Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our financial condition, changes in financial condition, plan of operations and results of operations should be read in conjunction with (i) our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and (ii) the section entitled “Business”, included in this annual report. The discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors.
Company Overview
We are a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company specializing in the development and commercialization of novel T cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications. Harnessing millions of years of immunologic evolution, Marker’s multi antigen recognizing (“MAR”)-T cell technology is designed to recognize and kill highly heterogeneous tumors without the need for genetic modifications. This approach selectively expands natural tumor-specific T cells from a patient’s/donor’s blood that are capable of recognizing a broad range of tumor associated antigens, or TAAs. Unlike other T cell therapies, MAR-T cells are able to recognize hundreds of different epitopes within up to six tumor-specific antigens to produce broad spectrum anti-tumor activity. Targeting multiple antigens simultaneously exploits the natural capacity of T cells to recognize and kill tumor targets via native T cell receptors (“TCR”), while limiting tumor adaptation/escape by antigen-negative selection or antigen down-regulation. When infused into a patient with cancer, the MAR-T cells are designed to kill cancer cells expressing the TAA and potentially recruit the patient’s immune system to participate in the cancer killing process.
We licensed the underlying technology for MAR-T cell therapy from Baylor College of Medicine, or BCM, in March 2018. BCM had utilized the therapy in seven exploratory clinical trials. In these studies, BCM treated over 150 patients suffering from a variety of cancers including lymphoma, multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and various sarcomas. In those studies, BCM saw evidence of clinical benefit, expansion of infused cells, and decreased toxicity compared to other cellular therapies.
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We are advancing two product candidates for 3 clinical indications as part of our MAR-T cell program for:
● Autologous MAR-T cell product for the treatment of lymphoma and pancreatic cancer (MT-601)
● Off-the-Shelf (OTS) product in various indications (e.g., MT-401-OTS)
We do not genetically engineer our MAR-T cell therapies and we believe that our product candidates are superior to T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors, or CAR-T, for several reasons including:
● Multiple targets → enhanced tumoricidal effect→ minimized tumor immune escape
● Clinical safety → no treatment-related side effects, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) or other severe adverse effects (SAEs), were attributed to the use of MAR-T cell therapies to date
● Non-genetically engineered T cell products → selective expansion of tumor-specific T cells from a patient’s or donor’s blood capable of recognizing a broad range of tumor antigens→ no risk of mutagenesis and reduced manufacturing complexity → lower cost
For these reasons, we believe our endogenous T cell receptor-based therapies may provide meaningful clinical benefit and safety to patients with both hematological and solid tumors.
We believe that the simplicity of our manufacturing process allows additional modifications to expand MAR-T cell recognition of cancer targets. For example, we are assessing the potential of combining MAR-T cell products with other products.
On December 19, 2024, we issued a press release providing an update on the progress and clinical observations from the Phase 1 APOLLO study, with a data cutoff date of September 10, 2024. Our Phase 1 APOLLO study is investigating MT-601, a MAR-T cell product, in patients with lymphoma who have relapsed after anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy or where anti-CD19 CAR-T cells are not an option. A total of 10 patients have been treated in the study, for which clinical data is currently available for 9 patients from 5 clinical sites across the United States. Study participants showed early objective responses with and without lymphodepletion. However, immunomonitoring data confirmed that lymphodepletion enhanced the expansion and persistence of MAR-T cell clones in vivo.
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Pipeline
Our clinical-stage pipeline is set forth below:
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing process was originally developed at Baylor College of Medicine, where we initially conducted our clinical trials. We continue to contract and collaborate with BCM and others to perform a wide variety of services to ensure the continuation of our research and development efforts, with the goal of optimizing our manufacturing process, product quality and commercial scalability.
In July 2021, we opened an in-house cGMP manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, where we manufactured the clinical supply of our product candidates. Subsequently, on June 26, 2023, we completed a transaction with Cell Ready, LLC, or Cell Ready, pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, or the Cell Ready Purchase Agreement, dated May 1, 2023, by and between us and Cell Ready, pursuant to which we (i) assigned to Cell Ready the leases for our two manufacturing facilities in Houston, Texas, or the Manufacturing Facilities, (ii) sold to Cell Ready all of the equipment and leasehold improvements at the Manufacturing Facilities and (iii) assigned to Cell Ready our rights, title and interest in any contracts related to the equipment and Manufacturing Facilities (collectively referred to as the “Purchased Assets”). Following the closing of the Cell Ready Purchase Agreement, we no longer operate our own cGMP manufacturing facility and instead rely on third parties for the clinical and, once approved, commercial manufacture of our product candidates.
As such, on February 22, 2024, we entered into a Master Services Agreement for Product Supply (the “MSA”) with Cell Ready for the provision of various products and services by Cell Ready pursuant to work orders that may be entered into from time to time. Cell Ready, which is owned by one of our former directors and current shareholders, Mr. John Wilson, is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). The MSA contains customary representations, warranties and indemnification provision. The initial term of the MSA is three years and may be extended upon the mutual written agreement of the parties. On March 27, 2025, we mutually agreed with Cell Ready to terminate the MSA. In connection therewith, we and Cell Ready entered into a settlement and release agreement pursuant to which we paid Cell Ready approximately $453,000 and we and Cell Ready provided one another mutual releases of all claims associated with any and all agreements between Marker and Cell Ready.
Additionally, BCM continues to supply us with products, as we continue our clinical trials. Furthermore, in anticipation of the commencement of our larger pivotal trial for Lymphoma in 2026, as well as the eventual need for commercial scale production, we intend to evaluate and qualify additional potential third-party manufacturing partners to provide potential multiple sources of clinical
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and commercial supply. We currently are in discussions with a number of CDMO candidates and anticipate that we will select a partner organization and commence the qualification and technology transfer process later this year.
However, there is no guarantee that we will or have properly estimated our required manufacturing capacities or that the third parties on which we rely to manufacture our products will be able or willing to perform on our proposed timelines or to meet our manufacturing demands, if at all. If any of our third-party vendors experience disruptions, or otherwise cease or substantially reduce the amount of products they are willing to supply us, our business and operations could be adversely affected. See “Risk Factors”.
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred $5.8 million and $1.3 million in expenses related to the Cell Ready services and manufacturing costs, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2024 the Company paid $5.5 million related to Cell Ready invoices received.
Recent Developments
On December 19, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold in a private Placement the following securities: (i) 1,783,805 shares of common stock, (ii) Series B Warrants, or Pre-Funded Warrants, to purchase an aggregate of 3,247,445 shares of common stock in lieu of shares of common stock and (iii) Series A Warrants, or Private Placement Warrants, to purchase an aggregate of 5,031,250 shares of common stock. The purchase price per share of common stock and accompanying Private Placement Warrant to purchase a share of common stock was $3.20, and the purchase price per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Private Placement Warrant to purchase a share of common stock was $3.199. Total gross proceeds from the sale of securities in the Private Placement, before deducting commissions to the placement agent and estimated offering expenses, was approximately $16.1 million, which does not include any proceeds that may be received upon exercise of any warrants issued in the Private Placement. Both the Pre-Funded Warrants and the Private Placement Warrants are not exercisable until the Company obtains shareholder approval. On March 21, 2025, the Company obtained shareholder approval for the exercise of such warrants. The transaction closed on December 23, 2024.
On March 21, 2025, the Company held a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) at which the stockholders approved, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), of the issuance of the shares issuable upon exercise of (i) Series A Warrants to acquire 5,031,250 shares of Common Stock and (ii) Series B Warrants to acquire 3,247,445 shares of Common Stock.
Financial Overview
Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development expenses are primarily costs associated with our clinical trials, including compensation, share-based compensation expense and benefits for employees and selected consultants, manufacturing expenses and fees paid to third parties.
Clinical costs are expensed as incurred. Costs and timing of clinical trials and development of our product candidates will depend on a variety of factors that include, but are not limited to, the following:
● per patient clinical trial costs;
● the number of patients that participate in the clinical trials;
● the number of sites included in the clinical trials;
● the length of time required to enroll eligible patients;
● the number of doses that patients receive;
● the drop-out or discontinuation rates of patients;
● potential additional safety monitoring or other studies requested by regulatory agencies;
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● the duration of patient follow-up;
● the efficacy and safety profile of the product candidates; and
● the ability to successfully manufacture patient doses.
In addition, the potential for success of each product candidate will depend on numerous factors, including clinical trial outcomes, acceptance by regulatory authorities, competition, manufacturing capability and commercial viability. We determine which programs to pursue and how much to fund each program in response to ongoing scientific assessments, competitive developments, clinical trial results, as well as an assessment of each product candidate’s commercial potential. We anticipate our clinical trial costs will continue to increase over the next several years due to increased spending on the clinical development and manufacturing of our product candidates.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel costs, including share-based compensation, legal fees relating to patent and corporate matters, insurance costs, consulting and professional fees, audit and investor relations.
Income Taxes
We recognized $50,000 and $4,000 in state tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense), net consists of interest income.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
The following table summarizes the results of our continuing operations (rounded to the thousands except for per share amounts) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, together with the changes to those items:
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Change
Revenues:
Grant income
$
6,591,000
$
3,311,000
$
3,280,000
99
%
Total revenues
6,591,000
3,311,000
3,280,000
99
%
Operating expenses:
Research and development
13,468,000
10,417,000
3,051,000
29
%
General and administrative
4,241,000
7,475,000
(3,234,000)
(43)
%
Total operating expenses
17,709,000
17,892,000
(183,000)
(1)
%
Loss from operations
(11,118,000)
(14,581,000)
3,463,000
(24)
%
Other income (expenses):
Interest income
437,000
539,000
(102,000)
(19)
%
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
(10,681,000)
(14,042,000)
3,361,000
(24)
%
Revenue
We did not generate any revenue during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, from the sales or licensing of our product candidates.
In August 2021, we received notice of a Product Development Research award totaling approximately $13.1 million from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, or CPRIT, to support our Phase 2 clinical trial of MT-401. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, we recognized $4.4 million and $2.7 million of revenue associated with the CPRIT grant.
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In September 2022, we received notice from the FDA that we had been awarded a $2.0 million grant from the FDA’s Orphan Products Grant program to support our Phase 2 clinical trial of MT-401 for the treatment of post-transplant AML. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized $0.5 million and $0.4 million of revenue associated with the FDA grant, respectively.
In May 2023, we received notice of a $2.0 million grant from the National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) program to support the development and investigation of MT-401 for the treatment of AML patients following standard-of-care therapy with hypomethylating agents. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized $1.0 million and $0.2 million of revenue associated with the SBIR grant, respectively.
The above funding agencies have agreed to continue their financial support and to shift funds to the MT-401-OTS program.
In June 2024, the Company received notice of a $2.0 million grant over a 2-year period from the National Institutes of Health – National Cancer Institute to support control over tumor immune escape in pancreatic cancer using a dual T cell product strategy. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized approximately $6,000 of revenue associated with this grant.
In August 2024, the Company received notice of an additional $2.0 million grant from the SBIR program to support the clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have relapsed following anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. The Company recorded $0.7 million of grant income related to this grant as revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024.
In August 2024, the Company received another $2.0 million grant from the National Institutes of Health SBIR Program to support the advancement of MT-601 in patients with pancreatic cancer. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized approximately $7,000 of revenue associated with this grant.
In December 2024, the Company received notice an additional $9.5 million grant from CPRIT to support the clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The Company did not record any grant income related to this grant for the year ended December 31, 2024. This CPRIT grant and the August 2021 CPRIT grant are subject to certain revenue-sharing arrangements, see Note 11 to the accompanying financial statements for further information.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses incurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 were $17.7 million compared to $17.9 million in the prior year. Significant changes in operating expenses are outlined as follows:
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expenses or clinical trial costs increased by 29% to $13.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, mainly as a result of the Cell Ready transaction.
The increase of $3.1 million in 2024 was primarily attributable to the following:
● increase of $4.5 million in Cell Ready (outsourced) clinical manufacturing costs and process development expenses,
● increase of $1.8 million in clinical trial expenses, offset by
● decrease of $1.2 million in process development expenses,
● decrease of $1.5 million in headcount-related expenses, including stock-based compensation expense and
● decrease of $0.5 million in other expenses.
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General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased by 43% to $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $7.5 million during the prior period.
The decrease in general and administrative expenses of $3.2 million is mainly comprised of the following:
● decrease of $1.8 million in headcount-related expenses, including stock-based compensation expense and net of severance expense,
● decrease of $0.8 million in legal and professional fees and insurance expense,
● decrease of $0.6 million in consulting and other expenses.
In 2023, the Company implemented changes to its organizational structure due to the transaction with Cell Ready and to reduce operational costs. In connection with these changes, the Company reduced headcount, including the separation of its former Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hoang, in May 2023 and its former Chief Accounting Officer, Michael Loiacono, in June 2023. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company recorded $0.9 million of severance and termination-related costs. The payments of these costs were completed in July of 2023. Effective May 1, 2023, the Company’s board of directors appointed Dr. Juan Vera as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Effective June 30, 2023, the board of directors appointed Eliot M. Lurier as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, whereby Mr. Lurier provided consulting services to the Company pursuant to a consulting between the Company and Danforth Advisors, LLC (“Danforth”) and received no compensation directly from the Company. On November 17, 2023, the Company terminated the consulting agreement between the Company and Danforth, effective January 16, 2024.
On November 17, 2023, Mr. Lurier ceased serving as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and Dr. Vera was appointed as the Company’s Principal Financial and Accounting Officer.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest Income
Interest income was $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and was attributable to interest income relating to funds that are held in U.S. Treasury notes and U.S. government agency-backed securities.
Net Loss from continuing operations
The decrease in our net loss from continuing operations during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to cost reductions in our general and administrative expenses, as well as higher grant income. We anticipate that we will continue to incur net losses in the future as we continue to invest in research and development activities, including clinical development of our MAR-T cell product candidates.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have not generated any revenues from the sales or licensing of our product candidates since inception and only have limited revenue associated with grants to fund research. We have financed our operations primarily through public and private offerings of our stock and debt including warrants and the exercise thereof, grants, and in 2023 through the cash proceeds received from the Cell Ready transaction.
Based on our lack of recurring revenues, anticipated uses of cash and historical recurring cash losses from operating activities, and cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, we anticipate that we will be able to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2026, assuming no additional grant funds are received. We currently plan to raise additional capital
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through the issuance of common shares and receipt of additional grant funds, which could enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements beyond the first quarter of 2026, although no assurance can be given that such capital or existing awarded grants will be earned or future grants will be awarded. This estimate is subject to our ability to effectively manage our costs, raise additional capital, and receive additional grant funds.
Cash and Working Capital
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and working capital as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,192,000
$
15,111,000
Working capital
$
18,558,000
$
14,053,000
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
For the Years Ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Continuing operations:
Net cash used in operating activities
$
(10,910,000)
$
(10,341,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities
14,991,000
1,105,000
Discontinued operations
Net cash used in operating activities
—
(6,099,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
$
—
$
18,664,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
4,081,000
$
3,329,000
Continuing Operations
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $10.9 million. The use of cash primarily related to our net loss from continuing operations of $10.7 million and a $0.5 million decrease from changes in assets and liabilities, offset by $0.2 million of stock-based compensation.
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $10.3 million. The use of cash primarily related to our net loss from continuing operations of $14.0 million, partially offset by a $2.8 million increase from changes in assets and liabilities and $0.9 million of stock-based compensation.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $15.0 million and $1.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, primarily due to the net proceeds received from sale of common stock through the Private Placement in 2024 and ATM Agreement in 2023, as well as the exercise of stock options.
Discontinued Operations
Operating Activities
There was no cash flow activity related to discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2024. Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $6.1 million, which primarily related to our net loss from discontinued operations of $5.8 million, which is net of $2.5 million in revenue for which cash had been received in the prior period.
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Investing Activities
There was no cash flow activity related to discontinued operations investing activity during the year ended December 31, 2024. Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $18.7 million primarily due to the proceeds from the Cell Ready transaction, net of transaction costs.
Future Capital Requirements
To date, we have not generated any revenues from the commercial sale of approved drug products, and we do not expect to generate substantial revenue for at least the next several years. If we fail to complete the development of our product candidates in a timely manner or fail to obtain their regulatory approval, our ability to generate future revenue will be compromised. We do not know when, or if, we will generate any revenue from our product candidates, and we do not expect to generate significant revenue unless and until we obtain regulatory approval of, and commercialize, our product candidates. We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we continue the research and development of, continue or initiate clinical trials of and seek marketing approval for our product candidates. In addition, if we obtain approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution. We anticipate that we will need substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or future commercialization efforts.
In August 2021, the Company received notice of a Product Development Research award totaling approximately $13.1 million from the CPRIT to support the Company’s clinical investigation of MT-401. Through the date of this filing, the Company has received $9.7 million of funds from the CPRIT grant. The Company recorded $4.4 million of grant income related to the CPRIT grant as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2024, the Company recorded $2.1 million of grant income receivable.
In September 2022, the Company received notice from the FDA that it had awarded the Company a $2.0 million grant from the FDA’s Orphan Products Grant program to support the clinical investigation of MT-401 for the treatment of post-transplant AML. Through the date of this filing, the Company has received $1.0 million from the FDA grant. The Company recorded $0.5 million of grant income related to the FDA grant as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2024, the Company had no grant income receivable recorded.
In May 2023, the Company announced that it had received a $2.0 million grant from the National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) program to support the development and investigation of MT-401 for the treatment of AML patients following standard-of-care therapy with hypomethylating agents. Through the date of this filing, the Company has received $1.2 million from SBIR. The Company recorded $1.0 million of grant income related to the SBIR grant as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2024, the Company recorded $0.2 million of grant income receivable. In February 2025, the Company received $0.2 million of funds from the SBIR grant.
The above funding agencies have agreed to continue their financial support and to shift funds to the MT-401-OTS program.
In June 2024, the Company received notice of a $2.0 million grant over a 2-year period from the National Institutes of Health - National Cancer Institute (“NIH”) to support control over tumor immune escape in pancreatic cancer using a dual T cell product strategy. Through the date of this filing, the Company has received approximately $6,000 from NIH for this grant. The Company recorded approximately $6,000 of grant income related to the NIH grant as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2024, the Company recorded approximately $6,000 of grant income receivable. In February 2025, the Company received approximately $6,000 of funds from the NIH grant.
In August 2024, the Company received notice of a $2.0 million grant from the SBIR program to support the clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have relapsed following anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Through the date of this filing, the Company has received $0.7 million of funds from this grant. The Company recorded $0.7 million of grant income related to this grant as revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2024, the Company had no receivable of grant income related to this grant.
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In August 2024, the Company received another $2.0 million grant from the National Institutes of Health SBIR Program to support the advancement of MT-601 in patients with pancreatic cancer. Through the date of this filing, the Company has received approximately $7,000 of funds from this grant. The Company recorded approximately $7,000 of grant income related to this grant as revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2024, the Company recorded $7,000 of grant income receivable. In February 2025, the Company received approximately $7,000 of funds from the NIH grant.
In December 2024, the Company received notice an additional $9.5 million grant from CPRIT to support the clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. As of the date of this filing, the Company has not received any related to this grant. This CPRIT grant and the August 2021 CPRIT grant are subject to certain revenue-sharing arrangements, see Note 11 to the accompanying financial statements for further information.
As of December 31, 2024, we had working capital of $18.6 million, compared to working capital of $14.1 million as of December 31, 2023. Operating expenses incurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 were $17.7 million compared to $17.9 million in the prior year. Based on our lack of recurring revenues, anticipated uses of cash and historical recurring cash losses from operating activities, and cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, we anticipate that we will be able to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2026, assuming no additional grant funds are received. We currently plan to raise additional capital through the issuance of common shares and receive additional grant funds, which could enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements beyond the first quarter of 2026, although no assurance can be given that such capital or existing awarded grants will be earned or future grants will be awarded. This estimate is subject to our ability to effectively manage our costs, raise additional capital, and receive additional grant funds. Our assumptions may prove to be wrong, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Furthermore, our operating plan may change, and we may need additional funds sooner than planned in order to meet operational needs and capital requirements for product development and commercialization. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of our product candidates and the extent to which we may enter into additional collaborations with third parties to participate in their development and commercialization, we are unable to estimate the amounts of increased capital outlays and operating expenditures associated with our current and anticipated clinical trials. Our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, as we:
● initiate or continue clinical trials of our product candidates;
● continue the research and development of our product candidates and seek to discover additional product candidates; seek regulatory approvals for our product candidates if they successfully complete clinical trials;
● continue development of our manufacturing capabilities;
● establish sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure and scale-up manufacturing capabilities to commercialize any product candidates that may receive regulatory approval;
● evaluate strategic transactions we may undertake; and
● enhance operational, financial and information management systems and hire additional personnel, including personnel to support development of our product candidates and, if a product candidate is approved, our commercialization efforts.
Because all of our product candidates are in the early stages of clinical and preclinical development and the outcome of these efforts is uncertain, we cannot estimate the actual amounts necessary to successfully complete the development and commercialization of product candidates or whether, or when, we may achieve profitability. Until such time, if ever, that we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity or debt financings and collaboration arrangements.
We plan to continue to fund our operations and capital funding needs through equity and/or debt financing. We may also consider new collaborations or selectively partner our technology. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our stockholders will be diluted, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our existing stockholders’ common stock. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and could involve certain restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, limitations on our ability to acquire or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact
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our ability to conduct our business. If we raise additional funds through strategic partnerships and alliances and licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies or product candidates or grant licenses on terms unfavorable to us. We may also be required to pay damages or have liabilities associated with litigation or other legal proceedings involving our company.
In addition to the foregoing, high inflation and concerns about an economic recession in the United States or other major markets have resulted in, among other things, volatility in the capital markets that may have the effect of reducing our ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity. In addition, a recession or market correction due to these factors could materially affect our business and the value of our common stock.
ATM Agreement
In August 2021, we entered into a Controlled Equity Offering SM Sales Agreement, or the ATM Agreement, with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, or the Sales Agents, pursuant to which we can offer and sell, from time to time at our sole discretion through the Sales Agents, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $75.0 million. Any shares of our common stock sold will be issued pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-258687), which the SEC declared effective on August 19, 2021. However, our use of the shelf registration statement on Form S-3 will be limited for so long as we are subject to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, which limits the amounts that we may sell under the registration statement and in accordance with the ATM agreement. The Sales Agents will be entitled to compensation under the Sales Agreement at a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold under the ATM Agreement, and we have provided each of the Sales Agents with indemnification and contribution rights. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 8,178 shares of its common stock under the ATM Agreement resulting in net proceeds of approximately $37,000, after deducting agent commissions. On June 10, 2024, the Company provided notice of its termination of the ATM Agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC. The Company is not subject to any termination penalties related to the termination of the ATM Agreement.
In November 2024, we entered into an At The Market Offering Agreement, or the Sales Agreement, with H.C. Wainwright & Co. LLC, relating to the sale of shares of our common stock having an agreement offering price of up to $11,431,713 from time to time through H.C. Wainwright & Co. LLC. Any shares of our common stock sold will be issued pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-283512), which the SEC declared effective on December 6, 2024. However, our use of the shelf registration statement on Form S-3 will be limited for so long as we are subject to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, which limits the amounts that we may sell under the registration statement and in accordance with the ATM agreement. H.C. Wainwright & Co. LLC will be entitled to compensation under the Sales Agreement at a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold under the ATM Agreement, and we have provided H.C. Wainwright & Co. LLC with indemnification and contribution rights.
Stock Purchase Agreement
On December 12, 2022, we entered into a purchase agreement, or the Purchase Agreement, with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC, or Lincoln Park, which provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the agreement, we have the right, but not the obligation, to sell to Lincoln Park up to $25,000,000 of shares of our common stock, or the Purchase Shares, from time to time over a 24-month term, at a variable price with certain market-based terms as defined in the agreement. The purchase agreement does not exhibit any of the characteristics for liability classification under ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity. In January 2023, Lincoln Park was issued 180,410 shares of stock as a commitment fee at a value of $0.5 million. On February 29, 2024, we terminated the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park effective March 1, 2024.
Private Placement
On December 19, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold in a private Placement the following securities: (i) 1,783,805 shares of common stock, (ii) Series B Warrants, or Pre-Funded Warrants, to purchase an aggregate of 3,247,445 shares of common stock in lieu of shares of common stock and (iii) Series A Warrants, or Private Placement Warrants, to purchase an aggregate of 5,031,250 shares of common stock. The purchase price per share of common stock and accompanying Private Placement Warrant to purchase a share of common stock was $3.20, and the purchase price per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Private Placement Warrant to purchase a share of common stock was $3.199. Total gross proceeds from the sale of securities in the Private Placement, before deducting commissions to the placement agent and estimated offering expenses, was approximately $16.1 million, which does not include any proceeds that may be received upon exercise
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of any warrants issued in the Private Placement. Both the Pre-Funded Warrants and the Private Placement Warrants are not exercisable until the Company obtains shareholder approval. On March 21, 2025, the Company obtained shareholder approval for the exercise of such warrants. The transaction closed on December 23, 2024.
Going Concern
We have no sources of revenue, other than grant income, to provide incoming cash flows to sustain our future operations. As outlined above, our ability to pursue our long-term planned business activities is dependent upon our successful efforts to raise additional capital.
These factors raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which implies that we will continue to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities in the normal course of business. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Discontinued Operations
The Purchased Assets sold to Cell Ready pursuant to the Cell Ready Purchase Agreement constituted a significant disposition and as such, the Company concluded that the disposition of its Purchased Assets represented a strategic shift that had a major effect on its operations and financial results. Therefore, the Purchased Assets, related party revenue, service revenue and related expenses are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented herein. See Note 6 to the accompanying financial statements for further information.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which require the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses in the periods presented.
The Company’s critical accounting policies include grant income, which is discussed further below. The Company does not have any critical accounting estimates.
We believe that the accounting estimates employed are appropriate and resulting balances are reasonable; however, due to inherent uncertainties in making estimates, actual results could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to these balances in future periods.
Grant Income
Grant Income represents funding under cost reimbursement programs from government agencies and non-profit foundations for qualified research and development activities performed by the Company. In applying the provisions of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), we determined that grants and awards are out of the scope of ASC 606 because the funding entities do not meet the definition of a “customer”, as defined by ASC 606, as there is not considered to be a transfer of control of goods or services. With respect to each grant or award, the Company determines if it has a collaboration in accordance with ASC Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements (“ASC 808”). For grant and awards outside the scope of ASC 808, the Company applies either ASC 606 or IAS 20 by analogy depending on if the arrangement is considered an exchange or non-exchange transaction, respectively. Under both accounting frameworks, revenue is recognized when the Company incurs expenses related to the grants for the amount the Company is entitled to under the provisions of the contract. During the two years ended December 31, 2024, the Company did not participate in any collaboration agreements.
In August 2021, we received notice of a Product Development Research award totaling approximately $13.1 million from CPRIT to support our Phase 2 clinical trial of MT-401. In December 2024, we announced that the Company has been awarded a $9.5 million grant from CPRIT to support the clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
The Company recognizes grant income when amounts eligible for reimbursement are determinable and have been incurred, the applicable conditions under the grant arrangements have been met, and collectability of amounts due is reasonably assured or already
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received. The classification of costs incurred related to grants is based on the nature of the activities performed by the Company. Grant Income is recognized when the related costs are incurred. Restricted cash received from grants in advance of incurring qualifying costs is recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue when qualifying costs are incurred. Qualifying grant income earned in advance of cash received from grants is recognized as revenue and recorded as other receivable.
New Accounting Standards
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies that the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company does not believe that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU requires disclosures to include significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, among other provisions. Effective January 1, 2024, the Company adopted the new standard on a retrospective basis for annual periods, and interim periods beginning the first quarter of 2025. The Company does not believe the impact of the new guidance and related codification improvements had a material impact to its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which improves the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. This guidance will be effective for the annual periods beginning the year ended December 31, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the guidance can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures, to improve transparency in financial reporting by requiring entities to present more detailed information about the nature of expenses included within the Income Statement. The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the guidance can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of ASU 2024-03 on its disclosures.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Tax Loss and Credit Carryforwards
As of December 31, 2024, we have approximately $138.3 million of federal and $38.8 million of state net operating loss carryforwards that may be available to offset future taxable income, if any. The federal net operating loss carryforwards of $38.4 million, if not utilized, will expire between 2030 and 2037. The federal net operating loss carryforwards of $99.9 million generated in 2018 and thereafter are subject to an 80% limitation on taxable income, do not expire and will carry forward indefinitely. The state net operating loss carryforwards of $21.9 million, if not utilized, will begin to expire in 2035. The state net operating loss carryforwards of $16.9 million
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generated in 2018 and thereafter are subject to an 80% limitation on taxable income, do not expire and will carry forward indefinitely. Any change in ownership greater than 50% under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code places significant annual limitations on the use of such net operating loss carryforwards.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded a 100% valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets of approximately $41.0 million and $39.7 million, respectively, as our management believes it is uncertain that they will be fully realized. If we determine in the future that we will be able to realize all or a portion of our net operating loss carryforwards, an adjustment to valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets would increase net income in the period in which we make such a determination.
Inflation
Inflation affects the cost of raw materials, goods and services that we use. In recent years, inflation has been modest. However, fluctuations in energy costs and commodity prices can affect the cost of all raw materials and components. The competitive environment somewhat limits our ability to recover higher costs resulting from inflation by raising prices. Although we cannot precisely determine the effects of inflation on our business, it is management’s belief that the effects on future revenues and operating results will not be significant. We do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our results of operations for the periods presented, except with respect to payroll-related costs and other costs arising from or related to government-imposed regulations.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information required under this item.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Financial Statements are incorporated herein by reference to pages beginning on page F-1 at the end of this report and the supplementary data is not applicable.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
We have had no changes in, or disagreements with our principal independent accountants.
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.