000 decrease in other research and development related
costs and supplies from 2025.
34
General
and Administrative Expenses
The
increase in general and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared to the three months ended March
31, 2025 primarily consists of a $43,000 increase in personnel related costs and a $39,000 increase in various professional and consulting
fees.
Interest
and Investment Income
The
decrease in interest and investment income during the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to interest and investment income during
the three months ended March 31, 2025 was due to lower cash and marketable investment securities balances in the first quarter of 2026
as compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Since
our inception, our operations have been primarily financed through sales of our equity securities, issuances of debt and payments received
under our license and collaboration arrangements. We have devoted our resources to funding research and development programs, including
discovery research, and 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 advance the clinical development of LPCN 1154,
LPCN 2201, LPCN 2101, LPCN 2203, and any other future product candidates, including continued research efforts.
As
of March 31, 2026, we had $24.7 million of unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities compared to $14.9
million at December 31, 2025.
In
April 2025, we entered into the Aché License and Supply Agreement with Aché pursuant to which we granted to Aché
an exclusive license to commercialize our TLANDO® product with respect to the Field, specific to Brazil. Under the agreement, we
are entitled to receive fees upon the achievement of certain regulatory milestones, royalties on net sales and will supply TLANDO to
Aché at an agreed transfer price. Our ability to realize benefits from the Aché License Agreement, including milestone,
product sale and royalty payments, is subject to a number of risks. We may not realize milestone, product sale, or royalty payments in
anticipated amounts, or at all.
In
October 2024, we entered into the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement with Pharmalink, pursuant to which we granted to Pharmalink a non-transferable,
exclusive, license to commercialize our TLANDO product in the Pharmalink Territory. Pharmalink paid us a one-time non-refundable, non-creditable
upfront fee. We are eligible to receive additional payments in regulatory authorization milestones related to the marketing approval
in countries in the Pharmalink Territory under the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement and we have agreed to supply TLANDO to Pharmalink
at a specified transfer price. Our ability to realize benefits from the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement, including milestone, product
sale and royalty payments, is subject to a number of risks. We may not realize milestone, product sale, or royalty payments in anticipated
amounts, or at all.
In
September 2024, we entered into the SPC License Agreement with SPC, pursuant to which we granted to SPC a non-transferable, royalty-bearing
license to develop and commercialize our TLANDO product with respect to TRT in South Korea. Under the terms of the SPC License Agreement,
SPC paid us a non-refundable, non-creditable upfront fee in October 2024. We also received a non-refundable payment in consideration
for certain TLANDO product inventory, and are eligible to receive additional payments upon the receipt of marketing authorization and
achievement of sales milestones, and we will supply TLANDO to SPC at a specified supply price. In addition, we will receive royalties
on net sales in the SPC Territory under the SPC License Agreement. Our ability to realize benefits from the SPC License Agreement, including
milestone, product sale and royalty payments, is subject to a number of risks. We may not realize milestone, product sale, or royalty
payments in anticipated amounts, or at all.
On
January 12, 2024, we entered into the Verity License Agreement with Verity Pharma, pursuant to which we granted to Verity Pharma an exclusive,
royalty-bearing, sublicensable right and license to develop and commercialize our TLANDO product with respect to TRT in the Licensed
Verity Territory. Upon execution of the Verity License Agreement in January 2024 and upon transition of the commercialization of TLANDO
from Antares to Verity Pharma in February 2024, Verity Pharma paid us initial payments of $2.5 million and $5 million, respectively.
Verity Pharma also paid us $2.5 million on December 30, 2024, and we received payment for the final portion of the initial license of
$1.0 million on January 5, 2026. The Verity License Agreement also provides Verity Pharma with a license to develop and commercialize
TLANDO XR (LPCN 1111), our potential next generation, once daily oral product candidate for testosterone replacement therapy comprised
of TT in the U.S. and Canada. Under the Verity License Agreement, we are eligible to receive milestone payments of up to $259 million
in the aggregate, depending on the achievement of certain development milestones and sales milestones in a single calendar year with
respect to all products licensed by Verity Pharma under the Verity License Agreement. In addition, we receive tiered royalty payments
at rates ranging from 12% up to 18% of net sales of all products licensed to Verity Pharma in the Licensed Verity Territory. Our ability
to realize benefits from the Verity License Agreement, including milestone and royalty payments, is subject to a number of risks. We
may not realize milestone or royalty payments in anticipated amounts, or at all.
35
On
April 26, 2024, we entered into a sales agreement (the “A.G.P. Sales Agreement”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.”)
pursuant to which we can issue and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to the
amount we registered on an effective registration statement pursuant to which the offering is being made. As of February 26, 2026, we
have registered up to $50,000,000 of common shares for sale under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement, pursuant to the Registration Statement
on Form S-3, as amended (File No. 333-275716) (the “Form S-3”), through A.G.P. as sales agent. A.G.P. 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. A.G.P. will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and
applicable law and regulations to sell shares under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement. We will pay A.G.P. 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds
from each sale of shares under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement. In addition, we have also provided A.G.P. with customary indemnification rights.
Our shares of common stock to be sold under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement will be sold and issued pursuant to the Form S-3, as amended,
which was previously declared effective by the SEC, and the related prospectus and one or more prospectus supplements. We are not obligated
to make any sales of our common stock under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement. The offering of common stock pursuant to the A.G.P. Sales Agreement
will terminate upon the termination of the A.G.P. Sales Agreement as permitted therein. We and A.G.P. may each terminate the A.G.P. Sales
Agreement at any time upon ten days’ prior notice. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, we sold 1,314,138 shares of our
common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $12.3 million and net proceeds of $12.0 million under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement.
We
believe that our existing capital resources, together with interest thereon, will be sufficient to meet our projected operating requirements
through at least May 7, 2027, which include research and development activities and compliance with regulatory requirements. 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 new clinical studies for LPCN 1154, LPCN 2201, LPCN 2101, LPCN 2203, LPCN
2401, LPCN 1148, and/or LPCN 1107. While we believe we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to fund our projected operating
requirements through at least May 7, 2027, we will need to raise additional capital at some point through the equity or debt markets
or through additional out-licensing activities, either before or after May 7, 2027, to support our operations. If we are unsuccessful
in raising additional capital as necessary, 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 1154, LPCN 2201, LPCN 2101, LPCN 2203, LPCN 2401, LPCN 1148, and/or 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,
modify or suspend on-going clinical studies. We can raise capital pursuant to the A.G.P. Sales Agreement 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 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:
● the
scope, rate of progress, results and cost of our clinical studies, pre-clinical testing and
other related activities for all of our product candidates, including LPCN 1154, LPCN 2201,
LPCN 2101, LPCN 2203, LPCN 2401, 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, settlement 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;
36
● the
timing, receipt and amount of sales, profit sharing, milestones 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 A.G.P. Sales Agreement. 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 Sales Agreement, 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 three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
Three
Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025
Cash used in operating activities
$ (2,257,137 )
$ (1,969,257 )
Cash used in investing activities
(9,904,139 )
(882,073 )
Cash provided by financing activities
11,971,042
-
Net
Cash from Operating Activities
During
the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, net cash used in operating activities was $2.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
Net
cash used in operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2026, was primarily attributable to cash required to support
our LPCN 1154 clinical trial activities and our ongoing operations. Net cash used in operating activities during the three months ended
March 31, 2025, was primarily attributable to cash required to support ongoing operations.
Net
Cash from Investing Activities
During
the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, net cash used in investing activities was $9.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
Net
cash used in investing activities during the three months ended both March 31, 2026 and 2025, was primarily the result of the purchases
of marketable investments securities, net. There were no capital expenditures during either the three months ended March 31, 2026 or
2025.
37
Net
Cash from Financing Activities
During
the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $12.0 million and $0, respectively.
Net
cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2026 was related to the sale of 1,314,138 shares of common
stock for net proceeds of approximately $12.0 million under the A.G.P. Sales Agreement. No cash was provided by financing activities
during the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Contractual
Commitments and Contingencies
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 pre-clinical research studies, research supplies and other services
and products for operating purposes. These contracts generally provide for termination on notice and are cancellable obligations.
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 December 12, 2025, we modified and extended the lease through February 28, 2027.
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. GAAP. 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. We concluded that licensing revenue recognized in conjunction
with the Verity License Agreement met the requirements under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. We evaluate the measure
of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjust the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. License revenue
from payments to be received in the future will be recognized when it is probable that we will receive license payments under the terms
of the Verity License Agreement, the SPC License Agreement, the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement and the Aché License Agreement
(see Footnote 7 – Contractual Agreements for disclosure regarding the SPC License Agreement, the Pharmalink Distribution Agreement,
and the Aché License Agreement).
There
have been no significant and material changes in our critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2026, 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 2025 Form 10-K.
ITEM
3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As
a “smaller reporting company,” this item is not required.
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 Exchange Act. Our disclosure controls
and procedures, (“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 SEC’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 Principal 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 Principal Financial Officer. Based on the controls evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer
have concluded that our Disclosure Controls were effective as of March 31, 2026.
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
Please
refer to Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained
in this report for certain information regarding our legal proceedings. We are not currently a party to any material litigation or other
material legal proceedings. We may, from time to time, be involved in various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business
activities, and, while the Company has insurance that covers claims of this nature, unfavorable resolution of any of these matters could
materially affect our future results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
In
addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, consider the risk factors discussed in Part 1, “Item
1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2025 Form 10-K and the risk factors discussed in Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in the aforementioned reports
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.
The
following are the risk factors that have materially changed from our risk factors included in our 2025 Form 10-K:
Risks
Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Our
management and directors will be able to exert influence over our affairs.
As
of March 31, 2026, our executive officers and directors beneficially owned approximately 4.7% 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.
The
market price of our common stock has been volatile over the past year and may continue to be volatile.
The
market price and trading volume of our common stock has been volatile over the past year and it may continue to be volatile. Over the
past year, our common stock has traded as low as $2.53 and as high as $11.26 per share. We cannot predict the price at which our common
stock will trade in the future and it may decline. The price at which our common stock trades may fluctuate significantly and may be
influenced by many factors, including our financial results; developments generally affecting our industry; general economic, industry
and market conditions, and our customers; the depth and liquidity of the market for our common stock; investor perceptions of our business;
reports by industry analysts; announcements by other market participants, including, among others, investors, our competitors, and our
customers; regulatory action affecting our business; and the impact of other “Risk Factors” discussed herein and in our 2025
Form 10-K. In addition, changes in the trading price of our common stock may be inconsistent with our operating results and outlook.
The volatility of the market price of our common stock may be inconsistent with our operating results and outlook. The volatility of
the market price of our common stock may adversely affect investors’ ability to purchase or sell shares of our common stock.
Risks
Relating to Our Financial Position and Capital Requirements
We
have incurred significant operating losses in most years since our inception and anticipate that we will incur continued losses for the
foreseeable future.
We
have focused a significant portion of our efforts on developing TLANDO and more recently on LPCN 1154, LPCN 1148, and LPCN 1144. We have
funded our operations to date through sales of our equity securities, debt and payments received under our license and collaboration
arrangements. We have incurred losses in most years since our inception. As of March 31, 2026, we had an accumulated deficit of $213.1
million. Substantially all of our operating losses resulted from costs incurred in connection with our research and development programs
and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations. These losses, combined with expected future losses, have had
and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity. It is possible that we will continue to incur significant
research and development expenses in connection with clinical trials associated with LPCN 1154, and potentially with LPCN 2201, LPCN
2101, LPCN 2203, LPCN 2401, LPCN 1148, and LPCN 1107, if further clinical trials are initiated. As a result, we expect to continue to
incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future as we evaluate further clinical development of LPCN 1154, LPCN 2201, LPCN
2101, LPCN 2203, LPCN 2401, and possibly LPCN 1148 and LPCN 1107, in addition to our other programs and continued research efforts. Because
of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing pharmaceutical products, we are unable to predict the extent of any
future losses or when we will become profitable, if ever.
ITEM
5. OTHER INFORMATION
10b5-1
Trading Plans
During
the first quarter of 2026, none of our directors or executive officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) adopted or
terminated any “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as each term is defined
in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).
39
ITEM
6. EXHIBITS
INDEX
TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Incorporation
By Reference
Number
Exhibit
Description
Form
SEC
File No.
Exhibit
Filing
Date
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 Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1**
Certification
of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350 (1)
32.2**
Certification
of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350 (1)
101.INS*
XBRL
Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within
the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
*
Filed
herewith
**
+
**
Furnished
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.
40
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:
May 7, 2026
/s/
Mahesh V. Patel
Mahesh
V. Patel, President and Chief
Executive
Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
Dated:
May 7, 2026
/s/
Krista Fogarty
Krista
Fogarty, Corporate Controller
(Principal
Accounting Officer)
41
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.