UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
☒
ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2021
OR
☐
TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
COMMISSION
FILE NUMBER: 001-35731
InspireMD,
Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
26-2123838
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification Number)
4
Menorat Hamaor St.
Tel
Aviv , Israel
6744832
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (888) 776-6804
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
NSPR
Nasdaq
Capital Market
Series
B Warrants, exercisable for one share of Common Stock
NSPRZ
Nasdaq
Capital Market
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: none
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
No ☒
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
No ☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter 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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The
aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2021, based
on the price at which the common equity was last sold on such date, was $ 38,913,674 . For purposes of this
computation only, all officers, directors and 10% or greater stockholders of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates.
Indicate
the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding
at March 4, 2022
Common
Stock, $0.0001 par value
8,322,439
Documents
incorporated by reference:
None
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Cautionary
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
PART
I
4
Item
1.
Business.
4
Item
1A.
Risk
Factors.
28
Item
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
55
Item
2.
Properties.
55
Item
3.
Legal Proceedings.
55
Item
4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
55
PART II
55
Item
5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
55
Item
6.
[Reserved]
56
Item
7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
56
Item
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
63
Item
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
63
Item
9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
63
Item
9A.
Controls and Procedures.
64
Item
9B.
Other Information.
64
Item
9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
64
PART III
65
Item
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
65
Item
11.
Executive Compensation.
69
Item
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
76
Item
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
78
Item
14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
78
PART IV
79
Item
15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
79
- 2 -
SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements,” which include information relating to future events, future
financial performance, strategies, expectations, competitive environment and regulation, including, revenue growth and anticipated impacts
on our business of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures. Words such as “may,” “will,”
“should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,”
“expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,”
“estimates,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will probably not be accurate indications of when such
performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information we have when those statements are made or
our management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements.
Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:
●
our
need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future and such capital raising may be costly or difficult
to obtain and could dilute out stockholders’ ownership interests;
●
the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our manufacturing, sales, business plan and the global economy;
●
negative
clinical trial results or lengthy product delays in key markets;
●
our
ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq listing standards;
●
our
ability to generate revenues from our products and obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our products;
●
our
ability to adequately protect our intellectual property;
●
our
dependence on a single manufacturing facility and our ability to comply with stringent manufacturing quality standards and to increase
production as necessary;
●
the
risk that the data collected from our current and planned clinical trials may not be sufficient to demonstrate that our technology
is an attractive alternative to other procedures and products;
●
market
acceptance of our products;
●
an
inability to secure and maintain regulatory approvals for the sale of our products;
●
intense
competition in our industry, with competitors having substantially greater financial, technological, research and development, regulatory
and clinical, manufacturing, marketing and sales, distribution and personnel resources than we do;
●
entry
of new competitors and products and potential technological obsolescence of our products;
●
inability
to carry out research, development and commercialization plans;
●
loss
of a key customer or supplier;
●
technical
problems with our research and products and potential product liability claims;
●
product
malfunctions;
●
price
increases for supplies and components;
●
adverse
economic conditions;
●
insufficient
or inadequate reimbursement by governmental and other third-party payers for our products;
●
our
efforts to successfully obtain and maintain intellectual property protection covering our products, which may not be successful;
●
adverse
federal, state and local government regulation, in the United States, Europe or Israel and other foreign jurisdictions;
●
the
fact that we conduct business in multiple foreign jurisdictions, exposing us to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, logistical
and communications challenges, burdens and costs of compliance with foreign laws and political and economic instability in each jurisdiction;
●
the
escalation of hostilities in Israel, which could impair our ability to manufacture our products; and
●
loss
or retirement of key executives and research scientists.
The
foregoing does not represent an exhaustive list of matters that may be covered by the forward-looking statements contained herein or
risk factors that we are faced with that may cause our actual results to differ from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements.
You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of these and other risks that relate to our business and investing in shares of our common stock.
Moreover, new risks regularly emerge, and it is not possible for our management to predict or articulate all the risks we face, nor can
we assess the impact of all risks on our business or the extent to which any risk, or combination of risks, may cause actual results
to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report are based
on information available to us on the date of this Annual Report. Except to the extent required by applicable laws or rules, we undertake
no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified
in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained above and throughout this Annual Report.
The
forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary
statement. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after
the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
- 3 -
PART
I
In
this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,”
or “the Company” refer to InspireMD, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, including InspireMD Ltd., taken
as a whole.
Item
1. Business.
Overview
We
are a medical device company focusing on the development and commercialization of our proprietary MicroNet™ stent platform technology
for the treatment of complex vascular and coronary disease. A stent is an expandable “scaffold-like” device, usually constructed
of a metallic material, that is inserted into an artery to expand the inside passage and improve blood flow. MicroNet, a micron mesh
sleeve, is wrapped over a stent to provide embolic protection in stenting procedures.
Our
CGuard™ carotid embolic prevention system (“CGuard EPS”) combines MicroNet and a self-expandable nitinol stent in a
single device for use in carotid artery applications. Our CGuard EPS received CE mark approval in the European Union in March 2013 and
was fully launched in Europe in September 2015. Subsequently, we launched CGuard EPS in Russia and certain countries in Latin America
and Asia, including India. In September 2020, we launched CGuard EPS in Brazil after receiving regulatory approval in July 2020 and as
discussed below, on February 3, 2021, we executed a distribution agreement with Chinese partners for the purpose of expanding our presence
in China. Currently, we are seeking strategic partners for a potential launch of CGuard EPS in Japan and other Asian countries.
On
September 8, 2020, we received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) of our Investigation Device Exemption
(“IDE”), thereby allowing us to proceed with a pivotal study of our CGuard™ Carotid Stent System, C-Guardians, for
prevention of stroke in patients in the United States. C-Guardians is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, pivotal study to evaluate
the safety and efficacy of the CGuard™ Carotid Stent System when used to treat symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis
in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. The trial was designed to enroll approximately 315 subjects in a maximum of 40 study
sites located in the United States and Europe. Study sites in Europe may contribute a maximum of approximately 50% of the total enrollees.
The primary endpoint of the study will be the composite of incidence of death (all-cause mortality), all stroke, and myocardial infarction
(DSMI) through 30-days post-index procedure, based on the clinical events committee (CEC) adjudication and ipsilateral stroke from 31-365
day follow-up, based on Clinical Events Committee (CEC) adjudication.
On
July 23, 2021, we announced the initiation of enrollment and successful completion of the first cases of our C-Guardian trial of CGuard
EPS. The first patients, who were under the care of principal investigator, Chris Metzger, M.D., system chair of clinical research at
Ballard Health System in Eastern Tennessee, were successfully implanted with the CGuard EPS stent device. These are the first of 315
patients who are expected to be enrolled in the trial and receive CGuard EPS in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis in symptomatic
and asymptomatic patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. We are currently continuing with the enrollment phase.
Additionally,
we intend to continue to invest in current and future potential product and manufacturing enhancements for CGuard EPS that are expected
to reduce cost of goods and/or provide the best-in-class performing delivery system. In furtherance of our strategy that focuses on establishing
CGuard EPS as a viable alternative to vascular surgery, we are exploring adding new delivery systems and accessory solutions for procedural
protection to our portfolio.
We
consider the current addressable market for our CGuard EPS to be individuals with diagnosed, symptomatic high-grade carotid artery stenosis
(HGCS, ≥70% occlusion) for whom intervention is preferable to medical (drug) therapy. This group includes not only carotid artery
stenting patients but also individuals undergoing carotid endarterectomy, as the two approaches compete for the same patient population.
Assuming full penetration of the intervention caseload by CGuard EPS, we estimate that the addressable market for CGuard EPS will be
approximately $666 million in 2022 (source: Health Research International Personal Medical Systems, Inc. September 13, 2021 Results of
Update Report on Global Carotid Stenting Procedures and Markets by Major Geography and Addressable Markets). According to this same report,
assuming full penetration of the caseload for all individuals diagnosed with high-grade carotid artery stenosis, we estimate that the
total available market for CGuard EPS in 2022 will be approximately $5 billion.
- 4 -
Our
MGuard™ Prime™ embolic protection system (“MGuard Prime EPS”) is marketed for use in patients with acute coronary
syndromes, notably acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and saphenous vein graft coronary interventions, or bypass surgery. MGuard
Prime EPS combines MicroNet with a bare-metal cobalt-chromium based stent. MGuard Prime EPS received CE mark approval in the European
Union in October 2010 for improving luminal diameter and providing embolic protection. Over the past years there has been a shift in
industry preferences away from bare-metal stents, such as MGuard Prime EPS in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (“STEMI”)
patients. As a result of declining sales of the MGuard Prime EPS, which we believe this is largely driven by the predominant industry
preferences favoring drug-eluting, or drug-coated, stents, we intend to phase out future sales of our MGuard Prime EPS in 2022.
We
also intend to develop a pipeline of other products and indications by leveraging our MicroNet technology to improve peripheral procedures
such as the treatment of the superficial femoral artery disease and vascular disease below the knee as well as neurovascular procedures,
such as the treatment of acute stroke.
Presently,
none of our products may be sold or marketed in the United States, but we do derive revenues from the use of our products in the currently
ongoing trials.
We
were organized in the State of Delaware on February 29, 2008.
Recent
Developments
Public
Offering s
On
February 8, 2021, we closed an underwritten public offering of 1,935,484 units, with each such unit being comprised of one share of our
common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and one Series G Warrant to purchase one-half of one share of common stock (the “February
2021 Offering”). The offering price to the public was $9.30 per unit. The Series G Warrants were immediately exercisable at a price
of $10.23 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, and expire five years from the date of issuance. We also granted
the underwriter of the offering an option to purchase an additional 290,322 shares of common stock and Series G Warrants to purchase
145,161 shares of common stock, which the underwriter exercised in full. In connection with the offering we granted to the underwriter
a compensation warrant to purchase up to 111,290 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $10.23 per share and which are exercisable
for five years from February 3, 2021. Our net proceeds from the offering, after giving effect to the exercise of the underwriter’s
over-allotment option, were approximately $18.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and payment of other
expenses associated with the offering, but excluding the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of Series G Warrants sold in the offering.
Distribution
and Purchase Agreement with Chinese Partners
On
February 3, 2021, we entered into a Distribution Agreement with three China-based partners, pursuant to which the Chinese partners will
be responsible for conducting the necessary registration trials for commercial approval of our products in China, followed by an eight-year
exclusive distribution right to sell our products in China with the term of the agreement continuing on a year-to-year basis unless terminated.
Under the Distribution Agreement, the China-based partners will be subject to minimum purchase obligations. The Distribution Agreement
may be terminated for cause upon failure to meet minimum purchase obligations, failure to obtain regulatory approvals or for other material
breaches.
In
addition, and on the same day, we entered into an investment transaction with QIDI, which included (i) an SPA, pursuant to which QIDI
agreed to invest $900,000 in exchange for shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $10.062 per share, and (ii) an IRA, whereby
QIDI was provided certain customary registration rights, including a commitment by us to file a registration statement with the SEC on
Form S-1 or Form S-3 and have such registration statement become effective not later than 150 days following the closing of the transactions
under the SPA.
The
transactions closed on February 5, 2021.
2021
Equity Incentive Plan
On
September 30, 2021, at our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, our stockholders approved our 2021
Equity Incentive Plan.
- 5 -
ATM
Offering
On
July 28, 2020, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.”) pursuant to which we may offer
and sell, from time to time, at our option, through or to A.G.P., up to an aggregate of approximately $9,300,000 of shares of common
stock (the “ATM Facility”). Any shares to be offered and sold under the Sales Agreement will be issued and sold pursuant
to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-223130), filed with the SEC on February 21, 2018 and the prospectus
supplement thereto filed with the SEC on July 28, 2020, by methods deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in
Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or if specified by us, by any other method permitted by law.
On January 11, 2021, we increased the aggregate amount of our shares of common stock that may be sold under the Sales Agreement from
$9,300,000 to $10,382,954, and, as a result, utilized and sold the maximum amount allowable under the ATM Facility, which resulted in
an aggregate amount of $10,381,958.
Reverse
Stock Split
On
April 14, 2021, our stockholders approved a reverse stock split of our common stock, following which, and on the same date, our board
of directors approved a ratio of 1-for-15 for the reverse stock split, or the Reverse Stock Split. On April 14, 2021, the Delaware Secretary
of State approved our Certificate of Amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which set an effective date
of April 26, 2021, for the Reverse Stock Split. The post-Reverse Stock Split CUSIP number for our common stock is 45779A 846.
On
the April 26, 2021, the total number of shares of our common stock held by each stockholder was converted automatically into the number
of whole shares of common stock equal to (i) the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock held by such stockholder immediately
prior to the Reverse Stock Split, divided by (ii) 15.
No
fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, and no cash or other consideration was be paid. Instead, we
issued one whole share of the post-Reverse Stock Split common stock to any shareholder who otherwise would have received a fractional
share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.
Appointment
of Kathryn Arnold to our Board of Directors
On
May 10, 2021, the board of directors appointed Ms. Kathryn Arnold as a Class III member of the Board, effective as of that date, with
a term expiring at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. In connection with her appointment, on May 10, 2021, Ms.
Arnold was granted (a) options to purchase 3,512 shares of Common Stock (the “Options”), and (b) 10,536 shares of restricted
stock (the “Restricted Stock”, together with the Options the “Arnold Grant”). The Options have an exercise price
equal to the closing fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Options and the Restricted Stock will vest and become exercisable in three
equal annual installments beginning on the one-year anniversary of the date of the Arnold Grant, provided that in the event that Ms.
Arnold is either (i) not reelected as a director at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, or (ii) not nominated for
reelection as a director at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, any unvested Options or Restricted Stock will vest
in full and become exercisable on the date of the decision not to reelect or nominate her (as applicable). The Options have a term of
10 years from the date of grant.
- 6 -
Nasdaq
Listing
On
May 10, 2021, we announced that our shares that previously traded on the NYSE American were approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital
Market (“Nasdaq”) and such shares began trading on Nasdaq on May 21, 2021 under the symbol, “NSPR.” On May 27,
2021, we announced that our warrants that previously traded on the NYSE American were approved for listing on Nasdaq, and such warrants
began trading on June 8, 2021. On July 7, 2021, our Series A warrants that previously traded under symbol “NSPRW” expired.
National
Commission for the Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies
On
October 13, 2021, we announced that our CGuard EPS stent system received a positive opinion from the National Commission for the Evaluation
of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDIMTS) of the French National Authority for Health (HAS) regarding reimbursement in France,
and the CGuard EPS was being added to the list of reimbursed medical products (LPPR) effective October 25, 2021. This was the final step
to full commercial launch of CGuard EPS following CNEDIMTS’ positive opinion for reimbursement received by the Company on May 11,
2021 for the treatment of symptomatic and non-symptomatic lesions when surgery is not indicated.
COVID-19
Developments
The
COVID-19 global pandemic has led governments and authorities around the globe to take various precautionary measures in order to limit
the spread of COVID-19, including government-imposed quarantines, lockdowns, and other public health safety measures. We experienced
a significant COVID-19 related impact on our financial condition and results of operations, primarily during the year ended December
31, 2020, which we primarily attribute to the postponement of CGuard EPS procedures (non-emergency procedures), as hospitals have shifted
resources to patients affected by COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, there are European countries in which we operate reinstated
non-emergency procedures. However, new COVID-19 variants, and potentially increasing infection rates make the current COVID-related environment
highly volatile and uncertain and we anticipate that the continuation of the pandemic and related restrictions and safety measures will
likely result in continued fluctuations in sales of our products, potentially enrollments in our studies as well as potential disruptions
to our supply chain for the upcoming periods.
Our
Industry
Carotid
Carotid
arteries are located on each side of the neck and provide the primary blood supply to the brain. Carotid artery disease, also called
carotid artery stenosis, is a type of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) that is one of the major risk factors for ischemic
stroke. In carotid artery disease, plaque accumulates in the artery walls, narrowing the artery and disrupting the blood supply to the
brain. This disruption in blood supply, together with plaque debris breaking off the artery walls and traveling to the brain, are the
primary causes of stroke. According to the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/resources/atlas/en/)
every year, 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke, and nearly six million die and another five million are left permanently disabled.
According to the same source, stroke is the second leading cause of disability, after dementia.
In
2021, 2.8 million people between the age of 50 and 89 years old were estimated to be diagnosed with high grade carotid artery disease,
of which, approximately 380,000 of those diagnosed required intervention for carotid artery disease (according to the Health Research
International Personal Medical Systems, Inc. September 13, 2021 Results of Update Report on Global Carotid Stenting Procedures and Markets
by Major Geography and Addressable Markets). There are two current intervention treatments used for carotid artery disease. The first
is a carotid endarterectomy where a surgeon accesses the blocked carotid artery though an incision in the neck, and then surgically removes
the plaque. The second is carotid artery stenting, which is a minimally invasive endovascular treatment for carotid artery disease and
an alternative to carotid endarterectomy. Endovascular techniques using stents and carotid embolic prevention system protect against
plaque and debris traveling downstream, blocking off the vessel and disrupting blood flow. We believe that the use of a stent with an
embolic protection system should increase the number of patients being treated since it would avoid the need for complex surgery.
- 7 -
Peripheral
Peripheral
vascular diseases (“PVD”) are caused by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries, which carry blood to organs,
limbs and head. It is also known as peripheral artery occlusive disease or peripheral artery disease. It comprises diseases pertaining
to both peripheral veins and peripheral arteries, affecting the peripheral and cardiac circulation in the body. PVD includes diseases
outside of the heart and brain, but most times refers to the leg and foot.
Peripheral
stents are more often used in combination with balloon angioplasty to open the veins, so that blood can flow through the blocked veins
in the body.
The
growing prevalence of PVD is expected to cause increased demand for treatment options. PVD is age related and its prevalence increases
markedly with advancing age. In addition, PVD is more prevalent in lower and medium income countries than in higher income countries
(https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(19)30255-4)
Our
Products
Below
is a summary of our current products and products under development, and their intended applications.
MicroNet
MicroNet
is our proprietary circular knitted mesh which wraps around a stent to protect patients from plaque debris flowing downstream upon deployment.
MicroNet is made of a single fiber from a biocompatible polymer widely used in medical implantations. The size, or aperture, of the current
MicroNet ‘pore’ is only 150-180 microns in order to maximize protection against the potentially dangerous plaque and thrombus.
CGuard
– Carotid Applications
Our
CGuard EPS combines our MicroNet mesh and a self-expandable nitinol stent (a stent that expands without balloon dilation pressure or
need of an inflation balloon) in a single device for use in carotid artery applications. MicroNet is placed over and attached to an open
cell nitinol metal stent platform which is designed to trap debris and emboli that can dislodge from the diseased carotid artery and
potentially travel to the brain and cause a stroke. This danger is one of the greatest limitations of carotid artery stenting with conventional
carotid stents and stenting methods. The CGuard EPS technology is a highly flexible stent system that conforms to the carotid anatomy.
We
believe that our CGuard EPS design provides advantages over existing therapies in treating carotid artery stenosis, such as conventional
carotid stenting and surgical endarterectomy, given the superior embolic protection characteristics provided by the MicroNet. We believe
the MicroNet will provide acute embolic protection at the time of the procedure, but more importantly, we believe that CGuard EPS will
provide post-procedure protection against embolic dislodgement, which can occur up to 48 hours post-procedure. It is in this post-procedure
time frame that embolization is the source of post-procedural strokes in the brain. Schofer, et al. (“Late cerebral embolization
after emboli-protected carotid artery stenting assessed by sequential diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging,” Journal
of American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Interventions , Volume 1, 2008) have shown that the majority of the incidents of
embolic showers associated with carotid stenting occur post-procedure.
- 8 -
Our
CGuard™ carotid embolic prevention system (“CGuard EPS”) combines MicroNet and a self-expandable nitinol stent in a
single device for use in carotid artery applications. Our CGuard EPS received CE mark approval in the European Union in March 2013 and
was fully launched in Europe in September 2015. Subsequently, we launched CGuard EPS in Russia and certain countries in Latin America
and Asia, including India. In September 2020, we launched CGuard EPS in Brazil after receiving regulatory approval in July 2020 and on
February 3, 2021, we executed a distribution agreement with Chinese partners for the purpose of expanding our presence in China. On October
13, 2021, we announced that our CGuard EPS stent system received a positive opinion regarding reimbursement in France. Currently, we
are seeking strategic partners for a potential launch of CGuard EPS in Japan.
On
September 8, 2020, we received approval from the FDA of our IDE, thereby allowing us to proceed with a pivotal study of our CGuard™
Carotid Stent System, C-Guardians, for prevention of stroke in patients in the United States. C-Guardians is a prospective, multicenter,
single-arm, pivotal study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CGuard™ Carotid Stent System when used to treat symptomatic
and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. The trial was designed to enroll approximately
315 subjects in a maximum of 40 study sites located in the United States and Europe. Study sites in Europe may contribute a maximum of
approximately 50% of the total enrollees. The primary endpoint of the study will be the composite of incidence of death (all-cause mortality),
all stroke, and myocardial infarction (DSMI) through 30-days post-index procedure, based on the clinical events committee (CEC) adjudication
and ipsilateral stroke from 31-365 day follow-up, based on Clinical Events Committee (CEC) adjudication.
On
July 23, 2021, we announced the initiation of enrollment and successful completion of the first cases of our C-Guardian trial of CGuard
EPS. The first patients, who were under the care of principal investigator, Chris Metzger, M.D., system chair of clinical research at
Ballard Health System in Eastern Tennessee, were successfully implanted with the CGuard EPS stent device. These are the first of 315
patients who are expected to be enrolled in the trial and receive CGuard EPS in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis in symptomatic
and asymptomatic patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. We are currently continuing with the enrollment phase. Additionally, we
intend to continue to invest in current and future potential product and manufacturing enhancements for CGuard EPS that are expected
to reduce cost of goods and/or provide the best-in-class performing delivery system. In furtherance of our strategy that focuses on establishing
CGuard EPS as a viable alternative to vascular surgery, we are exploring adding new delivery systems and accessory solutions for procedural
protection to our portfolio.
MGuard
Products– Coronary Applications
Bare-Metal
Stent MGuard Product. Our MGuard Prime EPS coronary product is comprised of MicroNet wrapped around a cobalt-chromium based
bare-metal stent. In comparison to a conventional bare-metal stent, we believe our MGuard Prime EPS coronary product with MicroNet mesh
provides protection from dangerous embolic showers in patients experiencing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, the most severe
form of a heart attack, referred to as STEMI. Standard stents were not engineered for heart attack patients. Rather, they were designed
for treating stable angina patients whose occlusion is different from that of an occlusion in a heart attack patient. In acute heart
attack patients, the plaque or thrombus is unstable and often breaks up as the stent is implanted causing downstream blockages in a significant
portion of heart attack patients. Our MGuard Prime EPS is integrated with a precisely engineered micro net mesh that is designed to prevent
the unstable arterial plaque and thrombus that caused the heart attack blockage from breaking off. Over the past years there has been
a shift in industry preferences away from bare-metal stents, such as MGuard Prime EPS in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction STEMI patients.
As a result of declining sales of the MGuard Prime EPS, which we believe this is largely driven by the predominant industry preferences
favoring drug-eluting, or drug-coated, stents, we intend to phase out future sales of our MGuard Prime EPS in 2022.
- 9 -
PVGuard
— Peripheral Vascular Applications
We
intend to develop our MicroNet mesh sleeve and a self-expandable stent for use in peripheral vascular applications, to which we refer
to as PVGuard. PVDs are usually characterized by the accumulation of plaque in arteries in the legs. This accumulation can lead to the
need for amputation or even death, when untreated. PVD is treated either by trying to clear the artery of the blockage, or by implanting
a stent in the affected area to push the blockage out of the way of normal blood flow.
As
in carotid procedures, peripheral procedures are characterized by the necessity of controlling embolic showers both during and post-procedure.
Controlling embolic showers is so important in these indications that physicians often use fully covered stents, at the risk of blocking
branching vessels, to ensure that emboli do not fall into the bloodstream and move to the brain. We believe that our MicroNet design
will provide substantial advantages over existing therapies in treating peripheral artery stenosis.
However,
as we plan to focus our resources on the further expansion of our sales and marketing activities for CGuard EPS and potential product
enhancements and manufacturing enhancements for CGuard EPS expected to reduce cost of goods and/or provide the best-in-class performing
delivery system and its submission for CE mark approval, we do not intend to pursue the development of PVGuard in the near future.
Completed
Clinical Trials for CGuard EPS
CARENET
The
CARENET trial was the first multi-center study of CGuard EPS following the receipt of CE mark of this device in March 2013. The CARENET
trial was designed to evaluate feasibility and safety of CGuard EPS in treatment of carotid lesions in consecutive patients suitable
for coronary artery stenting (“CAS”) in a multi-operator, real-life setting. The acute, 30 day, magnetic resonance imaging
(“MRI”), ultrasound and six month clinical event results were presented at the LINC conference in Leipzig, Germany in February,
2015. In the third quarter of 2015, the results of the CGuard CARENET trial were published in the Journal of the American College of
Cardiology. In November 2015, positive twelve month follow-up data from the CGuard CARENET trial was presented at the 42nd Annual Symposium
on Vascular and Endovascular Issues, documenting the benefits of the CGuard MicroNet technology as well as the patency benefits (maintaining
the artery open) of the internal and external carotid arteries at twelve months.
MACCE
(myocardial infarction (“MI”), stroke or death) rate was 0.0% at 30 days. At six months, there was one death, which was not
device or procedure-related but did result in a MACCE rate of 3.6% at six months. At twelve months there were two additional deaths,
which were not device or procedure-related resulting in a MACCE rate of 10.7% at one year.
30
days
(n=30)
6
months
(n=28)
12
months
(n=28)
MACCE
(MI, stroke, death)
(0)
0.0 %
(1)
3.6 %
(3)
10.7 %
MI
(0)
0.0 %
(0)
0.0 %
(0)
0.0 %
stroke
(0)
0.0 %
(0)
0.0 %
(0)
0.0 %
death
(0)
0.0 %
(1)
3.6 %
(3)
10.7 %
CAS
carries the risk of cerebral embolization during and following the procedure, leading to life-threatening complications, mainly cerebral
ischemic events. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is a sensitive tool used to identify cerebral emboli during CAS
by measuring “lesions” within the brain which are areas that are ischemic and do not receive oxygenated blood due to cerebral
emboli. In the CARENET trial, 37.0% of patients treated with CGuard EPS had new ischemic lesions at 48 hours after the procedure, with
an average volume of 0.039 cm3. Of these lesions, there was only one that remained at 30 days following the procedure and all others
had resolved. Complete details appear in the following table. Where there is a second number shown below after a ± symbol, it
indicates the potential error in the measurement.
48
hours
n=27
30
days
n=26
Subjects
with new Acute Ischemic Lesions (“AIL”)
10
1
Incidence
of new lesions
37.0 %
4.0 %
Total
number new AIL
83
1
Avg.
number new AIL per patient
3.19
± 10.33
0.04
± 0.20
Average
lesion volume (cm 3 )
0.039
± 0.08
0.08
± 0.00
Maximum
lesion volume (cm 3 )
0.445
0.116
Permanent
AIL at 30 days
—
1
- 10 -
The
healing process of the tissue and in-stent restenosis can be measured by a non-invasive form of ultrasound called duplex ultrasound.
This type of ultrasound measures the velocity of the blood that flows within the carotid arteries, which increases exponentially as the
lumen of the internal carotid artery narrows and the percent stenosis increases. One of the measurements is called PSV (peak systolic
volume) and is known to be highly correlated to the degree of in-stent restenosis; PSV values higher than 300 cm/sec are indicative of
>70% stenosis, while PSV values lower than 104 cm/sec are indicative of <30% restenosis and healthy healing. In the CARENET trial,
duplex ultrasound measurements done at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months following the stenting procedure all attest to healthy normal
healing without restenosis concerns, as the PSV values were 60.96 cm/sec ± 22.31, 85.24 cm/sec ± 39.56, and 90.22 cm/sec
± 37.72 respectively. The internal carotid artery was patent in all patients (100%).
The
conclusions of the CARENET trial were:
●
The
CARENET trial demonstrated safety of the CGuard EPS stent, with a 30 day MACCE rate of 0%.
●
Incidence
of new ipsilateral lesions (percent of patients with new lesions on the ipsilateral side (same side where the stent was employed))
at 48 hours was reduced by almost half compared to published data, and volume was reduced almost tenfold.
●
All
but one lesion had resolved completely by 30 days.
●
Twelve
month data showed no stroke or stroke-related deaths, and no cardiac adverse events.
●
CGuard
EPS offers enhanced benefits for patients undergoing CAS with unprecedented safety.
Physician-Sponsored
Clinical Trials for CGuard—PARADIGM-101 Study
PARADIGM-101
( P rospective evaluation of A ll-comer pe R cutaneous c A roti D revascularization
I n symptomatic and increased-risk asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, using C G uard™ M esh-covered
embolic prevention stent system-101) was an investigator-led, single center study with the objective of evaluating feasibility and outcome
of routine use of CGuard EPS in 101 consecutive unselected all-comer patients referred for carotid revascularization, initiated in 2015.
In May 2016, the 30-day results were presented at the EuroPCR 2016 Late-Breaking Clinical Trial Session in Paris, and in the Journal
of EuroIntervention.
Key
findings from the PARADIGM-101 study and the follow-up data are as follows:
●
CGuard
EPS delivery success was 99.1%. The clinical evaluation also found no device foreshortening or elongation;
●
Angiographic
diameter stenosis or vessel narrowing was reduced from 83±9% to only 6.7±5% (p<0.001);
●
Periprocedural
death/major stroke/ myocardial infarction (“MI”) rates were 0%;
●
One
event was adjudicated by the Clinical Events Committee as a minor stroke (0.9%), with no change in NIH Stroke Scale or modified Ranking
scale;
The
results of the PARADIGM-101 study demonstrated that CGuard EPS can safely be used in a high risk, all-comer population of patients with
carotid artery stenosis and indicated that routine use of CGuard EPS may prevent cerebral events, such as strokes, by holding plaque
against the vessel wall, preventing emboli from being released into the blood stream. The PARADIGM-101 study found that CGuard EPS is
applicable in up to 90% of all-comer patients with carotid stenosis.
- 11 -
Clinical
Results and Mechanical Properties of the Carotid CGUARD Double-Layered Embolic Prevention Stent Study
“Clinical
Results and Mechanical Properties of the Carotid CGUARD Double-Layered Embolic Prevention Stent Study” was an investigator-led,
prospective single-center study which evaluated CGuard EPS in 30 consecutive patients with internal carotid artery stenosis disease with
the objective of reporting early clinical outcomes with a novel MicroNet covered stent for the internal carotid artery and the in vitro
investigation of the device’s mechanical properties. In October 2016, the 30-day positive results were published online-ahead-of-print
in the Journal of Endovascular Therapy.
Key
findings from the study are as follows:
●
100%
success in implanting CGuard EPS without residual stenosis;
●
No
peri- or post-procedural complications;
●
No
deaths, major adverse events, minor or major strokes, or new neurologic symptoms during the six months following the procedure;
●
Modified
Rankin Scale improved for the symptomatic patients from 1.56 prior to the procedure to 0 afterwards;
●
All
vessels treated with CGuard EPS remained patent (open) at six months; and
●
DW-MRI
performed in 19 of 30 patients found no new ipsilateral lesions after 30 days and after six months compared with the baseline DW-MRI
studies.
Additionally,
based on engineering evaluations, the study concluded that CGuard EPS provides a high radial force and strong support in stenotic lesions.
The stent is easy to use and safe to implant because it does not foreshorten and its structure adapts well to changes in diameter and
direction of tortuous vascular anatomies. The MicroNet mesh of CGuard did not cause any changes to specific mechanical parameters of
the underlying stent.
CGUARD
Mesh-Covered Stent in Real World: The IRON-Guard Registry
“CGUARD
Mesh-Covered Stent in Real World: The IRON-Guard Registry using CGuard EPS” was a physician initiated prospective multi-center
registry that included 200 patients from 12 medical centers in Italy. The objective of the study was to report 30-day outcomes (including
MACCE) in a prospective series of patients who were treated with CGuard EPS between April 2015 and June 2016. In January 2017, 30-day
results were presented at the Leipzig Interventional Course (LINC) 2017 and published in the Journal of EuroIntervention in May 2017.
The 12 month follow-up was published in the Journal of EuroIntevention in October 2018.
Key
30-day results presented were:
●
100%
success in implanting CGuard EPS;
●
No
MI, major stroke or death at 30 days;
●
There
were two transient ischemic attacks and five periprocedural minor strokes, including one thrombosis solved by surgery.
●
Total
elimination of post-procedural neurologic complications by 30 days;
●
DW-MRI
performed pre-procedure and between 24 and 72 hours post-procedure in 61 patients, indicated that 12 patients had new micro emboli
(19%).
●
At
12 months, there were no new major neurological adverse events, thrombosis or external carotid occlusion recorded;
●
One
myocardial infarction occurred at 12 months.
- 12 -
Peri-procedural
brain lesions prevention in CAS (3PCAS): Randomized trial comparing CGuard stent vs. WallStent™ Study
3PCAS
study was an independent investigator-led single center randomized clinical trial, comparing CGuard EPS vs. WallStent™, intended
to evaluate the incidence of peri-procedural diffusion-weighted-magnetic-resonance-imaging (DW-MRI) new brain lesions after carotid artery
stenting. Sixty-one consecutive patients referred for carotid revascularization (between January 2015 and October 2016) were eligible
for the study. The results of the 3PCAS study was published in the International Journal of Cardiology in September 2018. The discussion
distinguished between peri-procedural (from procedure to 48h -72h) and post-procedural periods (72h to 30 days) where the CGuard EPS
demonstrated a reduction in the post-procedural embolic effect during the carotid plaque healing period. In contrast, there was no difference
between the two stent groups during the peri-procedural stage because of, according to the published article, the presence of bilateral/contralateral
lesions (lesions resulting from the contralateral artery from the non-treated carotid) which suggest that the peri-procedural neurological
damage may have originated from extra-carotid sources (outside of the artery which was treated and outside the stent itself).
Initial
Clinical Study of the New CGuard EPS MicroNet Covered Carotid Stent: “One Size Fits All”
“Initial
Clinical Study of the New CGuard EPS MicroNet Covered Carotid Stent: ‘One Size Fits All’” was an investigator-led,
single-center study, which evaluated CGuard EPS in 30 consecutive patients with symptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery with
the objective of evaluating the CGuard EPS MicroNet covered stent for its ability to adjust to different vessel diameters. The results
of the study were published in the Journal of Endovascular Therapy in May 2019. The conclusion of the study as reported was that CGuard
EPS has high conformability combined with an almost equivalent outward radial force at expansion diameters ranging from 5.5 to 9.0 mm.
The first clinical results demonstrate the “One Size Fits All” stent can be implanted in internal carotid arteries with reference
diameters within this range.
Key
findings from the study were as follows:
●
100%
technical success in implanting CGuard EPS;
●
No
neurological events within 30 days;
●
The
chronic outward force normalized by stent length demonstrated a near-equivalent radial force outcome; and
●
The
stent displayed only a minor difference between the minimal radial force at 9.0 mm (0.195 N/mm) and the maximal radial force at 5.5
mm (0.330 N/mm).
Preliminary
Results from a Prospective Real-World Multicenter Clinical Practice of Carotid Artery Stenting Using the CGuard Embolic Prevention System:
The IRONGUARD 2 Study
“Preliminary
Results From a Prospective Real-World Multicenter Clinical Practice of Carotid Artery Stenting Using the CGuard Embolic Prevention System:
The IRONGUARD 2 Study” is a physician initiated prospective multi-center registry enrolling 733 patients from 20 medical centers
in Italy, from January 2017 to June 2019. The objective of the study is to evaluate periprocedural (24 hours), post-procedural (up to
30 days), and 12-month outcomes in a largest, prospective, multicenter series of patients submitted for protected carotid artery stenting
with the CGuard Embolic Prevention System. The 24-hour, 30-day and 12-month preliminary results (data available on 726 patients out of
the 733 treated) were presented at the Leipzig Interventional Course (LINC) in January 2021. The study’s preliminary results from
the IRONGUAURD 2 study suggested in a real-world evaluation of carotid artery stenting, Cguard EPS can be safely used for treatment of
extracranial carotid artery stenosis, allowing a low rate of post procedural adverse events by 12 months.
Key
findings from the study are as follows:
●
100%%
procedural success in implanting CGuard EPS;
●
1
death from hemorrhagic stroke (patient was admitted for immediate treatment of CAS due to stroke), 2 minor strokes, 6 TIAs and one
nonfatal AMI at 24 hours;
●
1
minor stroke, 2 TIAs, three AMIs, no deaths and no stent thrombosis/occlusions between 24 hours and 30 days; and
●
1
minor stroke, 4 TIAs, 2 AMIs and 8 deaths (the 2 mentioned AMIs, 4 malignancies, 1 suicide and 1 undefined complication in Guillain-Barré
Syndrome) between 30 days and 1 year.
- 13 -
The
SIBERIA Trial for Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Conventional Versus Micronet™-Covered Stent Use in
Percutaneous Neuroprotected Carotid Artery Revascularization: Peri-procedural and 30-day Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
and Clinical Outcomes
“The
SIBERIA Trial for Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Conventional Versus Micronet™-Covered Stent Use in
Percutaneous Neuroprotected Carotid Artery Revascularization: Peri-procedural and 30-day Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
and Clinical Outcomes” was an investigator-initiated randomized clinical trial, single-center study, which evaluated one hundred
patients who qualified for carotid revascularization with high risk for surgery and were randomized 1:1 to either CGuard EPS or Acculink TM .
The primary endpoints were incidence and volume of new cerebral embolic post-procedural lesions (24-48 hours) as determined by diffusion
weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). The principal secondary endpoints included incidence of periprocedural or postprocedural
stroke, myocardial infarction and death at 30 days. The results of the study were presented in a late-breaking session at the EuroPCR
in June 2020 and published (Randomized Controlled Trial of Conventional Versus MicroNet-Covered Stent in Carotid Artery Revascularization,
JACC Cardiovascular Interventions, Vol. 14, November 21, 2021). The conclusion of the study was that the CGuard™ Micronet™-covered
stent use in consecutive unselected patients subjected to neuroprotected carotid artery stenting was associated with a greater than three-fold
reduction in the procedure-generated mean cerebral lesion volume, and with zero post-procedural cerebral embolisms observed. The MicroNet
covered stent significantly reduced periprocedural and abolished post procedural cerebral embolism in relation to a conventional carotid
stent. This is consistent with the MicroNet covered stent’s sustained embolism prevention, translating into cerebral protection
not only during but after carotid artery stenting.
Key
findings from the study are as follows:
●
Peri
Procedure, the CGuard™ arm was observed to have a 57% reduction in new cerebral lesion average volume per patient (171 mm 3
vs. 73 mm 3 ), a statistically significant improvement (p=0.017) and 222 mm 3 vs. 84 mm 3 (p=0.038);
●
Post
Procedure (24-48 hours), the CGuard™ arm was observed to have a 78% reduction in the average volume of new cerebral lesions
(157 mm 3 vs. 700 mm 3 ), a statistically significant improvement (p=0.007);
●
At
30 days, DW-MRI showed zero new cerebral lessons in the CGuard™ arm versus six in the Acculink™ arm (p=0.03);
●
At
30 days, there were zero strokes, myocardia infarctions or deaths in the CGuard arm and three events the Acculink™ arm (two
strokes and one myocardial infarction).
Completed
Clinical Trials for MGuard Bare-Metal Coronary Products
We
have completed eight clinical trials with respect to our first generation stainless steel-based MGuard coronary device and our cobalt-chromium
based MGuard Prime EPS stent. Our first generation MGuard stent combining the MicroNet with a stainless steel stent received CE mark
approval for the treatment of coronary artery disease in the European Union in October 2007. We subsequently replaced the stainless steel
stent with a more advanced cobalt-chromium based stent for MGuard Prime EPS.
The
First in Men (FIM) study conducted in Germany from the fourth quarter of 2006 through the second quarter of 2008 focused on patients
with occlusion in their stent graft. This group is considered to be in “high risk” for complications during and shortly after
the procedure due to the substantial risk of occurrence of a thromboembolic event. The study demonstrated MGuard’s safety in this
high risk group. This study was followed by the GUARD study in Brazil in 2007 with a similar patient population which reinforced the
safety profile of MGuard in patients prone to procedural complications. The MAGICAL study was a pilot study in STEMI patients conducted
in Poland from 2008 through 2012 which demonstrated safety, measured by MACE rates at 30 days following the procedure, as well as efficacy
results, measured by the ability of MGuard to reestablish blood flow into the infarcted area of the muscle. Furthermore, we conducted
three registries (iMOS, IMR and iMOS Prime) that confirmed the feasibility of MGuard and MGuard Prime EPS for the treatment of STEMI
patients and the safety of MGuard and MGuard Prime EPS in the STEMI patient group. Safety was repeatedly demonstrated in these trials
and registries by the low mortality rate in the first month after the procedure.
In
the second calendar quarter of 2011, we began the MGuard for Acute ST Elevation Reperfusion Trial (which we refer to as our “MASTER
I trial”), a prospective, randomized study, which demonstrated that among patients with acute STEMI undergoing emergency PCI, patients
treated with MGuard had superior rates of epicardial coronary flow (blood flow within the vessels that run along the outer surface of
the heart) and complete ST-segment resolution, or restoration of blood flow to the heart muscle after a heart attack, compared to those
treated with commercially-approved bare metal or drug-eluting stents. The results of this trial are summarized in greater detail below.
- 14 -
Finally,
the MASTER II trial, which we initially initiated as part of our efforts to seek approval of our MGuard Prime EPS by the FDA, was discontinued
at our election in its current form in light of market conditions moving toward the use of drug-eluting stents over bare-metal stents.
Analysis of the patients already enrolled in the MASTER II trial prior to its suspension, however, reconfirmed the MASTER I safety results
due to a continued low mortality rate.
MASTER
I Trial
In
the second calendar quarter of 2011, we began the MASTER I trial, a prospective, randomized study in Europe, South America and Israel
to compare the MGuard with commercially-approved bare metal and drug-eluting stents in achieving superior myocardial reperfusion (the
restoration of blood flow) in primary angioplasty for the treatment of acute STEMI, the most severe form of heart attack. The MASTER
I trial enrolled 433 subjects, 50% of whom were treated with MGuard and 50% of whom were treated with a commercially-approved bare metal
or drug-eluting stents. The detailed acute and 30 days results from the trial were presented at the TCT conference on October 24, 2012
and published (Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Evaluation of a Polyethylene Terephthalate Micronet Mesh–Covered Stent (MGuard)
in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Stone et. al, JACC , 60; 2012). The results were as follows:
●
The
primary endpoint of post-procedure complete ST-segment resolution (restoration of blood flow to the heart muscle after a heart attack)
was statistically significantly improved in patients randomized to the MGuard compared to patients receiving a commercially-approved
bare metal or drug-eluting stent (57.8% vs. 44.7%).
●
Patients
receiving MGuard exhibited superior rates of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow, which evidences normal coronary
blood flow that fills the distal coronary bed completely, as compared to patients receiving a commercially-approved bare metal or
drug-eluting stent (91.7% vs. 82.9%), with comparable rates of myocardial blush grade 2 or 3 (83.9% vs. 84.7%) and corrected TIMI
frame count (cTFC) (17.0 vs. 18.1
●
Angiographic
success rates (attainment of <50% final residual stenosis of the target lesion and final TIMI 3 flow) were higher in the MGuard
group compared to commercially-approved bare metal or drug-eluting stents (91.7% vs 82.4%).
●
Mortality
(0% vs. 1.9%) and major adverse cardiac events (1.8% vs. 2.3%) at 30 days post procedure were not statistically significantly different
between patients randomized to MGuard as opposed to patients randomized to commercially-approved bare metal or drug-eluting stents.
All other major adverse cardiac event components, as well as stent thrombosis, were comparable between the MGuard and commercially-approved
bare metal or drug-eluting stents.
The
six month results from the MASTER I trial were presented at the 2013 EuroPCR Meeting, the official annual meeting of the European Association
for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, on May 23, 2013 in Paris, France. The results were as follows:
●
Mortality
(0.5% vs. 2.8%) and major adverse cardiac events (5.2% vs. 3.4%) at 6 months post procedure were not statistically significantly
different between patients randomized to the MGuard as compared to patients randomized to commercially-approved bare metal or drug-eluting
stents. All other major adverse cardiac event components, as well as stent thrombosis, were comparable between patients treated with
MGuard and those treated with commercially-approved bare metal or drug-eluting stents.
The
twelve month results from the MASTER I trial were presented at the TCT conference on October 29, 2013 and published (Mesh-Covered Embolic
Protection Stent Implantation in ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Final 1-Year Clinical and Angiographic Results From
the MGUARD for Acute ST Elevation Reperfusion Trial, Dudek et. al, Coronary Interventions , 2014). The results were as follows:
●
Mortality
(1.0% vs. 3.3%) and major adverse cardiac events (9.1% vs. 3.3%) at 12 months post procedure were not statistically significantly
different between patients randomized to the MGuard as opposed to those randomized to commercially-approved bare metal or drug-eluting
stents. All other major adverse cardiac events, as well as stent thrombosis, were comparable between the MGuard and commercially-approved
bare metal or drug-eluting stents.
- 15 -
In
summary, the MASTER I trial demonstrated that among patients with acute STEMI undergoing emergency PCI patients treated with MGuard had
superior rates of epicardial coronary flow (blood flow within the vessels that run along the outer surface of the heart) and complete
ST-segment resolution compared to those treated with commercially-approved bare metal or drug-eluting stents. In addition, patients treated
with MGuard showed a slightly lower mortality rate and a slightly higher major adverse cardiac event rate as compared to patients treated
with commercially-approved bare metal or drug-eluting stents six and twelve months post procedure.
A
detailed table with the results from the MASTER I trial is set forth below. The “p-Value” refers to the probability of obtaining
a given test result. Any p value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant.
MGuard
Bare
Metal Stents/Drug
Eluting
Stents
p-Value
Number
of Patients
217
216
—
TIMI 0-1
1.8
5.6
0.01
TIMI 3
91.7
82.9
0.006
Myocardial
blush grade 0-1
16.1
14.8
0.71
Myocardial
blush grade 3
74.2
72.1
0.62
ST
segment resolution >70
57.8
44.7
0.008
30
day major adverse cardiac event
1.8
2.3
0.75
6
month major adverse cardiac event
5.2
3.4
0.34
12
month major adverse cardiac event
9.1
3.3
0.02
Future
Clinical Trials for CGuard EPS and MGuard Prime EPS
Post-marketing
clinical trials (outside the United States) could be conducted to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of CGuard EPS in specific
indications. These trials would be designed to facilitate market acceptance and expand the use of the product. We expect to be able to
rely upon CE mark approval of the product and other supporting clinical data to obtain local approvals.
We
do not anticipate conducting additional post-marketing clinical trials for our bare-metal MGuard coronary products.
Growth
Strategy
Our
primary business objective is to utilize our proprietary MicroNet technology and products to become the industry standard for treatment
of stroke, complex vascular and coronary disease and to provide a superior solution to the common acute problems caused by current stenting
procedures, such as restenosis, embolic showers and late thrombosis. We are pursuing the following business strategies to achieve this
objective.
●
Widen
the adoption of CGuard EPS . We are seeking to expand the population of CGuard EPS patients in those countries in which CGuard
EPS is commercially available. In particular, our focus is on establishing CGuard EPS as a viable alternative (in appropriate cases)
to conventional carotid stents and vascular surgery within the applicable medical communities. We intend to accomplish this goal
by continuing to publish and present our clinical data, support investigator-initiated clinical registries and exploring addition
of a procedural protection device to our portfolio incorporating the principal of reverse flow of the carotid artery as an adjuctive
alternative to femoral access. We have partnered and will continue to seek out partnerships with organizations focused on the treatment
of stroke. We will also continue to engage advisory boards and to develop a network of key opinion leaders to assist us in our efforts
to widen the adoption of CGuard EPS.
●
Portfolio
expansion and pipeline development We will continue to invest in advancing our portfolio with new delivery system alternatives
to facilitate the use of CGuard by all physicians. Our delivery systems will enable all endovascular access points including accessory
devices for Arterial Venous (AV) shunting .
●
Grow
our presence in existing and new markets for CGuard EPS. We have launched CGuard EPS in most European and Latin American countries
through a comprehensive distributor sales organizations network. We are continuing to focus on larger growing markets through this
network by supporting our distributors with a comprehensive marketing and clinical education programs. In additional we have begun
to sell direct to hospitals in certain markets and continue to evaluate the transition to a direct selling to hospitals model in
certain currently served distributor markets, increasing our control on the market and gross profit margins. We are pursuing additional
product registrations and distribution contracts with local distributors in other countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America. In
February 2021, we executed a distribution agreement with Chinese partners for the purpose of expanding our presence in China. Currently,
we are seeking strategic partners for a potential launch of CGuard EPS in Japan. In addition, we are conducting a pivotal study of
our CGuard™ Carotid Stent System, C-Guardians, for prevention of stroke in patients in the United States.
- 16 -
●
Continue
to leverage our MicroNet technology to develop additional applications for interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons. In
addition to the applications described above, we believe that we will eventually be able to utilize our proprietary MicroNet technology
to address imminent market needs for new product innovations to significantly improve patients’ care. We continue to broadly
develop and protect intellectual property using our mesh technology. Examples of some areas include peripheral vascular disease and
neurovascular disease.
●
Establish
relationships with collaborative and development partners to fully develop and market our existing and future products. We are
seeking strategic partners for collaborative research, development, marketing, distribution, or other agreements, which could assist
with our development and commercialization efforts for CGuard EPS and other potential products that are based on our MicroNet technology.
Competition
The
markets in which we compete are highly competitive, subject to change and impacted by new product introductions and other activities
of industry participants.
Carotid
The
carotid stent markets in the United States and Europe are dominated by Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific Corporation, Covidien Ltd.
(currently part of Medtronic, Inc.), and Cordis Corporation (currently part of Cardinal Health, Inc.). Gore Medical and Terumo Medical
Corporation produce a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh-covered stent and a double layer metal stent, respectively. All of these larger companies
have substantially greater capital resources, larger customer bases, broader product lines, larger sales forces, greater marketing and
management resources, larger research and development staffs and larger facilities than ours and have established reputations and relationships
with our target customers, as well as worldwide distribution methods that are more effective than ours. However, we believe that the
European market is somewhat fragmented, and, in our opinion, smaller competitors may be able to gain market share with greater flexibility.
- 17 -
Neurovascular
Leading
industry players in the global neurovascular devices market include Medtronic, Stryker, Terumo and Johnson & Johnson. Acquisitions
and mergers are increasingly used as a strategy for product portfolio expansion and to grow footprint. (Global Market Insights, Inc.
- Devices Market Share 2018-2024 Industry Size Report. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/neurovascular-devices-market)
Sales
and Marketing
Sales
and Marketing
Based
on the positive CGuard EPS clinical data, we initiated the commercial launch of CGuard EPS in CE marked countries in early 2015. In September
2015, we announced full market launch of CGuard EPS in Europe. Since 2017 we are focusing on sales of our products through local distribution
partners and our own internal sales initiatives to gain greater reach into all the relevant clinical specialties and to expand our geographic
coverage. Our current strategy seeks to broaden our sales efforts to increase CGuard EPS penetration within the community of interventionalists.
In parallel, we aim at transitioning vascular surgeons from carotid endarterectomy procedures to carotid stenting with CGuard EPS and
accessory devices, which we believe can greatly expand our customer base. We have focused and we plan to continue to focus our marketing
efforts primarily on key growth markets and to evaluate opportunities in new territories if and when they become available. In addition,
we are using international trade shows and industry conferences to gain market exposure and brand recognition. We continue to work with
leading physicians to enhance our marketing effort and are developing relationships with new key opinion leaders to champion our technology
and work with us in clinical studies. In additional we have begun to sell direct to hospitals in certain markets, such as France and
the United Kingdom, in order to increase our growth in the market and gross profit margins.
As
a result of declining sales of the MGuard Prime EPS, which we believe is largely driven by the predominant industry preferences favoring
drug-eluting stents rather than bare metal stents such as MGuard Prime EPS in STEMI patients, we intend to phase out future sales of
our MGuard Prime EPS in 2022.
Product
Positioning
When
treating carotid artery disease, we believe that CGuard has potential to become the standard of care in treading carotid artery disease.
It is a second-generation stent with positive patient outcomes demonstrating significant reduction in post-procedural neurological events.
Additionally,
we intend to continue to evaluate potential product enhancements and manufacturing enhancements for CGuard EPS expected to reduce cost
of goods or provide the best-in-class performing delivery system and accessory solutions. We believe these improvements may allow us
to reduce cost of goods and increase penetration in our existing geographies and better position us for entry into new markets. Finally,
we do not expect that it would be crucial to use a drug-eluting stent platform to compete in certain new markets such as the neurovascular
market, and hence, we plan to continue to explore this area of opportunity.
Insurance
Reimbursement
In
most countries, a significant portion of a patient’s medical expenses is covered by third-party payors. Third-party payors can
include both government-funded insurance programs and private insurance programs. While each payor develops and maintains its own coverage
and reimbursement policies, payors, in many instances, have similarly established policies, and in the U.S., for example, coverage policies
and reimbursement rates of private payors are often influenced by those established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CGuard products and MGuard coronary products sold to-date in applicable foreign
countries have been designed and labeled to facilitate the utilization of existing reimbursement codes for such countries, and we intend
to continue to design and label our present and future products in a manner consistent with this goal.
- 18 -
While
most countries have established reimbursement codes for stenting procedures, certain countries may require additional clinical data before
recognizing coverage and/or to obtain a certain level of reimbursement for one or more of our products. In these situations, we intend
to complete the required clinical studies to obtain reimbursement approval in countries where it makes economic sense to do so.
Intellectual
Property
Patents
We
have 53 issued patents, including 16 patents issued in the U.S., and 17 pending patent applications, 7 of which are pending in the United
States. Many of these patents and applications cover aspects of our CGuard and MGuard technology. Patents outside the U.S. have been
filed in Canada, China, Europe, Israel, India, Japan, Australia, and South Africa. The patents and applications fall into a number of
patent families, as listed below:
Base
Title of Patent Family
Pending
patent
applications
(Countries)
Issued
patents
(Country
and Patent No.)
Issue
Date
Bifurcated
Stent Assemblies
US
8,961,586
China ZL200780046676.2
02/24/2015
9/26/2012
Deformable
Tip for Stent Delivery and Methods of Use
US
10,258,491
Israel 260,945
4/16/2019
07/01/2020
Handle
for Two-Stage Deployment of a Stent
US
EP
CN
JP
IN
Visualization
of blood flow in a venous/arterial shunting system
US
(Provisional)
Device
for shunting blood between the arterial and venous systems of a patient
US
(provisional)
Removing
air from fluid in vascular and/or arterial delivery lines or blood circuits
US
(provisional)
In
Vivo Filter Assembly
US 9,132,261
09/15/2015
Knitted
Stent Jackets
Canada 2,666,728
Canada 2,887,189
China ZL200780046697.4
China ZL201210320950.3
EP 2076212
(Germany, France, & UK
)US 10,137,015
India 323792
6/23/2015
5/1/2018
10/10/2012
12/2/2015
2/1/2014
3/29/2017
11/27/2018
10/28/2019
Optimized
Stent Jacket
EPO
US
Canada
2,670,724
Canada 3,013,758
China ZL201210454357.8
China ZL200780043259.2
India 297,257
Israel 230,922
US
9,132,003
US 9,526,644
US 9,782,281
US 10,070,976
US 10,406,006
US 10,406,008
US 11,051,959
EP 2088962
(validated in 9 countries: BE, CH, DE, FR, UK, IT, IE, LX, NL)
12/11/2018
12/9/2015
1/2/2013
5/30/2018
10/01/2020
9/15/2015
12/27/2016
10/10/2017
9/11/2018
9/10/2019
9/10/2019
10/11/2017
Stent
Apparatuses for Treatment Via Body Lumens and Methods of Use
US
EPO
South
Africa 2007/10751
Canada 2,609,687
Canada 2,843,097
EP 1885281
(CH, DE, FR, GB, IE, IT)
US 10,932,926
US
10,058,440
US 10,070,977
10/27/2010
4/22/2015
10/27/2015
2/13/2019
3/1/2017
8/28/2018
9/11/2018
Stent
Thermoforming Apparatus and Methods
JP
6553178
US 9,527,234
US 10,376,393
Australia 2015326517
Canada 2962713
7/12/2019
12/27/2016
8/13/2019
05/21/2020
02/19/2019
Methods
or using a self-adjusting stent assembly and kits including the same
US
EP
IN
CN
JP
- 19 -
The
patents and patent applications listed above cover various aspects of our products, specifically focusing on the mesh sleeve covering
our stents, as well as methods for production and delivery mechanisms of the stents. We believe that our patents, in particular those
covering the use of a knitted micron-level mesh sleeve over a stent for various indications, as well as our pending patent applications
(if issued as patents with claims substantially in their present form), create a significant barrier against other companies seeking
to use similar technology. We believe these patents and patent applications collectively cover all our existing products and may be useful
in protecting our future technological developments. We intend to aggressively continue patenting new technologies and to actively pursue
any infringement of our key patents.
Trade
Secrets
We
also rely on trade secret protection to protect our interests in proprietary know-how and/or for processes for which patents are difficult
to obtain or enforce. As part of our trade secret policy, we rely on non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with employees, consultants
and other parties to protect trade secrets and other proprietary technology.
Trademarks
We
have registered or applied to register the following trademarks, which we use in connection with our products:
●
InspireMD ®
(US, European Union, and UK)
●
MGuard ®
(European Union, and UK)
●
CGuard ®
(US, European Union, and UK)
●
MGuard
Prime ® (US, European Union, and UK)
●
NGuard ®
(US, European Union)
●
PVGuard®
(US, European Union, and UK)
●
Micronet®
(US)
●
(MNP
Micronet Protection logo) (European Union and UK)
●
Carenet®)European
Union and UK)
●
SmartFit™
(US), UK
●
SmartFit
Logo (EP, UK, US); CN & JP in preparation
●
CGuard
Prime (EP, UK, US)
●
SwitchGuard
(EP, UK)
The
trademarks are renewable indefinitely, so long as we continue using the marks and make the appropriate filings when required. We also
use and may have common-law rights to various trademarks, trade names, and service marks.
Government
Regulation
The
manufacture and sale of our products are subject to regulation by numerous governmental authorities, principally the European Union CE
mark and other corresponding foreign agencies.
- 20 -
Sales
of medical devices outside the United States are subject to foreign regulatory requirements that vary widely from country to country.
These laws and regulations range from simple product registration requirements in some countries to complex approval process, clinical
trials and production controls in others. As a result, the processes and time periods required to obtain foreign marketing approval may
be longer or shorter than those necessary to obtain FDA market authorization. These differences may affect the timeliness of international
market introduction of our products. For the European Union nations, medical devices must obtain a CE mark before they may be placed
on the market. In order to obtain and maintain the CE mark, we must comply with the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC (“MDD”)
by presenting comprehensive technical files for our products demonstrating safety and efficacy of the product to be placed on the market
and passing initial and annual quality management system audit as per ISO 13485 standard by a European Notified Body. We have obtained
ISO 13485 quality system certification and the products we currently distribute into the European Union display the required CE mark.
In order to maintain certification, we are required to pass an annual surveillance audit conducted by Notified Body auditors. The European
Union replaced the MDD with the new European Medical Devices Regulation, or MDR (MDR 2017/745, Council Directive 93/42/EEC). The MDR
will apply after a transitional period of three years ending on May 26, 2021, which is expected to change several aspects of the existing
regulatory framework in Europe. Manufacturers have the duration of the transition period to update their technical documentation and
processes to meet the new requirements in order to obtain a CE Mark. After May 26, 2021, medical devices can still be placed on the market
under the provision of the MDD until May 26, 2024; provided the CE Mark was issued prior to this date and the manufacturer continues
to comply with this directive. By May 26, 2024, all medical devices entering the EU will need to have a CE Mark under the MDR, even if
they have been on the market previously under the MDD. In our case, CGuard and MGuard Prime can continue to be marketed under the MDD
until November 12, 2022. Specifically, the EU MDR will require changes in the clinical evidence required for medical devices, post-market
clinical follow-up evidence, annual reporting of safety information for Class III products, Unique Device Identification (“UDI”)
for all products, submission of core data elements to a European UDI database prior to placement of a device on the market, and multiple
other labeling changes. Approvals for certain of our currently-marketed products could be curtailed or withdrawn as a result of the implementation
and recertification process of the EU MDR and acquiring approvals for new products could be more challenging, time consuming and costly.
As
noted below, we have or had regulatory approval and made sales of CGuard EPS, MGuard Prime EPS or both products either through distributors
pursuant to distribution agreements or directly, in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil,
Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary,
India Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Vietnam, Taiwan
and the United Kingdom. While each of the European Union member countries accepts the CE mark as its sole requirement for marketing approval,
some of these countries still require us to take additional steps in order to gain reimbursement rights for our products. Furthermore,
while we believe that certain of the above-listed countries that are not members of the European Union accept the CE mark as a primary
requirement for marketing approval, each such country requires additional regulatory requirements for final marketing approval of our
products. Furthermore, we are currently targeting additional countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, however, even if all governmental
regulatory requirements are satisfied in each such country, we anticipate that obtaining marketing approval in each country could take
as few as three months or as many as twelve months or more, due to the nature of the approval process in each individual country, including
typical wait times for application processing and review, as discussed in greater detail below.
In
October 2007, our first generation MGuard stent combining the MicroNet with a stainless-steel stent received CE mark approval for the
treatment of coronary artery disease in the European Union. We subsequently replaced the first generation MGuard product with MGuard
Prime EPS, which uses a more advanced cobalt-chromium based stent. Our MGuard Prime EPS received CE mark approval in the European Union
in October 2010 and marketing approval in those countries listed in the table below.
The
CGuard EPS received CE mark approval in the European Union on March 14, 2013 and marketing approval in the countries listed in the table
below. We are currently seeking marketing approval for CGuard EPS in, South Korea.
Please
refer to the table below setting forth the approvals and sales made for CGuard EPS and the MGuard Prime EPS on a country-by-country basis
- 21 -
Approvals
and Sales of CGuard EPS on a Country-by-Country Basis
Countries
CGuard EPS
Approval
CGuard EPS
Sales
Argentina
Y
Y
Australia
Y
Y
Austria
Y
Y
Belarus
Y
Y
Belgium
Y
Y
Brazil
Y
Y
Bulgaria
Y
Y
Chile
Y
Y
Colombia
Y
Y
Croatia
Y
N
Cyprus
Y
Y
Czech
Republic
Y
Y
Denmark
Y
Y
Dominican
Republic
Y
Y
Ecuador
Y
Y
Estonia
Y
Y
Finland
Y
Y
France
Y
Y
Germany
Y
Y
Greece
Y
Y
Netherlands
Y
Y
Hong
Kong
Y
Y
Hungary
Y
Y
Iceland
Y
N
India
Y
Y
Ireland
Y
Y
Israel
Y
Y
Italy
Y
Y
Kazakhstan
N
Y (1)
Latvia
Y
Y
Lithuania
Y
Y
Liechtenstein
Y
N
Luxembourg
Y
N
Malaysia
N
N
Malta
Y
N
Mexico
Y
Y
Montenegro
Y
N
New
Zealand
Y
N
Norway
Y
N
Peru
Y
Y
Poland
Y
Y
Portugal
Y
Y
Romania
Y
Y
Russia
Y
Y
Saudi
Arabia
N
N
Serbia
Y
Y
Slovakia
Y
Y
Slovenia
Y
Y
South
Africa
Y
Y
Spain
Y
Y
Sweden
Y
Y
Switzerland
Y
Y
Turkey
Y
Y
Taiwan
Y
N
Venezuela
N
N
Vietnam
Y
Y
Ukraine
Y
Y
United
Kingdom
Y
Y
United
States
N
Y (2)
(1)
Refers
to temporary approval to import limited amount of units (400) to Kazakhstan.
(2)
Refers to units used in our ongoing FDA trial.
- 22 -
FDA
Government Regulation of Medical Devices for Human Subjects
Many
of our activities are subject to regulatory oversight by the FDA under provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and regulations
thereunder, including regulations governing the development, marketing, labeling, promotion, manufacturing, and export of medical devices.
FDA
Approval/Clearance Requirements
In
the United States, most Class II or III medical devices must be cleared or approved by the FDA prior to commercialization. Unless an
exemption applies, each medical device that we market or wish to market in the United States must receive 510(k) clearance or premarket
approval. Medical devices that receive 510(k) clearance are “cleared” by the FDA to market, distribute, and sell in the United
States. Medical devices that obtain a premarket approval by the FDA are “approved” to market, distribute, and sell in the
United States. We anticipate filing a premarket approval application, or PMA, in the future for our product and do not anticipate filing
a 510(k) premarket notification, provided that the FDA will not instruct us otherwise. We cannot guarantee that we will obtain premarket
approval, which will likely include clinical testing. Descriptions of the premarket approval and 510(k) clearance processes are provided
below.
Class
I devices are those for which safety and effectiveness can be assured by adherence to the FDA’s general regulatory controls
for medical devices, or the General Controls, which include compliance with the applicable portions of the FDA’s quality system
regulations, facility registration and product listing, reporting of adverse medical events, and appropriate, truthful and non-misleading
labeling, advertising, and promotional materials. Some Class I devices also require premarket clearance by the FDA through the 510(k)
process described below.
Class
II devices are subject to the FDA’s General Controls, and any other special controls as deemed necessary by the FDA to ensure
the safety and effectiveness of the device. Premarket review and clearance by the FDA for Class II devices is accomplished through the
510(k) process. Pursuant to the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act of 2002 (MDUFMA), as of October 2002, unless a specific
exemption applies, 510(k) submissions are subject to user fees. Certain Class II devices are exempt from this premarket review process.
The FDA has recently indicated that it intends to modernize the 510(k) process and has issued new guidance documents that may change
the way that devices are cleared by the FDA.
Class
III includes devices with the greatest risk. Devices in this class must meet all of the requirements in Classes I and II. In addition,
Class III devices cannot generally be marketed until they receive a premarket approval. The safety and effectiveness of Class III devices
cannot be assured solely by the General Controls and the other requirements described above. These devices require formal clinical studies
to demonstrate safety and effectiveness. Under MDFUMA, PMAs (and supplemental PMAs) are subject to significantly higher user fees than
510(k) applications, and they also require considerably more time and resources.
The
FDA decides whether a device line must undergo either the 510(k) clearance or premarket approval based on statutory criteria that utilize
a risk-based classification system. Premarket approval is the FDA process of scientific and regulatory review to evaluate the safety
and effectiveness of Class III medical devices and, in many cases, Class II medical devices. Class III devices are those that support
or sustain human life, are of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, or which present a potential, unreasonable
risk of illness or injury. The FDA uses these criteria to decide whether a premarket approval or a 510(k) is appropriate, including the
level of risk that the agency perceives is associated with the device and a determination by the agency of whether the product is a type
of device that is similar to devices that are already legally marketed. Devices deemed to pose relatively less risk are placed in either
Class I or II. In many cases, the FDA requires the manufacturer to submit a 510(k) requesting clearance (also referred to as a premarket
notification), unless an exemption applies. The 510(k) must demonstrate that the manufacturer’s proposed device is “substantially
equivalent” in intended use and in safety and effectiveness to a legally marketed predicate device. A “predicate device”
is a pre-existing medical device to which equivalence can be drawn, that is either in Class I, Class II, or is a Class III device that
was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, for which the FDA has not yet called for submission of a PMA. A product that lacks
a predicate device will default to a Class III device, although a company may seek to submit a De Novo classification request, rather
than a PMA. The De Novo request allows a regulatory pathway to classify novel medical devices for which general controls alone, or general
and special controls, provide reasonable occurrence of safety and effectiveness for the intended use, but for which there is no legally
marketed predicate device.
- 23 -
We
expect that unless an exemption applies, each medical device that we market or wish to market in the United States must receive 510(k)
clearance or premarket approval. Medical devices that receive 510(k) clearance are “cleared” by the FDA to market, distribute,
and sell in the United States. Medical devices that obtain a premarket approval by the FDA are “approved” to market, distribute,
and sell in the United States. We anticipate that each device that we wish to commercialize will be considered a Class III device by
the FDA and therefore we anticipate filing a PMA in the future and do not anticipate filing a 510(k) premarket notification, provided
that the FDA will not instruct us otherwise. We cannot guaranty that we will obtain a premarket approval. Descriptions of the premarket
approval and 510(k) clearance processes are provided below.
Premarket
Approval Pathway
We
expect that current and future applications of our technology will result in medical devices that are considered Class III devices subject
to premarket approval. A PMA must be submitted if a device cannot be cleared through the 510(k) process, unless FDA permits a De Novo
application. A PMA must be supported by extensive data including, but not limited to, analytical, preclinical, clinical trials, manufacturing,
statutory preapproval inspections, and labeling to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction the safety and effectiveness of the device
for its intended use. Before a premarket approval application is submitted, a manufacturer must apply for an Investigational Device Exemption
(IDE) to conduct clinical trials. If the device presents a “significant risk,” as defined by the FDA, to human health, the
FDA requires the device sponsor to file an IDE application with the FDA and obtain IDE approval prior to initiation of enrollment of
human subjects for clinical trials. The IDE provides the manufacturer with a legal pathway to perform clinical trials on human subjects
where without the IDE, only approved medical devices may be used on human subjects.
The
IDE application must be supported by appropriate data, such as analytical, animal and laboratory testing results, manufacturing information,
and an Investigational Review Board (IRB) approved protocol showing that it is safe to test the device in humans and that the testing
protocol is scientifically sound, as well as ensuring patient informed consent is obtained. If the clinical trial design is deemed to
have “non-significant risk,” the clinical trial may be eligible for “abbreviated” IDE requirements.
A
clinical trial may be suspended by either the FDA or the IRB at any time for various reasons, including a belief that the risks to the
study participants outweigh the benefits of participation in the study. Even if a study is completed, clinical testing results may not
demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the device, or they may be equivocal or otherwise insufficient to obtain approval of the product
being tested. After the clinical trials have been completed, if at all, and the clinical trial data and results are collected and organized,
a manufacturer may complete a premarket approval application.
After
a PMA is sufficiently complete, the FDA will accept the application and begin an in-depth review of the submitted information. By statute,
the FDA has 180 days to review the “accepted application,” although, generally, review of the application can take between
one and three years, but it may take significantly longer. During this review period, the FDA may request additional information or clarification
of information already provided. Also, during the review period, an advisory panel of experts from outside the FDA may be convened to
review and evaluate the application and provide recommendations to the FDA as to the approvability of the device. The preapproval inspections
conducted by the FDA include an evaluation of the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance with the Quality Systems Regulations, as
well as inspections of the clinical trial sites by the Bioresearch Monitoring group to evaluate compliance with good clinical practice
and human subject protections. New premarket approval applications or premarket approval supplements are required for modifications that
affect the safety or effectiveness of the device, including, for example, certain types of modifications to the device’s indication
for use, manufacturing process, labeling and design. Significant changes to an approved premarket approval require a 180-day supplement,
whereas less substantive changes may utilize a 30-day notice, or a 135-day supplement. Premarket approval supplements often require submission
of the same type of information as a premarket approval application, except that the supplement is limited to information needed to support
any changes from the device covered by the original premarket approval application, and it may not require as extensive clinical data
or the convening of an advisory panel.
- 24 -
510(k)
Clearance Pathway
We
do not currently market, distribute, or sell any products that have market clearance by the FDA under its 510(k) process. If, in the
future, we develop products where 510(k) clearance is required, we would be required to submit a 510(k) demonstrating that such proposed
devices are substantially equivalent to a respective previously cleared 510(k) device or a device that was in commercial distribution
before May 28, 1976, for which the FDA has not yet called for the submission of 510(k). The FDA’s 510(k) clearance pathway usually
takes from three to twelve months but could take longer. In some cases, the FDA may require additional information, including clinical
data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence.
If
a device receives 510(k) clearance, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute
a new or major change in its intended use, will require a new 510(k) clearance or, depending on the modification, a premarket approval.
The FDA requires each device manufacturer to determine whether the proposed change requires submission of a new 510(k) or a premarket
approval, but the FDA can review any such decision and can disagree with a manufacturer’s determination. If the FDA disagrees with
a manufacturer’s determination, the FDA can require the manufacturer to cease marketing and/or recall the modified device until
510(k) clearance or premarket approval of the modified device is obtained.
Pervasive
and Continuing FDA Regulation
A
host of regulatory requirements apply to our approved devices, including the quality system regulation (which requires manufacturers
to follow elaborate design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures), the Medical Device Reporting regulations
(which require that manufacturers report to the FDA specified types of adverse events involving their products), labeling regulations,
and the FDA’s general prohibition against promoting products for unapproved or “off-label” uses. Class II devices also
can have special controls such as performance standards, post-market surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines that do not
apply to Class I devices.
A
noncomprehensive list of the regulatory requirements that apply to our approved products classified as medical devices include:
●
product
listing and establishment registration, which helps facilitate FDA inspections and other regulatory action;
●
Quality
Systems Regulations, which requires manufacturers, including third-party manufacturers, to follow stringent design, testing, control,
documentation and other quality assurance procedures during all aspects of the development and manufacturing process;
●
labeling
regulations and FDA prohibitions against the promotion of products for uncleared, unapproved or off-label use or indication;
●
clearance
of product modifications that could significantly affect safety or efficacy or that would constitute a major change in intended use
of one of our cleared devices (if obtained);
●
approval
of product modifications that affect the safety or effectiveness of one of our cleared devices (if obtained);
●
medical
device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers comply with FDA requirements to report if their device may have caused
or contributed to a death or serious injury, or has malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious
injury if the malfunction of the device or a similar device were to recur;
●
post-approval
restrictions or conditions, including post-approval study commitments;
●
post-market
surveillance regulations, which apply when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness
data for the device;
●
the
FDA’s recall authority, whereby it can ask, or under certain conditions order, device manufacturers to recall from the market
a product that is in violation of governing laws and regulations;
●
regulations
pertaining to voluntary recalls; and,
●
notices
of corrections or removals.
- 25 -
We
do not currently have a registered establishment with the FDA. If we are approved or cleared to manufacture, prepare, or process a device
in the United States, we and any third-party manufacturers that we may use will be required to register our establishments with the FDA.
As such, we and our manufacturing facilities will be subject to FDA inspections for compliance with the FDA’s Quality System Regulation.
Additionally, some of our subcontractors may also be subject to FDA announced and unannounced inspections for compliance with the FDA’s
Quality System Regulation. These regulations will require that we manufacture our products and maintain our documents in a prescribed
manner with respect to design, manufacturing, testing and quality control activities. As a medical device manufacturer, we will further
be required to comply with FDA requirements regarding the reporting of adverse events associated with the use of our medical devices,
as well as product malfunctions that would likely cause or contribute to death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur. FDA
regulations also govern product labeling and prohibit a manufacturer from marketing a medical device for unapproved applications.
Our
CGuard EPS is classified as a Class III medical device by the FDA. Class III medical devices are generally the highest risk devices and
are therefore subject to the highest level of regulatory control by the FDA, since the FDA process of premarket approval involves scientific
and regulatory review to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Class III medical devices for the purpose(s) intended. The FDA will
either approve or deny a premarket approval application and we cannot market a device unless or until the FDA approves a premarket approval
application.
We
expect the approval process in the U.S. to take a significant amount of time, require the expenditure of significant resources, involve
rigorous clinical investigations and testing, and potentially require changes to products. The approval process may result in limitations
on the indicated uses of the medical devices for which we are able to obtain approval (since the FDA can take action against a company
that promotes off-label uses) and will also require increased post-market surveillance.
U.S.
Healthcare Laws and Regulations
In
addition to the FDA regulations, there are a variety of other healthcare laws and regulations to which we may be subject if any of our
products are marketed, sold, distributed, and/or utilized in the United States. In the United States, we may be subject to the oversight
of FDA, Office of the Inspector General within the Department of Health and Human Services (OIG), the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services
(CMS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), in addition to others. We supply products that may be reimbursed by federally funded programs
such as Medicare. As a result, our activities may be subject to regulation by CMS and enforcement by OIG and DOJ. Of specific note are
federal and state fraud and abuse laws, which prohibit the payment or receipt of kickbacks, bribes or other remuneration, including the
offer or solicitation of such payment, intended to induce or reward the purchase, recommendation or generation of business involving
healthcare products any item or service payable by a health-care program. Other provisions of federal and state laws prohibit presenting,
or causing to be presented, to third party payors (including, government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid) for reimbursement,
claims that are false or fraudulent, or which are for items or services that were not provided as claimed. In addition, other healthcare
laws and regulations may apply, such as transparency and reporting requirements, and privacy and security requirements. Violations of
these laws can lead to civil and criminal penalties, including exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs,
any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. These laws are potentially applicable to manufacturers of products
regulated by the FDA as medical devices, such as us, and hospitals, physicians and other institutional or individual providers that may
refer or purchase such products. The healthcare laws that may be applicable to our business or operations include, but are not limited
to:
●
The
federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits a person from knowingly and willfully offering, soliciting or receiving any remuneration,
directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, in return for or to induce referring or recommending an individual
to another person to receive items or services or to purchase, lease, order, or arrange for any good, facility, item or service payable
in whole or in part under a Federal health care program;
- 26 -
●
Federal
false claims laws and civil monetary penalty laws, including the False Claims Act, prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities
from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid or other government healthcare
programs that are false or fraudulent, or making a false statement to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the
federal government. The False Claims Act imposes liability on any person or entity that, among other things, knowingly presents,
or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment by a federal health care program, knowingly makes, uses or causes
to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim, or knowingly makes a false statement to
avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the U.S. federal government. The federal Civil Monetary Penalties Law prohibits,
among other things, the offering or transferring of remuneration to a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary that the person knows or should
know is likely to influence the beneficiary’s selection of a particular supplier of Medicare or Medicaid payable items or services;
●
The
federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), which includes provisions that prohibit
knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by means
of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control
of, any healthcare benefit program, and for knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making
any materially false statements in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services;
●
HIPAA,
as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, and its implementing regulations, also
imposes obligations and requirements on healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses as well as their respective
business associates that perform certain services for them that involve the use or disclosure of individually identifiable health
information, with respect to safeguarding the privacy and security of certain individually identifiable health information;
●
The
federal transparency requirements under the Affordable Care Act, including the provision commonly referred to as the Open Payments
Act or Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies that
are reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program to report annually to Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services, or CMS, information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and teaching hospitals,
and ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; and
●
Analogous
state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws, which may be broader in scope and apply
to referrals and items or services reimbursed by both governmental and non-governmental third-party payors, including private insurers,
many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by federal law, thus complicating compliance
efforts.
Customers
Our
customer base is varied. We began shipping our MGuard product to customers in Europe in January 2008 and CGuard product to customers
in Europe in 2014 and have since expanded our global distribution network to Southeast Asia, India, Latin America and Israel. We currently
have distribution agreements for our CE mark-approved CGuard EPS with medical product distributors based in Europe, the Middle East,
Asia Pacific and Latin America. We are currently in discussions with additional distribution companies in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Most
of our current agreements with our distributors stipulate that, and we expect our future agreements with our distributors to stipulate
that, while we shall assist in training by providing training materials, marketing guidance, marketing materials, and technical guidance,
each distributor will be responsible for carrying out local registration, sales and marketing activities. In addition, in most cases,
all sales costs, including sales representatives, incentive programs, and marketing trials, will be borne by the distributor. Under current
agreements, distributors purchase stents from us at a fixed price. Our current agreements with distributors are generally for a term
of two to three years.
On
February 3, 2021, we entered into a Distribution Agreement with three China-based partners, pursuant to which the Chinese partners will
be responsible for conducting the necessary registration trials for commercial approval of our products in China, followed by an exclusive
distribution right to sell our products in China. Under the Distribution Agreement, the China-based partners will be subject to minimum
purchase obligations.
We
have also recently engaged in direct sales in certain geographic markets such as United Kingdom and France.
Manufacturing
and Suppliers
The
polymer fiber for MicroNet is supplied by Biogeneral, Inc., a San Diego, California-based specialty polymer manufacturer for medical
and engineering applications.
Natec
Medical Ltd. supplies us with catheters that help create the base for our CGuard EPS stents. Our agreement with Natec Medical Ltd., as
amended, may be terminated by us upon eight months’ notice. On August 1, 2017, we amended the agreement with Natec Medical Ltd.,
so that we are responsible for purchasing and handling inventory of CGuard EPS delivery system, and Natec Medical Ltd.is responsible
for the manufacturing process.
Natec
Medical Ltd. supplies us with catheters that help create the base for our MGuard Prime EPS. Our agreement with Natec Medical Ltd., which
may be terminated by either party upon six months’ notice, calls for non-binding minimum orders.
- 27 -
The
cobalt-chromium stent for our MGuard Prime EPS was designed by Svelte Medical Systems Inc. We have an agreement with Svelte Medical Systems
Inc., as amended, that grants us a non-exclusive, worldwide license for production and use of the MGuard Prime cobalt-chromium stent
for the life of the stent’s patent, subject to the earlier termination of the agreement upon the bankruptcy of either party or
the uncured default by either party under any material provision of the agreement. Our royalty payments to Svelte Medical Systems Inc.
are determined by the sales volume of MGuard Prime EPS. Currently, the royalty rate is 2.9% of all net sales.
We
manufacture our CGuard EPS and MGuard Prime EPS at our own facility. The bare-metal cobalt-chromium stents for our MGuard Prime EPS and
the self-expanding bare-metal stents for our CGuard EPS are being manufactured and supplied by MeKo Laserstrahl-Materialbearbeitung.
Our agreement with MeKo Laserstrahl-Materialbearbeitung for the production of electro polished L605 bare-metal stents for MGuard Prime
EPS and CGuard EPS is priced on a per-stent basis, subject to the quantity of stents ordered. The complete assembly process for MGuard
Prime EPS and CGuard EPS, including knitting and securing the sleeve to the stent and the crimping of the sleeve stent on to a delivery
catheter, is done at our Israel manufacturing site. Once MGuard Prime EPS and CGuard EPS have been assembled, they are sent for sterilization
in a third-party facility in Israel, and then back to our facility for final packaging and distribution.
Each
MGuard stent is manufactured from two main components, the stent and the mesh polymer. The stent is made out of cobalt chromium. This
material is readily available, and we acquire it in the open market. The mesh is made from polyethylene terephthalate (polyester). This
material is readily available in the market as well, because it is used for many medical applications.
A
CGuard EPS consists of a CGuard stent and the delivery system. Each CGuard stent is manufactured from two main components, a self-expending
nickel-titanium stent and the mesh polymer. This material is readily available and we acquire it in the open market. The mesh is made
from polyethylene terephthalate (polyester). We have patent rights that cover the proposed CGuard stent with mesh. This material is readily
available in the market as well, because it is used for many medical applications. In the event that our supplier can no longer supply
this material in fiber form, we would need to qualify another supplier, which could take several months. The delivery system for CGuard
is made out of polymer tubes we acquire from an original equipment manufacturer. In the event that our supplier can no longer supply
this material, we would need to qualify another supplier, which could take several months. In addition, in order to retain the approval
of the CE mark, we are required to perform periodic audits of the quality control systems of our key suppliers in order to ensure that
their products meet our predetermined specifications.
Properties
Our
headquarters are located in Tel Aviv, Israel, where we lease a 1,000 square meter office and manufacturing facility that has the capacity
to manufacture and assemble 1,200 stents per month, based upon the production schedule of one shift per day. We believe that our current
facility is sufficient to meet anticipated future demand by adding additional shifts to our current production schedule.
Human
Capital Management
As
of December 31, 2021, we had 52 employees 50 full-time and 2 part-time, consisting of 2 in executive management, 5 in research and development,
7 in quality assurance and compliance, 5 in finance and accounting, 20 in operations/production, 10 in sales, marketing and clinical,
and 3 in all other miscellaneous roles, Human resources, information technology services, and administration. Except for 5 of our employees
in Europe, our employees are not party to any collective bargaining agreements. We do not expect the collective bargaining agreements
to which our employees are party to have a material effect on our business or results of operations. We also employ 3 independent contractors
in Poland and 1 in Brazil.
We
believe that our future success will depend, in part, on our continued ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel. In particular,
we depend on the skills, experience and performance of our senior management and research personnel. We compete for qualified personnel
with other medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, as well as universities and non-profit research institutions.
We
provide competitive compensation and benefits programs to help meet the needs of our employees. In addition to salaries, these programs
(which vary by country/region and employment classification) include incentive compensation plan, pension, healthcare and insurance benefits,
paid time off, family leave, and on-site services, among others. We also use targeted equity-based grants with vesting conditions to
facilitate retention of personnel, particularly for our key employees.
The
success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people. Accordingly, we are committed to the health and safety
of our employees. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we follow government regulations which may include at certain periods having
employees work from home, while implementing additional safety measures for employees continuing critical on-site work.
We
consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Item
1A. Risk Factors.
There
are numerous and varied risks, known and unknown, that may prevent us from achieving our goals. You should carefully consider the risks
described below and the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements
and related notes. If any of the following risks, or any other risks not described below, actually occur, it is likely that our business,
financial condition, and/or operating results could be materially adversely affected. The risks and uncertainties described below include
forward-looking statements and our actual results may differ from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.
- 28 -
Summary
Risk Factors
Our
business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in the section titled “Risk Factors”
immediately following this prospectus summary. These risks include, among others, the following:
●
the
COVID-19 pandemic has caused interruptions or delays of our business plan and may have a significant adverse effect on our business;
●
we
have a history of net losses and may experience future losses;
●
we
will need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future, and such capital raising may be costly or
difficult to obtain and could dilute our stockholders’ ownership interests;
●
we
may become subject to claims by much larger and better capitalized competitors enforcing their intellectual property rights against
us or seeking to invalidate our intellectual property or our rights thereto;
●
there
are inherent limitations in all control systems, and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected;
●
clinical
trials necessary to support a pre-market approval application will be lengthy and expensive and will require the enrollment of a
large number of patients, and suitable patients may be difficult to identify and recruit. Any such delay or failure of clinical trials
could prevent us from commercializing our stent products, which would materially and adversely affect our results of operations and
the value of our business;
●
our
products may in the future be subject to product notifications, recalls, or voluntary market withdrawals that could harm our reputation,
business and financial results;
●
completing
clinical trials for CGuard EPS in the United States require meeting a number of regulatory requirements and must be conducted in
compliance with the FDA’s IDE regulations. Failure to maintain compliance with IDE regulations could have a material adverse
effect on our business;
●
though
necessary to pursue FDA premarket approval, pre-clinical and clinical trials are inherently lengthy and expensive and subject to
any number of regulatory and/or clinical difficulties that can cause further delays, additional costs, and/or rejection by the FDA,
and any such delay, added cost, or failure in connection with any future clinical trials could prevent us from commercializing our
products, including MicroNet products in the United States, which would materially and adversely affect our results of operations
and the value of our business;
●
we
may be subject, directly or indirectly, to applicable U.S. federal and state anti-kickback, false claims laws, physician payment
transparency laws, fraud and abuse laws or similar healthcare and security laws and regulations, which could expose us to criminal
sanctions, civil penalties, contractual damages, reputational harm and diminished profits and future earnings;
●
we
may be exposed to product liability claims and insurance may not be sufficient to cover these claims;
●
even
if one or more of our products are approved by the FDA, we may fail to obtain an adequate level of reimbursement for our products
by third party payors, such that there may be no commercially viable markets for our products or the markets may be much smaller
than expected;
●
in
the United States and European Union, our business could be significantly and adversely affected by healthcare reform initiatives
and/or other legislation or judicial interpretations of existing or future healthcare laws and/or regulations;
●
if
we are unable to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection covering our products, others may be able to make, use or sell
our products, which would adversely affect our revenue;
- 29 -
●
we
are an international business, and we are exposed to various global and local risks that could have a material adverse effect on
our financial condition and results of operations venue;
●
the
market prices of our common stock and our publicly traded warrants are subject to fluctuation and have been and may continue to be
volatile, which could result in substantial losses for investors;
●
our
common stock could be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market if we fail to meet its continued listing requirements, including requirements
with respect to the market value of publicly-held-shares, market value of listed shares, minimum bid price per share, and minimum
stockholder’s equity, among others, and requirements relating to board and committee independence;
●
offers
or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our publicly traded securities
to decline;
●
we
anticipate being subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates because we expect a substantial portion of our revenues will
be generated in Euros and U.S. dollars, while a significant portion of our expenses will be incurred in New Israeli Shekels;
●
if
there are significant shifts in the political, economic and military conditions in Israel and its neighbours, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business relationships and profitability;
●
it
may be difficult for investors in the United States to enforce any judgments obtained against us or some of our directors or officers;
Risks
Related to Our Business
The
COVID-19 pandemic has caused interruptions or delays of our business plan and may have a significant adverse effect on our business.
We
have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we cannot predict the future impacts the COVID-19 pandemic, including the emergence
of new strains such as the Omicron or Delta variant, may have on its business, results of operations and financial condition. The COVID-19
global pandemic has led governments and authorities around the globe to take various precautionary measures in order to limit the spread
of COVID-19, including government-imposed quarantines, lockdowns, and other public health safety measures. We experienced a significant
COVID-19 related impact on our financial condition and results of operations, primarily during the year ended December 31, 2020, which
we primarily attribute to the postponement of CGuard EPS procedures (non-emergency procedures), as hospitals have shifted resources to
patients affected by COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, some European countries in which we operate reinstated non-emergency procedures.
In particular, in November 2021, the Government of Israel announced that non-Israeli residents or citizens, except for non-nationals
whose lives are based in Israel, are not allowed to enter Israel, New COVID-19 variants, and potentially increasing infection rates make
the current COVID-related environment highly volatile and uncertain, and we anticipate that the continuation of the pandemic and related
restrictions and safety measures will likely result in continued fluctuations in sales of our products, enrollments in our studies as
well as potential disruptions to our supply chain, for the upcoming periods.
During
this uncertain time, we are committed to the health and safety of our employees. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we follow government
regulations which may include at certain periods having employees work from home, while implementing additional safety measures for employees
continuing critical on-site work.
Governmental
mandates related to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases may impact, our personnel and personnel at third-party manufacturing facilities
in Israel and other countries, and the availability or cost of materials, which would disrupt our supply chain and/or reduce our margins.
Although the manufacturing of our products in Israel has not been materially impacted by COVID-19 as of February 2022, we cannot guarantee
that we will continue to manufacture at full capacity in the event that pandemic persists, and further restrictions are imposed.
Finally,
we anticipate that the COVID-19 pandemic may impact clinical and regulatory matters. COVID-19 is delaying enrollment in clinical trials
across the medical device industry and may affect any new trials we decide to pursue. COVID-19 may cause disruptions that could have
a material adverse impact on our FDA clinical trial plans and timelines, including:
●
Delays
in receiving authorizations from local regulatory authorities, ethics committees and institutional
review boards to initiate planned clinical trials;
●
Delays
or difficulties in enrolling patients in our clinical trials;
- 30 -
●
Delays
or difficulties in clinical site initiation, including difficulties in recruiting clinical
site investigators and clinical site staff;
●
Delays
in clinical sites receiving the supplies and materials needed to conduct our clinical trials,
including interruptions in global shipping that may affect the transport of clinical trial
materials;
●
Changes
in local regulations as part of a response to the COVID-19 pandemic which may require us
to change the ways in which our clinical trials are conducted, which may result in unexpected
costs, or to discontinue the clinical trials altogether;
●
Diversion
of healthcare resources away from the conduct of clinical trials, including the diversion
of hospitals serving as our clinical trial sites and hospital staff supporting the conduct
of our clinical trials;
●
Diversion
of healthcare resources away from the conduct of clinical trials, including the diversion
of hospitals serving as our clinical trial sites and hospital staff supporting the conduct
of our clinical trials;
●
Interruption
of key clinical trial activities, such as clinical trial site monitoring, due to limitations
on travel imposed or recommended by federal or state governments, employers and others, or
interruption of clinical trial subject visits and study procedures, the occurrence of which
could affect the integrity of clinical trial data;
●
Risk
that participants enrolled in our clinical trials will acquire COVID-19 while the clinical
trial is ongoing, which could impact the results of the clinical trial, including by increasing
the number of observed adverse events;
●
Delays
in necessary interactions with local regulators, ethics committees and other third parties
and contractors due to limitations in employee resources or forced furlough of government
employees;
●
Limitations
in employee resources that would otherwise be focused on the conduct of our clinical trials,
including because of sickness of employees or their families or the desire of employees to
avoid contact with large groups of people; and
●
Refusal
of the FDA to accept data from clinical trials in affected geographies.
Any
of these occurrences may significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects. In addition, many of the factors that cause,
or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the delay or denial of regulatory
approvals or clearances of our product.
The
extent to which COVID-19 will impact our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted,
including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus. The actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact,
the efficacy and scale of the various vaccines currently deployed across the world, among others. Moreover, COVID-19 has had indeterminable
adverse effects on general commercial activity and the world economy, and our business and results of operations could be adversely affected
to the extent that COVID-19 or any other epidemic continues to harm the global economy generally.
Increasing
inflation could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Inflation
and some of the measures taken by or that may be taken by the governments in countries where we operate in an attempt to curb inflation
may have negative effects on the economies of those countries generally. If the United States or other countries where we operate experience
substantial inflation in the future, our business may be adversely affected. This could have a material adverse impact on our business,
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We
have a history of net losses and may experience future losses.
We
have yet to establish any history of profitable operations. We reported a net loss of $14.9 million for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2021, and had a net loss of approximately $10.5 million during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021,
we had an accumulated deficit of $183 million. We expect to incur additional operating losses for the foreseeable future. There can be
no assurance that we will be able to achieve sufficient revenues throughout the year or be profitable in the future.
- 31 -
We
will need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future, and such capital raising may be costly or difficult
to obtain and could dilute our stockholders’ ownership interests.
In
order for us to pursue our business objectives without materially curtailing our operations, we will need to raise additional capital,
which additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms or at all. For instance, we will need to raise additional funds to
accomplish the following:
●
furthering
our efforts to ultimately seek the FDA approval for commercial sales of CGuard EPS in the United States;
●
development
of our current and future products, including CGuard EPS enhancements;
●
pursuing
growth opportunities, including more rapid expansion and funding regional distribution systems;
●
making
capital improvements to improve our infrastructure;
●
hiring
and retaining qualified management and key employees;
●
responding
to competitive pressures;
●
complying
with regulatory requirements such as licensing and registration; and
●
maintaining
compliance with applicable laws.
Any
additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-backed securities may dilute our stockholders’ ownership percentages
and could also result in a decrease in the market value of our equity securities.
The
terms of any securities issued by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors, and may include preferences,
superior voting rights and the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have a further dilutive effect on the holders
of any of our securities then outstanding.
In
addition, we may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting
fees, securities law compliance fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash
expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which may adversely impact our financial
condition.
We
operate in an intensely competitive and rapidly changing business environment, and there is a substantial risk our products could become
obsolete or uncompetitive.
The
medical device market is highly competitive. We compete with many medical device companies globally in connection with our current products
and products under development. We face intense competition from numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the therapeutics
area, as well as competition from academic institutions, government agencies and research institutions. Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific
Corporation, Medtronic, Inc., and Cardinal Health, Gore Medical and Terumo Medical Corporation produce a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh-covered
stent and a double layer metal stent, respectively. Most of our current and potential competitors, including but not limited to those
listed above, have, and will continue to have, substantially greater financial, technological, research and development, regulatory and
clinical, manufacturing, marketing and sales, distribution and personnel resources than we do. There can be no assurance that we will
have sufficient resources to successfully commercialize our products, if and when they are approved for sale. The worldwide market for
stent products is characterized by intensive development efforts and rapidly advancing technology. Our future success will depend largely
upon our ability to anticipate and keep pace with those developments and advances. Current or future competitors could develop alternative
technologies, products or materials that are more effective, easier to use or more economical than what we or any potential licensee
develop. If our technologies or products become obsolete or uncompetitive, our related product sales and licensing revenue would decrease.
This would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
- 32 -
We
may become subject to claims by much larger and better capitalized competitors enforcing their intellectual property rights against us
or seeking to invalidate our intellectual property or our rights thereto.
Based
on the prolific litigation that has occurred in the stent industry and the fact that we may pose a competitive threat to some large and
well-capitalized companies that own or control patents relating to stents and their use, manufacture and delivery, we believe that it
is possible that one or more third parties will assert a patent infringement claim against the manufacture, use or sale of our stents
based on one or more of these patents. These companies also own patents relating to the use of drugs to treat restenosis, stent architecture,
catheters to deliver stents, and stent manufacturing and coating processes and compositions, as well as general delivery mechanism patents
like rapid exchange, which might be alleged to cover one or more of our products. In addition, it is possible that a lawsuit of which
we are not aware asserting patent infringement, misappropriation of intellectual property, or related claims may have already been filed
against us. As the number of competitors in the stent market grows and as the geographies in which we commercially market grow in number
and scope, the possibility of patent infringement by us, and/or a patent infringement or misappropriation claim against us, increases.
Our
competitors have maintained their positions in the market by, among other things, establishing intellectual property rights relating
to their products and enforcing these rights aggressively against their competitors and new entrants into the market. All the major companies
in the field of stents and related markets, including Boston Scientific Corporation, C.R. Bard, Inc., W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
and Medtronic, Inc., have been repeatedly involved in patent litigation relating to stents since at least 1997. The field of stents and
related markets have experienced rapid technological change and obsolescence in the past, and our competitors have strong incentives
to stop or delay the introduction of new products and technologies. We may pose a competitive threat to many of the companies in these
markets. Accordingly, these companies will have a strong incentive to take steps, through patent litigation or otherwise, to prevent
us from distributing our products. Such litigation or claims would divert attention and resources away from the development and/or commercialization
of our products and could result in an adverse court judgment that would make it impossible or impractical to sell our products in one
or more territories.
If
we fail to maintain or establish satisfactory agreements or arrangements with suppliers or if we experience an interruption of the supply
of materials from suppliers, we may not be able to obtain materials that are necessary to develop our products.
We
depend on outside suppliers for certain raw materials. These raw materials or components may not always be available at our standards
or on acceptable terms, if at all, and we may be unable to locate alternative suppliers or produce necessary materials or components
on our own.
Some
of the components of our products are currently provided by only one vendor, or a single-source supplier. For CGuard EPS and MGuard Prime
EPS, we depend on MeKo Laserstrahl-Materialbearbeitung for the laser cutting of the stent, Natec Medical Ltd. for the supply of catheters,
and Biogeneral Inc. for the fiber. We may have difficulty obtaining similar components from other suppliers that are acceptable to the
FDA or foreign regulatory authorities if it becomes necessary.
If
we have to switch to a replacement supplier, we will face additional regulatory delays and the interruption of the manufacture and delivery
of our stents for an extended period of time, which would delay completion of our clinical trials or commercialization of our products.
In addition, we will be required to obtain prior regulatory approval from the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities to use different
suppliers or components that may not be as safe or as effective. As a result, regulatory approval of our products may not be received
on a timely basis or at all.
- 33 -
In
addition, we rely on a third-party vendor to perform the sterilization process. A third-party vendor’s failure to properly sterilize
a component may cause delays or disruptions in our manufacturing process.
We
are subject to financial reporting and other requirements that place significant demands on our resources.
We
are subject to reporting and other obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the requirements of Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 requires us to conduct an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our
internal controls over financial reporting. These reporting and other obligations place significant demands on our management, administrative,
operational, internal audit and accounting resources. Any failure to maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse
effect on our business, operating results and stock price. Moreover, effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable
financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our
business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be
harmed.
There
are inherent limitations in all control systems, and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
The
ongoing internal control provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require us to identify material weaknesses in internal
control over financial reporting, which is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our management, including our
chief executive officer and chief financial officer, does not expect that our internal controls and disclosure controls will prevent
all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance
that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource
constraints, and the benefit of controls must be relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems,
no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, in our company have
been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can
occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Further, controls can be circumvented by individual acts of some persons, by collusion of
two or more persons, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated
goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, a control may be inadequate because of changes in conditions, such as growth
of the company or increased transaction volume, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because
of inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
In
addition, discovery and disclosure of a material weakness, by definition, could have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
Such an occurrence could discourage certain customers or suppliers from doing business with us and adversely affect how our stock trades.
This could in turn negatively affect our ability to access equity markets for capital.
Risks
Related to our Products, Clinical Trials and Regulatory Matters
Clinical
trials necessary to support a pre-market approval application will be lengthy and expensive and will require the enrollment of a large
number of patients, and suitable patients may be difficult to identify and recruit. Any such delay or failure of clinical trials could
prevent us from commercializing our stent products, which would materially and adversely affect our results of operations and the value
of our business.
Clinical
trials necessary to support a pre-market approval application to the FDA for our products, including CGuard EPS stent will be expensive
and will require the enrollment of a large number of patients, and suitable patients may be difficult to identify and recruit, which
may cause a delay in the development and commercialization of our product candidates. Patient enrollment in clinical trials and the ability
to successfully complete patient follow-up depends on many factors, including the size of the patient population, the nature of the trial
protocol, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the clinical trial and patient compliance. For example,
patients may be discouraged from enrolling in our clinical trials if the trial protocol requires them to undergo extensive post-treatment
procedures or follow-up to assess the safety and efficacy of our products, or they may be persuaded to participate in contemporaneous
clinical trials of competitive products. In addition, patients participating in our clinical trials may die before completion of the
trial or suffer adverse medical events unrelated to or related to our products. Delays in patient enrollment or failure of patients to
continue to participate in a clinical trial may cause an increase in costs and delays or result in the failure of the clinical trial.
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In
addition, the length of time required to complete clinical trials for pharmaceutical and medical device products varies substantially
according to the degree of regulation and the type, complexity, novelty and intended use of a product, and can continue for several years
and cost millions of dollars. The commencement and completion of clinical trials for our products under development may be delayed by
many factors, including governmental or regulatory delays and changes in regulatory requirements, policy and guidelines or our inability
or the inability of any potential licensee to manufacture or obtain from third parties materials sufficient for use in preclinical studies
and clinical trials.
The
results of our clinical trials may be insufficient to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates.
We
will only receive regulatory approval to commercialize a product candidate if we can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or the
applicable foreign regulatory agency, in well designed and conducted clinical trials, that the product candidate is safe and effective.
If we are unable to demonstrate that a product candidate is safe and effective in advanced clinical trials involving large numbers of
patients, we will be unable to submit the necessary application to receive regulatory approval to commercialize the product candidate.
We face risks that:
●
the
product candidate may not prove to be safe or effective;
●
the
product candidate’s benefits may not outweigh its risks;
●
the
results from advanced clinical trials may not confirm the positive results from pre-clinical studies and early clinical trials;
●
the
FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may interpret data from pre-clinical and clinical testing in different ways than
us; and
●
the
FDA or other regulatory agencies may require additional or expanded trials and data.
Patients
may discontinue their participation in our clinical studies, which may negatively impact the results of these studies and extend the
timeline for completion of our development programs.
Clinical
trials for our product candidates require sufficient patient enrollment. We may not be able to enroll a sufficient number of patients
in a timely or cost-effective manner. Patients enrolled in our clinical studies may discontinue their participation at any time during
the study as a result of a number of factors, including withdrawing their consent or experiencing adverse clinical events, which may
or may not be judged to be related to our product candidates under evaluation. If a large number of patients in a study discontinue their
participation in the study, the results from that study may not be positive or may not support a filing for regulatory approval of the
product candidate.
In
addition, the time required to complete clinical trials is dependent upon, among other factors, the rate of patient enrollment. Patient
enrollment is a function of many factors, including the following:
●
the
size of the patient population;
●
the
nature of the clinical protocol requirements;
●
the
availability of other treatments or marketed therapies (whether approved or experimental);
●
our
ability to recruit and manage clinical centers and associated trials;
●
the
proximity of patients to clinical sites; and
●
the
patient eligibility criteria for the study.
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Our
products may in the future be subject to product notifications, recalls, or voluntary market withdrawals that could harm our reputation,
business and financial results.
After
regulatory approval has been obtained for medical device products, the product and the manufacturer are subject to continual review,
including the review of adverse experiences and clinical results that are reported after our products are made available to patients,
and there can be no assurance that such approval will not be withdrawn or restricted. Regulators may also subject approvals to restrictions
or conditions or impose post-approval obligations on the holders of these approvals, and the regulatory status of such products may be
jeopardized if such obligations are not fulfilled. If post-approval studies are required, such studies may involve significant time and
expense.
The
manufacturing and marketing of medical devices involves an inherent risk that our products may prove to be defective and cause a health
risk even after regulatory clearances have been obtained. Medical devices may also be modified after regulatory clearance is obtained
to such an extent that additional regulatory clearance is necessary before the device can be further marketed. In these events, we may
voluntarily implement a recall or market withdrawal or may be required to do so by a regulatory authority.
In
the European Economic Area, we must comply with the EU Medical Device Vigilance System. Under this system, manufacturers are required
to take Field Safety Corrective Actions (“FSCAs”) to reduce a risk of death or serious deterioration in the state of health
associated with the use of a medical device that is already placed on the market. A FSCA may include the recall, modification, exchange,
destruction or retrofitting of the device. FSCAs must be communicated by the manufacturer or its legal representative to its customers
and/or to the end users of the device through Field Safety Notices.
Any
adverse event involving our products could result in other future voluntary corrective actions, such as recalls or customer notifications,
or agency action, such as inspection or enforcement action. Adverse events have been reported to us in the past, and we cannot guarantee
that they will not occur in the future. Any corrective action, whether voluntary or involuntary, as well as defending ourselves in a
lawsuit, would require the dedication of our time and capital, distract management from operating our business and could harm our reputation
and financial results.
We
expect to derive our revenue from sales of our CGuard EPS stent product and other products we may develop, such as CGuard EPS with enhancements.
If we fail to generate revenue from these sources, our results of operations and the value of our business would be materially and adversely
affected.
We
expect our revenue to be generated from sales of our CGuard EPS stent products and other products we may develop. Future sales of CGuard
EPS will be subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and commercial and market uncertainties that may be outside our control. In
addition, there may be insufficient demand for other products we are seeking to develop, such as CGuard EPS with enhancements. If we
fail to generate expected revenues from these products, our results of operations and the value of our business and securities would
be materially and adversely affected.
If
our manufacturing facilities are unable to provide an adequate supply of products, our growth could be limited and our business could
be harmed.
We
currently manufacture our CGuard EPS and MGuard Prime EPS products at our facility in Tel Aviv, Israel. If there were a disruption to
our existing manufacturing facility, we would have no other means of manufacturing our CGuard EPS or MGuard Prime EPS stents until we
were able to restore the manufacturing capability at our facility or develop alternative manufacturing facilities. If we were unable
to produce sufficient quantities of our CGuard EPS or MGuard Prime EPS stents to meet market demand or for use in our current and planned
clinical trials, or if our manufacturing process yields substandard stents, our development and commercialization efforts would be delayed.
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Additionally,
any damage to or destruction of our Tel Aviv facility or its equipment, prolonged power outage or contamination at our facility would
significantly impair our ability to produce either CGuard EPS or MGuard Prime EPS stents.
Finally,
the production of our stents must occur in a highly controlled, clean environment to minimize particles and other yield and quality-limiting
contaminants. In spite of stringent quality controls, weaknesses in process control or minute impurities in materials may cause a substantial
percentage of defective products in a lot. If we are unable to maintain stringent quality controls, or if contamination problems arise,
our clinical development and commercialization efforts could be delayed, which would harm our business and results of operations.
Completing
clinical trials for CGuard EPS in the United States require meeting a number of regulatory requirements and must be conducted in compliance
with the FDA’s IDE regulations. Failure to maintain compliance with IDE regulations could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
Clinical
trials involve use of a medical device candidate (or drug, biological, or other product candidate, as applicable) on human subjects under
the supervision of qualified investigators in accordance with current Good Clinical Practices, including the requirement that all research
subjects provide informed consent for their participation in the clinical study. The FDA classifies medical device candidates into “significant
risk” and “non-significant risk” devices. Significant risk devices present a potential for serious risk to the health,
safety, or welfare of a subject. Examples may include implants, devices that support or sustain human life, and devices that are substantially
important in diagnosing, curing, mitigating, or treating disease or in preventing impairment to human health. If a medical device candidate
presents a significant risk, an IDE application must be submitted and approved prior to commencing any human clinical trials in the United
States in connection with such device. The FDA may approve, conditionally approve, or deny an IDE or it may require further information
and, thus, delay approval. On September 8, 2020, we received IDE approval for CGuard™ Carotid Stent System, CARENET-III.
In
addition to our recent IDE approval for CGuard™ Carotid Stent System, CARENET-III, we must apply for and obtain IRB approval of
the proposed CGuard EPS clinical study in connection with each clinical site before commencing any study activities. A written protocol
with predefined end points, an appropriate sample size, and pre-determined patient inclusion and exclusion criteria, is also required
before we may initiate or conduct the CGuard EPS trial. If we obtain IDE approval, IRB approval, and meet all of the other applicable
requirements that must be met before beginning clinical trials in the United States, we will, then, be able to lawfully initiate the
clinical investigation of the safety and effectiveness of CGuard EPS in the United States.
Importantly,
the CGuard EPS clinical trial and any others that we may conduct in the future, must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s
IDE regulations, which, among other things, establish requirements for investigational device labeling, prohibit pre-approval promotion
of a device candidate, and specify recordkeeping, reporting, and monitoring responsibilities of study sponsors and study investigators.
We
may not be able to obtain IRB approval to undertake clinical trials in the United States for CGuard EPS or any new devices we intend
to market in the United States in the future. If we do obtain such approvals, we may not be able to conduct studies which comply with
the IDE and other regulations governing clinical investigations or the data from any such trials may not support clearance or approval
of the investigational device. Failure to obtain such approvals or to comply with such regulations could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Relatedly,
certainty that clinical trials will meet desired endpoints, produce meaningful or useful data, and be free of unexpected adverse effects,
or that the FDA will accept the validity of foreign clinical study data, as applicable, cannot be guaranteed, and such uncertainty could
preclude or delay regulatory approvals and commercialization, resulting in significant financial costs and reduced revenue. Moreover,
the timing of the commencement, continuation, and completion of any future clinical trial may be subject to significant delays attributable
to various causes, including, but not limited to, scheduling conflicts with participating clinicians and clinical institutions, difficulties
in identifying and enrolling patients who meet trial eligibility criteria, failure of patients to complete the clinical trial, delay
in or failure to meet regulatory and/or IRB requirements to conduct a clinical trial at a one or more prospective sites, and shortages
of supply in the investigational device.
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Though
necessary to pursue FDA’s premarket approval, pre-clinical and clinical trials are inherently lengthy and expensive and subject
to any number of regulatory and/or clinical difficulties that can cause further delays, additional costs, and/or rejection by the FDA,
and any such delay, added cost, or failure in connection with any future clinical trials could prevent us from commercializing our MicroNet
products in the United States, which would materially and adversely affect our results of operations and the value of our business.
As
part of the regulatory process, we must conduct clinical trials for each product candidate to demonstrate safety and efficacy to the
satisfaction of the regulatory authorities, including, if we seek in the future to sell our products in the United States, the FDA. Clinical
trials are subject to rigorous regulatory requirements and are expensive and time-consuming to design and implement. They require the
enrollment of a large number of patients, and suitable patients may be difficult to identify and recruit, which may cause a delay in
the development and commercialization of our product candidates. In some trials, a greater number of patients and a longer follow-up
period may be required. Patient enrollment in clinical trials and the ability to successfully complete patient follow-up depends on many
factors, including the size of the patient population, the nature of the trial protocol, the proximity of patients to clinical sites,
the eligibility criteria for the clinical trial and patient compliance. For example, patients may be discouraged from enrolling in our
clinical trials if the trial protocol requires them to undergo extensive post-treatment procedures or follow-up to assess the safety
and efficacy of our products, or they may be persuaded to participate in contemporaneous clinical trials of competitive products. In
addition, patients participating in our clinical trials may die before completion of the trial or suffer adverse medical events unrelated
to or related to our products. Delays in patient enrollment or failure of patients to continue to participate in a clinical trial may
cause an increase in costs and delays or result in the failure of the clinical trial.
In
addition, the length of time required to complete clinical trials for pharmaceutical and medical device products varies substantially
according to the degree of regulation and the type, complexity, novelty and intended use of a product, and can continue for several years
and cost millions of dollars. The commencement and completion of clinical trials for our existing products and those under development
may be delayed by many factors, including governmental or regulatory delays and changes in regulatory requirements, policy and guidelines
or our inability or the inability of any potential licensee to manufacture or obtain from third parties materials sufficient for use
in preclinical studies and clinical trials. In addition, market demand may change for products being tested due to the length of time
needed to complete requisite clinical trials.
Physicians
may not widely adopt our products unless they determine, based on experience, long-term clinical data and published peer reviewed journal
articles, among other standard-of-care considerations, that the use of our stents provides a safe and effective alternative to other
existing treatments for coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease.
We
believe that physicians will not widely adopt our products unless they determine, based on experience, long-term clinical data, published
peer reviewed journal articles and payor coverage policies, among other factors, that the use of our products provide a safe and effective
alternative to other existing treatments for the conditions we are seeking to address.
If
we fail to demonstrate safety and efficacy that is at least comparable to existing and future therapies available on the market, our
ability to successfully market our products will be significantly limited. Even if the data collected from clinical studies or clinical
experience indicate positive results, each physician’s actual experience with our products will vary. Clinical trials conducted
with our products may involve procedures performed by physicians who are technically proficient and are high-volume stent users of such
products. Consequently, both short-term and long-term results reported in these clinical trials may be significantly more favorable than
typical results of practicing physicians, which could negatively affect rates of adoptions of our products. We also believe that published
peer-reviewed journal articles and recommendations and support by influential physicians regarding our products will be important for
market acceptance and adoption, and we cannot assure you that we will receive these recommendations and support, or that supportive articles
will be published.
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We
have only limited experience in regulatory affairs, which may affect our ability or the time required to navigate complex regulatory
requirements and obtain necessary regulatory approvals, if such approvals are received at all. Regulatory delays or denials may increase
our costs, cause us to lose revenue and materially and adversely affect our results of operations and the value of our business.
Because
long-term success measures have not been completely validated for our products, especially CGuard EPS, regulatory agencies may take a
significant amount of time in evaluating product approval applications. Treatments may exhibit a favorable measure using one metric and
an unfavorable measure using another metric. Any change in accepted metrics may result in reconfiguration of, and delays in, our clinical
trials. Additionally, we have only limited experience in filing and prosecuting the applications necessary to gain regulatory approvals,
and our clinical, regulatory and quality assurance personnel are currently composed of only five employees. As a result, we may experience
delays in connection with obtaining regulatory approvals for our products.
In
addition, the products we and any potential licensees license, develop, manufacture and market are subject to complex regulatory requirements,
particularly in the United States, Europe and Asia, which can be costly and time-consuming. There can be no assurance that such approvals
will be granted on a timely basis, if at all. Furthermore, there can be no assurance of continued compliance with all regulatory requirements
necessary for the manufacture, marketing and sale of the products we will offer in each market where such products are expected to be
sold, or that products we have commercialized will continue to comply with applicable regulatory requirements. If a government regulatory
agency were to conclude that we were not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations, the agency could institute proceedings to
detain or seize our products, issue a recall, impose operating restrictions, enjoin future violations and assess civil and criminal penalties
against us, our officers or employees and could recommend criminal prosecution. Furthermore, regulators may proceed to ban, or request
the recall, repair, replacement or refund of the cost of, any device manufactured or sold by us. Furthermore, there can be no assurance
that all necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained for the manufacture, marketing and sale in any market of any new product developed
or that any potential licensee will develop using our licensed technology.
Even
if our products are approved by regulatory authorities, if we or our suppliers fail to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, or
if we experience unanticipated problems with our products, these products could be subject to restrictions or withdrawal from the market.
Any
regulatory approvals that we receive for our products will require surveillance to monitor the safety and efficacy of the product and
may require us to conduct post-approval clinical studies. In addition, if a regulatory authority approves our products, the manufacturing
processes, labeling, packaging, distribution, adverse event reporting, storage, advertising, promotion, import, export and recordkeeping
for our products will be subject to extensive and ongoing regulatory requirements.
Moreover,
if we obtain regulatory approval for any of our products, we will only be permitted to market our products for the indication approved
by the regulatory authority, and such approval may involve limitations on the indicated uses or promotional claims we may make for our
products. In addition, later discovery of previously unknown problems with our products, including adverse events of unanticipated severity
or frequency, or with our suppliers or manufacturing processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in, among
other things:
●
restrictions
on the marketing or manufacturing of our product candidates, withdrawal of the product from the market, or voluntary or mandatory
product recalls;
●
fines,
warning letters, or untitled letters;
●
holds
on clinical trials;
●
refusal
by the regulatory authority to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications filed by us or suspension or
revocation of license approvals;
●
product
seizure or detention, or refusal to permit the import or export of our product candidates; and
●
injunctions,
the imposition of civil penalties or criminal prosecution.
- 39 -
The
FDA also requires that our sales and marketing efforts, as well as promotions, be consistent with various laws and regulations. Approved
medical device promotions must be consistent with and not contrary to labeling, balanced, truthful and not false or misleading, adequately
substantiated (when required), and include adequate directions for use. In addition to the requirements applicable to approved products,
we may also be subject to enforcement action in connection with any promotion of an investigational new device. A sponsor or investigator,
or any person acting on behalf of a sponsor or investigator, may not represent in a promotional context that an investigational new device
is safe or effective for the purposes for which it is under investigation or otherwise promote the device.
If
the FDA investigates our marketing and promotional materials or other communications and finds that any of our investigational devices,
or future commercial products, if any, are being marketed or promoted in violation of the applicable regulatory restrictions, we could
be subject to the enforcement actions listed above, among others. Any enforcement action (or related lawsuit, which could follow such
action) brought against us in connection with alleged violations of applicable device promotion requirements, or prohibitions, could
harm our business and our reputation, as well as the reputation of any devices that may be approved for marketing in the U.S. in the
future.
The
applicable regulatory authorities’ policies may change, and additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent,
limit or delay regulatory approval of our products. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that
may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in the United States or abroad. If we are slow or unable to adapt
to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or if we are not able to maintain regulatory compliance,
we may lose any marketing approval that we may have obtained and we may not achieve or sustain profitability.
Failure
to obtain regulatory approval in foreign jurisdictions will prevent us from marketing our products in such jurisdictions.
We
market our products in international markets. In order to market our products in other foreign jurisdictions, we must obtain separate
regulatory approvals from the appropriate governing body in each applicable country. The approval processes vary among countries and
can involve additional testing, and the time required to obtain approval may differ from that required to obtain CE mark or FDA approval.
Foreign regulatory approval processes may include all of the risks associated with obtaining CE mark or FDA approval in addition to other
risks. We may not obtain foreign regulatory approvals on a timely basis, if at all. CE mark approval or any future FDA approval does
not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries. We may not be able to file for regulatory approvals and may not receive
necessary approvals to commercialize our products in certain markets.
We
are, or may be, subject to federal, state and foreign healthcare laws and regulations and implementation of or changes to such healthcare
laws and regulations could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
In
both the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions, there are laws and regulations specific to the healthcare industry which may
affect all aspects of our business, including development, testing, marketing, sales, pricing, and reimbursement. Additionally, there
have been a number of legislative and regulatory proposals in recent years to change the healthcare system in ways that could impact
our ability to sell our products. If we are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other federal or state regulations,
we may be subject to administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties, damages, fines, individual imprisonment, exclusion from federal
healthcare programs and the restructuring of our operations. Any of these could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial
results. Since many of these laws have not been fully interpreted by the courts, there is an increased risk that we may be found in violation
of one or more of their provisions. Any action against us for violation of these laws, even if we ultimately are successful in our defense,
will cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert our management’s attention away from the operation of our business.
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We
may be subject, directly or indirectly, to applicable U.S. federal and state anti-kickback, false claims laws, physician payment transparency
laws, fraud and abuse laws or similar healthcare and security laws and regulations, which could expose us to criminal sanctions, civil
penalties, contractual damages, reputational harm and diminished profits and future earnings.
Healthcare
providers, physicians and others will play a primary role in the recommendation, ordering and utilization of any products for which we
obtain regulatory approval. If we obtain U.S. Food & Drug Administration approval for any of our products and begin commercializing
those products in the United States, our operations may be subject to various federal and state fraud and abuse laws, including, without
limitation, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the federal False Claims Act, and physician payment sunshine laws and regulations. These
laws may impact, among other things, our potential sales, marketing and education programs. In addition, we may be subject to patient
privacy regulation by both the federal government and the states in which we conduct our business. The laws that may affect our ability
to operate include:
●
the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying
any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe, or rebate), directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce,
or in return for, either the referral of an individual, or the purchase, lease, order or recommendation of any good, facility, item or
service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs;
●
federal civil and criminal false claims laws and civil monetary penalty laws, including the False Claims Act, which may be pursued through
civil whistleblower or qui tam actions, impose criminal and civil penalties against individuals or entities for knowingly presenting,
or causing to be presented, to the federal government, claims for payment or approval from Medicare, Medicaid or other third-party payors
that are false or fraudulent or making a false statement to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the federal government;
●
federal criminal statutes created through the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), which
prohibit knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by
means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or
control of, any healthcare benefit program, regardless of the payor (e.g., public or private) and knowingly and willfully falsifying,
concealing or covering up by any trick or device a material fact or making any materially false statements in connection with the delivery
of, or payment for, healthcare benefits, items or services relating to healthcare matters;
●
HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 and their respective implementing
regulations, which imposes requirements on certain covered healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses as well
as their respective business associates that perform services for them that involve the use, or disclosure of, individually identifiable
health information, relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information;
●
the federal transparency requirements under The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation
Act, enacted into law in the United States in March 2010 (known collectively as the “Affordable Care Act”), including the
provision commonly referred to as the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires manufacturers of drugs, biologics, devices and
medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to report annually
to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians and
teaching hospitals, as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; and
●
state and federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that
potentially harm consumers.
Additionally,
we may be subject to state and non-U.S. equivalents of each of the healthcare laws described above, among others, some of which may be
broader in scope and may apply regardless of the payor. Many U.S. states have adopted laws similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute,
some of which apply to the referral of patients for healthcare services reimbursed by any source, not just governmental payors, including
private insurers. Several states impose marketing restrictions or require medical device companies to make marketing or price disclosures
to the state. There are ambiguities as to what is required to comply with these state requirements, and if we fail to comply with an
applicable state law requirement, we could be subject to penalties.
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Because
of the breadth of these laws and the narrowness of the statutory exceptions and safe harbors available, it is possible that some of our
future business activities could be subject to challenge under one or more of such laws. In addition, healthcare reform legislation has
strengthened these laws. For example, the Affordable Care Act, among other things, amended the intent requirement of the federal Anti-Kickback
and criminal healthcare fraud statutes. As a result of such amendment, a person or entity no longer needs to have actual knowledge of
these statutes or specific intent to violate them in order to have committed a violation. Moreover, the Affordable Care Act provides
that the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute
constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the False Claims Act.
Violations
of fraud and abuse laws may be punishable by criminal and/or civil sanctions, including penalties, fines and/or exclusion or suspension
from federal and state healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and debarment from contracting with the U.S. government. In
addition, private individuals have the ability to bring actions on behalf of the U.S. government under the False Claims Act as well,
as under the false claims laws of several states.
Efforts
to ensure that our business arrangements with third parties comply with applicable healthcare laws and regulations will involve substantial
costs. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our existing or future business practices do not comply with current
or future statutes, regulations or case law involving applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare laws and regulations. Any such actions
instituted against us could have a significant adverse impact on our business, including the imposition of civil, criminal and administrative
penalties, damages, disgorgement, monetary fines, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare
programs, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of our operations, any of which
could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our results of operations. Even if we are successful in defending against
such actions, we may nonetheless be subject to substantial costs, reputational harm and adverse effects on our ability to operate our
business. In addition, the approval and commercialization of any of our products outside the United States will also likely subject us
to non-U.S. equivalents of the healthcare laws mentioned above, among other non-U.S. laws.
If
any of our employees, agents, or the physicians or other providers or entities with whom we expect to do business are found to have violated
applicable laws, we may be subject to criminal, civil or administrative sanctions, including exclusions from government funded healthcare
programs, or, if we are not subject to such actions, we may suffer reputational harm for conducting business with persons or entities
found, or accused of being, in violation of such laws. Any such events could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and
our results of operations.
We
may be exposed to product liability claims and insurance may not be sufficient to cover these claims.
We
may be exposed to product liability claims based on the use of any of our products, or products incorporating our licensed technology,
in the market or clinical trials. We may also be exposed to product liability claims based on the sale of any products under development
following the receipt of regulatory approval. Product liability claims could be asserted directly by consumers, health-care providers
or others. We have obtained product liability insurance coverage; however ,such insurance may not provide full coverage for our future
clinical trials, products to be sold, and other aspects of our business. Insurance coverage is becoming increasingly expensive, and we
may not be able to maintain current coverage, or expand our insurance coverage to include future clinical trials or the sale of new products
or existing products in new territories, at a reasonable cost or in sufficient amounts to protect against losses due to product liability
or at all. A successful product liability claim, or series of claims brought against us could result in judgments, fines, damages and
liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may incur significant
expense investigating and defending these claims, even if they do not result in liability. Moreover, even if no judgments, fines, damages
or liabilities are imposed on us, our reputation could suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
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Even
if one or more of our products are approved by the FDA, we may fail to obtain an adequate level of reimbursement for our products by
third party payors, such that there may be no commercially viable markets for our products or the markets may be much smaller than expected.
The
availability and levels of reimbursement by governmental and other third-party payors affect the market for our products. The efficacy,
safety, performance and cost-effectiveness of our products and of any competing products are factors that may impact the availability
and level of reimbursement. Reimbursement and healthcare payment systems in international markets vary significantly by country and include
both government sponsored healthcare and private insurance. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some countries, we may be
required to produce clinical data, which may involve one or more clinical trials that compares the cost-effectiveness of our products
to other available therapies. We may not obtain international reimbursement or pricing approvals in a timely manner, if at all. Our failure
to receive international reimbursement or pricing approvals would negatively impact market acceptance of our products in the international
markets in which those approvals are sought.
We
believe that future reimbursement may be subject to increased restrictions both in the U.S. and in international markets. There is increasing
pressure by governments worldwide to contain healthcare costs by limiting both the coverage and the level of reimbursement for therapeutic
products and by refusing, in some cases, to provide any coverage for products that have not been approved by the relevant regulatory
agency. Future legislation, regulation or reimbursement policies of third party payors may adversely affect the demand for our products
and limit our ability to sell our products on a profitable basis. In addition, third party payors continually attempt to contain or reduce
the costs of healthcare by challenging the prices charged for healthcare products and services. If reimbursement for our products is
unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, market acceptance of our products would be
impaired, and future revenues, if any, would be adversely affected.
In
the United States and European Union, our business could be significantly and adversely affected by healthcare reform initiatives and/or
other legislation or judicial interpretations of existing or future healthcare laws and/or regulations.
The
Affordable Care Act, signed into law in the United States in March 2010, contains certain provisions which are not yet fully implemented
and for which it is unclear what the full impact will be from the legislation.
The
legislation also focuses on a number of provisions aimed at improving quality, broadening access to health insurance, enhancing remedies
for fraud and abuse, adding transparency requirements, and decreasing healthcare costs, among others. Uncertainties remain regarding
what negative unintended consequences these provisions will have on patient access to new technologies, pricing and the market for our
products, and the healthcare industry in general. The Affordable Care Act includes provisions affecting the Medicare program, such as
value-based payment programs, increased funding of comparative effectiveness research, reduced hospital payments for avoidable readmissions
and hospital acquired conditions, and pilot programs to evaluate alternative payment methodologies that promote care coordination (such
as bundled physician and hospital payments). Additionally, the provisions include a reduction in the annual rate of inflation for hospitals
which started in 2011 and the establishment of an independent payment advisory board to recommend ways of reducing the rate of growth
in Medicare spending. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in
payments from private payors.
Since
its enactment, there have been judicial and Congressional challenges to certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act, as well as efforts
by the Trump Administration to modify, repeal or otherwise invalidate all, or certain provisions of, the Affordable Care Act. Following
the enactment of the Tax Act, on December 14, 2018 in a case in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas,
a federal judge ruled that the individual mandate imposed by the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional and inseverable from the other
provisions of the Affordable Care Act and, therefore, the remaining provisions of the Affordable Care Act are invalid. On November 10,
2020 the United States Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the Affordable Care Act is constitutional, in whole or in part, and is
expected to rule in that case in early 2021. Assuming entire Affordable Care Act is not ruled to be unconstitutional, the implementation
of the Affordable Care Act will remain ongoing and may also increase our regulatory burdens and operating costs. Litigation and legislation
related to the Affordable Care Act are likely to continue, with unpredictable and uncertain results. We cannot predict with certainty
what affect further changes to the Affordable Care Act would have on our business.
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In
addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. These changes included
aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of up to two percent per fiscal year, which will remain in effect through 2027
unless additional Congressional action is taken. It is unclear what impact new quality and payment programs may have on our business,
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Individual states in the United States have also become increasingly aggressive
in passing legislation and implementing regulations designed to control product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints,
and discounts, and require marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures. We believe that additional state and federal health care
reform measures may be adopted in the future that could have a material adverse effect on our industry generally and on our customers.
Any changes in, or uncertainty with respect to, future reimbursement rates could impact our customers’ demand for our products,
which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Further,
the federal, state and local governments, Medicare, Medicaid, managed care organizations, and foreign governments have in the past considered,
are currently considering, and may in the future consider healthcare policies and proposals intended to curb rising healthcare costs,
including those that could significantly affect both private and public reimbursement for healthcare services. Future significant changes
in the healthcare systems in the United States or other countries, including changes intended to reduce expenditures along with uncertainty
about whether and how changes may be implemented, could have a negative impact on the demand for our products. We are unable to predict
with certainty whether other healthcare policies, including policies stemming from legislation or regulations affecting our business,
may be proposed or enacted in the future; what effect such policies would have on our business; or the effect ongoing uncertainty about
these matters will have on our customers’ purchasing decisions.
We
cannot predict the impact that such actions against the Affordable Care Act will have on our business, and there is uncertainty as to
what healthcare programs and regulations may be implemented or changed at the federal and/or state level in the United States, or the
effect of any future legislation or regulation. Furthermore, we cannot predict what actions the Biden administration will implement in
connection with the Affordable Care Act. However, it is possible that such initiatives could have an adverse effect on our ability to
obtain approval and/or successfully commercialize products in the United States in the future. For example, any changes that reduce,
or impede the ability to obtain, reimbursement for the type of products we intend to commercialize in the United States (or our products
more specifically, if approved) or reduce medical procedure volumes could adversely affect our business plan to introduce our products
in the United States.
In
May 2017, the European parliament and the council of the European Union approved a new Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 which
has replaced the existing medical device directives (93/42/EEC). The new regulations entered into full application in May 26, 2021. The
new Medical Device Regulation imposes stricter requirements on medical device manufacturers and strengthens the supervising competences
of the competent authorities of European Union member states, the notified bodies and the authorized representatives. As a result, the
new legislation can prevent or delay the CE marking and certifications of our products under development or impact our ability to modify
our currently CE marked products on a timely basis. If we fail to comply with the modified regulation and requirements, it can adversely
affect our business, operating results and prospects. Any new regulations or revisions or reinterpretations of existing regulations may
impose additional costs or lengthen review times of future products.
General
Risk Factors
If
we are unable to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection covering our products, others may be able to make, use or sell
our products, which would adversely affect our revenue.
Our
ability to protect our products from unauthorized or infringing use by third parties depends substantially on our ability to obtain and
maintain valid and enforceable patents. Similarly, the ability to protect our trademark rights might be important to prevent third party
counterfeiters from selling poor quality goods using our designated trademarks, and trade names. Due to evolving legal standards relating
to the patentability, validity and enforceability of patents covering medical devices and pharmaceutical inventions and the scope of
claims made under these patents, our ability to enforce patents is uncertain and involves complex legal and factual questions. Accordingly,
rights under any of our pending patent applications and patents may not provide us with commercially meaningful protection for our products
or may not afford a commercial advantage against our competitors or their competitive products or processes. In addition, patents may
not be issued from any pending or future patent applications owned by or licensed to us, and moreover, patents that may be issued to
us now or in the future may later be found invalid or unenforceable. Further, even if valid and enforceable, our patents may not be sufficiently
broad to prevent others from marketing products like ours, despite our patent rights.
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The
validity of our patent claims depends, in part, on whether prior art references exist that describe or render obvious our inventions
as of the filing date of our patent applications. We may not have identified all prior art, such as U.S. and foreign patents or published
applications or published scientific literature, that could adversely affect the patentability of our issued patents and pending patent
applications. For example, some material references may be in a foreign language and may not be uncovered during examination of our patent
applications. Additionally, patent applications in the United States are maintained in confidence for up to 18 months after their filing.
In some cases, however, patent applications remain confidential in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the entire time prior to
issuance as a U.S. patent. Patent applications filed in countries outside the U.S. are not typically published until at least 18 months
from their first filing date. Similarly, publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature often lags behind actual discoveries.
Therefore, we cannot be certain that we were the first to invent, or the first to file patent applications relating to, our stent technologies.
Third parties may initiate adversarial proceedings, known as an inter-partes review (IPR) in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to
challenge the validity of our patent claims in the United States. It is possible that we may be unsuccessful in the proceedings, resulting
in a loss of some portion or all of our patent rights in the United States.
In
addition, statutory differences in patentable subject matter among jurisdictions may limit the protection we can obtain on certain of
the technologies we develop. The laws of some foreign jurisdictions do not offer the same protection to, or may make it more difficult
to effect the enforcement of, proprietary rights as in the United States. This risk may be exacerbated if we move our manufacturing to
certain countries in Asia. If we encounter such difficulties or are otherwise precluded from effectively protecting our intellectual
property rights in any foreign jurisdictions, our business prospects could be substantially harmed.
Our
initiation of litigation to enforce our patent rights may prompt adversaries in such litigation to challenge the validity, scope, ownership,
or enforceability of our patents. Third parties can sometimes bring challenges against a patent holder to resolve these issues, as well.
If a court decides that any such patents are not valid, not enforceable, not wholly owned by us, or are of a limited scope, we may not
have the right to stop others from using our inventions. Also, even if our patent rights are determined by a court to be valid and enforceable,
they may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from marketing products similar to ours or designing around our patents, despite
our patent rights, nor do they provide us with freedom to operate unimpeded by the patent and other intellectual property rights of others
that may cover our products. We may be forced into litigation to uphold the validity of the claims in our patent portfolio, as well as
our ownership rights to such intellectual property, and litigation is often an uncertain and costly process.
We
may not be able to protect our trade secrets adequately. Although we rely on non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with employees,
consultants and other parties to protect, in part, trade secrets and other proprietary technology, these agreements may be breached and
we may not have adequate remedies for such breach. Moreover, others may independently develop equivalent proprietary information, and
third parties may otherwise gain access to our trade secrets and proprietary knowledge. Any disclosure of confidential data into the
public domain or to third parties could allow competitors to learn our trade secrets and use the information in competition against us.
Intellectual
property rights of third parties could adversely affect our ability to commercialize our products and services, and we might be required
to litigate or obtain licenses from third parties in order to develop or market our product candidates. Such litigation or licenses could
be costly or not available on commercially reasonable terms.
It
is inherently difficult to conclusively assess our freedom to operate without infringing on third-party rights. Our competitive position
may be adversely affected if existing patents or patents resulting from patent applications issued to third parties or other third-party
intellectual property rights are held to cover our products or services or elements thereof, or our manufacturing or uses relevant to
our development plans. In such cases, we may not be in a position to develop or commercialize products or services or our product candidates
(and any relevant services) unless we successfully pursue litigation to nullify or invalidate the third-party intellectual property right
concerned or enter into a license agreement with the intellectual property right holder, if available on commercially reasonable terms.
There may also be pending patent applications that if they result in issued patents, could be alleged to be infringed by our new products
or services. If such an infringement claim should be brought and be successful, we may be required to pay substantial damages, be forced
to abandon our new products or services or seek a license from any patent holders. No assurances can be given that a license will be
available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
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It
is also possible that we have failed to identify relevant third-party patents or applications. For example, U.S. patent applications
filed before November 29, 2000 and certain U.S. patent applications filed after that date that will not be filed outside the United States
remain confidential until patents issue. Patent applications in the United States and elsewhere are published approximately 18 months
after the earliest filing for which priority is claimed, with such earliest filing date being commonly referred to as the priority date.
Therefore, patent applications covering our new products or services could have been filed by others without our knowledge. Additionally,
pending patent applications which have been published can, subject to certain limitations, be later amended in a manner that could cover
our services, our new products or the use of our new products. Third-party intellectual property right holders may also actively bring
infringement claims against us. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully settle or otherwise resolve such infringement
claims. If we are unable to successfully settle future claims on terms acceptable to us, we may be required to engage in or continue
costly, unpredictable and time-consuming litigation and may be prevented from or experience substantial delays in pursuing the development
of and/or marketing our new products or services. If we fail in any such dispute, in addition to being forced to pay damages, we may
be temporarily or permanently prohibited from commercializing our new products or services that are held to be infringing. We might,
if possible, also be forced to redesign our new products so that we no longer infringe the third-party intellectual property rights.
Any of these events, even if we were ultimately to prevail, could require us to divert substantial financial and management resources
that we would otherwise be able to devote to our business.
Patent
policy and rule changes could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement
or defense of any issued patents.
Changes
in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States and other countries may diminish the value of any
patents that may issue from our patent applications or narrow the scope of our patent protection. The laws of foreign countries may not
protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Publications of discoveries in the scientific literature often
lag behind the actual discoveries, and patent applications in the United States and other jurisdictions are typically not published until
18 months after filing, or in some cases not at all. We therefore cannot be certain that we were the first to file the invention claimed
in our owned and licensed patent or pending applications, or that we or our licensor were the first to file for patent protection of
such inventions. Assuming all other requirements for patentability are met, in the United States prior to March 15, 2013, the first to
make the claimed invention without undue delay in filing, is entitled to the patent, while generally outside the United States, the first
to file a patent application is entitled to the patent. After March 15, 2013, under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the Leahy-Smith
Act, enacted on September 16, 2011, the United States has moved to a first to file system. The Leahy-Smith Act also includes a number
of significant changes that affect the way patent applications will be prosecuted and may also affect patent litigation. In general,
the Leahy-Smith Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications
and the enforcement or defense of any issued patents, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial
condition.
We
may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming, and unsuccessful.
Competitors
may infringe our intellectual property. If we were to initiate legal proceedings against a third-party to enforce a patent covering one
of our new products or services, the defendant could counterclaim that the patent covering our product candidate is invalid and/or unenforceable.
In patent litigation in the United States, defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity and/or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds
for a validity challenge could be an alleged failure to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness,
or non-enablement. Grounds for an unenforceability assertion could be an allegation that someone connected with prosecution of the patent
withheld relevant information from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, or made a misleading statement, during prosecution.
Under the Leahy-Smith Act, the validity of U.S. patents may also be challenged in post-grant proceedings before the USPTO. The outcome
following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable.
- 46 -
Derivation
proceedings initiated by third parties or brought by us may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions and/or their scope with
respect to our patent or patent applications or those of our licensors. An unfavorable outcome could require us to cease using the related
technology or to attempt to license rights to it from the prevailing party. Our business could be harmed if the prevailing party does
not offer us a license on commercially reasonable terms. Our defense of litigation or interference proceedings may fail and, even if
successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and other employees. In addition, the uncertainties associated
with litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our clinical trials, continue
our research programs, license necessary technology from third parties, or enter into development partnerships that would help us bring
our new products or services to market.
Furthermore,
because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some
of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation. There could also be public announcements
of the results of hearings, motions, or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these
results to be negative, it could have a material adverse effect on the price of our Ordinary Shares.
We
face risks associated with litigation and claims.
We
may, in the future, be involved in one or more lawsuits, claims or other proceedings. These suits could concern issues including contract
disputes, employment actions, employee benefits, taxes, environmental, health and safety, fraud and abuse, personal injury and product
liability matters.
Our
business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security.
In
the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, research data, our proprietary
business information and that of our suppliers, technical information about our products, clinical trial plans and employee records.
Similarly, our third-party providers possess certain of our sensitive data and confidential information. The secure maintenance of this
information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Despite the implementation of security measures, our internal computer
systems, and those of third parties on which we rely, are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, malware, ransomware, cyber fraud,
natural disasters, terrorism, war, telecommunication and electrical failures, cyber-attacks or cyber-intrusions over the Internet, attachments
to emails, persons inside our organization, or persons with access to systems inside our organization. The risk of a security breach
or disruption, particularly through cyber-attacks or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments, and cyber terrorists,
has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased.
Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, encrypted, lost
or stolen. Any such access, inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information or other loss of information, including
our data being breached at third-party providers, could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or financial loss under laws
that protect the privacy of personal information, disruption of our operations or our product development programs and damage to our
reputation, which could adversely affect our business. For example, the loss of clinical trial data from completed or ongoing or planned
clinical trials could result in delays in our regulatory approval efforts and significantly increase our costs to recover or reproduce
the data.
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The
loss of key members of our senior management team or our inability to attract and retain highly skilled scientists and laboratory and
field personnel could adversely affect our business .
We
depend on the skills, experience and performance of our senior management and research personnel. The efforts of each of these persons
will be critical to us as we continue to further develop our products, increase sales and broaden our product offerings. If we were to
lose one or more of these key employees, we may experience difficulties in competing effectively, developing our technologies and implementing
our business strategies. Our research and development programs and commercial laboratory operations depend on our ability to attract
and retain highly skilled scientists and technicians. We may not be able to attract or retain qualified scientists and technicians in
the future due to the intense competition for qualified personnel among life science businesses. There can be no assurance that we will
be able to attract and retain necessary personnel on acceptable terms given the intense competition among medical device, biotechnology,
pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, universities and non-profit research institutions for experienced management, scientists, researchers,
sales and marketing and manufacturing personnel. If we are unable to attract, retain and motivate our key personnel to accomplish our
business objectives, we may experience constraints that will adversely affect our ability to support our operations, and our results
of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We
are an international business, and we are exposed to various global and local risks that could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations.
We
operate globally and develop and market products in multiple countries. Consequently, we face complex legal and regulatory requirements
in multiple jurisdictions, which may expose us to certain financial and other risks. In addition, we are subject to global events beyond
our control, including war, public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics, trade disputes and other international events. Any
of these changes could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations.
For
example, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected most of the world, including each of our primary markets, resulting in, among
other things, government-imposed quarantines and other public health safety measures. At this point, the extent to which the coronavirus
may impact our business cannot be estimated; however, procedures with CGuard EPS, which are generally scheduled or non-emergency procedures,
have seen extended postponements since the onset of COVID-19 as hospitals shift resources to patients affected by the coronavirus, and
it is highly plausible that this trend will continue. We anticipate that the COVID-19 pandemic may impact clinical and regulatory matters.
COVID-19 is delaying enrollment in clinical trials across the medical device industry and may affect any new trials we decide to pursue.
COVID-19 may cause disruptions that could have a material adverse impact on our FDA clinical trial plans and timelines. The extent to
which COVID-19 impacts our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including
new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus, the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, the
efficacy and scale of the various vaccines currently deployed across the world, among others. Moreover, COVID-19 has had indeterminable
adverse effects on general commercial activity and the world economy, and our business and results of operations could be adversely affected
to the extent that COVID-19 or any other epidemic continues to harm the global economy generally.
International
sales and operations are subject to a variety of risks, including:
●
foreign
currency exchange rate fluctuations;
●
greater
difficulty in staffing and managing foreign operations;
●
greater
risk of uncollectible accounts;
●
longer
collection cycles;
●
logistical
and communications challenges;
●
potential
adverse changes in laws and regulatory practices, including export license requirements, trade barriers, tariffs and tax laws;
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●
changes
in labor conditions;
●
burdens
and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws;
●
political
and economic instability;
●
the
escalation of hostilities in Israel, which could impair our ability to manufacture our products;
●
increases
in duties and taxation;
●
foreign
tax laws and potential increased costs associated with overlapping tax structures;
●
greater
difficulty in protecting intellectual property;
●
the
risk of third party disputes over ownership of intellectual property and infringement of third party intellectual property by our
products; and
●
general
economic and political conditions in these foreign markets.
International
markets are also affected by economic pressure to contain reimbursement levels and healthcare costs. Profitability from international
operations may be limited by risks and uncertainties related to regional economic conditions, regulatory and reimbursement approvals,
competing products, infrastructure development, intellectual property rights protection and our ability to implement our overall business
strategy. We expect these risks will increase as we pursue our strategy to expand operations into new geographic markets. We may not
succeed in developing and implementing effective policies and strategies in each location where we conduct business. Any failure to do
so may harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Environmental,
social and corporate governance (ESG) issues, including those related to climate change and sustainability, may have an adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations and damage our reputation.
There
is an increasing focus from certain investors, customers, consumers, employees and other stakeholders concerning ESG matters. Additionally,
public interest and legislative pressure related to public companies’ ESG practices continue to grow. If our ESG practices fail
to meet regulatory requirements or investor, customer, consumer, employee or other stakeholders’ evolving expectations and standards
for responsible corporate citizenship in areas including environmental stewardship, support for local communities, Board of Director
and employee diversity, human capital management, employee health and safety practices, product quality, supply chain management, corporate
governance and transparency, our reputation, brand and employee retention may be negatively impacted, and our customers and suppliers
may be unwilling to continue to do business with us.
Customers,
consumers, investors and other stakeholders are increasingly focusing on environmental issues, including climate change, energy and water
use, plastic waste and other sustainability concerns. Concern over climate change may result in new or increased legal and regulatory
requirements to reduce or mitigate impacts to the environment. Changing customer and consumer preferences or increased regulatory requirements
may result in increased demands or requirements regarding plastics and packaging materials, including single-use and non-recyclable plastic
products and packaging, other components of our products and their environmental impact on sustainability, or increased customer and
consumer concerns or perceptions (whether accurate or inaccurate) regarding the effects of substances present in certain of our products.
Complying with these demands or requirements could cause us to incur additional manufacturing, operating or product development costs.
If
we do not adapt to or comply with new regulations, or fail to meet evolving investor, industry or stakeholder expectations and concerns
regarding ESG issues, investors may reconsider their capital investment in our Company, and customers and consumers may choose to stop
purchasing our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business or financial condition.
Risks
Related to the Geopolitical and Military Tensions Between Russia and Ukraine in Europe
We
derived approximately 8.2% of total sales in Russia in 2021. The escalation of geopolitical instability in Russia and Ukraine as well
as currency fluctuations in the Russian Ruble could negatively impact our operations, sales, and future growth prospects in that region.
As a result of the crisis in Ukraine both the United States and the EU have implemented sanctions against certain Russian individuals
and entities. Our global operations expose us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations,
cash flows or the market price of our securities, including the potential for increased tensions between the United States and Russia
resulting from the current situation involving Russia and Ukraine, tariffs, economic sanctions and import-export restrictions imposed
by either nation, and retaliatory actions by the other nation, as well as the potential negative impact on our business and sales in
Russia. Current geopolitical instability in Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions by the U.S. government against certain companies
and individuals may hinder our ability to conduct business with potential or existing customers and vendors in these countries. The U.S.
government has imposed sanctions through several executive orders restricting U.S. companies from conducting business with specified
Russian and Ukrainian individuals and companies. While we believe that the executive orders currently do not preclude us from conducting
business with our current customers or vendors in Russia, the sanctions imposed by the U.S. government may be expanded in the future
to restrict us from engaging with them. If we are unable to conduct business with new or existing customers or vendors or pursue business
opportunities in Russia or Ukraine, our business, including revenue, profitability and cash flows, and operations could be adversely
affected. We cannot provide assurance that current sanctions or potential future changes in sanctions will not have a material impact
on our operations in Russia and the Ukraine or on our financial results.
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Risks
Related to Operating in Israel
We
anticipate being subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates because we expect a substantial portion of our revenues will be generated
in Euros and U.S. dollars, while a significant portion of our expenses will be incurred in New Israeli Shekels.
We
expect a substantial portion of our revenues will be generated in U.S. dollars and Euros, while a significant portion of our expenses,
principally salaries and related personnel expenses, is paid in New Israeli Shekels, or NIS. As a result, we are exposed to the risk
that the rate of inflation in Israel will exceed the rate of devaluation of the NIS in relation to the Euro or the U.S. dollar, or that
the timing of this devaluation will lag behind inflation in Israel. Because inflation has the effect of increasing the dollar and Euro
costs of our operations, it would therefore have an adverse effect on our dollar-measured results of operations. The value of the NIS,
against the Euro, the U.S. dollar, and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in Israel’s
political and economic conditions. Any significant revaluation of the NIS may materially and adversely affect our cash flows, revenues
and financial condition. Fluctuations in the NIS exchange rate, or even the appearance of instability in such exchange rate, could adversely
affect our ability to operate our business.
If
there are significant shifts in the political, economic and military conditions in Israel and its neighbors, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business relationships and profitability.
Our
executive office, sole manufacturing facility and certain of our key personnel are located in Israel. Our business is directly affected
by the political, economic and military conditions in Israel and its neighbors. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948,
a number of armed conflicts have occurred between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
During
June 2021, July and August 2014 and November 2012, Israel was engaged in an armed conflict with Hamas, a militia group and political
party which controls the Gaza Strip, and during the summer of 2006, Israel was engaged in an armed conflict with Hezbollah, a Lebanese
Islamist Shiite militia group and political party. These conflicts involved missile strikes against civilian targets in various parts
of Israel, including areas in which our employees and some of our consultants are located, and negatively affected business conditions
in Israel. We cannot predict if or when armed conflict will take place and the duration of each conflict.
Our
commercial insurance does not cover losses that may occur as a result of events associated with war and terrorism. Although the Israeli
government currently covers the reinstatement value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot
assure you that this government coverage will be maintained or that it will sufficiently cover our potential damages. Any losses or damages
incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business. Any armed conflicts or political instability in the region would
likely negatively affect business conditions and could harm our results of operations.
The
continued political instability and hostilities between Israel and its neighbors and any future armed conflict, terrorist activity or
political instability in the region could adversely affect our operations in Israel and adversely affect the market price of our shares
of common stock. In addition, several organizations and countries may restrict doing business with Israel and Israeli companies have
been and are today subjected to economic boycotts. The interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners
could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
- 50 -
In
addition, many of our officers or key employees may be called to active and reserve mandatory service duty at any time under emergency
circumstances for extended periods of time. See “— Our operations could be disrupted as a result of the obligation of certain
of our personnel residing in Israel to perform military service.”
Our
operations could be disrupted as a result of the obligation of certain of our personnel residing in Israel to perform military service.
Many
of our officers and employees reside in Israel and may be required to perform annual military reserve duty. Currently, all male adult
citizens and permanent residents of Israel under the age of 40 (or older, depending on their position with the Israeli Defense Forces
reserves), unless exempt, are obligated to perform military reserve duty annually and are subject to being called to active duty at any
time under emergency circumstances. Our operations could be disrupted by the absence for a significant period of one or more of our key
officers and employees due to military service. Any such disruption could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
We
may not be able to enforce covenants not-to-compete under current Israeli law.
We
have non-competition agreements with most of our employees, many of which are governed by Israeli law. These agreements generally prohibit
our employees from competing with us or working for our competitors for a specified period following termination of their employment.
However, Israeli courts are reluctant to enforce non-compete undertakings of former employees and tend, if at all, to enforce those provisions
for relatively brief periods of time in restricted geographical areas and only when the employee has unique value specific to that employer’s
business and not just regarding the professional development of the employee. Any such inability to enforce non-compete covenants may
cause us to lose any competitive advantage resulting from advantages provided to us by such confidential information.
We
may become subject to claims for remuneration or royalties for assigned service invention rights by our employees, which could result
in litigation and adversely affect our business.
A
significant portion of our intellectual property has been developed by our Israeli employees in the course of their employment for us.
Under the Israeli Patent Law, 5727-1967 (the “Israeli Patent Law”), inventions conceived by an employee during the term and
as part of the scope of his or her employment with a company are regarded as “service inventions,” which belong to the employer,
absent a specific agreement between the employee and employer giving the employee service invention rights. The Israeli Patent Law also
provides that if there is no such agreement between an employer and an employee, the Israeli Compensation and Royalties Committee (the
“C&R Committee”), a body constituted under the Israeli Patent Law, shall determine whether the employee is entitled to
remuneration for his inventions. The C&R Committee (decisions of which have been upheld by the Israeli Supreme Court) has held that
employees may be entitled to remuneration for their service inventions despite having specifically waived any such rights. We generally
enter into intellectual property assignment agreements with our employees pursuant to which such employees assign to us all rights to
any inventions created in the scope of their employment or engagement with us. Although our employees have agreed to assign to us service
invention rights and have specifically waived their right to receive any special remuneration for such assignment beyond their regular
salary and benefits, we may face claims demanding remuneration in consideration for assigned inventions. As a consequence of such claims,
we could be required to pay additional remuneration or royalties to our current or former employees, or be forced to litigate such claims,
which could negatively affect our business.
- 51 -
It
may be difficult for investors in the United States to enforce any judgments obtained against us or some of our directors or officers.
The
majority of our assets other than cash are located outside the U.S. In addition, certain of our officers are nationals and/or residents
of countries other than the U.S., and all or a substantial portion of such persons’ assets are located outside the U.S. As a result,
it may be difficult for investors to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against us or any of our non-U.S. officers,
including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the U.S. or any state thereof. Additionally,
it may be difficult to assert U.S. securities law claims in actions originally instituted outside of the U.S. Israeli courts may refuse
to hear a U.S. securities law claim because Israeli courts may not be the most appropriate forums in which to bring such a claim. Even
if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that the Israeli law, and not U.S. law, is applicable to the claim. Further,
if U.S. law is found to be applicable, certain content of applicable U.S. law must be proved as a fact, which can be a time-consuming
and costly process, and certain matters of procedure would still be governed by the Israeli law. Consequently, you may be effectively
prevented from pursuing remedies under U.S. federal and state securities laws against us or any of our non-U.S. directors or officers.
The
tax benefits that are currently available to us under Israeli law require us to satisfy specified conditions. If we fail to satisfy these
conditions, we may be required to pay increased taxes and would likely be denied these benefits in the future.
InspireMD
Ltd. has been granted a “Beneficiary Enterprise” status by the Investment Center in the Israeli Ministry of Industry Trade
and Labor, and we are therefore eligible for tax benefits under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959. The
main benefit is a two-year exemption from corporate tax, commencing when we begin to generate net income derived from the beneficiary
activities in facilities located in Israel, and a reduced corporate tax rate for an additional five to eight years, depending on the
level of foreign investment in each year. In addition, under the January 1, 2011 amendment to the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of
Capital Investments, 1959, a uniform corporate tax rate of 16% applies to all qualifying income of “Preferred Enterprise,”
which we may be able to apply as an alternative tax benefit.
The
tax benefits available to a Beneficiary Enterprise or a Preferred Enterprise are dependent upon the fulfillment of conditions stipulated
under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 and its regulations, as amended, which include, among other
things, maintaining our manufacturing facilities in Israel. If we fail to comply with these conditions, in whole or in part, the tax
benefits could be cancelled and we could be required to refund any tax benefits that we received in the past. If we are no longer eligible
for these tax benefits, our Israeli taxable income would be subject to regular Israeli corporate tax rates. The standard corporate tax
rate for Israeli companies in 2019 and thereafter is 23% of taxable income. The termination or reduction of these tax benefits would
increase our tax liability, which would reduce our profits.
In
addition to losing eligibility for tax benefits currently available to us under Israeli law, if we do not maintain our manufacturing
facilities in Israel, we will not be able to realize certain tax credits and deferred tax assets, if any, including any net operating
losses to offset against future profits.
The
tax benefits available to Beneficiary Enterprises may be reduced or eliminated in the future. This would likely increase our tax liability.
The
Israeli government may reduce or eliminate in the future tax benefits available to Beneficiary Enterprises and Preferred Enterprises.
Our Beneficiary Enterprise status and the resulting tax benefits may not continue in the future at their current levels or at any level.
The tax benefit period is twelve years from the year of election, which means that after a year of election, the two-year exemption and
eight years of reduced tax rate can only be used within the next twelve years. The Company elected the year 2007, as a year of election
and 2011 as an additional year of election. The 2011 amendment regarding Preferred Enterprise may not be applicable to us or may not
fully compensate us for the change. The termination or reduction of these tax benefits would likely increase our tax liability. The amount,
if any, by which our tax liability would increase will depend upon the rate of any tax increase, the amount of any tax benefit reduction,
and the amount of any taxable income that we may earn in the future.
- 52 -
Risks
Related to Our Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Warrants
The
market prices of our common stock and our publicly traded warrants are subject to fluctuation and have been and may continue to be volatile,
which could result in substantial losses for investors.
The
market prices of our common stock and our Series B Warrants (which is intended to expire on March 14, 2022) have been and are likely
to continue to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including
the following:
●
technological
innovations or new products and services by us or our competitors;
●
additions
or departures of key personnel;
●
our
ability to execute our business plan;
●
operating
results that fall below expectations;
●
loss
of any strategic relationship;
●
industry
developments;
●
economic,
political and other external factors; and
●
period-to-period
fluctuations in our financial results.
In
addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the
operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also significantly affect the market prices of our common
stock and our publicly traded warrants.
Our
common stock could be delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market if we fail to meet the Nasdaq Capital Market’s stockholders’
equity continued listing standards. Our ability to publicly or privately sell equity securities and the liquidity of our common stock
could be adversely affected if we are delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Our
common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and we are therefore subject to its continued listing requirements, including requirements
with respect to the market value of publicly-held shares, market value of listed shares, minimum bid price per share, and minimum stockholders’
equity, among others, and requirements relating to board and committee independence. If we fail to satisfy one or more of the requirements,
we may be delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Delisting
from the Nasdaq Capital Market may adversely affect our ability to raise additional financing through the public or private sale of equity
securities, may significantly affect the ability of investors to trade our securities and may negatively affect the value and liquidity
of our common stock. Delisting also could have other negative results, including the potential loss of employee confidence, the loss
of institutional investors or interest in business development opportunities.
- 53 -
Delaware
law and our corporate charter and bylaws contain anti-takeover provisions that could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders
may consider favorable.
Our
board of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the voting powers, preferences and
other rights and limitations of the preferred stock. Accordingly, we may issue shares of preferred stock with a preference over our common
stock with respect to dividends or distributions on liquidation or dissolution, or that may otherwise adversely affect the voting or
other rights of the holders of common stock. Issuances of preferred stock, depending upon the rights, preferences and designations of
the preferred stock, may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change of control, even if that change of control might
benefit our stockholders. In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Section 203 generally prohibits
a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for
a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to the
date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which
resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock
of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding
(a) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (b) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants
do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer;
or (iii) on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board and authorized at an annual
or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66, 2/3%, of the outstanding voting
stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
Section
203 could delay or prohibit mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to us and, accordingly, may discourage
attempts to acquire us even though such a transaction may offer our stockholders the opportunity to sell their stock at a price above
the prevailing market price.
We
have a staggered board of directors, which could impede an attempt to acquire us or remove our management.
Our
board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which serves for a staggered term of three years. This division of our board
of directors could have the effect of impeding an attempt to take over our company or change or remove management, since only one class
will be elected annually. Thus, only approximately one-third of the existing board of directors could be replaced at any election of
directors.
As
a former shell company, resales of shares of our restricted common stock in reliance on Rule 144 of the Securities Act are subject to
the requirements of Rule 144(i).
We
previously were a “shell company” and, as such, sales of our securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, cannot be made unless, among other things, at the time of a proposed sale, we are subject to the reporting requirements
of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and have filed all reports and other materials required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months, other
than Form 8-K reports. Because, as a former shell company, the reporting requirements of Rule 144(i) will apply regardless of holding
period, restrictive legends on certificates for shares of our common stock cannot be removed except in connection with an actual sale
that is subject to an effective registration statement under, or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of, the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended. Because our unregistered securities cannot be sold pursuant to Rule 144 unless we continue to meet such requirements,
any unregistered securities we issue will have limited liquidity unless we continue to comply with such requirements.
If
securities and/or industry analysts fail to continue publishing research about our business, if they change their recommendations adversely
or if our results of operations do not meet their expectations, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The
trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about
us or our business. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could
lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. In addition, it is
likely that in some future period our operating results will be below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. If one or
more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock, or if our results of operations do not meet their expectations, our stock price
could decline.
Aspects
of the tax treatment of the securities may be uncertain.
The
tax treatment of our preferred stock and our warrants is uncertain and may vary depending upon whether you are an individual or a legal
entity and whether or not you are domiciled in the United States. In the event you are a non-U.S. investor, you should consult your tax
advisors as to the consequences, under the tax laws of the country where you are resident for tax purposes, of acquiring, holding and
disposing of our preferred stock and our warrants.
- 54 -
Item
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not
applicable.
Item
2. Properties.
Our
headquarters are located in Tel Aviv, Israel, where we lease a 1,116 square meter office and manufacturing facility that has the capacity
to manufacture and assemble 1,200 stents per month, based upon the production schedule of one shift per day. We believe that our current
facility is sufficient to meet anticipated future demand by adding additional shifts to our current production schedule.
Item
3. Legal Proceedings.
From
time to time, we may be involved in litigation that arises through the normal course of business.
On
January 21, 2021, we executed a Mediation Agreement with Bosti Trading Ltd and InspireMD Ltd., pursuant to which Bosti agreed to release
the Company from all claims stated in the Complaint in exchange for a payment of $580,000, which we paid on January 25, 2021.
As
of the date of this filing, we are not aware of any other material legal proceedings to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party
or to which any of our property is subject, nor are we aware of any such threatened or pending litigation or any such proceedings known
to be contemplated by governmental authorities.
We
are not aware of any material proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates or any registered or beneficial stockholder
of more than 5% of our common stock, or any associate of any of the foregoing, is a party adverse to or has a material interest adverse
to, us or any of our subsidiaries.
Item
4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not
applicable.
PART
II
Item
5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market
Information
On
May 10, 2021, our shares that previously traded on the NYSE American were approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”)
and such shares began trading on Nasdaq on May 21, 2021. Our common stock is quoted on Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “NSPR”.
The last reported sales price of our common stock on the Nasdaq on March 4, 2022, was $2.62 per share.
On
May 27, 2021, our warrants that previously traded on the NYSE American were approved for listing on Nasdaq, and such warrants began trading
on June 8, 2021. On July 7, 2021, our Series A warrants which previously traded under symbol “NSPRW” expired.
Record
Holders
As
of March 4, 2022, we had 267 stockholders of record of our common stock. This figure includes an indeterminate number of stockholders
who hold their shares in “street name.”
Dividends
In
the past, we have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We do not intend to pay cash dividends in the future; rather,
we intend to retain future earnings, if any, to fund the operation and expansion of our business and for general corporate purposes.
The
holders of Series C Preferred Stock are not entitled to receive any dividends, unless and until specifically declared by our board of
directors. However, holders of our Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends on shares of Series C Preferred Stock equal
(on an as-if-converted-to-common-stock basis, and without giving effect for such purposes to the 4.99% or 9.99% beneficial ownership
limitation, as applicable) to and in the same form as dividends actually paid on shares of the common stock when such dividends are specifically
declared by our board of directors. We are not obligated to redeem or repurchase any shares of Series C Preferred Stock. Shares of Series
C Preferred Stock are not otherwise entitled to any redemption rights, or mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provision.
- 55 -
Item
6. [Reserved]
Item
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The
following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
We
are a medical device company focusing on the development and commercialization of our proprietary MicroNet™ stent platform technology
for the treatment of complex vascular and coronary disease. A stent is an expandable “scaffold-like” device, usually constructed
of a metallic material, that is inserted into an artery to expand the inside passage and improve blood flow. MicroNet, a micron mesh
sleeve, is wrapped over a stent to provide embolic protection in stenting procedures.
Our
CGuard EPS combines MicroNet and a self-expandable nitinol stent in a single device for use in carotid artery applications. Our CGuard
EPS received CE mark approval in the European Union in March 2013 and was fully launched in Europe in September 2015. Subsequently, we
launched CGuard EPS in Russia and certain countries in Latin America and Asia, including India. In September 2020, we launched CGuard
EPS in Brazil after receiving regulatory approval in July 2020 and as discussed below, on February 3, 2021, we executed a distribution
agreement with Chinese partners for the purpose of expanding our presence in China. Currently, we are seeking strategic partners for
a potential launch of CGuard EPS in Japan.
On
September 8, 2020, we received approval from the FDA of our IDE, thereby allowing us to proceed with a pivotal study of our CGuard™
Carotid Stent System, C-Guardians, for prevention of stroke in patients in the United States. C-Guardians is a prospective, multicenter,
single-arm, pivotal study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CGuard™ Carotid Stent System when used to treat symptomatic
and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. The trial was designed to enroll approximately
315 subjects in a maximum of 40 study sites located in the United States and Europe. Study sites in Europe may contribute a maximum of
approximately 50% of the total enrollees. The primary endpoint of the study will be the composite of incidence of death (all-cause mortality),
all stroke, and myocardial infarction (DSMI) through 30-days post-index procedure, based on the clinical events committee (CEC) adjudication
and ipsilateral stroke from 31-365 day follow-up, based on Clinical Events Committee (CEC) adjudication.
On
July 23, 2021, we announced the initiation of enrollment and successful completion of the first cases of our C-Guardian trial of CGuard
EPS. The first patients, who were under the care of principal investigator, Chris Metzger, M.D., system chair of clinical research at
Ballard Health System in Eastern Tennessee, were successfully implanted with the CGuard EPS stent device. These are the first of 315
patients who are expected to be enrolled in the trial and receive CGuard EPS in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis in symptomatic
and asymptomatic patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. We are currently continuing with the enrollment phase.
Additionally,
we intend to continue to invest in current and future potential product and manufacturing enhancements for CGuard EPS that are expected
to reduce cost of goods and/or provide the best-in-class performing delivery system. In furtherance of our strategy that focuses on establishing
CGuard EPS as a viable alternative to vascular surgery, we are exploring adding new delivery systems and accessory solutions for procedural
protection to our portfolio.
- 56 -
We
consider the current addressable market for our CGuard EPS to be individuals with diagnosed, symptomatic high-grade carotid artery stenosis
(HGCS, ≥70% occlusion) for whom intervention is preferable to medical (drug) therapy. This group includes not only carotid artery
stenting patients but also individuals undergoing carotid endarterectomy, as the two approaches compete for the same patient population.
Assuming full penetration of the intervention caseload by CGuard EPS, we estimate that the addressable market for CGuard EPS will be
approximately $666 million in 2022 (source: Health Research International Personal Medical Systems, Inc. September 13, 2021 Results of
Update Report on Global Carotid Stenting Procedures and Markets by Major Geography and Addressable Markets). According to this same report,
assuming full penetration of the caseload for all individuals diagnosed with high-grade carotid artery stenosis, we estimate that the
total available market for CGuard EPS in 2022 will be approximately $5 billion.
Our
MGuard Prime EPS is marketed for use in patients with acute coronary syndromes, notably acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and
saphenous vein graft coronary interventions, or bypass surgery. MGuard Prime EPS combines MicroNet with a bare-metal cobalt-chromium
based stent. MGuard Prime EPS received CE mark approval in the European Union in October 2010 for improving luminal diameter and providing
embolic protection. However, as a result of a shift in industry preferences away from bare-metal stents in favor of drug-eluting, or
drug-coated, stents, in 2014 we decided to curtail further development of this product in order to focus on the development of a drug-eluting
stent product, MGuard DES™. Due to limited resources, however, our efforts have been limited to testing drug-eluting stents manufactured
by potential partners for compatibility with MicroNet and seeking to incorporate MicroNet onto a drug-eluting stent manufactured by a
potential partner. The FDA has clarified that the primary mode of action for drug-eluting cardiovascular stents, which are regulated
as combination products, is that of the device component and has assigned the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) primary
responsibility for premarket review and regulation, providing some clarity about what to expect regarding the regulatory framework related
to the development of MGuard DES™. As a result of declining sales of the MGuard Prime EPS, which we believe is largely driven by
the predominant industry preferences favoring drug-eluting stents rather than bare metal stents such as MGuard Prime EPS in STEMI patients,
we intend to phase out future sales of our MGuard Prime EPS in 2022.
We
also intend to develop a pipeline of other products and additional applications by leveraging our MicroNet technology to new applications
to improve peripheral vascular and neurovascular procedures, such as the treatment of the superficial femoral artery disease, vascular
disease below the knee and neurovascular stenting to seal aneurysms in the brain.
Presently,
none of our products may be sold or marketed in the United States, but we do derive revenues from the use of our products in the currently
ongoing trials.
We
were organized in the State of Delaware on February 29, 2008.
Critical
Accounting Policies
We
prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
U.S. GAAP represents a comprehensive set of accounting and disclosure rules and requirements, and applying these rules and requirements
requires management judgments and estimates including, in certain circumstances, choices between acceptable U.S. GAAP alternatives. The
following is a discussion of our most critical accounting policies, judgments and uncertainties that are inherent in our application
of U.S. GAAP.
Use
of estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates using 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 sales and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
- 57 -
As
applicable to these consolidated financial statements, the most significant estimates and assumptions relate to inventory valuations
and assessing the likelihood of exercise of options to extend the lease term.
Concentration
of credit risk and allowance for doubtful accounts
Financial
instruments that may potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, which are deposited
in major financially sound institutions in the United States, Israel and Germany, and trade accounts receivable. Our trade accounts receivable
is derived from revenues earned from customers from various countries. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’
financial condition and, generally, require no collateral from customers. We also have a credit insurance policy for some customers.
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based upon the expected ability to collect the accounts receivable. We review
our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly by assessing individual accounts receivable and all other balances based on historical
collection experience and an economic risk assessment. If we determine that a specific customer is unable to meet its financial obligations
to us, we provide an allowance for credit losses to reduce the receivable to the amount management reasonably believes will be collected,
which is netted against “Accounts receivable — Trade”.
Inventory
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost (cost is determined on a “first-in, first-out” basis) or net realizable value. Our inventories
generally have a limited shelf life and are subject to impairment as they approach their expiration dates. We regularly evaluate the
carrying value of our inventories and when, based on such evaluation, factors indicate that impairment has occurred, we impair the inventories’
carrying value. In addition, we write-off fails in production based on actual and estimated.
Leases
Operating
leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, Accounts payable and accruals - Other, and operating
lease liabilities. ROU assets represent Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent
obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement
date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, we use the
incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date as the rate implicit in the lease is not
readily determinable. The determination of the incremental borrowing rate requires management judgment based on information available
at lease commencement. The lease terms may include periods covered by options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that
we will exercise such options, and periods covered by options to terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will not exercise
such options. Operating lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease agreements that include lease and
non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for
leases with a lease term of 12 months or less. Our Israeli subsidiary has a lease agreement for a facility in Israel, which expires on
December 31, 2022 with an option to extend the agreement for two additional years until December 31, 2024 under the terms stipulated
in the agreement. The Option Period was taken in consideration when calculating the operating lease right of use assets and liabilities
since we believe that we will stay in this facility until atleast the end of the Option Period. The Option period added approximately
$780,000 to the leasing liability.
Revenue
recognition
A
contract with a customer exists only when: 1) the parties to the contract have approved it and are committed to perform their respective
obligations, 2) we can identify each party’s rights regarding the distinct goods or services to be transferred (“Performance
Obligations”), 3) we can determine the transaction price for the goods or services to be transferred, 4) the contract has commercial
substance and 5) it is probable that we will collect the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services
that will be transferred to the customer. Revenues are recorded in the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange
for Performance Obligations upon transfer of control to the customer, excluding sales taxes.
Revenue
from sales of goods, including sales to distributors, is recognized when the customer obtains control of the product, once we have a
present right to payment, legal title, and risk and rewards of ownership are obtained by the customer. This occurs when products are
shipped.
We
recognize the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense since the amortization period of the assets that we otherwise would
have recognized is one year or less. The costs are recorded under selling and marketing expenses.
- 58 -
We
recognize revenue net of value added tax (VAT).
Share-based
compensation
Employee
option awards are classified as equity awards and accounted for using the grant-date fair value method. The fair value of share-based
awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model and expensed over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures.
We elected to account for forfeitures as they occur.
We
elected to recognize compensation expenses for awards with only service conditions that have graded vesting schedules using the accelerated
multiple option approach.
Results
of Operations
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2021 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2020
Revenues .
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, revenue increased by $2,010,000, or 80.9%, to $4,495,000, from $2,485,000 during the twelve
months ended December 31, 2020. This increase was predominantly driven by a 55.9% increase in sales volume of CGuard EPS, from $2,764,000
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, to $4,309,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. This sales increase
was mainly due to the fact that in the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, procedures with the CGuard EPS, which are generally scheduled
for non-emergency procedures began to return to normal levels as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, when procedures
with CGuard EPS were postponed as hospitals shifted resources to patients affected by COVID-19 (beginning in February 2020). In addition,
the increase in revenue is also partially attributable to an increase in sales of MGuard Prime EPS, from a Revenue net of settlement
payment of ($279,000) during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, to $186,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
Revenues during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 were negatively impacted by a settlement of litigation with a former distributor
in 2014 under which we agreed to pay them $580,000, as under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, we were required to charge
that amount against revenues.
With
respect to regions, the increase in revenue was primarily attributable to an increase of $1,762,000 in revenue from sales made in Europe.
This increase was predominately driven by an increase of $1,250,000 in sales volume of CGuard EPS due to the impact of COVID-19 as discussed
in the paragraph above and a $512,000 increase of MGuard Prime EPS driven by the settlement payment in 2020 as discussed above. In addition,
there was an increase of revenue of $115,000 in Asia, $106,000 in Latin American and $27,000 in other regions predominately driven by
the impact of COVID-19 on CGuard EPS as discussed above and the decrease in MGuard EPS revenue as discussed above.
Gross
Profit . For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, gross profit (revenue less cost of revenues) increased by 808.4%, or $671,000,
to $754,000, compared to a gross profit of $83,000 for the same period in 2020. This increase in gross profit resulted from the impact
of the $580,000 settlement with our former distributor in 2014 which was recorded in the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 (as mentioned
above), as well as a $419,000 increase in revenues, less the related material and labor costs (as mentioned above). This increase was
partially offset by an increase in write-offs of $187,000, which were driven mainly by components supply issues, a $100,000 increase
in new employees training costs and an increase of $41,000 in miscellaneous expenses. Gross margin (gross profits as a percentage of
revenue) increased to 16.8% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 from 3.3% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020,
driven by the reasons mentioned above.
Research
and Development Expenses . For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, research and development expenses increased by 131.0%, or
$2,925,000, to $5,158,000, from $2,233,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. This increase resulted primarily from an
increase of $2,032,000 in expenses related to the commencement of the C-Guardians FDA study, $458,000 in development expenses related
to CGuard EPS new delivery system and accessory solutions, $353,000 in compensation expenses and $82,000 in miscellaneous expenses.
Selling
and Marketing Expenses . For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, selling and marketing expenses increased by 38.2%, or $804,000,
to $2,907,000, from $2,103,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in
compensation expenses of $629,000 and other sales and marketing expenses of $175,000, both relating to increased activity associated
with expansion of existing and new markets.
General
and Administrative Expenses . For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, general and administrative expenses increased by 20.9%,
or $1,278,000, to $7,405,000, from $6,127,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. This increase resulted primarily from
an increase in compensation expenses of $1,198,000, consisting of increases in share-based compensation-related expenses of $755,000
following the expense recognition of grants made since August 31, 2020. In addition, compensation expenses increased due to an increase
in salary expenses and related accruals of $443,000 primarily as a result of temporary salary reductions during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2020 that were implemented in response to the COVID-19 effect on revenues, as well as additional headcount. In addition,
we had an increase in directors’ and officers’ liability insurance expenses of $351,000 due to increased premiums caused
by recent trends in the overall insurance industry, and an increase in shareholder related expenses of $170,000 mainly due to a special
shareholders meeting and higher costs of our annual stockholder meeting in 2021 compared to our annual stockholder meeting in 2020. These
increases were partially offset by a decrease of $400,000 due to expenses for a settlement agreement with an underwriter of prior offerings
which occurred in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and a decrease of $41,000 in miscellaneous expenses.
- 59 -
Financial
Expenses. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, financial expenses decreased by 1.9%, or $3,000, to $157,000, from $160,000
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.
Tax
Expenses. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, tax increased by $41,000 compared to the twelve months ended December 31,
2020. Our expenses for income taxes reflect primarily the tax liability due to potential tax exposure.
Net
Loss . Our net loss increased by $4,374,000, or 41.5%, to $14,918,000, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, from $10,544,000
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net loss resulted primarily from an increase of $5,007,000 in operating
expenses partially offset by an increase of $671,000 in gross profit.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
As
of the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements, we have the ability to fund our planned operations for at least the
next 12 months. However, we expect to continue incurring losses and negative cash flows from operations until our products (primarily
CGuard™ EPS) reach commercial profitability. Therefore, in order to fund our operations until such time that we can generate substantial
revenues, we may need to raise additional funds.
Equity
Financings
On
June 5, 2020, we closed an underwritten public offering of (i) 509,053 Units, with each Unit being comprised of one share of our common
stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and one Series F warrant to purchase one share of common stock, and (ii) 972,427 Pre-Funded Units,
with each Pre-Funded Unit being comprised of one Pre-Funded Warrant to purchase one share of common stock and one Series F Warrant. In
connection with this public offering, the underwriter exercised the option practically in full, for 222,220 shares of common stock and
222,220 Series F Warrants. The offering price to the public was $6.75 per Unit and $6.735 per Pre-Funded Unit. Our net proceeds from
the offering and the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option were approximately $10.7 million, after deducting underwriting
discounts and commissions and payment of other estimated expenses associated with the offering, but excluding the proceeds, if any, from
the exercise of Series F Warrants and the Pre-Funded Warrants sold in the offering.
On
July 28, 2020, we entered into a Sales Agreement with A.G.P. in connection with the ATM Facility. Any shares to be offered and sold under
the Sales Agreement will be issued and sold pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-223130),
filed with the SEC on February 21, 2018 and the prospectus supplement thereto filed with the SEC on July 28, 2020, by methods deemed
to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or if specified by us, by any other method permitted by law. On January 11, 2021, we increased the aggregate amount of our shares of
common stock that may be sold under the Sales Agreement from $9,300,000 to $10,382,954, and, as a result, utilized and sold the maximum
amount allowable under the ATM Facility, which resulted in an aggregate amount of $10,381,958.
- 60 -
On
February 8, 2021, we closed an underwritten public offering of 1,935,484 units, with each such unit being comprised of one share of our
common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and one Series G Warrant to purchase one-half of one share of common stock. The offering price
to the public was $9.30 per unit. The Series G Warrants were immediately exercisable at a price of $10.23 per share, subject to adjustment
in certain circumstances, and expire five years from the date of issuance. We also granted the underwriter of the offering an option
to purchase an additional 290,322 shares of common stock and Series G Warrants to purchase 145,161 shares of common stock, which the
underwriter exercised in full. In connection with the offering, we granted to the underwriter a compensation warrant to purchase up to
111,290 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $10.23 per share and which are exercisable for five years from February 3, 2021,
the date of effectiveness of the registration statement filed in connection with the offering. Our net proceeds from the offering, after
giving effect to the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option, were approximately $18.9 million, after deducting underwriting
discounts and commissions and payment of other estimated expenses associated with the offering, but excluding the proceeds, if any, from
the exercise of Series G Warrants sold in the offering.
On
February 3, 2021, we entered into a Distribution Agreement with three China-based partners and on the same day, we entered into an investment
transaction with QIDI, which included (i) an SPA, pursuant to which QIDI agreed to invest $900,000 in exchange for shares of our common
stock at a purchase price of $10.062 per share, and (ii) an IRA, whereby QIDI was provided certain customary registration rights, including
a commitment by us to file a registration statement with the SEC on Form S-1 or Form S-3 and have such registration statement become
effective not later than 150 days following the closing of the transactions under the SPA. The transaction closed on February 5, 2021.
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2021 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2020
General.
At December 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $12,004,000 and Short-term bank deposits of $22,036,000 as compared to $12,645,000
of cash and cash equivalents and $0 Short-term bank deposits as of December 31, 2020. We have historically met our cash needs through
a combination of issuing new shares, borrowing activities and product sales. Our cash requirements are generally for research and development,
marketing and sales activities, finance and administrative cost, capital expenditures and general working capital.
For
the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in our operating activities increased by $4,129,000 to $13,210,000, from $9,081,000
during the same period in 2020. The primary reason for the increase in cash used in our operating activities was an increase of $2,739,000
in payments for third party related expenses and for professional services (primarily due to payments related to our ongoing FDA trial,
payments related to ongoing projects and production related payments), an increase of $1,658,000 in salary and bonus payments from $6,098,000
in the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 to $7,756,000 during the same period in 2021 offset, in part, by an increase of $268,000
in payments received from customers to $3,715,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, from $3,447,000 during the same period
in 2020.
- 61 -
Cash
used by our investing activities was $22,457,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 compared to $187,000 during the twelve
months ended December 31, 2020. The primary reasons for the increase in cash used by our investing activities was investment in short-term
deposits of $24,000,000 an increase of $278,000 in net payments made for purchase of property, plant and equipment to $344,000 during
the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, from $66,000 during the same period in 2020, offset, in part, by the withdrawal of $2,000,000
of short-term deposits and a decrease of $8,000 in cash deposited to employee funds, to $113,000 during the twelve months ended December
31, 2021, from $121,000 during the same period in 2020.
Cash
provided by financing activities for the twelve months December 31, 2021 was $35,034,000, compared to $16,395,000 during the same period
in 2020. The principal sources of the cash provided by financing activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 were our
February 2021 public offering of common stock and warrants, exercise of Series F and Series G warrants, proceeds from an At-the-market
offering as well as proceeds from the issuance of shares to Chinese distributor that resulted in approximately $35,034,000 of aggregate
net proceeds. The principal sources of the cash provided by financing activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 were
our June 2020 public offering of common stock, pre-funded warrants and warrants, the subsequent exercise of the pre-funded warrants sold
in the offering, as well as exercise of warrants F and Unit Purchase Options, that resulted in approximately $12,169,000 of aggregate
net proceeds, and funds received from our ATM Facility that resulted in approximately $ 4,126,000 of aggregate net proceeds.
As
of December 31, 2021, our current assets exceeded our current liabilities by a multiple of 8.5. Current assets increased by $21,755,000
during the period and current liabilities increased by $642,000 during the period. As a result, our working capital increased by $21,113,000
to $32,747,000 as of December 31, 2021.
Off
Balance Sheet Arrangements
We
have no off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), or other relationships with unconsolidated
entities or other persons that have, or may have, a material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues
or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
- 62 -
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326)-Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.
This guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology. Under the new guidance, on initial recognition and at each reporting
period, an entity is required to recognize an allowance that reflects its current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over
the life of the financial instrument based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. In
November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815),
and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates (“ASU 2019-10”). The purpose of this amendment is to create a two tier rollout of
major updates, staggering the effective dates between larger public companies and all other entities. This granted certain classes of
companies, including Smaller Reporting Companies (“SRCs”), additional time to implement major FASB standards, including ASU
2016-13. Larger public companies will have an effective date for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods
within those fiscal years. All other entities are permitted to defer adoption of ASU 2016-13, and its related amendments, until the earlier
of fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Under the current SEC definitions, we meet the definition of an SRC as of the ASU
2019-10 issuance date and is adopting the deferral period for ASU 2016-13. The guidance requires a modified retrospective transition
approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We are currently
evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements, but does not believe the adoption of this
standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In
November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10 “Government Assistance (Topic 832)”, which requires annual disclosures that increase
the transparency of transactions involving government grants, including (1) the types of transactions, (2) the accounting for those transactions,
and (3) the effect of those transactions on an entity’s financial statements. The amendments in this update are effective for financial
statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. However, it is not expected to have a material impact on the
consolidated financial results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Factors
That May Affect Future Operations
We
believe that our future operating results will continue to be subject to quarterly variations based upon a wide variety of factors, including
the cyclical nature of the ordering patterns of our distributors, timing of regulatory approvals, the implementation of various phases
of our clinical trials and manufacturing efficiencies due to the learning curve of utilizing new materials and equipment. Our operating
results could also be impacted by a weakening of the Euro and strengthening of the NIS, both against the U.S. dollar. Lastly, other economic
conditions we cannot foresee may affect customer demand, such as individual country reimbursement policies pertaining to our products.
Item
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Not
applicable.
Item
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The
following financial statements are included as part of this Report (See Item 15):
●
Report of Kesselman & Kesselman, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
●
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
●
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
●
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
●
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
●
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Item
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
Not
applicable.
- 63 -
Item
9A. Controls and Procedures.
Management’s
Conclusions Regarding Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We
conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures”, as defined by Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of December 31, 2021, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. The disclosure controls and procedures evaluation was done under the supervision and with the participation of management,
including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system
of disclosure controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance
of achieving their control objectives. Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded
that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2021.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management
is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for
external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of
any evaluation of effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls
may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate
over time.
Management,
including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 2013 . Based on its assessment and those criteria, management
has concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There
have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021 that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item
9B. Other Information.
None.
Item
9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not
applicable.
- 64 -
PART
III
Item
10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Executive
Officers and Directors
The
following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and the members of our board of directors.
Name
Age
Position
Marvin
Slosman
58
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Craig
Shore
60
Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
Michael
Berman (1)(2)
64
Director
Campbell
Rogers, M.D.
60
Director
Paul
Stuka (1)(2)(3)
67
Chairman
of the Board of Directors
Thomas
J. Kester (1)(3)
75
Director
Gary
Roubin, M.D.
73
Director
Kathryn
Arnold (3)
49
Director
(1)
Member
of our audit committee
(2)
Member
of our nominating and corporate governance committee
(3)
Member
of our compensation committee
Our
directors hold office until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal by stockholders or until their successors have been qualified.
Our directors are divided into three classes. Paul Stuka and Gary Roubin are our Class 1 directors, with their terms of office to expire
at our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders. Michael Berman and Campbell Rogers, M.D. are our Class 2 directors, with their terms of office
to expire at our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. Marvin Slosman and Thomas J. Kester are our Class 3 directors, with their terms
of office to expire at our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors elected to succeed
those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders
after their election, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Our
officers hold office until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal by our board of directors or until their successors have
been selected. They serve at the pleasure of our board of directors.
Marvin
Slosman has served as our president, chief executive officer and director since January 1, 2020. Mr. Slosman has served as chief
operating officer for MEDCURA Inc. from May 2019 to December 2019. From September 2017 to September 2019, Mr. Slosman served as a Business
Consultant, overseeing international commercial strategy and market development, at Integra Life Sciences, a leading innovator in orthopedic
extremity surgery, neurosurgery, and reconstructive and general surgery. From 2010 to 2014 Mr. Slosman served as President of Itamar
Medical, Inc., a medical technology company focused on cardiovascular and sleep diagnostics. Mr. Slosman also served as chief executive
officer of Ovalum Vascular Ltd. from 2008 to 2010. Mr. Slosman’s qualifications to serve on the board of directors of the Company
include his significant experience in senior management positions of leading medical device companies.
Craig
Shore has served as our chief financial officer, secretary and treasurer since March 31, 2011 and as our chief administrative officer
since May 3, 2013. In addition, from November 10, 2010 through March 31, 2011, Mr. Shore served as InspireMD Ltd.’s vice president
of business development. Mr. Shore has vast experience in financial management in the United States, Europe and Israel for companies
such as Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb and General Electric. His experience includes raising capital both in the private
and public markets. Mr. Shore graduated with honors and received a B.Sc. in Finance from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A.
from George Washington University.
- 65 -
Michael
Berman has served as our director since February 7, 2013. Mr. Berman is a medical device entrepreneur who has worked with high-potential
development and early-stage commercial companies since 2014. From 2005 to 2012, Mr. Berman was a co-founder and the chairman of BridgePoint
Medical, Inc., which developed technology to treat coronary and peripheral vascular chronic total occlusions and which was sold to Boston
Scientific. Mr. Berman was also a member of the board of Lutonix, Inc. from 2007 until 2011, when the company was sold to C.R. Bard,
Inc. From 2011 to 2019, Mr. Berman served as a co-founder and director of Rebiotix Inc., a company developing an innovative treatment
for C Diff colitis. Rebiotix was sold to Ferring Pharmaceuticals in 2018. From 2014 till 2018 Mr. Berman served as a director of Mazor
Robotics, a company pioneering Spinal Robotic Surgery. Mr. Berman has served (i) since 2011 as an advisor to, and since 2012 as a director
of, Cardiosonic, Inc., a company developing a system for hypertension reduction via renal denervation, (ii) since 2005 as a director
of PharmaCentra, LLC, which creates customizable marketing programs that help pharmaceutical companies communicate with physicians and
patients, (iii) since 2018 as a Director of STMedical, a medical device company that has developed a temporary stent for the treatment
of chronic sinusitis, (iv) since 2019 as a director of CardiacSense Inc, a medical device company that has developed a smart watch vital
sign monitor, (v) since 2017 as a Director of Owlytics Healthcare, (vi) since 2013 as a Director of ClearCut Inc., a medical device company
that has developed an MRI system for tumor margin assessment, (vii) since 2013 as a director of PulmOne Ltd., a medical device company
developing an innovative Pulmonary Function Testing system, (viii) since 2019 as a director of QArt, a medical device company, (ix) since
2014 as a venture partner at RiverVest Ventures and (x) since 2017 as a Director of Truleaf Medical. Mr. Berman brings to the board his
extensive executive and entrepreneurial experiences in the field of medical devices and vascular intervention, which should assist in
strengthening and advancing our strategic focus.
Campbell
Rogers, M.D. has served as a director since September 3, 2013. Dr. Rogers is the executive vice president and chief medical officer
of HeartFlow, Inc., a cardiovascular diagnostics company, since March 2012. Prior to joining HeartFlow, Inc., he was the chief scientific
officer and global head of research and development at Cordis Corporation (currently part of Cardinal Health, Inc.), Johnson & Johnson,
where he was responsible for leading investments and research in cardiovascular devices. Prior to that, he was associate professor of
medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard-M.I.T. Division of Health Sciences and Technology and director of the cardiac catheterization
and experimental cardiovascular interventional laboratories at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He served as principal investigator
for numerous interventional cardiology device, diagnostic, and pharmacology trials, is the author of numerous journal articles, chapters,
and books in the area of coronary artery and other cardiovascular diseases and was the recipient of research grant awards from the National
Institute of Health and the American Heart Association. He received his A.B. from Harvard College and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Rogers’ qualifications to serve on the board include his significant experience in cardiovascular devices, as well as his familiarity
with the operations of medical device companies.
Paul
Stuka has served as a director since August 8, 2011 and has served as our chairman since June 2, 2017. Mr. Stuka has served as the
managing member of Osiris Partners, LLC, an investment fund, since 2000. Prior to forming Osiris Partners, LLC, Mr. Stuka, with 35 years
of experience in the investment industry, was a managing director of Longwood Partners, managing small cap institutional accounts. In
1995, Mr. Stuka joined State Street Research and Management as manager of its Market Neutral and Mid Cap Growth Funds. From 1986 to 1994,
Mr. Stuka served as the general partner of Stuka Associates, where he managed a U.S.-based investment partnership. Mr. Stuka began his
career in 1980 as an analyst at Fidelity Management and Research. As an analyst, Mr. Stuka followed a wide array of industries including
healthcare, energy, transportation, and lodging and gaming. Early in his career he became the assistant portfolio manager for three Fidelity
Funds, including the Select Healthcare Fund which was recognized as the top performing fund in the United States for the five-year period
ending December 31, 1985. Mr. Stuka has been serving as a director of Caliber Imaging & Diagnostics, Inc. (formerly Lucid, Inc.)
since June 2013. Mr. Stuka’s qualifications to serve on the board include his significant strategic and business insight from his
years of experience investing in the healthcare industry.
Thomas
J. Kester has served as a director since September 6, 2016. Mr. Kester has been serving as the chief financial officer of Kester
Search Group, LLC Inc., a private executive search firm specializing in sales force placement for medical, dental and diagnostic device
companies, since October 2014. From 2004 to 2010, Mr. Kester served as a director of Orthofix International, NV (NASDAQ: OFIX), a global
medical device company. Mr. Kester’s experience includes 28 years at KPMG LLP, including 18 years as an audit partner, advising
public and private companies in connection with annual audit and financings. Mr. Kester’s qualifications to serve on the board
include his significant strategic and business insight from his years of experience auditing global companies and serving on the boards
of several public and not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Kester received his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Cornell University and
an M.B.A. from Harvard University.
- 66 -
Gary
Roubin, M.D. has served as a director since October 13, 2020. Dr. Roubin cofounded Essential Medical Inc. in 2010, which has had
success in bringing a large bore vascular closure device to world markets and was recently acquired by Teleflex Inc. From 2002 to 2003,
Dr. Roubin served as Chief Medical Officer of the Medicines Company during the release of its Angiomax product. From 2003 to 2012, Dr.
Roubin served as Department Chairman and Chief of Service of the Lenox Hill Hospital Cardiac and Vascular program in New York. From 1989
to 1997, he served as Chief of Interventional Cardiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to which he joined in 1989 as Professor
of Medicine and Radiology and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories and Interventional Cardiology Section at the University
Hospital. In 2001, Dr. Roubin played a pivotal role in the success of Mednova Inc., which was acquired by Abbott Vascular, resulting
in the introduction and marketing in the U.S. of the top selling carotid embolic protection system (NAV6) and stent system (XACT). In
1987, he developed and placed the world’s first balloon expandable coronary stent. In 1984, Dr. Roubin joined Andreas Gruentzig
at Emory University to continue his post-doctoral research. He is also acknowledged for the development of coronary stenting and the
first FDA-approved coronary stent. Dr. Roubin received his M.D. from the University of Queensland medical school and his Ph.D. from Sydney
University. Dr. Roubin is qualified to serve on the board given that he is an internationally renowned interventional cardiologist recognized
for his pioneering work in carotid stenting and embolic and protection devices. He is also acknowledged for the development of coronary
stenting and the first FDA-approved coronary stent.
Kathryn
Arnold has served as our director since May 10, 2021. Ms. Arnold is the Founder and CEO of SPRIG Consulting, a strategic marketing
consulting firm with over a decade of success in the medical space. Prior to founding SPRIG, Ms. Arnold held sales and marketing management
roles with Guidant Corporation (acquired by Abbott Laboratories and Boston Scientific) and Kensey Nash Corporation (acquired by Spectranetics
Corporation / Royal Philips). Additionally, Ms. Arnold is an adjunct faculty member at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern
University where she teaches a course specific to medical product commercialization and financing. Ms. Arnold received a bachelor of
arts in environmental science from the University of Vermont and a master’s degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern
University.
Mr.
Slosman and Mr. Shore are parties to certain agreements related to their service as executive officers and directors described under
“Executive Compensation – Agreements with Executive Officers.”
Board
Diversity Matrix
The
table below provides certain information regarding the diversity of our board of directors as of the date of this annual report.
Board
Diversity Matrix (As of March 7, 2022)
Total
Number of Directors
6
Female
Male
Non-Binary
Did
Not Disclose Gender
Part
I: Gender Identity
Directors
1
5
#
#
Part
II: Demographic Background
African
American or Black
#
#
#
#
Alaskan
Native or Native American
#
#
#
#
Asian
#
#
#
#
Hispanic
or Latinx
#
#
#
#
Native
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
#
#
#
#
White
1
5
#
#
Two
or More Races or Ethnicities
#
#
#
#
LGBTQ+
0
Did
Not Disclose Demographic Background
#
Family
Relationships
We
have no family relationships amongst our directors and executive officers.
- 67 -
Board
Committees
Our
board of directors has established an audit committee, a nominating and corporate governance committee and a compensation committee,
each of which has the composition and responsibilities described below.
Audit
Committee . Our audit committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Berman, Stuka and Kester, each of whom our board has determined
to be financially literate and qualify as an independent director as defined in the Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3 promulgated under
the Exchange Act. Mr. Kester is the chairman of our audit committee and qualifies as a financial expert, as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii)
of Regulation S-K. The audit committee’s duties are to recommend to our board of directors the engagement of independent auditors
to audit our financial statements and to review our accounting and auditing principles. The audit committee will review the scope, timing
and fees for the annual audit and the results of audit examinations performed by the internal auditors and independent public accountants,
including their recommendations to improve the system of accounting and internal controls. The audit committee operates under a formal
charter adopted by the board of directors that governs its duties and conduct. Copies of the charter can be obtained free of charge from
the Company’s web site, www.inspiremd.com, by contacting the Company.
Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee . Our nominating and corporate governance committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Berman and
Stuka, each of whom qualify as an independent director under as defined in the Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3 promulgated under
the Exchange Act. Mr. Berman is the chairman of our nominating and corporate governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance
committee identifies and recommends to our board of directors individuals qualified to be director nominees. In addition, the nominating
and corporate governance committee recommends to our board of directors the members and chairman of each board committee who will periodically
review and assess our code of business conduct and ethics and our corporate governance guidelines. The nominating and corporate governance
committee also makes recommendations for changes to our code of business conduct and ethics and our corporate governance guidelines to
our board of directors, reviews any other matters related to our corporate governance and oversees the evaluation of our board of directors
and our management. The nominating and corporate governance committee operates under a formal charter adopted by the board of directors
that governs its duties and conduct. Copies of the charter can be obtained free of charge from the Company’s web site, www.inspiremd.com,
by contacting the Company.
Compensation
Committee . Our compensation committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Stuka and Kester, each of whom qualify as an independent
director under as defined in the Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Mr. Stuka is the chairman of
our compensation committee. The compensation committee reviews and approves our salary and benefits policies, including compensation
of executive officers and directors. The compensation committee also administers our stock option plans and recommends and approves grants
of stock options under such plans. The compensation committee operates under a formal charter adopted by the board of directors that
governs its duties and conduct. Copies of the charter can be obtained free of charge from the Company’s web site, www.inspiremd.com,
by contacting the Company.
- 68 -
Code
of Ethics
We
have adopted a code of ethics and business conduct that applies to our officers, directors and employees, including our principal executive
officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, which is posted on our website at www.inspiremd.com . We
intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of the code of ethics, or waivers of such provisions granted to executive
officers and directors, on this website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
Item
11. Executive Compensation.
Summary
Compensation Table
The
table below sets forth the compensation earned by our named executive officers for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2021 and
2020.
Name
and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Restricted
Stock
Awards
($) (1)
Option
Awards
($) (1)
All
Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Marvin
Slosman
2021
410,000 (2)
169,125 (4)
603,856
428,803
24,360 (5)
1,636,144
President
and Chief Executive Officer
2020
366,666 (3)
150,000 (4)
658,981
196,162
10,309 (5)
1,382,118
Craig
Shore
2021
319,569 (6)
164,257 (4)(6)
300,669
130,499
141,867 (7)
1,056,861
Chief
Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
2020
265,004 (3)(6)
138,692 (4)(6)
264,745
78,955
121,626 (7)
869,022
(1)
For
awards of stock, the aggregate grant date fair value is computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Fair value is based on the
Black-Scholes option pricing model using the fair value of the underlying shares at the measurement date.
(2)
On
April 19, 2021, our Compensation Committee approved, effective as of July 1, 2021, an increase
to the base salary of Mr. Slosman such that the annual salary will increase to $420,000 from
$400,000.
(3)
On
April 21, 2020, Mr. Slosman and Mr. Shore each signed waivers in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and certain cost-reduction
measures, whereby Mr. Slosman’s monthly base salary was reduced from $33,333 to $16,666 and Mr. Shore’s monthly base
salary was reduced from NIS 80,125 to NIS 40,063. On June 10, 2020, following the closing of our underwritten public offering in
June 2020, each of Mr. Slosman’s and Mr. Shore’s monthly base salaries were reinstated to $33,333 and NIS 80,125, respectively,
effective as of June 1, 2020. On August 14, 2020, we entered into the fourth amendment which included an increase to Mr. Shore’s
monthly base salary to NIS 86,000, effective August 1, 2020.
(4)
Cash
bonus awards for the 2020 calendar year were approved by the compensation committee in January 2021.Cash bonus awards for the 2021
calendar year were approved by the compensation committee in January 2022.
(5)
Mr.
Slosman’s other compensation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of benefits related to health
insurance.
(6)
Compensation
amounts received in non-U.S. currency have been converted into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate for the applicable period,
except for bonus amounts which have been converted into U.S. dollars using 3.110 NIS per dollar which was the exchange rate as of
December 31, 2021. The average exchange rate for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were 3.229 NIS per dollar
and 3.437 NIS per dollar, respectively.
(7)
Mr.
Shore’s other compensation consisted solely of benefits in the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. In each of the
periods reported, Mr. Shore’s benefits included our contributions to his severance, pension, vocational studies and disability
funds, an annual recreation payment, a company car or car allowance and cell phone, and a daily food allowance.
- 69 -
Agreements
with Executive Officers
Marvin
Slosman
On
December 9, 2019, we entered into an Employment Agreement with Marvin Slosman, which was subsequently amended on December 31, 2019 (as
amended, the “Slosman Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Slosman was appointed as our new chief executive officer
and president. Mr. Slosman’s term of employment commenced on January 1, 2020, was to remain in effect for three years (the “Initial
Employment Term”), unless earlier terminated, and was to be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms after the Initial
Employment Term. Mr. Slosman was also appointed as a Class 3 director, effective January 1, 2020, with a term expiring on the 2020 annual
meeting of our stockholders. On November 8, 2021, we entered into an amendment to the employment agreement of our chief executive officer,
Marvin Slosman, originally dated December 9, 2019, pursuant to which we agreed to remove the definitive term of his employment such that
his employment agreement shall expire if and when terminated by either party pursuant to the terms thereof.
As
consideration for his services as chief executive officer, Mr. Slosman will be entitled to receive (i) an annual base salary of $400,000,
less applicable payroll deductions and tax (“Base Salary”), which will be reviewed by the Board on an annual basis for increase,
On April 19, 2021, our Compensation Committee approved, effective as of July 1, 2021, an increase to the base salary of Mr. Slosman such
that the annual salary will increase to $420,000 from $400,000; (ii) reimbursement of up to $50,000 for any reasonable and customary,
documented out-of-pocket relocation expenses actually incurred by Mr. Slosman in 2019 or 2020 calendar years, in connection with his
relocation to Europe; (iii) annual performance bonuses in an amount up to 50% percent of the Base Salary, as may be in effect from time
to time, for each calendar year during his employment with us based on the extent to which performance criteria/financial results for
the applicable year have been met; and (iv) equity awards as of the date of the Slosman Employment Agreement that represent, in the aggregate,
5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock determined on a fully diluted basis as of the date of grant (the “Equity
Awards”), with 75% of the Equity Awards being granted as restricted stock units and with the remaining 25% of the Equity Awards
being granted as stock options, all of which Equity Awards shall be outside of the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan and subject to terms
and conditions of the award agreements entered by Mr. Slosman. In addition, on or before December 31, 2020, Mr. Slosman shall become
eligible to receive an additional grant of equity awards under the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreements
up to 5% (including the Equity Awards) of the Company’s actual outstanding shares of Common Stock on the date of grant, provided
that the actual amount of the grant shall be based on the achievement of certain performance/financial criteria as established by the
Board after consultation with Mr. Slosman, in its reasonable discretion. For the purposes of the equity award calculation, “fully
diluted basis” is defined as the sum of the total shares of common stock then outstanding, the shares of common stock issuable
upon the conversion of our then outstanding shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and
the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of our then outstanding pre-funded warrant. On January 2, 2020, pursuant to the
Slosman Employment Agreement, we granted Mr. Slosman restricted stock units for 182,381 shares and a stock option to purchase 60,794
shares of common stock at $1.10 per share.
In
January 2022, the Compensation Committee approved a reimbursement of up to $50,000 for any reasonable and customary, documented out-of-pocket
relocation expenses actually incurred by Mr. Slosman in the 2022 calendar years, in connection with his relocation to Europe, as well
as $62,500 in expenses on an annual basis for expenses relating to commuting expenses, health coverage and corporate and visa status
costs.
- 70 -
In
the event Mr. Slosman voluntarily resigns without good reason, we may, in our sole discretion, shorten the notice period and determine
the date of termination without any obligation to pay Mr. Slosman any additional compensation other than the accrued obligations and
without triggering a termination of Mr. Slosman’s employment without cause. In the event we terminate Mr. Slosman’s employment
for cause or Mr. Slosman voluntarily resigns without good reason, we shall have no further liability or obligation to Mr. Slosman under
the Slosman Employment Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that this the Slosman Employment Agreement terminates,
we shall, subject to the execution and timely return by Mr. Slosman of a release of claims, pay Mr. Slosman cash payments totaling $100,000
in the aggregate, payable in equal installments on our regular pay dates that occur during the period commencing on 60th day following
his employment termination date and ending on the last day of the Restricted Period (as defined below); provided, however, that if, at
any time within the period commencing on the date that is 3 months prior to the termination of his employment agreement , we and a third
party execute a definitive, written, and binding agreement (a “Sale Agreement”) to enter into certain transactions described
therein that, if consummated, would constitute a change in control in us, then Mr. Slosman’s termination shall be deemed a termination
by us without cause or for good reason, as of the date such Sale Agreement is executed, provided further that any amounts payable to
Mr. Slosman pursuant to such termination shall be reduced by any amounts previously paid to him upon expiration of the Slosman Employment
Agreement, termination by us for cause or voluntary resignation by Mr. Slosman without good reason.
If
Mr. Slosman’s employment is terminated (i) by us without cause or (ii) by Mr. Slosman for good reason, then we must pay Mr. Slosman,
(a) a severance pay in an amount equal to twelve months of his then-current base salary, (b) his entire performance bonus for any calendar
year for which Mr. Slosman has already worked the entire year but the bonus has yet to be paid, (c) a pro-rated performance bonus in
an amount equal to the target annual performance bonus to which Mr. Slosman may have been entitled for the year in which the termination
occurs that he would have received had his employment not been terminated during such year. In addition, 50% of all unvested stock options,
shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, or similar stock-based rights granted to Mr. Slosman shall
vest and, if applicable, be immediately exercisable and any risk of forfeiture included in such restricted or other stock grants previously
made to Mr. Slosman shall immediately lapse, and Mr. Slosman may exercise any outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights
until the earlier of (x) the last date on which such stock options or stock appreciation rights could have been exercised pursuant to
the terms of the applicable award agreement, irrespective of Mr. Slosman’s termination of employment; and (y) the date that is
two years following his employment termination date.
Craig
Shore
We
have been a party to an employment agreement with Craig Shore since November 28, 2010. On May 5, 2014, we entered into an amended and
restated employment agreement with Mr. Shore, which was amended on January 5, 2015, July 25, 2016, and on March 25, 2019. The employment
agreement, as amended, had an initial term that originally was to end on December 31, 2020, and was to automatically renew for additional
one-year periods on January 1st thereafter unless either party gave the other party written notice of its election not to extend such
employment at least six months prior to the next January 1st renewal date. As discussed more fully below, we subsequently amended Mr.
Shore’s employment agreement to remove that certain definitive term of his employment such that his employment agreement shall
expire if and when terminated by either party pursuant to the terms thereof.
- 71 -
Under
the terms of the employment agreement, as amended by the third amendment to the amended and restated employment agreement, dated March
25, 2019, Mr. Shore is entitled to an annual base salary of at least $250,000. Such amount may be reduced only as part of an overall
cost reduction program that affects all of our senior executives and does not disproportionately affect Mr. Shore, so long as such reduction
does not reduce the base salary to a rate that is less than 90% of the amount set forth above (or 90% of the amount to which it has been
increased). The base salary will be reviewed annually by our chief executive officer for increase (but not decrease, except as permitted
as part of an overall cost reduction program) as part of our annual compensation review. Mr. Shore is also eligible to receive an annual
bonus in an amount equal to 60% of his then-annual salary upon the achievement of reasonable target objectives and performance goals,
to be determined by the board of directors in consultation with Mr. Shore. Mr. Shore is eligible to receive the percentage of his annual
bonus corresponding to the percentage of his achievement of such target objectives and performance goals. The annual bonus will be reviewed
annually by our chief executive officer for increase in the amount of the percentage of his then-base salary (but not decrease), as well
as the criteria and the goals, as part of our annual compensation review. In addition, Mr. Shore is eligible to receive such additional
bonus or incentive compensation as the board may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. Mr. Shore will also be considered
for grants of equity awards each year as part of the board’s annual compensation review, which will be made at the sole discretion
of the board of directors. Each grant will, with respect to any awards that are options, have an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of our common stock as of the date of grant, and will be subject to a three-year vesting period subject to Mr. Shore’s continued
service with us, with one-third of each additional grant vesting equally on the first, second, and third anniversary of the date of grant
for such awards.
If
Mr. Shore’s employment is terminated upon his death or disability, by us without cause (as such term is defined in Mr. Shore’s
employment agreement), or upon his resignation for “good reason” (as such term is defined in Mr. Shore’s employment
agreement), Mr. Shore will be entitled to receive, in addition to any amounts he is entitled to receive under the manager’s insurance
policy: (i) any unpaid base salary and accrued unpaid vacation or earned incentive compensation and the pro rata amount of any bonus
plan incentive compensation for the fiscal year of such termination (based on the number of business days he was actually employed by
us during the fiscal year of such termination and based on the percentage of the goals that he actually achieved under the bonus plan)
that he would have received had his employment not been terminated; (ii) a one-time lump sum severance payment equal to 100% of his base
salary, provided that he executes a release relating to employment matters and the circumstances surrounding his termination in favor
of us, our subsidiaries and our officers, directors and related parties and agents, in a form reasonably acceptable to us at the time
of such termination; (iii) vesting of all unvested stock options, stock appreciation rights or similar stock-based rights granted to
him and immediate lapse of any risk of forfeiture included in restricted or other stock grants previously made to Mr. Shore; (iv) an
extension of the exercise period of all vested stock options granted to Mr. Shore until the earlier of (a) two years from the date of
termination or (b) the latest date that each stock option would otherwise expire by its original terms; (v) to the fullest extent permitted
by our then-current benefit plans, continuation of health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage for the lesser of 12 months after
termination or until Mr. Shore obtains coverage from a new employer; and (vi) reimbursement of up to $30,000 for executive outplacement
services, subject to certain restrictions. The severance payment described in (ii) of the foregoing sentence upon Mr. Shore’s death
or disability will be reduced by any payments received by Mr. Shore pursuant to any of our employee welfare benefit plans providing for
payments in the event of death or disability. If Mr. Shore’s employment is terminated by us for cause or by Mr. Shore voluntarily,
Mr. Shore will only be entitled to unpaid amounts owed to him (e.g., base salary, accrued vacation and earned incentive compensation
through the date of such termination) and whatever rights, if any, are available to him pursuant to our stock-based compensation plan
or any award documents related to any stock-based compensation.
Mr.
Shore may terminate his employment for good reason by delivering a notice of termination to us 30 days in advance of the date of termination;
provided, however, that Mr. Shore agreed to not terminate his employment for good reason until he has given us at least 30 days’
notice from which to cure the circumstances set forth in the notice of termination constituting good reason, and if such circumstances
are not cured by the 30th day, Mr. Shore’s employment shall terminate on such date.
Pursuant
to terms contained in Mr. Shore’s stock option and restricted stock award agreements, in the event of a change of control of our
company, the stock options and restricted stock granted to Mr. Shore that were unvested will vest immediately upon such change of control,
in the case of stock options, if such stock options are not assumed or substituted by the surviving company.
- 72 -
If
we terminate Mr. Shore’s employment without cause, Mr. Shore will be entitled, under Israeli law, to severance payments equal to
his last month’s salary multiplied by the number of years Mr. Shore has been employed with us. In order to finance this obligation,
we make monthly contributions equal to 8.33% of Mr. Shore’s salary to a severance payment fund. The total amount accumulated in
Mr. Shore’s severance payment fund as of December 31, 2020 was $206,000, as adjusted for conversion from New Israeli Shekels to
U.S. Dollars. However, if Mr. Shore’s employment is terminated without cause, on account of a disability or upon his death, as
of December 31, 2020, Mr. Shore would have been entitled to receive $270,000 in severance under Israeli law, thereby requiring us to
pay Mr. Shore $64,000, in addition to releasing the $206,000 in Mr. Shore’s severance payment fund. On the other hand, pursuant
to his employment agreement, Mr. Shore is entitled to the total amount contributed to and accumulated in his severance payment fund in
the event of the termination of his employment as a result of his voluntary resignation. In addition, Mr. Shore would be entitled to
receive his full severance payment under Israeli law, including the total amount contributed to and accumulated in his severance payment
fund, if he retires from our company at or after age 67.
We
are entitled to terminate Mr. Shore’s employment immediately at any time for “cause” (as such term is defined in the
agreement and the Israeli Severance Payment Act 1963), upon which, after meeting certain requirements under the applicable law and recent
Israeli Labor court requirements, we believe we will have no further obligation to compensate Mr. Shore.
Also,
upon termination of Mr. Shore’s employment for any reason, we will compensate him for all unused or previously uncompensated vacation
days accrued.
The
employment agreement also contains certain standard noncompetition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and assignment of inventions requirements
for Mr. Shore.
Mr.
Shore is also entitled to participate in or receive benefits under our social insurance and benefits plans, including but not limited
to our manager’s insurance policy and education fund, which are customary benefits provided to executive employees in Israel. A
management insurance policy is a combination of severance savings (in accordance with Israeli law), defined contribution tax-qualified
pension savings and disability pension payments. An education fund is a savings fund of pre-tax contributions to be used after a specified
period of time for advanced educational training and other permitted purposes, as set forth in the by-laws of the education fund. We
will make periodic contributions to these insurance and social benefits plans based on certain percentages of Mr. Shore’s base
salary, including (i) 7.5% to the education fund and (ii) 15.83% to the manager’s insurance policy, of which 8.33% will be allocated
to severance pay, 5.5% to pension fund payments and up to 2.5% to disability pension payments. Upon the termination of Mr. Shore’s
employment for any reason other than for cause, Mr. Shore will be entitled to receive the total amount contributed to and accumulated
in his manager insurance policy fund.
On
August 14, 2020, we entered into the fourth amendment to that certain Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of May 5, 2014,
as amended on January 5, 2015, July 25, 2016, and on March 25, 2019, in order to, among other things, (i) amend the term of Mr. Shore’s
employment, so that the initial term of Mr. Shore employment will end on July 31, 2022, which will automatically be renewed for additional
one-year periods on August 1, 2022 and on each August 1 thereafter; (ii) increase Mr. Shore’s monthly base salary to NIS 86,000;
and (iii) amend certain terms related to termination of Mr. Shore’s employment without Cause (as defined therein).
On
November 4, 2021, we entered into the Fifth Amendment to that certain Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with our chief financial
officer, chief administrative officer, secretary and treasurer, Craig Shore, dated May 5, 2014, as amended on January 5, 2015, July 25,
2016, March 25, 2019 and on August 14, 2020, pursuant to which we agreed to remove that certain definitive term of his employment such
that his employment agreement shall expire if and when terminated by either party pursuant to the terms thereof.
On
January 17, 2022, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to that certain Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with our chief financial
officer, chief administrative officer, secretary and treasurer, Craig Shore, dated May 5, 2014, as amended on January 5, 2015, July 25,
2016, March 25, 2019, August 14, 2020 and on November 4, 2021, pursuant to which we agreed to increase Mr. Shore’s monthly base
salary to no less than NIS 89,440 effective January 1, 2022, per month (NIS 1,073,280 on an annualized basis).
Change
of Control Agreements
Pursuant
to our forms of our restricted stock award agreement, stock option agreement, or restricted stock unit award agreement pursuant to our
2021 Equity Incentive Plan, in the event of a change of control, any unvested awards shall become immediately vested.
We
do not currently have any plans providing for the payment of retirement benefits to our officers or directors, other than as described
above and under “Agreements with Executive Officers” above.
We
do not currently have any change-of-control or severance agreements with any of our executive officers or directors, other than as described
under “Agreements with Executive Officers” above. In the event of the termination of employment of the named executive officers,
any and all unexercised stock options shall expire and no longer be exercisable after a specified time following the date of the termination,
other than as described under “Agreements with Executive Officers” above.
- 73 -
Outstanding
Equity Awards at December 31, 2021
The
following table shows information concerning unexercised options and unvested shares of restricted stock outstanding as of December 31,
2021 for each of our named executive officers.
Option Awards
Stock Awards
Name
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable
Option exercise price ($)
Option expiration date
Number of shares of stock that have not vested (#)
Market value of shares of stock that have not vested ($)
Marvin Slosman(1)
1,351
2,702 (2)
16.50
1/2/2030
8,106 (3)
24,480
8,706
17,412 (4)
5.85
8/31/2030
52,235 (5)
157,751
40,000 (6)
6.90
4/19/2031
48,855 (7)
4.12
10/13/2031
146,567 (8)
442,632
Craig Shore
1
-
124,687.50
07/25/2026
133 (9)
403
5,029
10,057 (4)
5.85
8/31/2030
30,171 (10)
91,115
6,667 (6)
6.90
4/19/2031
24,326 (11)
4.09
11/10/2031
72,978 (12)
220,394
(1)
Mr.
Slosman was appointed as chief executive officer effective as of January 1, 2020
(2)
These
options vest annually, with one-half vesting on each of January 2, 2022 and January 2, 2023.
(3)
These
restricted stock units (RSUs) vest annually, with one-half vesting on each of January 2,
2022 and January 2, 2023.
In
case of the holders termination of services for any reason other than by the Company for cause, the Company shall convert the vested
RSUs into the number of whole shares of Common Stock equal to the number of vested RSUs and shall deliver them to the holder.
(4)
These
options vest annually, with one-half vesting on each of August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2023.
(5)
These
RSUs vest annually, with one-half vesting on each of August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2023.
(6)
These
options vest annually, with one-third vesting on each of April 19, 2022, April 19, 2023 and April 19, 2024.
(7)
These
options vest annually, with one-third vesting on each of October 13, 2022, October 13, 2023 and October 13, 2024.
(8)
These
RSUs vest annually, with one-third vesting on each of October 13, 2022, October 13, 2023 and October 13, 2024.
(9)
These
shares of restricted stock vest annually, with vesting on February 4, 2022.
(10)
These
shares of restricted stock vest annually, with one-half vesting on each of August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2023.
(11)
These
options vest annually, with one-third vesting on each of November 10, 2022, November 10, 2023 and November 10, 2024.
(12)
These
shares of restricted stock vest annually, with one-third vesting on each of November 10, 2022, November 10, 2023 and November 10,
2024.
Option
Exercises and Stock Vested
There
were no stock options exercised by our named executive officers during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
2011
UMBRELLA Option Plan
On
March 28, 2011, our board of directors and stockholders adopted and approved the InspireMD, Inc. 2011 UMBRELLA Option Plan, which was
subsequently amended on October 31, 2011 and December 21, 2012. Under the InspireMD, Inc. 2011 UMBRELLA Option Plan, we have reserved
13 shares of our common stock as awards to the employees, consultants, and service providers to InspireMD, Inc. and its subsidiaries
and affiliates worldwide. The InspireMD, Inc. 2011 UMBRELLA Option Plan is administered by our compensation committee. The InspireMD,
Inc. 2011 UMBRELLA Option Plan has expired on March 27, 2021. We have no shares of common stock available for future issuance under our
2011 UMBRELLA Option Plan.
- 74 -
2013
Long-Term Incentive Plan
On
December 16, 2013, our stockholders approved the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was adopted by our board of directors
on October 25, 2013.
The
purpose of the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive to attract and retain employees, officers, consultants,
directors, and service providers whose services are considered valuable, to encourage a sense of proprietorship and to stimulate an active
interest of such persons in our development and financial success. The InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan provides for the
granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units,
performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, and other awards, which may be granted singly, in combination, or in tandem. The InspireMD,
Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan is administered by our compensation committee.
The
InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan is intended to serve as an “umbrella” plan for us and our subsidiaries worldwide.
Therefore, if so required, appendices may be added to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan in order to accommodate local
regulations that do not correspond to the scope of the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Attached as Appendix A to the InspireMD,
Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan is the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, for the purpose of making grants of stock
options, restricted stock, and other stock incentive awards pursuant to Sections 102 and 3(i) of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (New
Version), 1961 to Israeli employees and officers and any other service providers or control holders of us who are subject to Israeli
Income Tax.
When
the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan was adopted, a total of 11 shares of common stock were reserved for awards under the
InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
On
September 9, 2015, our stockholders approved an amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number
of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan by 11 shares
of common stock, to a total of 22 shares of common stock.
On
May 24, 2016, our stockholders approved the second amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number
of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan by 229 shares
of common stock, to a total of 251 shares of common stock.
On
September 28, 2016, our stockholders approved the third amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the
number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan by
144 shares of common stock, to a total of 395 shares of common stock.
On
October 24, 2018, our stockholders approved the fourth amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan to (i) increase
the number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under such InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan
by 178,000 shares, to a total of 178,395 shares of common stock, and (ii) remove the cap on the number of shares of common stock with
respect to which stock options or stock appreciation rights may be granted to certain executive officers of the Company during any calendar
year.
On
March 21, 2019, our stockholders approved the fifth amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the total
number of shares of common stock issuable under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan by 500,000 shares to a total of 678,395
shares of common stock
- 75 -
On
August 31, 2020, our stockholders approved the sixth amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the total
number of shares of common stock issuable under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan by 6,500,000 shares to a total of 7,178,395
shares of common stock.
As
of December 31, 2021, we had 65,496 shares of common stock available for future issuance under our 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
As
of March 4, 2022, we had 65,496 shares of common stock available for future issuance under our 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
2021
Equity Incentive Plan
On
September 30, 2021, at our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, our stockholders approved our 2021
Equity Incentive Plan.
The
purpose of the InspireMD, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan is to provide an incentive to
attract and retain employees, officers, consultants, directors, and service providers whose services are considered valuable, to encourage
a sense of proprietorship and to stimulate an active interest of such persons in our development and financial success. The InspireMD,
Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified
stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, and
other awards, which may be granted singly, in combination, or in tandem. The InspireMD, Inc. 2021
Equity Incentive Pla n is administered by our compensation committee.
As
of December 31, 2021, we had 803,004 shares of common stock available for future issuance under our 2021
Equity Incentive Pla n.
As
of March 4, 2022, we had 728,980 shares of common stock available for future issuance under our 2021
Equity Incentive Pla n.
Director
Compensation
The
following table shows information concerning our directors during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
Name
Fees
Earned or Paid in Cash ($)
Stock
Awards ($)
Option
Awards ($)
All
Other Compensation ($)
Total
($)
Paul
Stuka
55,739
107,445
32,065
-
195,250
Michael
Berman
36,954
71,062
21,049
-
129,064
Campbell
Rogers, M.D.
27,954
71,062
21,206
-
120,221
Thomas
Kester
42,087
71,062
21,206
-
134,354
Gary
Roubin, M.D.
30,754
71,062
52,280
-
154,096
Kathryn
Arnold
20,930
124,163
37,144
-
182,237
For
the 2021 calendar year, our board approved the following compensation for our independent directors: (i) a $40,000 stipend, payable quarterly
to the chairman of the board; (ii) a $25,000 stipend, payable quarterly to the other directors; (iii) annual committee chair compensation
of $12,000 for the chairman of the audit committee, $8,000 for the chairman of the compensation committee and $5,000 for the chairmen
of the nominating and corporate governance committee and the research and development committee; and (iv) annual committee membership
compensation of $4,000 for members of the audit committee and the compensation committee and $2,000 for members of the nominating and
corporate governance committee and the research and development committee. Effective October 13, 2021, the Board approved an increase
in the annual compensation for the chairman of the board to $48,000, and for all other directors to $30,000.
Directors’
and Officers’ Liability Insurance
We
currently have directors’ and officers’ liability insurance insuring our directors and officers against liability for acts
or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers, subject to certain exclusions. Such insurance also insures us against losses
which we may incur in indemnifying our officers and directors. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with key
officers and directors and such persons shall also have indemnification rights under applicable laws, and our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws.
Item
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The
following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 4, 2022 by:
●
each
person known by us to beneficially own more than 5.0% of our common stock;
●
each
of our directors;
●
each
of the named executive officers; and
●
all
of our directors and executive officers as a group.
- 76 -
The
percentages of common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”) governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed
to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting
of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of the security.
Except
as indicated in the footnotes to this table, each beneficial owner named in the table below has sole voting and sole investment power
with respect to all shares beneficially owned and each person’s address is c/o InspireMD, Inc., 4 Menorat Hamaor St., Tel Aviv,
Israel 6744832. As of March 4, 2022, we had 8,322,439 shares outstanding
Name
of Beneficial Owner
Number
of Shares Beneficially Owned (1)
Percentage
Beneficially Owned (1)
5%
Owners
Officers
and Directors
Marvin
Slosman
70,405
(2)
*
Craig
Shore
328,342 (3)
3.94 %
Michael
Berman
9,242 (4)
*
Campbell
Rogers, M.D.
29,136 (5)
*
Paul
Stuka
117,612 (6)
1.50 %
Thomas
Kester
44,560 (7)
*
Gary
Roubin, M.D.
155,011 (8)
1.98 %
Kathryn
Arnold
27,784 (9)
*
All
directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons)
782,091
9.28 %
*
Represents
ownership of less than one percent.
(1)
Shares
of common stock beneficially owned and the respective percentages of beneficial ownership of common stock assumes the exercise of
all options, warrants and other securities convertible into common stock beneficially owned by such person or entity currently exercisable
or exercisable within 60 days of March 4, 2022. Shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options and warrants exercisable
within 60 days are deemed outstanding and held by the holder of such options or warrants for computing the percentage of outstanding
common stock beneficially owned by such person but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of outstanding common
stock beneficially owned by any other person.
(2)
Consists
of (i) 6,392 shares of common stock, (ii) 8,106 Restricted Stock Units granted outside the plan that are currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of March 4, 2022, (iii) 26,117 Restricted Stock Units granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, (iv)
options to purchase 24,742 shares of common stock that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 4, 2022,
and (v) 5,048 warrants to purchase shares of common stock that are currently exercisable.
(3)
Consists
of (i) 15,491 shares of common stock, (ii) options to purchase 7,252 shares of common stock that are currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days of March 4, 2022, (iii) 30,170 shares of restricted stock granted under the Israeli Appendix of the InspireMD, Inc.
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, (iv) 72,978 shares of restricted stock granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, and (v) 202,452
shares of restricted stock granted to employees under the Israeli Appendix of the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan held
in trust, and with respect to which Mr. Shore was granted a proxy with the right to vote such shares at his discretion.
(4)
Consists
of (i) 5,378 shares of common stock, (ii) warrants to purchase 2,688 shares of common stock that are currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days of March 4, 2022, (iii) options to purchase 1,176 shares of common stock that are currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days of March 4, 2022. Excludes 10,710 shares of restricted stock granted under the Israeli Appendix of InspireMD, Inc.
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 17,248 shares of restricted stock granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan held in trust, with
respect to which the trustee has a proxy with the right to vote such shares at his discretion.
(5)
Consists
of (i) 3,688 shares of common stock, (ii) 7,024 shares of restricted stock granted under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive
Plan, (iii) 17,248 Restricted Stock Units granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, (iv) options to purchase 1,176 shares of
common stock that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 4, 2022.
(6)
Paul
Stuka is the principal and managing member of Osiris Investment Partners, L.P., and, as such, has beneficial ownership of (A) 28
shares of common stock (B) personally holding (i) options to purchase 1,775 shares of common stock that are currently exercisable
or exercisable within 60 days of March 4, 2022, (ii) 10,620 shares of restricted stock granted under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term
Incentive Plan, (iii) 26,079 shares of restricted stock granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, (iv) 79,110 shares of common
stock.
(7)
Consists
of (i) 15,083 shares of common stock, (ii) 7,024 shares of restricted stock granted under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive
Plan, (iii) 17,248 shares of restricted stock granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, (iv) 4,032 warrants to purchase shares
of common stock that are currently exercisable and (v) options to purchase 1,173 shares of common stock that are currently exercisable
or exercisable within 60 days of March 4, 2022.
(8)
Consists
of (i) 100,826 shares of common stock, (ii) 10,620 shares of restricted stock granted under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive
Plan, (iii) 17,248 shares of restricted stock granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, and (iv) 22,880 warrants to purchase
shares of common stock that are currently exercisable and (v) options to purchase 3,437 shares of common stock that are currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 4, 2022.
(9)
Consists
of (i) 10,536 shares of restricted stock granted under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, (ii) 17,248 shares of restricted
stock granted under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
- 77 -
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
The
following table provides certain information as of December 31, 2021, with respect to our equity compensation plans under which our equity
securities are authorized for issuance:
Plan
Category
Number
of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Number
of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(a)
(b)
(c)
Equity
compensation
plans approved by
security holders
299,322
5.25
868,500
Equity
compensation
plans not approved
by security holders
10,088 (1)
9.77
-
Total
309,410
5.39
868,500
(1)
Comprised
of awards made to individuals outside the InspireMD, Inc. 2011 UMBRELLA Option Plan, 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan and 2021 Equity
Incentive Plan, as described below:
●
On
January, 2020, we issued to Mr. Marvin Slosman, our Chief Executive Officer, President and Director, 12,159 shares of restricted
stock and 4,053 shares of common stock, as inducement awards outside the Company’s 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
●
On
November 3, 2020, we issued to Mr. Andrea Tommasoli, our Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, options to purchase
6,035 shares of our common stock, as inducement awards outside the Company’s 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.]
Item
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
In
accordance with our audit committee charter, the audit committee is required to approve all related party transactions. In general, the
audit committee will review any proposed transaction that has been identified as a related party transaction under Item 404 of Regulation
S-K. A related party includes (i) a director, director nominee or executive officer of us, (ii) a security holder known to be an owner
of more than 5% of our voting securities, (iii) an immediate family member of the foregoing or (iv) a corporation or other entity in
which any of the foregoing persons is an executive, principal or similar control person or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial
ownership interest.
There
were no related party transactions that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended.
Director
Independence
The
board of directors has determined that Dr. Rogers and Dr. Roubin, Messrs. Stuka, Berman and Kester, and Ms. Arnold satisfy the requirement
for independence set out in Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. In making its independence determinations,
the board of directors sought to identify and analyze all of the facts and circumstances relating to any relationship between a director,
his or her immediate family or affiliates and our company and our affiliates and did not rely on categorical standards other than those
contained in the rules referenced above.
Item
14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The
fees billed for professional services provided to us by Kesselman & Kesselman, Certified Public Accountants (“Kesselman”),
a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are described below.
Fee
category
2021
2020
Audit
Fees (1)
$ 176,000
$ 160,000
Audit
– related fees
49,900
$ 53,900
Tax
fees
38,675
$ 39,209
All
other fees
-
$ -
Total
fees
$ 264,575
$ 253,109
- 78 -
Audit
Fees
Kesselman
billed us audit fees in the aggregate amount of $176,000 and $160,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These
fees relate to the audit of our annual financial statements and the review of our interim quarterly financial statements.
Audit-Related
Fees
Kesselman
billed us audit-related fees in the aggregate amount of $49,900 and $53,900 for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The fees for the year ended December 31, 2021 mostly related to registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC in February 2021
and to registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC in April 2021.
The
fees for the year ended December 31, 2020 mostly related to registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC in June 2020 and to
our prospectus supplements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in July 2020.
Tax
Fees
Kesselman
billed us tax fees in the aggregate amount of $38,675 and $39,209 for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These
fees relate to professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
All
Other Fees
Kesselman
did not bill us for any other fees for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Our
audit committee pre-approves all auditing services, internal control-related services and permitted non-audit services (including the
fees and terms thereof) to be performed for us by our independent auditor, except for de minimis non-audit services that are approved
by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit. The audit committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees consisting
of one or more members when appropriate, including the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services, provided
that decisions of such subcommittee to grant pre-approvals is presented to the full audit committee at its next scheduled meeting. The
Audit Committee pre-approved all of the fees set forth above.
PART
IV
Item
15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Documents
filed as part of report:
1.
Financial Statements
The
following financial statements are included herein:
●
Report of Kesselman & Kesselman, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
●
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
●
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
●
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
●
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
●
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2.
Financial Statement Schedules
None
3.
Exhibits
See
Index to Exhibits
- 79 -
Item
16. Form 10-K Summary
Not
applicable.
Index
to Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
Description
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2015)
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2021).
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of InspireMD, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 25, 2016)
3.4
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of InspireMD, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2016)
3.5
Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2017)
3.6
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitation of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2017)
3.7
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2017)
3.8
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of InspireMD, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2018)
3.9
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitation of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2018)
3.10
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitation of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2018)
- 80 -
3.11
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of InspireMD, Inc., dated March 27, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2019)
3.12
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of InspireMD, Inc., dated April 14, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2021)
3.13
Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2013)
3.15
Form of Series B Warrant Agent Agreement and Form of Series B Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No.3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2017)
4.1*
Description of Securities
10.1+
Employment Agreement, by and between InspireMD Ltd. and Craig Shore, dated as of November 28, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6, 2011)
10.2+
Form of Indemnity Agreement between InspireMD, Inc. and each of the directors and executive officers thereof (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2011)
10.3
Agreement by and between InspireMD Ltd. and MeKo Laser Material Processing, dated as of April 15, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2011)
10.4
Agreement by and between InspireMD Ltd. and Natec Medical Ltd, dated as of September 23, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2011)
10.5+
InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2013)
10.6+
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2014, by and between InspireMD, Inc. and Craig Shore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2014)
10.7+
First Amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 UMBRELLA Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2014)
10.8+
Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.9+
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
- 81 -
10.10+
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.11+
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.12+
Form of Section 3(i) Stock Option Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Israeli) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.13+
Form of Section 102 Capital Gain Stock Option Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Israeli) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.14+
Form of Section 102 Capital Gain Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Israeli) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.15+
Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (European) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.9 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.16+
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (European) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.10 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.17+
Form of Stock Option Award Agreement outside the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.11 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2014)
10.18+
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated January 5, 2015, by and between InspireMD, Inc. and Craig Shore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2015)
10.19+
First Amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 9, 2015)
- 82 -
10.20+
Second Amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 25, 2016)
10.21+
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated July 25, 2016, by and between InspireMD, Inc. and Craig Shore agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2016)
10.22+
Third Amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2016)
10.23+
Director Offer Letter, between InspireMD, Inc. and Thomas J. Kester, dated September 6, 2016
10.24
Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2017)
10.25
Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 21, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2018)
10.26
Waiver Agreement, dated February 26, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2018)
10.27
Form of Underwriter Warrant, dated March 1, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2018)
10.28
Waiver Agreement, dated March 28, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 29, 2018)
10.29
Form of Underwriter Warrant, dated April 2, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2018)
10.30
Letter Agreement, dated June 28, 2018, by and between InspireMD, Inc. and Sabby Healthcare Master Fund, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 2, filed with the SEC on June 26, 2018 (File No. 333-225680))
- 83 -
10.31
Form of Series D Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 2, filed with the SEC on June 26, 2018 (File No. 333-225680))
10.32
Form of Underwriter Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 2, filed with the SEC on June 26, 2018 (File No. 333-225680))
10.33+
Fourth Amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 26, 2018)
10.34+
Fifth Amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2019)
10.35+
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 25, 2019, by and between InspireMD, Inc. and Craig Shore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2019)
10.36
Form of Underwriter Warrant, dated April 8, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2019)
10.37
Form of Series E Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1, filed with the SEC on September 13, 2019 (File No. 333-233432)).
10.38
Form of Underwriter Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1, filed with the SEC on September 13, 2019 (File No. 333-233432)).
10.39+
Employment Agreement, dated December 9, 2019, by and between the Company and Marvin Slosman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2019).
10.40+
First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2019, by and between the Company and Marvin Slosman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2020).
10.41+
Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, by and between the Company and Marvin Slosman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.60 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2020)
10.42+
Restricted Stock Unit Award agreement, by and between the Company and Marvin Slosman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2020)
- 84 -
10.43
Form of Series F Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1, filed with the SEC on June 1, 2020 (File No. 333-238247)).
10.44
Form of Underwriter Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1, filed with the SEC on June 1, 2020 (File No. 333-238247))
10.45
Form of Series G Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2021 (File No. 333-238247))
10.46
Form of Underwriter Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2021 (File No. 333-238247))
10.47+
Sixth Amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 31, 2020)
10.48+
Seventh Amendment to the InspireMD, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2021)
10.49+
First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated November 8, 2021, by and between InspireMD, Inc. and Marvin Slosman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2021).
10.50+
Fifth Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated November 4, 2021, by and between InspireMD, Inc. and Craig Shore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2021).
10.51+*
Sixth Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated January 17, 2022, by and between InspireMD, Inc. and Craig Shore.
10.52+
2021 Equity Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on August 12, 2021).
10.53+*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for U.S. employees under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.54+*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for European employees under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.55+*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for consultants under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.56+*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Israeli employees under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.57+*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for U.S. directors under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.58+*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for U.S. employees under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.59+*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for U.S. directors under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.60+*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Israeli employees under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.61+*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for European employees under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
10.62+*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
21.1
List of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6, 2011)
23.1*
Consent of Kesselman & Kesselman, Certified Public Accountants
31.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101*
The
following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, formatted
in inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language), (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii)Consolidated Statements of Income,
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Consolidated Statement of
Stockholders’ Equity (Capital Deficiency) and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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 Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
*
Filed herewith.
+
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
- 85 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
INSPIREMD,
INC.
Date:
March 7, 2022
By:
/s/
Marvin Slosman
Marvin
Slosman
President
and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/
Marvin Slosman
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
March
7, 2022
Marvin
Slosman
(principal
executive officer)
/s/
Craig Shore
Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
March
7, 2022
Craig
Shore
(principal
financial and accounting officer)
/s/
Paul Stuka
Chairman
of the Board of Directors
March
7, 2022
Paul
Stuka
/s/
Michael Berman
Director
March
7, 2022
Michael
Berman
/s/
Thomas J. Kester
Director
March
7, 2022
Thomas
J. Kester
/s/
Campbell Rogers, M.D.
Director
March
7, 2022
Campbell
Rogers, M.D.
/s/
Gary Roubin
Director
March
7, 2022
Gary
Roubin
/s/
Kathryn Arnold
Director
March
7, 2022
Kathryn
Arnold
INSPIREMD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS
OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
F- 1
INSPIREMD,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS
OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB name: Kesselman & Kesselman C.P.A.s and PCAOB ID: 1309 )
F-3
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Consolidated Balance Sheets
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
F-6
- F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
F-8
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
F-9
- F-29
F- 2
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To
the board of directors and shareholders of InspireMD, Inc.
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of InspireMD, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”)
as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in equity and cash flows for the years
then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion,
the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December
31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis
for Opinion
These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance
with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We
conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal
control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether
due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence
regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical
Audit Matters
Critical
audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required
to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial
statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined there are no critical audit
matters.
/s/
Kesselman&Kesselman
Certified
Public Accountants (Isr.)
A
member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited
Tel-Aviv,
Israel
March
7, 2021
We
have served as the Company’s auditor since 2010.
F- 3
INSPIREMD,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S.
dollars in thousands)
2021
2020
December 31,
2021
2020
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 12,004
$ 12,645
Short-term bank deposits
22,036
-
Accounts receivable:
Trade, net
1,224
476
Other
165
146
Prepaid expenses
522
334
Inventory
1,143
1,415
Receivable for sale of Shares
-
323
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
37,094
15,339
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
Property, plant and equipment, net
632
448
Operating lease right of use assets
1,081
1,265
Fund in respect of employee rights upon retirement
905
725
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
2,618
2,438
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 39,712
$ 17,777
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accruals:
Trade
893
236
Other
3,454
3,469
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
4,347
3,705
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Operating lease liabilities
781
999
Liability for employee rights upon retirement
1,052
910
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
1,833
1,909
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 6)
-
TOTAL LIABILITIES
6,180
5,614
EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2021 and 2020; 8,296,256 and 3,284,322 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively
1
- *
Preferred B shares, par value $ 0.0001 per share;
500,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2021 and 2020; 0 and 17,303 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively
-
- *
Preferred C shares, par value $ 0.0001 per share;
1,172,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2021 and 2020; 1,718 and 2,343 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively
- *
- *
Preferred stock, value
Additional paid-in capital
216,625
180,339
Accumulated deficit
( 183,094 )
( 168,176 )
Total equity
33,532
12,163
Total liabilities and equity
$ 39,712
$ 17,777
* Represents an amount
less than $1
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
INSPIREMD,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(U.S.
dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2021
2020
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
REVENUES (2020 - net of settlement payment of $ 580 , see note 6 a)
$ 4,495
$ 2,485
COST OF REVENUES
3,741
2,402
GROSS PROFIT
754
83
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development
5,158
2,233
Selling and marketing
2,907
2,103
General and administrative
7,405
6,127
Total operating expenses
15,470
10,463
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
( 14,716 )
( 10,380 )
FINANCIAL EXPENSES
( 157 )
( 160 )
LOSS BEFORE TAX EXPENSES
( 14,873 )
( 10,540 )
TAX EXPENSES
45
4
NET LOSS
$ ( 14,918 )
$ ( 10,544 )
NET LOSS PER SHARE - basic and diluted
( 2.03 )
( 6.97 )
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES USED IN COMPUTING NET LOSS PER SHARE - basic and diluted
7,346,022
1,512,439
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
INSPIREMD,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(U.S.
dollars in thousands, except share data)
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
capital
deficit
equity
Common stock
Series B
Convertible
Preferred Stock
Series C
Convertible
Preferred Stock
Additional paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
capital
deficit
equity
BALANCE as of January 1, 2020
261,075
- *
17,303
- *
34,370
- *
$ 163,015
$ ( 157,632 )
$ 5,383
Net loss
( 10,544 )
( 10,544 )
Exercise of pre-funded warrants
990,427
- *
18
18
Settlement of restricted stock units in shares of common stock
11,000
- *
- *
Issuance of common shares, including at the market offering net of $ 1,110 issuance costs
1,607,251
- *
15,200
15,200
Exercise of Warrants F
191,107
- *
1,418
1,418
Exercise of Warrants G
Exercise of Warrants G, shares
Exercise of Unit Purchase Option
16,906
- *
82
82
Conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to common shares
Conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to common shares, shares
Conversion of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to common shares
24,812
- *
-
-
( 32,027 )
- *
- *
Share-based compensation related to restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options award, net of forfeitures of 3,717 shares
181,744
- *
606
606
Round up of shares due to reverse stock split effectuated on April 26, 2021
Round up of shares due to reverse stock split effectuated on
April 26, 2021, shares
BALANCE as of December 31, 2020
3,284,322
- *
17,303
- *
2,343
- *
$ 180,339
$ ( 168,176 )
$ 12,163
* Represents an amount
less than $1
F- 6
INSPIREMD,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(U.S.
dollars in thousands, except share data)
Common stock
Series B
Convertible
Preferred Stock
Series C
Convertible
Preferred Stock
Additional paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
capital
deficit
equity
BALANCE as of December 31, 2020
3,284,322
- *
17,303
- *
2,343
- *
$ 180,339
$ ( 168,176 )
$ 12,163
Net loss
( 14,918 )
( 14,918 )
Issuance of common shares, including at the market offering net of $ 2,024 issuance costs
3,133,775
1
25,241
25,242
Issuance of common shares, including at the market offering net
of issuance costs
3,133,775
1
25,241
25,242
Exercise of Warrants F
1,093,536
- *
8,120
8,120
Exercise of Warrants G
131,876
- *
1,349
1,349
Conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to common shares
207,528
- *
( 17,303 )
- *
- *
Conversion of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to common shares
831
- *
( 625 )
- *
- *
Share-based compensation related to restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options award, net of forfeitures of 20,822 shares
399,120
1,576
1,576
Share-based compensation related to restricted stock, restricted
stock units and stock options award, net of forfeitures
399,120
1,576
1,576
Round up of shares due to reverse stock split effectuated on April 26, 2021
45,268
- *
-
-
-
-
-
-
- *
BALANCE as of December 31, 2021
8,296,256
1
-
-
1,718
- *
216,625
( 183,094 )
33,532
* Represents an amount
less than $1
F- 7
INSPIREMD,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S.
dollars in thousands)
2021
2020
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$ ( 14,918 )
$ ( 10,544 )
Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
161
151
Loss (gain) from sale of property, plant and equipment
( 1 )
14
Change in liability for employees rights upon retirement
142
181
Other financial expense (income)
8
( 4 )
Change in operating right of use asset and operating leasing liability
( 14 )
56
Noncash interest income on short-term deposits
( 36 )
-
Share-based compensation expenses
1,576
606
Gains on amounts funded in respect of employee rights upon retirement, net
( 67 )
( 18 )
Changes in operating asset and liability items:
Increase in prepaid expenses
( 188 )
( 247 )
Decrease (increase) in trade receivables
( 748 )
347
Decrease (increase) in other receivables
( 19 )
4
Decrease (increase) in inventory
272
( 179 )
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
657
( 410 )
Increase (decrease) in other payables
( 35 )
962
Net cash used in operating activities
( 13,210 )
( 9,081 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
( 344 )
( 88 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
-
22
Investment in short-term bank deposits
( 24,000 )
Withdrawal from short-term bank deposits
2,000
Amounts funded in respect of employee rights upon retirement, net
( 113 )
( 121 )
Net cash used in investing activities
( 22,457 )
( 187 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of shares and warrants and exercise of Pre-Funded Warrants and unit purchase option, net of $ 2,024 and $ 1,110 issuance costs, respectively
35,034
16,395
Net cash provided by financing activities
35,034
16,395
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
( 8 )
4
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
( 641 )
7,131
BALANCE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
12,645
5,514
BALANCE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
$ 12,004
$ 12,645
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of right-of-use assets by means of lease liabilities
91
619
Receivable for Shares
-
323
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 8
INSPIREMD,
INC.
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE
1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
a.
General
InspireMD, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, is a medical device company
focusing on the development and commercialization of its proprietary MicroNet™ stent platform technology for the treatment of complex
vascular and coronary disease. MicroNet, a micron mesh sleeve, is wrapped over a stent to provide embolic protection in stenting procedures.
The Company’s carotid product (CGuard™ EPS) combines MicroNet and a self-expandable nitinol stent in a single device
to treat carotid artery disease.
The
Company’s coronary product combining MicroNet and a bare-metal stent (MGuard Prime™ EPS) is marketed for use in patients
with acute coronary syndromes, notably acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and saphenous vein graft coronary interventions (bypass
surgery). As a result of declining sales of the MGuard Prime EPS, we intend to phase out future sales of our MGuard Prime EPS in 2022.
The Company markets its products through distributors in international markets, mainly in Europe.
As
of the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements, the Company has the ability to fund its planned operations for at least
the next 12 months. However, the Company expects to continue incurring losses and negative cash flows from operations until its products
(primarily CGuard™ EPS) reach commercial profitability. Therefore, in order to fund the Company’s operations until such time
that the Company can generate substantial revenues, the Company may need to raise additional funds.
b.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The
COVID-19 global pandemic has led governments and authorities around the globe to take various precautionary measures in order to limit
the spread of COVID-19, including government-imposed quarantines, lockdowns, and other public health safety measures. We experienced
a significant COVID-19 related impact on our financial condition and results of operations, primarily during the year ended December
31, 2020, which we primarily attribute to the postponement of CGuard EPS procedures (non-emergency procedures), as hospitals have shifted
resources to patients affected by COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, the European countries in which we operate reinstated non-emergency
procedures. However, new COVID-19 variants, and potentially increasing infection rates make the current COVID-related environment highly
volatile and uncertain and we anticipate that the continuation of the pandemic and related restrictions and safety measures will likely
result in continued fluctuations in sales of our products and potentially enrollments in our studies as well as potential disruptions
to our supply chain for the upcoming periods.
F- 9
INSPIREMD,
INC.
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE
2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates using 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 sales and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
As
applicable to these consolidated financial statements, the most significant estimates and assumptions relate to inventory valuations
and assessing the likelihood of exercise of options to extend the lease term.
b. Functional currency
The currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are conducted is the
U.S. dollar (“$” or “dollar”). Accordingly, the functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the
U.S. dollar.
The
dollar figures are determined as follows: transactions and balances originally denominated in dollars are presented in their original
amounts. Balances in foreign currencies are translated into dollars using historical and current exchange rates for non-monetary and
monetary balances, respectively. The resulting translation gains or losses are recorded as financial income or expense, as appropriate.
For transactions reflected in the statements of operations in foreign currencies, the exchange rates at transaction dates are used. Depreciation
and changes in inventories and other changes deriving from non-monetary items are based on historical exchange rates.
c.
Principles of consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and of its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances
have been eliminated upon consolidation.
d.
Cash and cash equivalents
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments, which include short-term bank deposits (up to three months from date of deposit), that
are not restricted as to withdrawal or use, to be cash equivalents.
F- 10
INSPIREMD,
INC.
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE
2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
e. Short-term bank deposits
Bank
deposits with original maturities of more than three months but less than one year are presented as part of short-term bank deposits.
Deposits are presented at their cost which approximates market values including accrued interest. Interest on deposits is recorded as
financial income.
f. Concentration of credit risk and allowance for doubtful accounts
Financial
instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, which are
deposited in major financially sound institutions in the U.S, Israel and Germany, and trade accounts receivable. The Company’s
trade accounts receivable is derived from revenues earned from customers from various countries. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and, requires no collateral from its customers. The Company also has a credit
insurance policy for some of its customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based upon the expected
ability to collect the accounts receivable. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly by assessing individual
accounts receivable and all other balances based on historical collection experience and an economic risk assessment. If the Company
determines that a specific customer is unable to meet its financial obligations to the Company, the Company provides an allowance for
credit losses to reduce the receivable to the amount management reasonably believes will be collected, which is netted against “Accounts
receivable - Trade”.
g. Inventory
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost (cost is determined on a “first-in, first-out” basis) or net realizable value. The Company’s
inventories generally have a limited shelf life and are subject to impairment as they approach their expiration dates. The Company regularly
evaluates the carrying value of its inventory and when, based on such evaluation, factors indicate that impairment has occurred, the
Company impairs the inventories’ carrying value.
h. Leases
Operating
leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, Accounts payable and accruals - Other, and operating
lease liabilities. ROU assets represent Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent
obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement
date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, the Company
uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date as the rate implicit in the lease
is not readily determinable. The determination of the incremental borrowing rate requires management judgment based on information available
at lease commencement. The lease terms may include periods covered by options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that
the Company will exercise such options, and periods covered by options to terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the
Company will not exercise such options. Operating lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease agreements
that include lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition
exemption for leases with a lease term of 12 months or less.
i. Property, plant and equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets: over three years for computers and other electronic equipment, and seven
to fifteen years for office furniture and equipment and machinery and equipment (mainly seven years ). Leasehold improvements are amortized
on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, which is shorter than the estimated life of the improvements.
j. Impairment in value of long-lived assets
The
Company tests long-lived intangible and tangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances present an indication of impairment.
If the sum of expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the long-lived assets is less than the carrying
amount of such assets, an impairment would be recognized, and the assets would be written down to their estimated fair values, based
on expected future discounted cash flows.
F- 11
INSPIREMD,
INC.
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE
2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
k.
Revenue recognition
A contract with a customer exists only when: 1) the parties to the contract have approved it and are committed to perform their
respective obligations, 2) the Company can identify each party’s rights regarding the distinct goods or services to be transferred
(“Performance Obligations”), 3) the Company can determine the transaction price for the goods or services to be transferred,
4) the contract has commercial substance and 5) it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration to which it will be entitled
in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer. Revenues are recorded in the amount of consideration
to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for Performance Obligations upon transfer of control to the customer, excluding
sales taxes.
Revenue
from sales of goods, including sales to distributors, is recognized when the customer obtains control of the product, once the Company
has a present right to payment and the customer has legal title, and risk and rewards of ownership are obtained by the customer. This
occurs when products are shipped.
The
Company recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an ex
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