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 , 2025
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
Commission File Number: 001-41294
Onconetix, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
Delaware 81-2262816
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
201 E. Fifth Street , Suite 1900
Cincinnati , OH
45202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code: (513) 620-4101
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.00001 par value ONCO The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
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 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. 726(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or
issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section
12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction
of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error
corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s
executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐
No ☒
Based on the closing price as reported on the
Nasdaq Capital Market, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2025 (the
last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $ 3.6 million. Shares of Common
Stock held by each executive officer and director and by each stockholder affiliated with a director or an executive officer have been
excluded from this calculation because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status are not necessarily
a conclusive determination for other purposes.
As of March 11, 2026, the registrant had 3,584,245 shares of common stock,
$0.00001 par value per share, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On June 13, 2025, the Company effected a reverse stock split of all
shares of its issued and outstanding Common Stock at a ratio of one-for-eighty-five (1:85). The Company accounted for the reverse stock
split on a retrospective basis pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, Earnings Per Share . All
issued and outstanding common stock, common stock warrants, and share-based awards’ exercise prices and per share data have been
adjusted in these consolidated financial statements, on a retrospective basis, to reflect the reverse stock split for all periods presented.
The number of authorized shares and par value of the preferred stock and common stock were not adjusted because of the reverse stock
split.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
ii
Summary of Material Risks Associated with our Business
iv
PART I
Item 1.
Business
1
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
30
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
74
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity
74
Item 2.
Properties
75
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
75
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
75
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
76
Item 6.
[Reserved]
76
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
76
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
92
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
92
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
92
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
93
Item 9B.
Other Information
94
Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
94
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
95
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
101
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
110
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
111
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
112
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
F-1
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
115
Signatures
116
i
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form
10-K (this “Report”) contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking
statements are contained principally in the sections titled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business,” but are also contained elsewhere in this Report.
In some cases, you can identify
forward-looking statements by the words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,”
“should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “objective,” “anticipate,”
“believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue”
and “ongoing,” or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the
future, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements relate to future events or our future financial
performance or condition and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, levels
of activity, performance, or achievement to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
●
our projected financial position and estimated cash burn rate;
●
our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues and capital requirements;
●
our ability to continue as a going concern;
●
our need to raise substantial additional capital to fund our operations and repay indebtedness;
●
our ability to commercialize or monetize Proclarix and integrate the
assets and commercial operations acquired in the share exchange with Proteomedix AG (“Proteomedix”);
●
our reliance on third parties, including Laboratory Corporation of America (“LabCorp”),
to develop, market, distribute and sell Proclarix;
●
the successful development of our commercialization capabilities, including sales and marketing
capabilities.
●
our ability to consummate the transaction on a timely basis as contemplated
by the Share Exchange Agreement with Realbotix, LLC (“Realbotix” and the “Share Exchange Agreement” and the transactions
contemplated therein, the “Realbotix Transaction”) and the anticipated benefits of the Realbotix Transaction.
●
our ability to maintain the necessary regulatory approvals to market
and commercialize our product;
●
the results of market research conducted by us or others;
●
our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection
for our current product;
ii
●
our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and the potential
for us to incur substantial costs from lawsuits to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights;
●
the possibility that a third party may claim we or our third-party
licensors have infringed, misappropriated, or otherwise violated their intellectual property rights and that we may incur substantial
costs and be required to devote substantial time defending against claims against us;
●
our reliance on third parties, including manufacturers and logistics companies;
●
the success of competing therapies or diagnostics and products that are or become available;
●
our ability to successfully compete against current and future competitors;
●
our ability to expand our organization to accommodate potential growth
and our ability to attract, motivate and retain key personnel;
●
the potential for us to incur substantial costs resulting from product
liability lawsuits against us and the potential for these product liability lawsuits to cause us to limit our commercialization of
our product;
●
market acceptance of our product, the size and growth of the potential
markets for our current product, and our ability to serve those markets; and
●
disruptions in the business of the Company or Proteomedix, which could
have an adverse effect on their respective businesses and financial results.
These forward-looking statements
involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that our expectations in these forward-looking statements are reasonable,
our expectations may later be found to be incorrect. Our actual results of operations or the results of other matters that we anticipate
herein could be materially different from our expectations. Important risks and factors that could cause our actual results to be materially
different from our expectations are generally set forth in “Risk Factors,” Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and other sections of this Report. You should thoroughly read this Report and the
documents that we refer to with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different and worse than what we expect.
We qualify all our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
The forward-looking statements
made in this Report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements were made. Except as required by law,
we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should
read this Report and the documents that we refer to in this Report and have filed as exhibits to this Report, completely and with the
understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
iii
SUMMARY OF MATERIAL RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH OUR BUSINESS
The following is a summary
of certain risks, uncertainties and other factors related to our company. These do not represent all of the risks we face. You should
carefully consider all of the risk factors presented in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and all other information contained in this
Report including the financial statements in order to provide a more complete picture of the risk factors we face.
Our business is subject
to a number of risks, including risks that may prevent us from achieving our business objectives or may adversely affect our business,
financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects that you should consider before making a decision to invest in our
common stock. These risks are discussed more fully in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 30 of this Report. These risks include,
but are not limited to, the following:
●
We could fail to complete the Realbotix Transaction, or the Realbotix Transaction may be completed on different terms.
●
If completed, the Realbotix Transaction may not achieve its intended results and may result in us assuming unanticipated liabilities.
●
We could fail to complete the Realbotix Transaction, or the Realbotix Transaction may be completed on different terms.
●
Our stockholders may not realize a benefit from the acquisition of Realbotix commensurate with the ownership dilution they will experience in connection with the Realbotix Transaction contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement.
●
The failure to successfully integrate our business and Realbotix in the expected timeframe would adversely affect our future results.
●
The pending Transactions may divert the attention of our management.
●
Unexpected market disruptions may cause major losses for us not anticipated under the Share Exchange Agreement.
●
Risks associated with changes in the technology industry.
●
We may be unable to protect Realbotix’s intellectual property.
●
The business of Realbotix is exposed to cybersecurity risks.
●
We expect to incur significant transaction costs in connection with the Realbotix Transaction.
●
Disruptions to or significantly increased costs associated with transportation
and other distribution channels for Proclarix may adversely affect our margins and profitability.
●
Proclarix is subject to competition from other prostate cancer diagnostics
and larger, well-established companies with substantially greater resources than us.
●
We may not be able to successfully implement our strategy to grow sales
of Proclarix in the European market or other markets, if authorized, grow sales in the United States market.
●
We have a limited operating history, which may make it difficult for
you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.
●
We have incurred significant net losses since inception, have only
generated minimal revenue, and anticipate that we will continue to incur substantial net losses for the foreseeable future and may
never achieve or maintain profitability. Our stock is a highly speculative investment.
●
We depend entirely on the success of a single product. If we do not
successfully commercialize our product or we experience significant delays in doing so, this product may not be profitable.
●
There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a “going
concern,” and we will require significant additional capital to make the investments we need to execute our business plan.
If we are unable to raise additional capital when needed, we could be forced to delay, reduce or terminate commercialization efforts
or certain operations, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern in the long term. If we cannot continue as a viable entity,
our stockholders may lose some or all of their investment in us.
iv
●
We may not be able to gain and retain market acceptance for our product.
●
We expect to rely on third party manufacturers for Proclarix.
●
It is difficult and costly to protect our proprietary rights, and we
may not be able to ensure their protection. If our patent position does not adequately protect our product, others could compete
against us more directly, which would harm our business, possibly materially.
●
The market price of our common stock has been extremely volatile and
may continue to be highly volatile due to numerous circumstances beyond our control, and stockholders could lose all or part of their
investment.
●
There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the continued
listing requirements of, and remain trading on, the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (“Nasdaq”).
●
We are an “emerging growth company” and the reduced disclosure
requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.
●
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”) and our amended and restated bylaws (“Amended and Restated Bylaws”),
and Delaware law may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control, which may cause our
stock price to decline.
●
A possible “short squeeze” due to a sudden increase in
demand of our common stock that largely exceeds supply may lead to price volatility in our common stock.
●
We may have violated Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (“Exchange Act”) (implementing Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) and may be subject to sanctions
as a result.
●
Misconduct and errors by our current and former employees and our third-party
service providers could cause a material adverse effect on our business and reputation.
●
If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our
ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis could be impaired. We have identified weaknesses in our internal
controls, and we cannot provide assurances that these weaknesses will be effectively remediated, or that additional material weaknesses
will not occur in the future.
●
The issuance or conversion of securities would result in significant
dilution in the equity interest of existing shareholders and adversely affect the marketplace of the securities.
v
PART I
Item 1. Business
Company Overview
We are a commercial stage biotechnology company
focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions for men’s health and oncology. Through our
acquisition of Proteomedix, which closed on December 15, 2023, we own Proclarix, an in vitro diagnostic test for prostate cancer originally
developed by Proteomedix and approved for sale in the European Union under the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (“IVDR”), which
we anticipate will be marketed in the U.S. as a lab developed test through our license agreement with LabCorp.
Since our inception in October 2018 until April
2023, when we acquired ENTADFI, we devoted substantially all of our resources to performing research and development, undertaking preclinical
studies and enabling manufacturing activities in support of our product development efforts, hiring personnel, acquiring and developing
our technology and now halted vaccine candidates, organizing and staffing our company, performing business planning, establishing our
intellectual property portfolio and raising capital to support and expand such activities.
ENTADFI is an FDA-approved, once daily pill that
combines finasteride and tadalafil for the treatment of BPH, a disorder of the prostate. However, in light of (i) the time and resources
needed to continue pursuing commercialization of ENTADFI, and (ii) the Company’s cash runway and indebtedness, the Company abandoned
commercialization of ENTADFI and no longer holds remaining inventory of the product as of December 31, 2025. In addition, as part of cost
reduction efforts and in connection with our initial pause in commercializing ENTADFI, we terminated three employees involved with the
ENTADFI program, effective April 30, 2024, with such individuals to continue assisting the Company on an as-needed, consulting basis.
Based on the circumstances surrounding ENTADFI, at June 30, 2024, the ENTADFI assets were fully impaired. Refer to Note 4 in the consolidated
financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2024 for further discussion.
We are currently focusing our efforts on commercializing
Proclarix.
Proclarix is an easy-to-use next generation protein-based
blood test that can be done with the same sample as a patient’s regular Prostate-Specific Antigen (“PSA”) test. The
PSA test is a well-established prostate specific marker that measures the concentration of PSA molecules in a blood sample. A high level
of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer. However, PSA levels can also be elevated for many other reasons including infections, prostate
stimulation, vigorous exercise or even certain medications. PSA results can be confusing for many patients and even physicians. It is
estimated over 50% of biopsies with elevated PSA are negative or clinically insignificant resulting in an overdiagnosis and overtreatment
that impacts the physician’s routine, our healthcare system, and the quality of patients’ lives. Approximately 10% of all
men have elevated PSA levels., commonly referred to as the diagnostic “grey zone”, of which only 20 - 40% present clinically
with cancer. Proclarix is intended for use in diagnosing these patients where it is difficult to decide if a biopsy is necessary to verify
a potential clinically significant cancer diagnosis. Proclarix helps doctors and patients with unclear PSA test results through the use
of our proprietary Proclarix Risk Score which delivers clear and immediate diagnostic support for further treatment decisions. No additional
intervention is required, and results are available quickly. Local diagnostic laboratories can integrate this multiparametric test into
their current workflow because Proclarix assays use the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) standard, which most diagnostic laboratories
are already equipped to process.
Proclarix is CE-marked and for sale in Europe. We continue our sales
efforts and expect growing revenues from sales of Proclarix in 2026 and beyond. We anticipate these sales to offset some expenses relating
to commercial scale up and development, we expect our expenses also to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, as we:
●
commercialize Proclarix;
●
hire additional personnel;
●
operate as a public company;
●
obtain, maintain, expand, and protect our intellectual property portfolio;
and
●
perform product validation studies in connection with a license agreement.
1
We rely and will continue to rely on third parties
for the manufacturing of Proclarix. We have no internal manufacturing capabilities, and we will continue to rely on third parties, of
which the main suppliers are single-source suppliers, for commercial product.
We do not have any products approved for sale,
aside from Proclarix. We have abandoned commercialization of ENTADFI and have destroyed our inventory of the product.
To date, we have financed our operations primarily
with proceeds from our sale of preferred securities to seed investors, the initial public offering (“IPO”), and subsequent
offerings of debt and equity securities. We will continue to require significant additional capital to commercialize Proclarix, and to
fund operations for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, until such time as we can generate significant revenue, if ever, we expect to
finance our cash needs through public or private equity or debt financings, third-party (including government) funding and to rely on
third-party resources for marketing and distribution arrangements, as well as other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing
arrangements, or any combination of these approaches, to support our operations.
We have incurred net losses since inception and expect to continue to incur
net losses in the foreseeable future. Our net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year, depending in
large part on the timing of our preclinical studies, clinical trials and manufacturing activities, our expenditures on other research
and development activities and commercialization activities. As of December 31, 2025, we had cash of approximately $5.2 million, a working
capital deficit of approximately $3.1 million and an accumulated deficit of approximately $131.2 million. During the year ended December
31, 2025, we used approximately $9.7 million in cash for operating activities. In addition, as of March 11, 2026, our cash balance was
approximately $3.6 million. We believe that our current cash balance is not sufficient to fund its operations for one year from the date
of issuance of the consolidated financial statements for the year. As such, we have entered into Series D and Series E PIPE financings
with certain investors in September 2025 and October 2025, respectively, which provided us additional cash flow to support our near-term
operations. While such capital raises may enable us to sustain current operations and meet existing obligations, we continue to generate
recurring net operating losses and have not yet established sustained positive cash flows to support our strategic growth initiatives.
Such initiatives include the commercialization of Proclarix and our development and commercialization of future product candidates. These
factors raise substantial doubt on our ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date of issuance of our consolidated
financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
Until we generate revenue sufficient to support
self-sustaining cash flows, if ever, we will need to raise additional capital to fund our continued operations, including our product
development and commercialization activities related to our current and future products. There can be no assurance that additional capital
will be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, or that we will ever generate revenue sufficient to provide self-sustaining cash
flows. These circumstances raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial
statements of Onconetix, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025, included elsewhere in this Report do not include any adjustment
that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties
associated with our business, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or when or if we will be able to achieve
or maintain profitability. Additionally, even if we are able to generate revenue from Proclarix, we may not become profitable. If we
fail to become profitable or are unable to sustain profitability on a continuing basis, then we may be unable to continue our operations
at planned levels and may be forced to reduce our operations.
Realbotix Corp. Share Exchange Agreement
On February 11, 2026,
we entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”), by and among (i) Onconetix, (ii) Realbotix Corp.,
a company existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario (“Parent”), (iii) Simulacra Corporation, a Delaware corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Seller”) and (iv) Realbotix, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly
owned subsidiary of the Seller (the “Realbotix”).
Pursuant to the Share
Exchange Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Seller agreed to contribute and transfer to us, and we
agreed to acquire and accept, all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Realbotix (the “Realbotix Interests”)
in exchange for newly issued shares of Common Stock. (the “Share Exchange” and the other transactions contemplated by the
Share Exchange Agreement, the “Realbotix Transactions”).
2
Unless otherwise defined
herein, the capitalized terms used below are defined in the Share Exchange Agreement.
Consideration
In full consideration for the contribution of the Realbotix Interests,
we will issue shares of Common Stock to the Seller (the “Exchange Shares”), such that, immediately following the Closing and
after giving effect to such issuance, the Seller will own a percentage of our fully diluted shares (the “Fully Diluted Shares”)
that will be adjusted based on Net Cash (as defined below) as follows: (i) if Net Cash is greater than or equal to $12.5 million, but
less than $15.0 million, Seller will own 90% of the Fully Diluted Shares, (ii) if Net Cash is greater than or equal to $15.0 million,
but less than $18.0 million, Seller will own 85% of the Fully Diluted Shares, (iii) if Net Cash is greater than or equal to $18.0 million,
but less than $20.0 million, Seller will own 80% of the Fully Diluted Shares and (iv) if Net Cash is greater than or equal to $20.0 million,
Seller will own 75% of the Fully Diluted Shares. “Net Cash” means the amount of cash and cash equivalents held by us upon
the Closing, whether received by Realbotix or us in connection with the Realbotix Transactions, net of D&O tail insurance costs; change-of-control
or other payments owed to our officers and director of as a result of the Realbotix Transactions; all our indebtedness; certain of our
liabilities and our transaction expenses.
Conversion of Company
Convertible Securities
Prior to the consummation of the Share Exchange, the holders of Realbotix
Convertible Securities will exercise their rights to receive Realbotix Interests pursuant to the terms of such Realbotix Convertible Securities
(as defined below) at the applicable conversion ratio as set forth in the Realbotix Convertible Securities (the “Realbotix Convertible
Securities Conversion”). Upon completion of the Realbotix Convertible Securities Conversion and prior to Closing, all Realbotix
Convertible Securities will be canceled or terminated, as applicable, will no longer be outstanding and will cease to exist and no payment
or distribution will be made with respect thereto. Each holder of Realbotix Convertible Securities thereafter will cease to have any rights
with respect to such securities.
Closing Conditions
The consummation of the Share Exchange is subject to customary closing
conditions, including (i) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the parties (subject to customary materiality qualifiers);
(ii) compliance in all material respects by the parties with their respective covenants and agreements under the Share Exchange Agreement;
(iii) delivery of customary closing certificates and good standing certificates; (iv) receipt by Board of a fairness opinion; (v) the
absence of any law, order or injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Realbotix Transactions and (vi) receipt of any required third-party
and regulatory approvals and consents.
The obligation of the
Realbotix, Parent and Seller to complete the Closing is subject to the condition that, at Closing, we shall have an aggregate of at least
$12.5 million in Net Cash (the “Net Cash Condition”).
Additionally, the obligation of Realbotix, Parent and us to complete
the Closing are subject to the conditions that (i) we have entered into an agreement with an investor, reasonably acceptable to us and
Realbotix, providing for an equity line of credit pursuant to which such investor would commit to purchase up to an aggregate of $125.0
million of Common Stock and (ii) the conversion of our Preferred Stock into Common Stock and the termination of or certain amendments
to of all Onconetix Options and Onconetix Warrants (the “Convertible Securities Condition”).
3
Termination
In addition to termination
by mutual written agreement, for the other party’s uncured breach or if a governmental order permanently prohibits the Closing,
the Share Exchange Agreement provides for termination:
● By
either party if the Closing has not been consummated on or before November 30, 2026, provided
the terminating party is not in breach in a manner that caused the failure to close by such
date. The date is automatically extended to December 20, 2026 if all conditions to Closing
other than the Net Cash Condition have been satisfied.
●
By either party if our stockholder approval is not obtained at the
stockholder meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof).
●
By Realbotix if a Buyer Adverse Recommendation Change (as defined in the Share Exchange Agreement) occurs prior to receipt of Buyer stockholder approval.
●
By us in connection with entering into a definitive agreement for a Buyer Superior Proposal (as define in the Share Exchange Agreement).
●
By us if the audited Realbotix financial statements have not been delivered by April 30, 2026.
Each party will bear its own fees and expenses incurred in connection
with the negotiation, execution and performance of the Share Exchange Agreement and the Realbotix Transactions. However, the Share Exchange
Agreement provides for the payment of termination fees and reimbursement of transaction expenses in the following termination scenarios:
● In
the event of a termination of the Share Exchange Agreement as a result of a material breach
by either party, the breaching party will be required to pay a termination fee to the non-breaching
party of $500,000 plus transaction expenses, with such transaction expenses not to exceed
$500,000.
● In
the event of a termination of the Share Exchange Agreement (i) by the Company as the result
of a Buyer Adverse Recommendation Change or (ii) by Buyer upon entering into an agreement
in respect of a Buyer Superior Proposal as a result of a Buyer Adverse Recommendation Change,
Buyer must pay a termination fee of (A) $500,000 plus all Seller transaction expenses plus
(B) if the transaction in respect of a Buyer Superior Proposal closes, an additional $1,500,000
upon closing of such transaction. If the transaction contemplated by the Buyer Superior Proposal
doesn’t close, Buyer is only obligated to pay $500,000 plus all Seller transaction
expenses.
●
In the event of a termination of the Share Exchange Agreement by Realbotix for failure to satisfy the Net Cash Condition, if Net Cash at the time of termination would be greater than $5.0 million (assuming the consummation of any Transaction Financing pursuant to Financing Agreements), we are obligated to pay Realbotix’s transaction expenses, with such transaction expenses not to exceed $500,000.
Representations and
Warranties
We, Realbotix, and the
Seller have made customary representations and warranties in the Share Exchange Agreement. The representations and warranties of us, Realbotix,
and the Seller will not survive the Closing.
Covenants of the
Parties
Each party to the Share
Exchange Agreement agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Realbotix Transaction.
The Share Exchange Agreement
contains certain covenants by each of the parties, to be observed during the period between the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement
and Closing, including covenants regarding: (1) the provision of access to information, properties, books, records and personnel; (2)
delivery of audited financial statements of the Company; (3) litigation support; (4) the preparation and filing of a registration statement,
SEC reports and related disclosure documents and compliance with Nasdaq listing and reporting requirements; (5) no insider trading; (6)
further assurances; (7) public announcements; (8) confidentiality; (9) indemnification of directors and officers and tail insurance; and
(10) transfer taxes.
4
The parties have agreed
to take all necessary actions to cause our Board, immediately after closing, to consist of five directors, including: (i) one person who
is designated by us and reasonably acceptable to Realbotix and (ii) four persons who are designated by Realbotix and reasonably acceptable
to us.
We have also agreed to
prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the issuance of the Exchange Shares
to be issued under the Share Exchange Agreement and containing a proxy statement (a “Proxy Statement”) for the purpose of
soliciting proxies from our stockholders for the matters to be acted on at the special meeting of our stockholders. We have also agreed
to use reasonable best efforts to maintain its listing on the Nasdaq and to enable the listing on Nasdaq of the Exchange Shares.
During the time between
the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement and the Closing, Realbotix agreed to conduct its business in the ordinary course of business
in all material respects and to comply with certain covenants regarding the operation of its business, including covenants related to
(i) amendments to the Realbotix’s organizational documents; (ii) recapitalization of the Realbotix’s equity interests; (iii)
issuance of additional securities; (iv) incurrence of additional indebtedness; (v) material changes to tax elections; (vi) amendments
to or termination of material contracts; (vii) maintenance of books and records; (viii) establishment of any subsidiary or entry into
a new line of business; (ix) maintenance of insurance policies; (x) revaluation of material assets or material changes in accounting methods,
principles or policies, except as required to comply with U.S. GAAP; (xi) waiver, settlement or compromise of material claims, actions
or proceedings, subject to specified thresholds; (xii) acquisition of equity interests or assets, or any other form of business combination,
outside of the ordinary course of business; (xiii) capital expenditures in excess of specified thresholds; (xiv) adoption of a plan of
liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization; (xv) voluntary incurrence of
liabilities or obligations in excess of specified thresholds other than pursuant to contracts in existence as of the date of the Share
Exchange Agreement or entered into in the ordinary course of business; (xvi) sale, lease, license or other disposition of any material
portion of the Realbotix’s assets, properties or rights; (xvii) entry into any agreement, understanding or arrangement relating
to the voting of the Realbotix’s equity interests; (xviii) taking any action that would reasonably be expected to materially delay
or impair the obtaining of any required governmental or regulatory consents in connection with the Share Exchange Agreement; or (xix)
authorization or agreement to take any of the foregoing actions.
During the same period,
we also agreed to conduct its business in the ordinary course of business in all material respects and to comply with certain interim
operating covenants, including covenants restricting our ability, without Realbotix’s prior written consent (subject to specified
exceptions), to (i) amend its organizational documents; (ii) effect mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, liquidations, restructurings
or other business combinations; (iii) issue, repurchase, redeem or otherwise modify its equity securities or declare dividends or other
distributions; (iv) incur additional indebtedness or guarantee obligations of third parties; (v) dispose of material assets or subsidiaries;
(vi) make material loans, advances or capital contributions; (vii) make material tax elections or changes in accounting methods, principles
or practices, except as required by applicable law, GAAP or Regulation S-K; (viii) amend, terminate, waive or assign material contracts
other than in the ordinary course of business; (ix) fail to maintain books, records or insurance coverage in the ordinary course of business;
(x) establish subsidiaries or enter into new lines of business; (xi) settle material litigation or other proceedings other than within
specified thresholds; (xii) make capital expenditures or incur liabilities in excess of specified thresholds; (xiii) enter into arrangements
relating to the voting of Common Stock; (xiv) take actions that would reasonably be expected to materially delay or impair the receipt
of required governmental or regulatory approvals; or (xv) authorize, commit or publicly propose any of the foregoing actions.
Governing Law
The Share Exchange Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of
Delaware.
Management and History
Onconetix, Inc. (formerly Blue Water Vaccines
Inc. and Blue Water Biotech, Inc.) was founded in October 2018. The Company’s initial goal was to develop a transformational universal
flu vaccine to treat and prevent infections in patients globally. After deprioritizing our vaccine programs, the Company subsequently
shifted its focus toward building a foundation of therapeutic, diagnostic, and service products in the field of men’s health and
oncology.
5
Karina M. Fedasz had been appointed as our Interim
Chief Executive Officer since April 2025 and Chief Financial Officer since June 2024, respectively. For more than two decades, Ms. Fedasz
has helped companies raise capital, model and forecast business, manage cash flow and conduct mergers and acquisitions. She is a dynamic,
data-driven executive with a bold, high-growth mindset. From January 2023 to June 2024, Ms. Fedasz worked with various clients, including
a not-for-profit and an early-stage artificial intelligence and data-driven health and wellness tracker. From February 2022 to December
2022, Ms. Fedasz served as Head of Business Development for Evofem Biosciences, a Nasdaq-listed public biotech company developing innovative
products for women's health. From August 2019 to October 2021, Ms. Fedasz served in various positions of increasing responsibility, including
Chief Financial Officer, at IDW Media Holdings, a micro-cap media company, where she managed the company's initial public offering. From
April 2018 to August 2019, Ms. Fedasz served as Chief Financial Officer of MOCEAN, an integrated agency for entertainment, gaming, and
brands. Ms. Fedasz's breadth of experience has seen her lead teams in media, technology, services, manufacturing, and education, and
she has worked with companies whose clients and customers include Fortune 500 companies such as Netflix, Disney, Amazon, Apple, Activision,
and EA. Ms. Fedasz received an MBA with an emphasis in finance from Columbia Business School and a BA from University California at Los
Angeles (UCLA). She holds an inactive CPA in the state of California.
Additionally, members of our board of directors
(“Board”) have extensive expertise in the fields of life sciences, business and finance. Our directors include Andrew Oakley,
who had held several CFO positions at publicly-traded pharmaceutical companies, Sarah Romano, who has over a decade of experience leading
the finance function of multiple publicly-traded companies, Dr. Thomas Meier, who has over two decades of experience as life-science
and biotech entrepreneur, executive manager, and board member on life-science and biotech companies, and Timothy Ramdeen, who has nearly
a decade of experience in private equity and hedge fund investing, capital markets, and company formation.
Nasdaq Compliance
On January 24, 2025, the Company received a letter
from the Listing Qualifications Staff of Nasdaq indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of the Company’s Common Stock
from November 25, 2024 to January 10, 2025, the Company is no longer in compliance with the requirement for continued listing on The
Nasdaq Capital Market to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum
Bid Price Rule”). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), Nasdaq provided the Company with 180 calendar days to regain
compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule.
On April 14, 2025, Nasdaq issued a further notice
(the “Notice”) to the Company that it determined that the Company’s securities had a closing bid price of $0.10 or
less for ten consecutive trading days. Accordingly, the Company is subject to the provisions under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(iii).
As a result, unless the Company timely requested a hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”), trading of the
Common Stock would be suspended at the opening of business on April 23, 2025, and a Form 25-NSE would be filed with the SEC, which would
remove the Company’s securities from listing and registration on Nasdaq. On May 27, 2025, the Company appeared before the Nasdaq
Hearings Panel and requested a stay of suspension. The Panel’s decision about the stay request is still pending as of the date
these financials were filed.
On April 24, 2025, the Company received an additional
deficiency notice from Nasdaq that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing standards as set forth in
Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Filing Rule”) given the Company’s failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and that this matter serves as an additional basis for delisting the Company’s securities
from Nasdaq. As the Company was already before a Panel for its failure to comply with Minimum Bid Price Rule, the Company had seven calendar
days from the date of the Notice, or until May 1, 2025, to request a stay of the suspension, which request would stay the suspension
of the Company’s securities pending the Panel’s decision. The Company submitted a stay request on or before May 1, 2025.
On May 20, 2025, the Company received an additional
deficiency notice from Nasdaq that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing standards as set forth in
Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) given the Company’s failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 2025, and that this matter serves as an additional basis for delisting the Company’s securities from Nasdaq. The Company had
seven calendar days from the date of the Notice, or until May 27, 2025, to request a stay of the suspension, which would stay the suspension
of the Company’s securities pending the Panel’s decision. On May 27, 2025, the Company appeared before the Panel and requested
a stay of suspension.
6
Following the hearing before the Panel, on June
11, 2025, the Panel issued its decision, whereby it granted the Company’s request for continued listing, ultimately subject to
the Company’s compliance with all applicable continued listing criteria by June 30, 2025.
On June 2, 2025, the Company filed its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the SEC, and on June 12, 2025, its Quarterly Report for the period
ended March 31, 2025. Effective with the open of the market on June 13, 2025, the Company implemented a reverse stock split of its outstanding
shares of Common Stock at a ratio of 1-for-85 shares.
On July 7, 2025, Nasdaq formally notified the
Company that it had regained compliance with both the Filing Rule and the Bid Price Rule and otherwise satisfied all other applicable
criteria for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq further noted, however, that Onconetix is subject to a Mandatory
Panel Monitor, as defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5815(d)(4)(B), through July 7, 2026 (the “Panel Monitor”). If, within the
one-year period, Nasdaq determines that the Company fails to satisfy the Filing Rule or the Bid Price Rule, Nasdaq will issue a delisting
determination, which determination would be stayed upon the Company’s subsequent timely request for a new hearing before the Panel,
rather than providing the Company with the opportunity to present a plan to regain compliance with the Filing Rule for consideration
by Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Staff or a 180-day grace period to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule as otherwise provided in
the Nasdaq Listing Rules.
Acquisitions
Proteomedix
On December 15,
2023, Onconetix entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”), by and among (i) Onconetix,
(ii) Proteomedix, (iii) each of the holders of outstanding capital stock, convertible securities, or stock options of Proteomedix
named therein (collectively, the “Sellers”) and (iv) Thomas Meier, in the capacity as the representative of Sellers
in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Share Exchange Agreement.
Pursuant to the Share
Exchange Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Sellers agreed to sell to Onconetix, and Onconetix
agreed to buy, all of the issued and outstanding voting equity interests of Proteomedix in exchange for newly issued shares of Common
Stock and newly issued shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the “Share Exchange”).
The consummation of
the Share Exchange (the “Share Exchange Closing”) was subject to customary closing conditions and the execution of the Subscription
Agreement entered into with Altos Ventures, a shareholder of Proteomedix prior to the closing of the Share Exchange (the “PMX Investor”). The
Share Exchange closed on December 15, 2023 (the “Share Exchange Closing Date”). The closing of the acquisition of Proteomedix
for all stock consideration provided Proteomedix shareholders with an initial 16.4% ownership stake of Onconetix, and Series B Preferred
Stock convertible into 79,315 shares of Onconetix Common Stock, subject to Onconetix stockholder approval of the same (“Stockholder
Approval”). On September 5, 2024, at the annual stockholders’ meeting of the Company, the Company obtained the requisite
Stockholder Approval from Onconetix stockholders. On September 24, 2024, all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock converted
into an aggregate of 79,315 shares of Onconetix Common Stock.
7
Terms of the PMX
Transaction
Consideration
Pursuant to the Share
Exchange Agreement, on December 15, 2023, in full payment for the Purchased Shares, Onconetix issued shares (the “Exchange Shares”)
consisting of: (i) 1,081 shares of Common Stock equal to approximately 19.99% of the total issued and outstanding Common Stock prior
to the acquisition and (ii) 2,696,729 shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into 79,315 shares of Common
Stock. The parties agreed that the aggregate value of the Exchange Shares at the Share Exchange Closing was equal to approximately Seventy-Five
Million U.S. Dollars ($75,000,000) (the “Exchange Consideration”) less the value of the Proteomedix Shares for which the
Proteomedix Stock Options (as defined below) are exercisable immediately prior to the Share Exchange Closing, subject to adjustment for
indemnification as described below. Following the Share Exchange Closing, 6,718 and 6,566 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding,
respectively.
The fair value of the
1,081 shares of Common Stock, was determined using the closing price of the Common Stock as of the Share Exchange Closing Date,
which was $809.88. The fair value of the 2,696,729 shares of Series B Preferred Stock was based on the underlying fair value of
the common shares issuable upon conversion, also based on the closing price of the Common Stock as of the Share Exchange Closing Date.
The aggregate fair value of the common and preferred shares issued as consideration was equal to approximately $65.1 million.
Tungsten Advisors acted
as financial advisor to Proteomedix at Proteomedix’s expense. As part of compensation for services rendered by Tungsten Advisors,
the parties agreed that $7,500,000 in Exchange Shares were issued to certain affiliates of Tungsten Advisors (the “Advisor Parties”)
out of the total Exchange Consideration issued by Onconetix.
As a result of the PMX
Transaction, Proteomedix became a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Onconetix. Immediately following the Conversion (as defined below)
and closing of the investment pursuant to the Subscription Agreement (as defined below), Sellers owned approximately 87.2% of the outstanding
equity interests of Onconetix, the PMX Investor owned approximately 7.5% of the outstanding equity interests of Onconetix, and the stockholders
of Onconetix immediately prior to the Share Exchange Closing owned approximately 5.3% of the outstanding equity interests of Onconetix.
Each option to purchase
shares of Proteomedix (each, a “Proteomedix Stock Option”) outstanding immediately before the Share Exchange Closing, whether
vested or unvested, remained outstanding until the Conversion unless otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms. At the Conversion,
each outstanding Proteomedix Stock Option, whether vested or unvested, was assumed by Onconetix and converted into the right to receive
(a) an option to acquire shares of Common Stock (each, an “Assumed Option”) or (b) such other derivative security as Onconetix
and Proteomedix agreed, subject in either case to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Proteomedix
Stock Option immediately before the Share Exchange Closing. Each Assumed Option: (i) represented the right to acquire a number of shares
of Common Stock equal to the product of (A) the number of Proteomedix Common Shares that were subject to the corresponding Proteomedix
Option immediately prior to the Share Exchange Closing, multiplied by (B) the Exchange Ratio (as defined in the Share Exchange Agreement);
and (ii) had an exercise price (as rounded down to the nearest whole cent) equal to the quotient of (A) the exercise price of the corresponding
Proteomedix Option, divided by (B) the Exchange Ratio.
From and after the Share
Exchange Closing and until the first anniversary of the Share Exchange Closing, Sellers, severally and not jointly, are required to indemnify
Onconetix and its affiliates and their respective representatives (collectively, the “Onconetix Indemnitees”) against (i) any
inaccuracy in or breach of any of the representations or warranties of such Seller contained in the Share Exchange Agreement and (ii) breach
or non-fulfillment of any covenant, agreement or obligation to be performed by such Seller pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement.
Any payment due from any Seller in respect of an indemnification claim by any Onconetix Indemnitee shall solely be satisfied by recourse
to the Exchange Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the Conversion, with each share of Common Stock valued at the same
price per share of Common Stock used to determine the Exchange Ratio.
Lock-Up Agreement
Simultaneously with
the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement, the Sellers and the Advisor Parties, as shareholders of Proteomedix, entered into Lock-Up
Agreements (each, a “Lock-Up Agreement”). Pursuant to each Lock-Up Agreement, each signatory thereto will agree not to, during
the period commencing from the Share Exchange Closing Date and ending on the 6-month anniversary of the date of Stockholder Approval: (i)
lend, offer, pledge, hypothecate, encumber, donate, assign, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase
any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly,
the Exchange Shares or the Conversion Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole
or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Exchange Shares or the Conversion Shares, or (iii) publicly disclose
the intention to do any of the foregoing, whether any such transaction described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above is to be settled
by delivery of the Exchange Shares or the Conversion Shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise (subject to certain exceptions).
8
Non-Competition and
Non-Solicitation Agreement
Simultaneously with
the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement, certain executive officers (each, a “Management Shareholder”) of Proteomedix
each entered into a non-competition and non-solicitation agreement (collectively, the “Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements”)
with Onconetix. Under the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements, each Management Shareholder agreed not to compete with Proteomedix,
and after the Share Exchange Closing, Onconetix, and their respective affiliates during the three-year period following the Share Exchange
Closing and, during such three-year restricted period, not to solicit employees or customers of such entities. Each Non-Competition and
Non-Solicitation Agreement also contains customary confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions.
Stockholder Support
Agreement
Simultaneously with
the execution of the Share Exchange Agreement, Onconetix, Proteomedix and certain directors of Onconetix who are stockholders of Onconetix,
entered into a Stockholder Support Agreement (the “Stockholder Support Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things,
each such stockholder of Onconetix has agreed (a) to support the adoption of the Share Exchange Agreement and the approval of the PMX
Transaction, subject to certain customary conditions, and (b) not to transfer any of their subject shares (or enter into any arrangement
with respect thereto), subject to certain customary conditions.
Stockholder Subscription
Agreement and Debenture
In connection with the PMX Transaction, on December
18, 2023, Onconetix entered into a Subscription Agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with the PMX Investor for a private
placement of $5.0 million of units (the “Units”), each Unit comprised of (i) one share of Common Stock and (ii) one pre-funded
warrant (collectively, the “Warrants”) to purchase 0.3 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.40 per share, for
an aggregate purchase price per Unit of $850 (the “Purchase Price”). Additional shares are issuable to the PMX Investor to
the extent the PMX Investor continues to hold Common Stock included in the Units and if the VWAP during the 270 days following the Share
Exchange Closing is less than the Purchase Price, as set forth in the Subscription Agreement.
On January 23, 2024, the Company issued a non-convertible
debenture (the “Altos Debenture”) to the PMX Investor in the principal sum of $5.0 million, the payment of which shall offset
the $5.0 million subscription amount for the Units pursuant to the Subscription Agreement.
The Altos Debenture had an interest rate of 4.0%
per annum, and the principal and accrued interest was originally repayable in full upon the earlier of (i) the closing under the Subscription
Agreement and (ii) June 30, 2024. Additionally, the $5.0 million subscription amount under the Subscription Agreement shall be increased
by the amount of interest payable under the Altos Debenture.
On April 24, 2024, the Altos Debenture was amended
to extend the maturity date to the earlier of (i) the closing under the Subscription Agreement and (ii) October 31, 2024 (the
“Altos Amendment”). On September 24, 2024, upon obtaining stockholder approval and pursuant to the Subscription Agreement,
the Company issued an aggregate of 6,040 units (the “Units”) to Altos, each Unit comprised of (i) one share of Common Stock
and (ii) one pre-funded warrant (collectively, the “Altos Warrants”) to purchase 0.3 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $3.40 per share. The Altos Warrants were immediately exercisable at any time on or after the date of issuance and had a term
of exercise of five (5) years from the date of issuance. The outstanding debt, as per the Altos Debenture agreement, is considered settled
through the unit issuance.
Additional shares are issuable to Altos to the
extent Altos continues to hold Common Stock included in the Units and if the VWAP during the 270 days following closing is less than
$850, as set forth in the Subscription Agreement.
On September 24, 2024, Altos exercised all the
Altos Warrants, and the Company issued to Altos an additional 1,812 shares of Common Stock upon such exercise.
9
On June 24, 2025, the 270-day volume weighted
average price after the closing of the Subscription Agreement was below $850. In accordance with the Make-Whole Provision under the Subscription
Agreement, the Company issued 241,514 shares of common stock (the “Make-Whole Shares”) to Altos Venture AG, following the
determination that the 270-day volume weighted average price (“Issuer VWAP”) was below the $850 threshold. The Company recorded
common stock of $2 and additional paid in capital of $995,036 related to the issuance of the 241,514 shares in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2025.
ENTADFI
On April 19, 2023, the Company entered into
an asset purchase agreement with Veru Inc., a Wisconsin corporation (“Veru”, and the asset purchase agreement, the “Veru
APA”). Pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Veru APA, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets
related to Veru’s ENTADFI business. The transaction closed on April 19, 2023.
The Company purchased substantially all of Veru’s
assets, rights and property related to ENTADFI for a total possible consideration of $100.0 million (as described below). The acquisition
of ENTADFI capitalizes on the demonstrable success of the FDA-approved drug ENTADFI for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and
counteracting negative sexual side effects seen in men on alternative BPH therapies.
Pursuant to the terms of the Veru APA, the Company
agreed to provide Veru with initial consideration totaling $20.0 million, consisting of (i) $6.0 million paid upon the closing of the
transaction, (ii) an additional $4.0 million in the form of a non-interest bearing note payable due on September 30, 2023, and (iii)
an additional $10.0 million in the form of two equal (i.e. each for $5.0 million) non-interest bearing notes payable, each due on April
19, 2024 (the “April Veru Note”) and September 30, 2024 (the “September Veru Note,” together with the “April
Veru Note”, the “Veru Notes”).
Additionally, the terms of the Veru APA required
the Company to pay Veru up to an additional $80.0 million based on the Company’s net sales from the ENTADFI business after
closing. The Milestone Payments were to be payable as follows: (i) $10.0 million is payable if the Company’s annual net sales
from the ENTADFI business equal or exceed $100.0 million, (ii) $20.0 million is payable if the Company’s annual net sales
from the ENTADFI business equal or exceed $200.0 million, and (3) $50.0 million is payable if annual net sales from the ENTADFI business
equal or exceed $500.0 million. No more than one Milestone Payment shall be made for the achievement of each net sales milestone. There
can be no assurance that the net sales milestones for payment of any of the Milestone Payments will be reached.
Furthermore, in connection with the transaction,
the Company assumed royalty and milestone obligations under an asset purchase agreement for tadalafil-finasteride combination entered
into by Veru and Camargo Pharmaceutical Services, LLC on December 11, 2017. The Camargo Obligations assumed by the Company include a
6% royalty on all sales of tadalafil-finasteride and sales milestone payments of up to $22.5 million as follows: (i) $5.0 million
is payable upon the first time the Company achieves net sales from ENTADFI of $100.0 million during a calendar year, (ii) $7.5 million
is payable upon the first time the Company achieves net sales from ENTADFI of $200.0 million during a calendar year, and (3) $10.0 million
is payable upon the first time the Company achieves net sales from ENTADFI of $300.0 million during a calendar year.
On September 29, 2023, the Company entered into
an amendment (the “Veru Amendment”) of the Veru APA. Pursuant to the Veru Amendment, the $4.0 million note payable originally
due on September 30, 2023 was deemed paid and fully satisfied upon (1) the payment to Veru of $1.0 million in immediately available funds
on September 29, 2023, and (2) the issuance to Veru by October 3, 2023 of 3,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company, which
converted in to 1,679 shares of Common Stock on September 24, 2024.
In 2024 and 2025, the Company and Veru modified and extended the payment
terms under the Veru Notes on various occasions. Subsequently, on August 28, 2025, Veru and the Company agreed to amend and restate
the September Veru Note (as amended and restated, the “Second A&R September Veru Note”). Pursuant to the Second A&R
September Veru Note, the principal amount owed to Veru was increased by $100,000 to an aggregate principal amount of $5.2 million, and
the maturity date was amended to September 19, 2025. All other terms of the September Veru Note remained the same. On August 28, 2025,
Veru and the Company also entered into a waiver agreement (the “August 2025 Veru Waiver”) pursuant to which Veru agreed to
waive and extend the date for payment of the April Veru Note to September 19, 2025.
10
As of September 22, 2025, approximately $8.8
million was payable to Veru under the Veru Notes and related amendments. On September 22, 2025, the Company and Veru entered into a Settlement
Agreement and Release (the “Veru Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which Veru agreed to accept a cash payment of approximately
$6.3 million (including interest accrued through receipt of the Settlement Amounts (as defined herein), 3,125 shares of Series D Preferred
Stock (as defined below) and 846,975 Series D Warrants (as defined below and such cash payment, shares of Series D Preferred Stock and
Series D Warrants, collectively, the “Settlement Amounts”) in full satisfaction of all amounts due under the Veru Notes,
as amended by all preceding amendments, forbearance agreements, and waivers, and Veru agreed that such acceptance constituted complete
discharge of all obligations thereunder. The Settlement Agreement contains customary release provisions that upon timely delivery of
the Settlement Amounts, Veru shall release all claims or actions against the Company.
As of September 24, 2025, Veru confirmed receipt
of all Settlement Amounts in satisfaction of all outstanding amounts, and all Veru Notes and related amendments were deemed cancelled
and terminated, respectively, and of no further force or effect.
In light of (i) the time and resources needed
to continue pursuing commercialization of ENTADFI, and (ii) the Company’s cash runway and indebtedness, the Company has abandoned
commercialization of ENTADFI and no longer holds inventory of ENTADFI. There is currently no plan to resume commercialization of ENTADFI.
In addition, as part of cost reduction efforts and in connection with our initial pause in commercializing ENTADFI, we terminated three
employees involved with the ENTADFI program, effective April 30, 2024, with such individuals to continue assisting the Company on
an as-needed, consulting basis. At December 31, 2024 and 2025, the ENTADFI assets were fully impaired.
Business of the Company
Business Model
Founded in 2010, Proteomedix develops, markets
and sells non-invasive diagnostic tests accompanied by decision support systems to detect and assess the prognosis of cancer. Proteomedix’s
lead product, Proclarix ® , is an in vitro diagnostic test for prostate cancer. Proteomedix is working to address all stages
in cancer management by developing tools for both more accurate detection and more efficient treatment of cancer including (i) diagnostic
tests to early detect and define the stage of cancer; (ii) prognostic tools for the identification of patients with aggressive disease;
and (iii) stratification biomarkers to match patients with therapies that are more likely to be safe and effective.
Currently, prostate cancer stands as the most
prevalent and second most fatal cancer type affecting men. The widespread utilization of PSA screening since it became broadly available
in the 1980s helped reduce the occurrence of metastatic prostate cancers by over half, but also led to a notable increase in overdiagnosis,
sometimes resulting in excessive treatment, severe complications, and potential psychological distress. There exists a considerable population
of men each year who are notified of their heightened risk for prostate cancer based on elevated PSA levels, with limited options beyond
invasive needle biopsies for managing their cancer risk.
Proclarix addresses the unsolved problem of prostate
cancer overdiagnosis, which can lead to excessive use of MRI and negative prostate biopsies that increase costs for the healthcare system
and uncertainty for patients. Proclarix is approved for sale in the European Union under the IVDR. Proclarix was first CE marked under
the IVD Directive in Europe on January 31, 2019. On October 7, 2022, Proclarix gained CE marking under the IVD Regulation (IVDR) and
was registered in the United Kingdom and Switzerland under applicable regulations. Clinical studies have confirmed that Proclarix accurately
identifies clinically significant prostate cancer through a risk score derived from a clinical decision support system and can help avoid
many unneeded biopsies. Proclarix as a clinical support system is designed to aggregate multimodal information in an effort to develop
a patient-centric diagnostic approach. We intend to add more information to the risk score in the future, such as other biomarkers or
magnetic resonance imaging data, to provide an even more powerful tool to guide the patient’s diagnostic journey. The markers and
the bioinformatics algorithm used are patent-protected.
11
The guidelines of the European Association of
Urology (“EAU”) and of the American Urological Association/Society of Urologic Oncology (“AUA/SUO”) both recommend
the use of blood-based biomarker tests, such as Proclarix, to aid in the early detection and evaluation of prostate cancer. Proclarix
can be performed in any laboratory using standard equipment. Proteomedix announced commercial availability of Proclarix in Europe on
February 26, 2020 and began marketing Proclarix to selected pilot laboratories offering Proclarix in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and
the United Kingdom. Proclarix is currently not reimbursed in Europe, and therefore patients pay for Proclarix out of pocket. The number
of sold Proclarix tests currently corresponds to the market development stage and selected laboratories are offering Proclarix. In 2025,
we had revenues of $23,091 from sales of Proclarix. Prior to being acquired by Onconetix in 2023, Proteomedix had $67,380 from sales
of Proclarix. In the United States, the development and commercialization of Proclarix is being pursued by Laboratory Corporation of
America Holdings, more commonly called LabCorp, pursuant to an exclusive license agreement entered into between Proteomedix and LabCorp
in 2023.
Proteomedix was founded by a multi-disciplinary
group of scientists and clinicians that include Prof. Emeritus Dr. med. Thomas Cerny, president of the Swiss Cancer Research Foundation,
Prof. Ruedi Aebersold, a pioneer in proteomics technology development, and the late Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Krek, a leader in cancer research.
Proteomedix’s management consists of Dr. Ralph Schiess (Chief Executive Officer), who developed the biomarker technology, and Christian
Brühlmann (Chief Business Officer), with seasoned experience in finance, business development and product management. On February
18, 2025, Christian Brühlmann resigned from his position as Chief Strategy Officer of the Company. Mr. Brühlmann will remain
in his position as Chief Business Officer of Proteomedix. On February 24, 2025, Dr. Schiess resigned from his positions as the Interim
Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Science Officer of Proteomedix, effective immediately, and from his position as Chief
Executive Officer of Proteomedix, effective May 31, 2025.
Proclarix
Proteomedix is seeking to develop diagnostic,
prognostic and predictive tools to enable more efficient cancer management at all stages of disease progression. Proteomedix’s
tests use proprietary protein biomarkers to address the limitations in current cancer detection, prognosis, and therapy prediction. In
addition, Decision Support Systems support the clinical decision-making by integrating different inputs in a risk score (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 : Product Pipeline
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Proclarix
Proclarix is used to indicate the risk of clinically
significant prostate cancer through a risk score derived from a clinical decision support system (Figure 2). On the reagent side it is
comprised of two quantitative Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (“ELISA”) that measure the concentration of thrombospondin
1 (“THBS1”) and cathepsin D (“CTSD”) in human serum. The clinical decision support system is a web-based software
running a proprietary algorithm that integrates the values for THBS1 and CTSD, the patient’s age and total and free PSA levels
from third party providers (e.g., Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers) to calculate a risk score.
Figure 2 : Proclarix: Assays and software algorithm for risk
score calculation.
13
Proclarix is used as an aid in prostate cancer
diagnosis as a second-line test after PSA and DRE testing. It enables a personalized decision for each patient based on objective risk
parameters (4 serum glycoproteins + age) to triage between biopsy or a monitoring approach. Proclarix has been validated and approved
for use in men with elevated total PSA (2.0 to 10.0 ng/mL), a normal DRE not suspicious for cancer and an elevated prostate volume (≥35
mL) (Figure 3). The Proclarix decision support tool returns a risk score that can be used as an aid in discriminating between clinically
significant (grade group 2 or higher [GG2+]) and insignificant prostate cancer or benign prostate disease. The risk score of Proclarix
gives the physician and patient actionable information to confidently make decisions when considering the necessity of a prostate biopsy
which is required for diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Figure 3 : Proclarix: Finding clinically significant prostate
cancer in the diagnostic “grey zone.”
Clinical Studies
Proteomedix’s biomarkers have been tested
in clinical studies including a total of more than 2,000 patient samples from multiple clinical sites, and results have been published
in peer-reviewed journals. We believe these results demonstrate that Proclarix is a valuable test identifying clinically significant
prostate cancer thereby facilitating informed decision making for patients considering a prostate biopsy.
Validation Study . The study leading to
the granting of regulatory approval in Europe included 955 samples collected at two clinical sites, a screening center in Innsbruck,
Austria, as well as a referral center in Hamburg, Germany. The results of this study demonstrated that by using the Proclarix test the
burden of unneeded biopsies could have been lowered by approximately 43% — twice as much compared to clinical comparators percent
free PSA (“%fPSA”) or PSA density. High sensitivity of 90% and a negative predictive value of 95% for clinically significant
prostate cancer indicated that the diagnosis of very few cancers would have been delayed.
PROPOSe Study. The PROPOSe study evaluated
the accuracy of Proclarix in prostate biopsy decision making. Ten clinical sites in Germany, Denmark and Austria prospectively enrolled
457 men presenting for prostate biopsy. Proclarix detected clinically significant cancer with high sensitivity above 90% and reliably
ruled out patients with no or indolent cancer with a negative predictive value greater than 90%. When the biopsy performed was guided
by magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), both sensitivity (97%) and negative predictive value (96%) were even higher. Importantly,
Proclarix was significantly superior to the current clinical standard, %fPSA, in ruling out unneeded biopsies (22% vs. 14%) and the primary
study endpoint was met (p-value < 0.005).
Naples Study. A two-center study evaluated
Proclarix and the Prostate Health Index (phi) test from Beckman Coulter, Inc. for predicting clinically significant prostate cancer in
a total of 344 men. Both Proclarix and the phi test accurately predicted clinically significant cancer. When using predefined cut-offs
recommended by the manufacturers, Proclarix (cut-off 10) outperformed phi (cut-off 27) in terms of specificity and positive predictive
value (p < 0.002) at similar sensitivities.
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Clinical evaluation of Proclarix . Results
of multiple clinical evaluations using Proclarix together with MRI for prostate cancer diagnosis showed that Proclarix can be used in
a broad range of patients without the need for prostate volume restriction. The aim of one such evaluation was the assessment of the
diagnostic performance of Proclarix in combination with MRI. Blood samples from 721 men undergoing MRI followed by biopsy at two clinical
centers were analyzed. The combined Proclarix-MRI score’s specificity (68%) was significantly (p<0.001) better compared to Proclarix
(27%) or MRI (28%) alone for diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer. Importantly, Proclarix by itself was found to be useful
in men with indetermined imaging results by outperforming PSA density in terms of specificity (25% vs 13%, p=0.004) at 100% sensitivity.
In another evaluation of a study of 517 men with suspected prostate cancer, Proclarix performed well in accurately diagnosing prostate
cancer in the overall study population and in a subset of men with elevated PSA 2 to 10 ng/mL, prostate volume ≥35 mL, and normal
DRE (n=281). In addition, a sub-analysis of was performed specifically analyzing 169 men with an indeterminate MRI result and Proclarix
was more accurate in selecting appropriate candidates for prostate biopsy when compared to PSA density and online risk calculators. A
third evaluation describes which patients with suspected prostate cancer can benefit from Proclarix after MRI and concluded that Proclarix
outperformed PSA density in the selection of candidates for prostate biopsy, especially in men with PI-RADS 1-3. In these studies, Proclarix
proved to be effective before, after, and together with MRI assessment to identify men at risk of clinically significant prostate cancer
and those who can safely avoid biopsy. Proclarix in combination with MRI reliably predicted clinically significant prostate cancer and
ruled out men with no or indolent cancer.
Clinical Guidelines
Guidelines assist clinicians in making informed
treatment decisions, taking into account the available scientific data. To reduce the number of negative biopsies in asymptomatic men
with a PSA level between 3–10 ng/mL and a normal DRE, the EAU guidelines recommend using an online risk-calculator that is correctly
calibrated to the population prevalence, MRI of the prostate or an additional biomarker test such as Proclarix. The EAU guidelines specifically
state that Proclarix has been correlated with the detection of significant prostate cancer, notably in case of equivocal MRI results.
Proclarix was also included in the 2023 AUA/SUO
clinical practice guideline. The AUA/SUO guideline covers recommendations on the early detection of prostate cancer and provides a framework
to facilitate clinical decision-making in the implementation of prostate cancer screening, biopsy, and follow-up. The AUA/SUO guideline
concludes that the evaluation of prostate cancer risk should be focused on the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (GG2+).
The AUA/SUO guidelines advice that use of laboratory biomarkers such as Proclarix, prostate MRI, and biopsy techniques may improve detection
and safety when a prostate biopsy is deemed necessary following prostate cancer screening.
The inclusion of Proclarix in the European and
U.S. guidelines is an important recognition of the clinical value of Proclarix. It serves as a validation for the clinical utility and
importance of using Proclarix in the detection of prostate cancer and we believe it will lead to broader acceptance of Proclarix and
accelerate payor adoption.
Product Quality and Safety
Proteomedix’s quality management system
is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 13485:2016 certified for the “Design and development, production and distribution
of in-vitro diagnostic reagents and stand-alone software for prostate cancer management”. Proteomedix is annually audited by TÜV
SÜD Product Service GmbH, an internationally recognized notified body headquartered in Germany. ISO certification is a prerequisite
for obtaining CE-mark, the regulatory clearance requirement for market access, recognized by the European Commission (“EC”)
in the IVDR. Under the IVDR, diagnostic products are categorized under a new system of one of four classifications from class A (low
risk) to class D (highest risk). Proclarix, as class C device, was assessed by TÜV SÜD for conformity resulting in IVDR certification.
The certification of Proclarix under the new IVDR demonstrates compliance to the highest quality standard currently in force for tests
used in screening, diagnosis, or staging of cancer. Proteomedix is marketing Proclarix as one of the first IVDR compliant cancer tests
demonstrating the commitment to highest analytical and clinical performance.
Prosgard
Prosgard as a clinical support system is designed to aggregate multimodal
information in an effort to develop a patient centric diagnostic approach. The vision for Prosgard is to add more information to the
existing Proclarix risk score in the future such as other biomarkers, clinical information, or MRI imaging data to provide an even more
powerful tool to guide the patient’s diagnostic journey.
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Prognosis (Px)
A subset of Proteomedix’s protein biomarkers
also correlate with prostate cancer prognosis. Radical prostatectomy provides excellent cancer control of clinically localized prostate
cancer. However, approximately 30% of surgically treated men will experience cancer recurrence within 10 years of surgery. Several clinical
parameters and the combination thereof (e.g., the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (“CAPRA”) score) have been shown
to be reliable predictors of treatment failure. Still, there is a compelling need to identify novel markers that are specifically linked
to the presence of biologically aggressive prostate cancer for improved prediction of outcome in populations with moderately elevated
PSA levels.
A novel serum biomarker quintet that improves disease prognosis
in men with confirmed prostate cancer
A clinical evaluation of a multivariable model
comprising fibronectin 1, galectin-3-binding protein, lumican, matrix metalloprotease 9, thrombospondin-1 and PSA together with clinical
Grade Group (GG) and clinical stage (cT) was performed. The prognostic utility of the proposed marker combination was assessed in serum
samples from 557 men with confirmed localized prostate cancer. The analysis showed that the proposed model had a better prediction for
disease progression and thus prostate cancer aggressiveness compared to the “CAPRA” score. This novel biomarker test has the
potential to improve prostate cancer patient management by indicating who needs active treatment. In contrast to the existing biomarker
tests from competitors that all need tissue specimens, the test is non-invasive and can be directly measured in patients’ blood
samples.
Prediction (Rx)
Proteomedix’s protein biomarkers further
have the potential to predict the response of patients treated with drugs that inhibit the PI3K signaling pathway. Proteomedix analyzed
the blood of patients participating in a Phase II trial (SAKK 08/08). The patients were treated with Novartis AG’s Everolimus, a
drug inhibiting the PI3K pathway signaling by blocking mTOR. A subset of 8 serum biomarkers could individually predict reaching the primary
endpoint (progression free survival at 12 weeks) with an accuracy of at least 75%.
Decision Support Systems
Recent initiatives are incorporating as well as
interpreting clinical information from various sources (e.g., biomarker information and other patient data) enabling physicians to have
more comprehensive biochemical insight into each patient’s disease in order to determine the optimal treatment plan for the patient.
Collating multiple data sources in clinical workflows allows precision-medicine resulting in cost-effective diagnostics and therapies.
Proclarix already consists of a decision support system integrating different values in a risk score. In the future, additional clinical
information like the results of an MRI scan could be integrated in the report to provide a complete picture of the diagnostic situation
of the patient to enable effective patient management.
Commercialization Strategy
Proclarix
Proclarix is currently not reimbursed in Europe,
and therefore patients pay for Proclarix out of pocket. We intend to pursue reimbursement from public and private payors in key European
markets to secure broad adoption in the longer term. The market introduction of Proclarix has followed a two-phased approach: first a
market preparation phase in which we reach out to key opinion leaders in selected European countries to solicit their support for Proclarix,
followed by a market development phase where we begin commercializing Proclarix in those markets with focused marketing and sales activities
to urologists and general practitioners. We intend to secure access to testing through partnerships with reference diagnostic labs. We
have initiated outreach to commercial laboratories and hospital laboratories that are routinely serving study sites and academic collaboration
partners, and have established pilots with laboratories in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
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In the United States, Proteomedix entered into
an exclusive partnership with LabCorp in 2023 pursuant to which LabCorp has the exclusive right to develop and commercialize Proclarix,
and other products developed by LabCorp using Proteomedix’s intellectual property covered by the license, in the United States for
identification, screening, staging, predisposition, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, prevention or treatment selection with respect to
prostate cancer. In consideration for granting LabCorp an exclusive license, Proteomedix received an upfront license fee and is entitled
to royalty and milestone payments based upon sales of licensed products or services in the United States. LabCorp is wholly responsible
for the cost of research, development and commercialization of licensed products or services in the United States but has the right to
offset a portion of those costs against future royalty and milestone payments otherwise due to Proteomedix. Additionally, in December
2025, Proteomedix and LabCorp entered into an amendment to the exclusive partnership whereby LabCorp would conduct a new validation study
starting in 2026.
Sales, Distribution, Marketing and Advertising
In clinical diagnostics high throughput assay
parameters like PSA typically are performed on closed, fully integrated systems that use proprietary reagents. Integrated systems are
provided by a few mid-sized to large diagnostic companies (e.g., Roche Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Siemens Healthineers AG, DiaSorin
S.p.A.) with a worldwide distribution network. Reagents are provided in a closed-system approach, access is through collaboration agreements
only. Business development discussions with multiple diagnostic companies have already started.
Lower volume parameters are run on smaller, open
systems that are used in laboratories for tests with lower throughput to complement the test menu. Access to these open systems presents
an option for direct commercialization in selected markets during market introduction. First, the goal is to establish commercial proof
of concept and drive initial market adoption.
Market adoption of a new test is driven by KOLs
and clinical urology centers. Publication of clinical studies proving the medical benefit of the test and KOLs advocating it at scientific
conferences will trigger the usage by other physicians. Additionally, demand is created through urology centers specialized in prostate
cancer that cover a large geographical area. Their influence on other urologists and general practitioners in the region will lead to
multiplier effects. Diagnostic testing in clinical urology centers is provided either by an in-house hospital laboratory or a commercial
laboratory where Proclarix will be implemented.
General practitioners recruit patients for screening
and decide whether to refer a patient to a specialist. They have an important gatekeeper role and Proclarix is a helpful tool for this
triage. Marketing outreach of commercial laboratory networks (e.g., Unilabs, Switzerland; Sonic Healthcare, Australia; LabCorp, U.S.A.)
provides an opportunity to directly address the large number of general practitioners and urologists in private practices through their
specialized sales force.
Market Opportunity
Proclarix, the first diagnostic product of Proteomedix,
is addressing unmet medical needs related to the early detection of prostate cancer, which is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer
in men. There were 1,467,854 new cases of prostate cancer and 397,430 prostate cancer related deaths worldwide in 2022 according
to World Cancer Research Fund International.
The PSA test represents the current standard of
care in prostate cancer diagnosis. It accurately identifies individuals with no sign of disease. Approximately 10% of all men have elevated
PSA levels, commonly referred to as the diagnostic “grey zone”, of which only 20-40% present clinically with cancer. Proclarix
is intended for use in diagnosing these patients where it is difficult to decide if a biopsy is necessary to verify a potential clinically
significant cancer diagnosis. The high unmet need for improved patient stratification or diagnostic triage in this segment is addressed
only by a few tests. Compared to those tests Proclarix has important competitive advantages: (i) it shows comparable or often superior
clinical performance, (ii) it is blood-based and therefore minimally invasive and (iii) it is highly reproducible in comparison to e.g.,
urine-based tests. The use of Proclarix does not require prior prostate massage. Samples are stable and can be shipped at ambient temperature.
Proclarix has a high accuracy and negative predictive value (NPV) and is easy to automate on equipment readily available as well as adaptable
to current laboratory practice and thus clinical routine.
The worldwide market for in vitro diagnostic (“IVD”)
products was valued at $109 billion in 2025. Europe and North America are the largest markets, followed by Asia, mainly Japan and China,
according to MarketsandMarkets.
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About two-thirds of prostate cancer diagnoses
occur in countries ranking very high in the Human Development Index, where only 18% of the world’s male population resides, according
to the American Cancer Society. This underscores a significant market demand for improved diagnostic tools, especially in regions with
robust healthcare infrastructure where early detection and treatment are paramount. Our innovative test aims to meet this demand by offering
enhanced accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency, positioning it as a valuable asset in the fight against prostate cancer while also presenting
lucrative commercial opportunities for stakeholders.
Currently, standard prostate cancer screening
combines a digital rectal exam (“DRE”) with the measurement of PSA. PSA is not a highly cancer specific marker, meaning it
picks up many benign conditions of raised PSA levels in the blood—such as clinically not significant enlargement of the prostate
or inflammation. The consequences are prostate cancer overdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary prostate biopsies. It is currently estimated
that more than 60% of men that undergo a biopsy have no clinically significant prostate cancer, but due to the biopsy become exposed to
potential side effects such as infections, bleeding and incontinence.
The use of MRI for the diagnosis of prostate cancer
has been rapidly adopted during the last decade. There is clinical evidence that MRI allows clinicians to verify diagnosis and improve
localization, risk stratification and staging of clinically significant prostate cancer over other methods. MRI-guided biopsy has a higher
accuracy than ultrasound-guided biopsy. However, MRI-based diagnosis of prostate cancer is hampered by the relatively high costs of US$415
– US$900 and limited availability. Still, up to one-third of MRIs are inconclusive. Thus, there is a clear need for an improved
non-invasive diagnostic test with higher specificity for clinically significant prostate cancer to aid in selecting patients undergoing
MRI, MRI-guided biopsy, and biopsy. Proper classification in clinically significant cancer and non-significant type or non-cancer conditions
such as benign prostate hyperplasia is important to prevent overtreatment and its associated side-effects and costs. Proteomedix is developing
diagnostic tools for disease prognosis and monitoring that are essential for reliable, patient-friendly, and cost-effective disease management.
Proteomedix’s biomarkers have shown the potential to distinguish between those prostate cancer patients who are more likely to respond
to certain drug-based interventions. With this information, better choices for drug therapies can be made to maximize the likelihood of
efficacious treatment. Proteomedix’s biomarkers could also aid in clinical drug development.
Competition
Proclarix Competition Analysis
The molecular diagnostics field is intensely competitive
and characterized by rapid technological changes, frequent new product introductions, changing customer preferences, emerging competition,
evolving industry standards, reimbursement uncertainty and price competition. Moreover, recent consolidation in the industry permits larger
clinical laboratory service providers to increase cost efficiencies and service levels, resulting in more intense competition.
The market for assessing men at risk for prostate
cancer is large, with many competitors some of which possess substantially greater financial, selling, logistical and laboratory resources,
more experience in dealing with third-party payors, and greater market penetration, purchasing power and marketing budgets, as well as
more experience in providing diagnostic services. Some companies and institutions are developing liquid biopsy (blood and urine)-based
tests and diagnostic tests based on the detection of proteins, mRNA, nucleic acids, or the presence of fragments of mutated genes that
are associated with prostate cancer. These competitors could have technological, financial, reputational, and market access advantages
over us.
There are a number of tests already on the market
or in clinical testing or commercial development that are also intended to triage diagnostics in men with moderately elevated PSA levels.
Of these tests the majority also target solely PSA as a biomarker. Certain isoforms of PSA are differentiated, or transcript levels (mRNA)
are determined in addition to protein levels. Of these tests the best established is %fPSA, which is also available from all suppliers
of the PSA test, including market leaders Abbott Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers AG and Beckman Coulter, Inc. However,
the sensitivity and specificity improvements are very modest.
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The 4Kscore from OPKO Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: OPK)
and the phi score from Beckman Coulter, Inc. measure additional forms of PSA and related proteins but they do not include additional biomarkers
either. The 4Kscore test is a blood based 4-plex test which combines the results of the blood test with clinical information in an algorithm
that calculates a patient’s percent risk for aggressive prostate cancer prior to an initial or repeat biopsy (no previous diagnosis
of prostate cancer). The 4Kscore test received marketing approval from the FDA in December 2021. The phi score combines the results of
three blood tests to provide information about what elevated PSA levels might mean and the probability of finding prostate cancer on biopsy.
The IsoPSA test of Cleveland Diagnostics, Inc. analyzes structural changes of PSA to detect underlying cancer biology.
Over the last decade, gene-based testing in urine
targeting additional biomarkers became available. The PCA3 test from Gen-Probe Inc. (now a part of Hologic, Inc.) was the first genetic
assay to be introduced to the market. The SelectMDx test from MdxHealth SA measures a combination of two genes and integrates them together
with PSA value, prostate volume, patient age and digital rectal exam to a risk score. The assay targets mRNA transcripts in the patient’s
urine. mRNA is normally not sufficiently shed into urine to allow for direct analysis. Therefore, this test method requires prostate massage
prior to sample collection and the urine samples will be collected in a specialized practice. The ExoDx IntelliScore from Exosome Diagnostics,
Inc., a subsidiary of Bio-Techne Corporation, measures PCA3 as well as other gene transcripts in exosomes harvested from urine. The method
does not require prostate massage, however, because mRNA is relatively unstable, the samples require cold storage in shipment and relatively
rapid testing turn-around.
The Stockholm3 test is part of an academic initiative,
OncoWatch, led by the Karolinska Institute, Sweden and funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Health program. Established
in 2020, A3P Biomedical AB (publ) is commercializing the Stockholm3 test. It is a blood-based test that predicts the risk for aggressive
prostate cancer at biopsy by analyzing five protein markers, more than 100 genetic markers and clinical data.
Except for PCA3, Prostate Health Index and 4Kscore,
all of the above-mentioned tests are only available as a testing service through specialized reference laboratories, they are not offered
as commercial products. Testing is performed centrally as a laboratory developed test (“LDT”) by a single diagnostic laboratory.
Uptake of LDTs in the United States has been limited, and in Europe they are mostly not known to urologists.
In recent years, MRI-based diagnosis followed
by targeted biopsy is becoming the standard of choice in specialized centers. As MRI instrumentation is costly and its availability is
still limited, there is a need for diagnostics supporting the decision to perform MRI that Proclarix can fulfill. MRI is not regarded
as competitive to the Proclarix positioning, but complementary.
Competitive Advantages of Proclarix
We believe Proclarix has important competitive
advantages:
●
Blood-based test
-
Minimally invasive, high reproducibility, no prostate massage required, suitably stable for shipment, the most common sample type in clinical laboratories and therefore fitting in current lab workflow
●
Immunoassay-based
-
Compatible with existing laboratory instrumentation in local laboratory
●
Easy to automate
-
Adaptable to clinical routine, fast time to result
●
Objective result generation
-
Comparable results independent of operator
●
Genetics-guided discovery
-
Cancer-related, highly plausible biomarkers
Proclarix can be applied in any diagnostic laboratory,
using readily available immunoassay technology platforms. Furthermore, Proclarix fits very well into the current laboratory workflow,
which is important for laboratories that are driven by efficiency and cost.
The stakeholders benefit in various ways from
Proclarix:
Patients: Gain more certainty whether
a biopsy is really needed through a minimally invasive procedure with a fast time to result. This results in reduced anxiety about prostate
cancer diagnosis and less complications and side effects from biopsies.
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Physicians: Focus on relevant patients
with clinically significant cancer and increased patient satisfaction by significantly reducing unneeded prostate biopsies and its accompanying
complications. No need for additional training or new logistic processes: Standard blood-drawing equipment can be used, and the blood
sample sent to the current laboratory.
Laboratory: Increase revenue with
no additional investment for new equipment because Proclarix is readily applicable in most laboratories.
Payer (insurance company): Increase
profits by saving costs for avoided biopsies (accompanied by risk of complications, discomfort) and resulting overtreatment.
Government Regulation
The FDA and other regulatory authorities at federal,
state and local levels, as well as in foreign countries, extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing,
manufacture, quality control, import, export, safety, effectiveness, labeling, packaging, storage, distribution, record keeping, approval,
advertising, promotion, marketing, post-approval monitoring and post-approval reporting of drugs and diagnostics.
Foreign Regulation
In order to market any product outside of the
United States, we need to comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements of other countries regarding safety and efficacy and
governing, among other things, clinical trials, marketing authorization, commercial sales and distribution of our product candidates.
For example, in the EU, we must obtain authorization of a clinical trial application, or CTA, in each member state in which we intend
to conduct a clinical trial. Whether or not we obtain FDA approval for a drug, we would need to obtain the necessary approvals by the
comparable regulatory authorities of foreign countries before we can commence clinical trials or marketing of the drug in those countries.
The approval process varies from country to country and can involve additional product testing and additional administrative review periods.
The time required to obtain approval in other countries might differ from and be longer than that required to obtain FDA approval. Regulatory
approval in one country does not ensure regulatory approval in another, but a failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one
country may negatively impact the regulatory process in others.
Further, some countries outside of the United
States, including the EU member states, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, have also adopted data protection laws and regulations, which
impose significant compliance obligations. In the EU, the collection and use of personal health data is governed by the provisions of
the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR. The GDPR became effective on May 25, 2018, repealing its predecessor directive and increasing
responsibility and liability of pharmaceutical companies in relation to the processing of personal data of EU subjects. The GDPR, together
with the national legislation of the EU member states governing the processing of personal data, impose strict obligations and restrictions
on the ability to process personal data, including health data from clinical trials and adverse event reporting. In particular, these
obligations and restrictions concern potentially burdensome documentation requirements, granting certain rights to individuals to control
how we collect, use, disclose, retain and process information about them, the information provided to the individuals, the transfer of
personal data out of the EU, security breach notifications, and security and confidentiality of the personal data. The processing of sensitive
personal data, such as physical health condition, may impose heightened compliance burdens under the GDPR and is a topic of active interest
among foreign regulators. In addition, the GDPR provides for more robust regulatory enforcement and fines of up to €20 million or
4% of the annual global revenue of the noncompliant company, whichever is greater. Data protection authorities from the different EU member
states may interpret the GDPR and national laws differently and impose additional requirements, which add to the complexity of processing
personal data in the EU. Guidance on implementation and compliance practices are often updated or otherwise revised.
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European Union
European Union Coverage Reimbursement and Pricing
In the European Union, pricing and reimbursement
schemes vary widely from country to country. Some countries provide that drug products may be marketed only after a reimbursement price
has been agreed. Some countries may require the completion of additional studies that compare the cost-effectiveness of a particular drug
candidate to currently available therapies, or so-called health technology assessments, in order to obtain reimbursement or pricing approval.
For example, the European Union provides options for its member states to restrict the range of drug products for which their national
health insurance systems provide reimbursement and to control the prices of medicinal products for human use. European Union member states
may approve a specific price for a drug product or may instead adopt a system of direct or indirect controls on the profitability of the
company.
EU Drug regulation
In order to market any product outside of the
United States, we would need to comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements of other countries and jurisdictions regarding
quality, safety and efficacy and governing, among other things, clinical trials, marketing authorization, commercial sales and distribution
of our product. Whether or not we obtain FDA approval for a product, we would need to obtain the necessary approvals by the comparable
foreign regulatory authorities before we can commence clinical trials or marketing of the product in foreign countries and jurisdictions
such as in China and Japan. Although many of the issues discussed above with respect to the United States apply similarly in the context
of the EU, the approval process varies between countries and jurisdictions and can involve additional product testing and additional administrative
review periods. The time required to obtain approval in other countries and jurisdictions might differ from and be longer than that required
to obtain FDA approval. Regulatory approval in one country or jurisdiction does not ensure regulatory approval in another, but a failure
or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one country or jurisdiction may negatively impact the regulatory process in others. Failure
to comply with applicable foreign regulatory requirements may be subject to, among other things, fines, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory
approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution.
Non-clinical studies and clinical trials
Similarly to the United States, the various phases
of non-clinical and clinical research in the EU are subject to significant regulatory controls.
Non-clinical studies are performed to demonstrate
the health or environmental safety of new chemical or biological substances. Non-clinical studies must be conducted in compliance with
the principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) as set forth in EU Directive 2004/10/EC. In particular, non-clinical studies, both in
vitro and in vivo, must be planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported and archived in accordance with the GLP principles, which
define a set of rules and criteria for a quality system for the organizational process and the conditions for non-clinical studies. These
GLP standards reflect the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development requirements.
Clinical trials of medicinal products in the EU
must be conducted in accordance with EU and national regulations and the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines on
good clinical practices (GCP) as well as the applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical principles that have their origin in the
Declaration of Helsinki. Additional GCP guidelines from the European Commission, focusing in particular on traceability, apply to clinical
trials of advanced therapy medicinal products. If the sponsor of the clinical trial is not established within the EU, it must appoint
an entity within the EU to act as its legal representative. The sponsor must take out a clinical trial insurance policy, and in most EU
member states, the sponsor is liable to provide ‘no fault’ compensation to any study subject injured in the clinical trial.
Certain countries outside of the United States,
including the EU, have a similar process that requires the submission of a clinical study application (CTA) much like the IND prior to
the commencement of human clinical studies. A CTA must be submitted to each country’s national health authority and an independent
ethics committee, much like the FDA and the Institutional Review Board (“IRB”), respectively. Once the CTA is approved by
the national health authority and the ethics committee has granted a positive opinion in relation to the conduct of the trial in the relevant
member state(s), in accordance with a country’s requirements, clinical study development may proceed.
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The CTA must include, among other things, a copy
of the trial protocol and an investigational medicinal product dossier containing information about the manufacture and quality of the
medicinal product under investigation. Currently, CTAs must be submitted to the competent authority in each EU member state in which the
trial will be conducted. Under the new Regulation on Clinical Trials, which is currently expected to become applicable by early 2022,
there will be a centralized application procedure where one national authority takes the lead in reviewing the application and the other
national authorities have only a limited involvement. Any substantial changes to the trial protocol or other information submitted with
the CTA must be notified to or approved by the relevant competent authorities and ethics committees. Medicines used in clinical trials
must be manufactured in accordance with good manufacturing practice (GMP). Other national and EU-wide regulatory requirements also apply.
Marketing Authorizations
To market a medicinal product in the EU and in
many other foreign jurisdictions, we must obtain separate regulatory approvals. More concretely, in the EU, medicinal product candidates
can only be commercialized after obtaining a Marketing Authorization (MA). To obtain regulatory approval of an investigational medicinal
product under EU regulatory systems, we must submit a marketing authorization application (“MAA”). The process for doing this
depends, among other things, on the nature of the medicinal product. There are two types of Mas:
●
the “Union MA”, which is issued by the European Commission through the Centralized Procedure, based on the opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”) and which is valid throughout the entire territory of the EU. The Centralized Procedure is mandatory for certain types of products, such as (i) medicinal products derived from biotechnology medicinal products, (ii) designated orphan medicinal products, (iii) advanced therapy products (such as gene therapy, somatic cell therapy or tissue-engineered medicines), and (iv) medicinal products containing a new active substance indicated for the treatment certain diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, other auto-immune and viral diseases. The Centralized Procedure is optional for products containing a new active substance not yet authorized in the EU, or for products that constitute a significant therapeutic, scientific or technical innovation or that the granting of authorization would be in the interest of public health in the EU; and
●
“National Mas”, which are issued by the competent authorities of the EU member states and only cover their respective territory, are available for products not falling within the mandatory scope of the Centralized Procedure. Where a product has already been authorized for marketing in an EU member state, this National MA can be recognized in another member state through the Mutual Recognition Procedure. If the product has not received a National MA in any member state at the time of application, it can be approved simultaneously in various member states through the Decentralized Procedure. Under the Decentralized Procedure an identical dossier is submitted to the competent authorities of each of the member states in which the MA is sought, one of which is selected by the applicant as the Reference member state.
Under the above-described procedures, in order
to grant the MA, the EMA or the competent authorities of the EU member states make an assessment of the risk-benefit balance of the product
on the basis of scientific criteria concerning its quality, safety and efficacy.
Under the Centralized Procedure, the maximum timeframe
for the evaluation of a MAA by the EMA is 210 days. Where there is a major public health interest and an unmet medical need for a product,
the CHMP may perform an accelerated review of a MA in no more than 150 days (not including clock stops). Innovative products that target
an unmet medical need and are expected to be of major public health interest may be eligible for a number of expedited development and
review programs, such as the PRIME scheme, which provides incentives similar to the breakthrough therapy designation in the US PRIME is
a voluntary scheme aimed at enhancing the EMA’s support for the development of medicines that target unmet medical needs. It is
based on increased interaction and early dialogue with companies developing promising medicines, to optimize their product development
plans and speed up their evaluation to help them reach patients earlier. Product developers that benefit from PRIME designation can expect
to be eligible for accelerated assessment, but this is not guaranteed. The benefits of a PRIME designation include the appointment of
a CHMP rapporteur before submission of a MAA, early dialogue and scientific advice at key development milestones, and the potential to
qualify products for accelerated review earlier in the application process.
Mas have an initial duration of five years. After
these five years, the authorization may be renewed for an unlimited period on the basis of a reevaluation of the risk-benefit balance,
unless the EMA decides, on justified grounds relating to pharmacovigilance, to mandate one additional five-year renewal period.
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Data and marketing exclusivity
The EU also provides opportunities for market
exclusivity. Upon receiving MA, new chemical entity, or reference product candidates, generally receive eight years of data exclusivity
and an additional two years of market exclusivity. If granted, the data exclusivity period prevents generic or biosimilar applicants from
relying on the pre-clinical and clinical trial data contained in the dossier of the reference product when applying for a generic or biosimilar
MA in the EU during a period of eight years from the date on which the reference product was first authorized in the EU. The market exclusivity
period prevents a successful generic or biosimilar applicant from commercializing its product in the EU until 10 years have elapsed from
the initial authorization of the reference product in the EU. The overall 10-year market exclusivity period can be extended to a maximum
of eleven years if, during the first eight years of those 10 years, the MA holder obtains an authorization for one or more new therapeutic
indications which, during the scientific evaluation prior to their authorization, are held to bring a significant clinical benefit in
comparison with existing therapies. However, there is no guarantee that a product will be considered by the EU’s regulatory authorities
to be a new chemical entity, and products may not qualify for data exclusivity.
Pediatric Development
In the EU, MAAs for new medicinal products candidates
have to include the results of trials conducted in the pediatric population, in compliance with a pediatric investigation plan (PIP) agreed
with the EMA’s Pediatric Committee (PDCO). The PIP sets out the timing and measures proposed to generate data to support a pediatric
indication of the drug for which MA is being sought. The PDCO can grant a deferral of the obligation to implement some or all of the measures
of the PIP until there are sufficient data to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the product in adults. Further, the obligation to
provide pediatric clinical trial data can be waived by the PDCO when these data is not needed or appropriate because the product is likely
to be ineffective or unsafe in children, the disease or condition for which the product is intended occurs only in adult populations,
or when the product does not represent a significant therapeutic benefit over existing treatments for pediatric patients. Once the MA
is obtained in all EU Member States and study results are included in the product information, even when negative, the product is eligible
for six months’ supplementary protection certificate extension (if any is in effect at the time of authorization).
Post-Approval Requirements
Similar to the United States, both MA holders
and manufacturers of medicinal products are subject to comprehensive regulatory oversight by the EMA, the European Commission and/or the
competent regulatory authorities of the member states. The holder of a MA must establish and maintain a pharmacovigilance system and appoint
an individual qualified person for pharmacovigilance who is responsible for oversight of that system. Key obligations include expedited
reporting of suspected serious adverse reactions and submission of periodic safety update reports (PSURs).
All new MAA must include a risk management plan
(RMP) describing the risk management system that the company will put in place and documenting measures to prevent or minimize the risks
associated with the product. The regulatory authorities may also impose specific obligations as a condition of the MA. Such risk-minimization
measures or post-authorization obligations may include additional safety monitoring, more frequent submission of PSURs, or the conduct
of additional clinical trials or post-authorization safety studies.
The advertising and promotion of medicinal products
is also subject to laws concerning promotion of medicinal products, interactions with physicians, misleading and comparative advertising
and unfair commercial practices. All advertising and promotional activities for the product must be consistent with the approved summary
of product characteristics, and therefore all off-label promotion is prohibited. Direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines
is also prohibited in the EU. Although general requirements for advertising and promotion of medicinal products are established under
EU directives, the details are governed by regulations in each member state and can differ from one country to another.
The aforementioned EU rules are generally applicable
in the European Economic Area (“EEA”) which consists of the 27 EU member states plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.
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For other countries outside of the EU, such as
countries in Latin America or Asia (e.g., China and Japan), the requirements governing the conduct of clinical studies, product licensing,
pricing and reimbursement vary from country to country. In all cases, again, the clinical studies are conducted in accordance with GCP
and the applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki. If we fail
to comply with applicable foreign regulatory requirements, we may be subject to, among other things, fines, suspension or withdrawal of
regulatory approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution.
Privacy and data protection laws
We are also subject to laws and regulations in
non-US countries covering data privacy and the protection of health-related and other personal information. For instance, EU member states
and other jurisdictions have adopted data protection laws and regulations, which impose significant compliance obligations. Laws and regulations
in these jurisdictions apply broadly to the collection, use, storage, disclosure, processing, and security of personal information that
identifies or may be used to identify an individual, such as names, contact information and sensitive personal data such as health data.
These laws and regulations are subject to frequent revisions and differing interpretations,
As of May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) replaced the Data Protection Directive with respect to the processing of personal data in the European Union. The GDPR imposes
many requirements for controllers and processors of personal data, including, for example, higher standards for obtaining consent from
individuals to process their personal data, more robust disclosures to individuals and a strengthened individual data rights regime, shortened
timelines for data breach notifications, limitations on retention and secondary use of information, increased requirements pertaining
to health data and pseudonymized (i.e., key-coded) data and additional obligations when we contract third-party processors in connection
with the processing of the personal data. The GDPR allows EU member states to make additional laws and regulations further limiting the
processing of genetic, biometric or health data. Failure to comply with the requirements of GDPR and the applicable national data protection
laws of the EU member states may result in fines of up to €20,000,000 or up to 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding
financial year, whichever is higher, and other administrative penalties.
EU Medical device legislation
Medical device legislation is harmonized in the
European Union (EU) through the European Commission’s New Legislative Framework. The new regulatory framework for medical devices,
published in April 2017, is based on the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) (EU) 2017/745 applicable for medical devices and active implantable
medical devices and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR) (EU) 2017/746 applicable for in vitro diagnostic medical
devices (IVDs). The dates of application of the MDR were May 26, 2021 (Article 123(2) as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/561 and Regulation
2023/607) and May 26, 2022 (Article 113(2)), respectively. As regulations, the legislation applies to all the EU Member States as drafted
and is applicable in the European Economic Area (EEA) which consists of the 27 EU Member States plus Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland.
The new regulatory framework in EU was triggered
by the breast implant scandal (2012) and various similar case scenarios, where the cause identified significant gaps in the market surveillance
and supply chain oversight as well as insufficient controls and compliance to state-of-the-art standards and documentation. Europe’s
new regulatory framework for IVDs introduced significant changes for IVD manufacturers; the most important is the up-classification of
IVDs (introduction of 7 classification rules and four risk classes A to D harmonized with the international classification system), which
require independent conformity assessments for most IVD Classes by independent regulatory compliance assessors (Notified Bodies, NB).
Other changes under the IVDR are the increased NB-involvement, a new risk-based classification system and classification rules, increased
elements and compliance to General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPR), stricter demands on clinical evidence (scientific validity,
analytical and clinical performance), stronger focus for post-market surveillance (PMS) and post-market performance follow-up (PMPF),
stricter regulatory responsibilities throughout the supply chain for economic operators (like importers or distributors) and traceability
through Unique Device Information (UDI, labelling). Overall, the IVDR is a significant expansion of the previous EU-Directive 98/79/EC
(IVDD), which has been effective for IVDs since 1998.
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Since 2022, due to different reasons, the European
Commission issued various updates to the IVDR to introduce transitional provisions for certain IVDs, which are already on the EU market
prior to the Date of Application (legacy devices) and which are not to be substantially changed by function and design (Regulation (EU)
2022/112 and Regulation (EU) 2023/6074). The current accepted transitional periods provided for in IVDR Article 120 will end on either
December 31, 2027, or December 31, 2028. Currently a new proposal (2024/0021 (COD)) is even proposing extended transitional periods up
to December 31, 2029, for some devices (Class B and Class A sterile) and December 31, 2028, for medium risk IVDs (Class C). Due to these
extended transition timelines for legacy devices, many IVD manufacturers are not yet setting compliance to IVDR on their highest priority.
As of the date of this Report, Proteomedix transitioned from IVDD to IVDR and the Proclarix devices are certified under the new legislation
and fully compliant with IVDR.
For the Proclarix IVDs (Assays and Risk Calculator
software), which are class C devices under IVDR, Proteomedix has already CE marked them in 2019 under IVDD and since then started to comply
with IVDR. This includes the performance and safety of the device, specifically clinical performance testing and addressing the clinical
evidence for Proclarix.
Irrespective of the amendments for extended transition
timelines to IVDR published since 2022 by the European Commission – Proteomedix AG has selected and streamlined the interaction
with a NB (TÜV SÜD) for a conformity assessment under IVDR and passed this NB conformity assessment for their Technical Documentation
and Quality Management System according to international standard ISO 13485:2016 (“Design and development, production and distribution
of in-vitro diagnostic reagents and stand-alone software for prostate cancer management”) in July 2022.
Proteomedix AG has agreements signed with Emergo
Europe B.V. acting as their EU Authorized Representative (EU AR, also referred as EC REP).
The IVDR-compliance of Proclarix devices makes
them as one the first IVDs under the new EU regime and this will have several advantages to other devices marketed under IVDD or without
CE mark yet. Because of the mentioned significant changes introduced with the IVDR, other competitors might face problems and delays when
trying to get to this stage of IVDR compliance. As mentioned before, every new device or substantially changed device would not be able
to use the amended timelines and must fully comply with IVDR before placing them on the EU market. Second, clients (users, laboratories)
might expect compliance with the IVDR at some degree as the new normal (of state-of-the-art quality). Third, for the Proclarix devices
marketed since 2019 in EU, there is automatically systematic post market surveillance data collected from the field, which further can
support the clinical evidence (validity) of the Proclarix devices.
Proteomedix AG also has an appointed Data Protection
Officer (DPO) for data safety in line to requirements from General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and Swiss Data Protection
Act although there are no personnel data included or affected in the Proclarix IVDs.
Switzerland and United Kingdom (UK) Medical
Device Regulation
Switzerland and United Kingdom (UK) are not part
of the EU market and in principle, become third countries with different jurisdictions and differing product regulations. However, these
two countries still align to a certain degree on the European CE Mark and CE marked devices currently can be marketed without significant
additional approval in Switzerland and UK.
For Switzerland, the new EU Regulations (MDR/IVDR)
required an update of the Mutual Recognition Agreements to include the EU Regulations, which has so far not been negotiated by the Switzerland–EU
Joint Committee for Switzerland and the EU at international treaty level. Therefore, trading of devices can no longer move freely between
the Swiss market and the EU market and the sharing of information between authorities (incl. EUDAMED) or the mutual recognition of certificates
of conformity are not possible and must be regulated through Swiss law separately in Switzerland. The new Swiss law for medical devices,
the Medical Devices Ordinance (MedDO) was introduced in 2020 together with certain obligations for Swiss manufacturers such as registration
with Swissmedic. As a consequence, Swiss manufacturers must appoint an EU-based AR and/or importer in line with Article 11 and Article
13 of the IVDR.
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For UK, IVD manufacturers must comply with the
UK MDR 2002 (Medical device Regulation), which has been revised several times with new guidelines addressed in the Guidance on the Regulation
of In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices in Great Britain. Similar to EU, IVD manufacturers must identify the appropriate conformity assessment
procedure for their device and demonstrate compliance with relevant requirements of the applicable legislation for IVDs in the UK for
the purpose of affixing the UKCA mark to their device (UK MDR 2002 Part IV). UKCA marking (UK Conformity Assessed marking) is the UK product
marking requirement that will be needed for devices being placed on the market in UK, substituting the EU requirements for CE Marking
(CE marking will continue to be accepted in Northern Ireland). Most of these IVDs will then require a designated UK Authorized Body (UKAB)-issued
certificate (similar to an EU CE Marking Certificate). EN ISO 13485:2016 is the designated standard under the UK MDR 2002 that covers
QMS requirements for medical device manufacturers. In the UK, device manufacturers must further appoint a single “UK Responsible
Person” for all of their devices, who will act on the manufacturer’s behalf to perform tasks, including product registration.
However, for medical devices with a valid CE marking placed on the UK-market, there was a transition time until 1 July 2023 (no requirement
to re-label the device with a UKCA mark), and the UK government recently has extended acceptance of CE marked devices in UK beyond 30
June 2023 (MDR 2002, SI 2002 No 618, as amended).
Therefore, Proteomedix AG with a valid CE mark
for EU (IVDR) and appointed EU-AR, and local registration in Switzerland (Swissmedic) is in full compliance to the current changed requirements
on the EU, Swiss and UK markets. Proteomedix AG has agreements signed with Emergo Consulting (UK) Ltd. acting as their UK Responsible
Person. The requirement to comply with UKCA marking would apply after 30 June 2030.
EU – Impact and market opportunities
on other non-EU markets
With the overall intend from regulators to harmonize
regulation, the CE marking and compliance to European IVDR for the Proclarix can be considered as a state-of-the-art regulatory compliance
with high potential to enter other markets. Some of these like Australia, New Zealand or Singapore and other markets recognize the CE
mark and – though they might have separate approval procedures – are expected to mainly rely on the CE Certificate. For example,
Australia and New Zealand have a Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA), which means that CE mark can be recognized and sold
without additional regulatory processes. Brazil’s medical device market regulator, ANVISA, recently announced updates to the IVD
legislation as Resolution (RDC) 830/2023 similar to the EU definition and classification of IVD under IVDR. For US, the FDA recently in
January 2024 amended their title of their Quality System regulation part 820 (QSR), and integrated elements and concepts from ISO 13485:2016
into their new Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR).
These examples demonstrate that Proclarix with
established CE mark (IVDR) and ISO 13485:2016 QMS has high potential to get faster market access in other non-EU countries, too. It can
be expected that more non-EU country legislations will further adapt their approval or acceptance process to the level of IVDR or ISO
13485 in the forthcoming years.
Intellectual Property
Proteomedix’s biomarkers were discovered
using a genetics-guided discovery approach focusing on the PI3K/PTEN cancer pathway that plays a dominant role in prostate cancer development.
Applying proteomics technology to a disease-relevant mouse model allowed the identification of proteins specifically linked to the molecular
cause of prostate cancer. The biomarkers and the bioinformatics algorithm used in Proclarix are protected by issued and pending patents
in Europe, the United States, and other countries.
Cancer arises from different genetic mutations
that can be linked to specific signaling pathways often referred to as cancer pathways. Depending on what pathway is affected in a patient,
results in different cancer subtypes that are more or less aggressive and further determines if a patient responds to a certain drug treatment
or not.
Proteomedix’s biomarkers were discovered
by a group of researchers at ETH Zurich using a genetics-guided discovery approach focusing on the PI3K/PTEN cancer pathway that plays
a dominant role in prostate cancer development. Using a mouse model and mass-spectrometry based proteomics technology including a glycoprotein
enrichment technology led to the identification of proteins directly linked to the molecular cause of cancer and therefore correlating
to the disease status in the prostate. Different serum glycoproteins were combined to form multiplexed biomarker signatures predictive
for tissue PI3K/PTEN status as well as diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer (Figure 5). The genetic-guided proteomics approach enabled
the fast discovery and validation of several biomarkers which in different combinations correspond to diagnosis, prognosis and potentially
to therapy response.
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Figure 5 : Proteomedix’s approach to improve prostate cancer
disease management.
The biomarker assays were transferred from a mass
spectrometry-based to an immunoassay-based platform. Immunoassay-based measurement offers several advantages compared to other analytical
methods. In general, immunoassays provide a rapid, sensitive, reproducible, cost effective and easily manageable analysis. The reagents
used are stable and the method is established in routine diagnostic laboratories guaranteeing broad compatibility of Proteomedix’s
tests on established automated clinical platforms and thus rapid adoption rates and platform flexibility of the diagnostic tests. The
deep knowledge in selecting novel biomarkers, assay development and clinical development enabled Proteomedix to enable several R&D
partnerships.
In 2021, Proteomedix entered into a research and
development partnership with New Horizon Health Limited, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The partnership builds on complimentary platform
and biomarker developments with utility in cancer patient management.
In 2022, Immunovia AB (Sweden) (“Immunovia”)
partnered with Proteomedix to leverage Proteomedix’s research and development capabilities and advances their research and development
efforts. With this partnership, Immunovia gained a more flexible research and development organization, increased its research and development
productivity, and refocused internal resources on commercial build up, thus further accelerating the roll-out of their proprietary IMMray TM
PanCan-d test. The partnership capitalizes on the combined expertise of two leading innovators in proteomics-based diagnostics, who have
both launched innovative oncology tests, Immunovia with IMMray TM PanCan-d in the U.S. and Proteomedix with Proclarix® in
Europe.
In September 2025, Proteomedix and Immunovia furthered
their relationship by entering into a separate licensing agreement. Under the licensing agreement, Proteomedix will produce master cell
lines for three of the five biomarkers used in PancreaSure, a Immunovia pancreatic cancer diagnostic test, and license key intellectual
property related to the manufacturing of associated reagents to Immunovia in consideration for two payments of $300,000 each to Proteomedix,
due on September 30, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Additionally, Immunovia will make a $100,000 payment for materials and pay a 3% royalty
on net sales of PancreaSure and any other products incorporating the licensed intellectual property from January 1, 2026, through December
31, 2032.
Patents
Proteomedix has exclusively licensed worldwide
rights to one patent family from ETH Zurich and the State Hospital of St. Gallen, which describes and protects the use of the proprietary
biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring prostate cancer. The parent international patent application WO 2009138392 A1 was filed on May
12, 2009, claims a priority date of May 14, 2008 (priority date) and was granted in China (CN201027373B), Europe (EP2281201B1), Japan
(JP6025607B) and the United States (US10151755B2/ US9377463B2).
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Proteomedix also obtained a non-exclusive license from ETH Zurich for certain
patents pertaining to specific enrichment of glycoproteins, including EP1514107 (expired June 3, 2023) and US7183118 (expired May 3, 2024),
that ETH Zurich licensed from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), Seattle. The license enabled Proteomedix to use the glycoprotein
technology for the development of new diagnostic products. The license was terminated in connection with the expiration of the patent
and no further license payments are required.
In addition, a new patent covering the latest
development and clinical results was filed by Proteomedix on July 11, 2017, claiming a priority of July 15, 2016. The patent covers the
specific test format and algorithm contained in Proteomedix’s first product (Proclarix) for the improved diagnosis of prostate cancer.
An international application (WO2018011212A1) was filed, and the patent was granted in Europe (EP3270163B1), Japan (JP6979712B2), South
Korea (KR102408276B1), Australia (AU2017294979B2), United States (US11320435B2, with term extension of 377 days) and China (CN109477836B)
with the application still pending in Canada (CA3028874A1).
A patent application describing and claiming a
method combining Proclarix and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose prostate cancer was filed by Proteomedix on June 29, 2021. The patent
was originally filed in Switzerland and subsequently as PCT application (WO2023274742A1) and as national applications in the United States
and China.
A patent application describing and claiming a
method measuring a blood-based protein combination with prognostic utility in prostate cancer patients was filed by Proteomedix on June
29, 2021. The patent was originally filed in Switzerland followed by an international application (WO2018011212A1). National applications
were filed in Europe, United States and China.
Trademarks
The brand “Proteomedix” was filed
on June 4, 2010, and registered under no. 602190 in Switzerland on June 22, 2010. This application served as the basis for the international
trademark application. The product name “Proclarix” was filed on July 1, 2019, and registered under no. 733974 in Switzerland
on July 22, 2019. This application served as the basis for the international trademark application. The product name “Prosgard”
was filed on July 1, 2019, and registered under no. 733975 in Switzerland on July 22, 2019.
Manufacturing and Supply
We currently do not own or operate any manufacturing
facilities. For Proclarix, we outsource manufacturing to a CMO in Germany. All of the key reagents used in Proteomedix’s IVD kits
(i.e., antigens and antibodies) are proprietary and owned exclusively by Proteomedix. These reagents are produced by an independent supplier
in Germany and shipped to the CMO for manufacturing of the IVD kits. The development and production of the Proclarix risk calculator software
and the hosting of the Proclarix risk calculator software are performed by external suppliers.
Employees
As of March 10, 2026,
we had 2 full-time and 6 subcontracted employees. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement, and we
have never experienced any work stoppage. We believe we have good relations with our employees.
Properties and Facilities
We currently lease an office located at 201 E
Fifth Street, Suite 1900, Cincinnati, OH 45202, which is renewed on a monthly basis.
Additionally, Proteomedix leases office and lab space located at Wagistrasse
23, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland. This lease expired on December 31, 2025 and was renewed for a two-year term with a monthly rent of $2,000
per month. The lease will automatically renew for successive two-year terms, unless terminated. Either party may terminate the lease with
twelve months’ written notice.
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Corporate Information
We were incorporated on October 22, 2018 under
the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 201 E Fifth Street, Suite 1900, Cincinnati, OH 45202,
and our telephone number is (513) 620-4101. Our corporate website address is www.onconetix.com . We make available free of charge
on or through our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy
statements on Schedule 14A, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Alternatively, you may
also access our reports at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Fundraising Activities
On October 1, 2024, the Board authorized the Company
to create a series of 10,000 shares of preferred stock designated as “Series C Preferred Stock”, with a par value of $0.00001,
pursuant to the Certificate of Designations of Series C Preferred Stock. At any time after the initial issuance date of Series C Preferred
Stock, each Series C Preferred Stock shall be convertible into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock. On
October 2, 2024, the Company entered into, and sold, to six institutional investors (collectively, the “Series C PIPE Investors”),
pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, an aggregate of 3,499 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, which includes an issuance of 840
shares of Series C Preferred Stock to the lead investor in consideration for the Series C PIPE Investors’ irrevocable commitment
to purchase shares of the Series C Preferred Stock, and warrants to purchase 6,963 shares of Common Stock, for aggregate net cash proceeds
to the Company of $1.9 million.
On October 2, 2024, the Company entered into a
Common Stock ELOC Purchase Agreement relating to a Committed Equity Facility with an institutional investor (the “ELOC Purchaser”),
whereby the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, and whereby the ELOC Purchaser has committed to purchase,
up to $25.0 million of the Company’s newly issued Common Stock, subject to certain limitations. As of December 31, 2025, the Company
has sold approximately 661,762 shares under the ELOC Purchase Agreement for gross proceeds of approximately $7.1 million.
On July 16, 2025, the Company exercised its voluntary
adjustment right under the Certificate of Designation of the Series C Preferred Stock to lower the conversion price of the Series C Preferred
Stock to $3.50, and holders of 1,920 shares Series C Preferred Stock agreed to convert their shares into shares of Common Stock.
As of December 31, 2025, 7 shares of Series C
Preferred Stock were outstanding from the original issuance of 3,499, after the redemption of 1,369 shares of Series C Preferred Stock
for an aggregate consideration of $1.71 million, the conversion of 1,920 shares of Series C Preferred Stock into common stock, and the
exchange of 203 shares of Series C Preferred Stock into 244 shares of Series D Preferred Stock.
On September 22, 2025, the Company entered into
a securities purchase agreement (the “Series D Securities Purchase Agreement”) with eleven institutional investors, and sold
or exchanged debt, to such investors (collectively, the “Series D PIPE Investors”) an aggregate of 16,099 shares of Series
D convertible preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Series D Preferred Stock”), which includes an issuance of 500
shares of Series D Preferred Stock to the lead investor in consideration for the Series D PIPE Investors’ irrevocable commitment
to purchase shares of the Series D Preferred Stock, and warrants (the “Series D Warrants”) to purchase 4,362,827 shares of
Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $12.9 million and net cash proceeds of $9.3 million. The exercise price
of the Series D Warrants is $3.6896, and the Series D Warrants are exercisable beginning on the issuance date and expire on the third
anniversary of the issuance date.
On October 1, 2025, the Company entered into a
securities purchase agreement (the “Series E Securities Purchase Agreement”) with institutional investor(s) and sold to such
institutional investors(s)(collectively, the “Series E PIPE Investors”), an aggregate of 7,813 shares of Series E convertible
preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Series E Preferred Stock”), which are convertible into shares of common stock
and warrants (the “Series E Warrants”) to purchase 2,025,223 shares of Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$6.25 million, which was also equal to the net cash proceeds. The exercise price of the Series E Warrants is $3.8576, and the Series E
Warrants are exercisable beginning on the issuance date and expire on the third anniversary of the issuance date.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time we may be involved in various
disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. We are currently not a party to any material legal proceedings.
29
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Investing in our common
stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following information about these risks, together with the other
information appearing elsewhere in this Report, including our financial statements, the notes thereto and the section entitled “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before deciding to invest in our common stock. The occurrence
of any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations
and future growth prospects, as well as our ability to accomplish our strategic objectives. As a result, the trading price of our common
stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or
that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations and the market price of our common stock.
Risks Related to our Financial Position and
Need for Capital
We have incurred significant net losses
since inception, have only generated minimal revenue, and anticipate that we will continue to incur substantial net losses for the foreseeable
future and may never achieve profitability. Our stock is a highly speculative investment.
We are a commercial-stage biotechnology company
that was incorporated in October 2018. Our net loss was $14.0 million and $58.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024,
respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $131.2 million. We also generated negative operating cash flows
of $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.
We expect to continue to spend significant resources
to commercialize our product. We expect to incur substantial and increasing operating losses over the next several years. As a result,
our accumulated deficit will also increase significantly. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our current product or those that
may be under development by us in the future will be commercially viable. If we are unable to achieve profitability or raise sufficient
working capital, we may be unable to continue our operations.
There is substantial doubt about our ability
to continue as a “going concern,” and we will require substantial additional funding to finance our long-term operations.
If we are unable to raise additional capital when needed, we could be forced to delay, reduce or terminate our product or other operations.
We has incurred substantial operating losses since inception and expects
to continue to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2025, we had cash of approximately
$5.2 million, a working capital deficit of approximately $3.1 million and an accumulated deficit of approximately $131.2 million. In addition,
as of March 11, 2026, our cash balance was approximately $3.6 million.
We estimate, as of the date of this Report, that
our current cash balance is not sufficient to fund operations for one year from the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements.
We believe that we will need to raise substantial additional capital to fund our continuing operations, satisfy existing and future obligations
and liabilities, and otherwise support the Company’s working capital needs and business activities, including the commercialization
of Proclarix, which is still subject to further successful development and commercialization activities within certain jurisdictions.
We have entered into Series D and Series E PIPE financings with certain
investors in September 2025 and October 2025, respectively which provided us additional cash flow to support our near-term operations.
While such capital raises may enable us to sustain current operations and meet existing obligations, we continue to generate recurring
net operating losses and have not yet established sustained positive cash flows to support our strategic growth initiatives. Such initiatives
include the commercialization of Proclarix and our development and commercialization of future product candidates. These factors raise
substantial doubt on our ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date of issuance of our consolidated financial statements
for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
30
Our management plans for funding our operations
include generating product revenue from sales of Proclarix, which is currently subject to further successful development and commercialization
activities within certain jurisdictions. Our management also intends to pursue additional equity or debt financing to support operations
and strategic initiatives. However, other than the outstanding Committed Equity Facility, there are currently no committed sources of
financing, and there is no assurance that additional funding will be available on favorable terms, if at all. This uncertainty raises
significant concern about our ability to sustain operations and execute our strategic initiatives. If additional capital is not secured,
we may need to curtail clinical trials, development, and commercialization efforts, and take further measures to reduce expenses to conserve
cash.
Our future capital requirements will depend on
many factors, including:
●
the costs of future development and commercialization activities, including product manufacturing, marketing, sales, royalties and distribution, for Proclarix, and other products for which we have received or will receive marketing approval;
●
our ability to maintain existing, and establish new, strategic collaborations, licensing or other arrangements and the financial terms of any such agreements, including the timing and amount of any future milestone, royalty, or other payments due under any such agreement;
●
any product liability or other lawsuits related to our product;
●
the expenses needed to attract, hire, and retain skilled personnel;
●
the revenue, if any, received from commercial sales of Proclarix or other products for which we may receive marketing approval;
●
the costs to establish, maintain, expand, enforce, and defend the scope of our intellectual property portfolio, including the amount and timing of any payments we may be required to make, or that we may receive, in connection with licensing, preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing our patents or other intellectual property rights; and
●
the costs of operating as a public company.
Our ability to raise additional funds will depend
on financial, economic, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We cannot be certain that additional funding will be
available on acceptable terms, or at all. We have no committed source of additional capital and if we are unable to raise additional capital
in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, we may be forced to delay, reduce or terminate our business activities.
Our current liabilities are significant,
and if those to whom we owe accounts payable, were to demand payment, we would be unable to pay.
As of December 31, 2025, we had total current
liabilities of approximately $9.1 million, including accounts payable of approximately $1.8 million, accrued expenses of approximately
$0.3 million, derivative liabilities of approximately $7.0 million, and approximately $0.03 million related to contingent warrant liabilities.
As of the same date, we had cash of only $5.2 million. In September 2025, we completed a Series D financing, which satisfied all amounts
due under the Veru notes. In October 2025, we completed a Series E financing, and plan to seek additional funding as necessary to support
our operations and growth initiatives. However, the level of our current liabilities may make it more difficult for us to obtain adequate
financing on favorable terms, if at all. If those to whom these payments are due were to demand immediate payment, as they are entitled
to do, and we are not able to make the required payments, we would be subject to liability if our creditors chose to enforce their rights,
which could result in our bankruptcy and insolvency. Under such a scenario, our assets would be distributed to our creditors leaving nothing
to be distributed to our stockholders.
31
Risks Related to the Commercialization of our Product
The marketing approval
processes in the United States are lengthy, time-consuming and inherently unpredictable, and if we are ultimately unable to obtain marketing
approval for Proclarix, our business may be harmed.
Although the FDA regulates
in vitro diagnostic devices, some laboratory companies like LabCorp have successfully commercialized diagnostic tests for various conditions
and disease states without seeking clearance or approval for such tests through a 510(k) or Premarket Application (“PMA”)
approval process. These tests are known as LDTs and are designed, manufactured, and used within a single laboratory that is certified
under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (“CLIA”). CLIA is a federal law that regulates clinical laboratories
that perform testing on specimens derived from humans for the purpose of providing information for diagnostic, preventative or treatment
purposes. Such LDT testing is currently under the purview of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and
state agencies that provide oversight of the safe and effective use of LDTs. A large number of laboratory testing in the United States
consists of LDTs.
Proclarix has not yet
advanced to the point when LabCorp could seek marketing approval for commercialization by CMS and state agencies in the United States.
LabCorp cannot commercialize Proclarix in the United States without first obtaining approval from the CMS and state agencies, and Proclarix
marketing approval could be delayed.
On May 6, 2024,
the FDA issued a final rule to amend its regulations to make explicit that IVDs are devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FD&C Act) including when the manufacturer of the IVD is a laboratory. In conjunction with this amendment, the Food and Drug Administration
is phasing out its general enforcement discretion approach for LDTs so that IVDs manufactured by a laboratory will generally fall under
the same enforcement approach as other IVDs. If the new requirements are phased in, future offerings may require a 510(k) submission or
a PMA application to the FDA.
This regulatory review
and approval process for medical devices can be costly, timely, and uncertain. This process may involve, among other things, successfully
completing additional clinical trials and submitting a premarket clearance notice or filing a premarket approval application with the
FDA. If premarket review is required by the FDA, there can be no assurance that Proclarix will be cleared or approved on a timely basis,
if at all. In addition, there can be no assurance that the labeling claims cleared or approved by the FDA will be consistent with our
current claims or adequate to support continued adoption of and reimbursement for our products. Ongoing compliance with FDA regulations
could increase the cost of conducting business, subject us to FDA inspections and other regulatory actions, and potentially subject us
to penalties in the event we fail to comply with such requirements.
We depend entirely on the success of a single
product. If we do not successfully commercialize our product or we experience significant delays in doing so, this product may not be
profitable.
Our business currently depends heavily on the
successful commercialization of our product Proclarix. We cannot be certain that our product will be successfully commercialized. The
manufacturing, safety, efficacy, labeling, sale, marketing, and distribution of our product are, and will remain, subject to comprehensive
regulation by the FDA and similar foreign regulatory authorities. The success of our product will depend on several additional factors,
including:
●
establishing commercial manufacturing capabilities;
●
launching commercial sales, marketing and distribution operations;
●
establishing relationships with partners having established distribution, marketing and sales capabilities;
●
the prevalence and severity of adverse events experienced with our product;
●
acceptance of our product by patients, the medical community, and third-party payors;
●
a continued acceptable safety profile following approval;
●
obtaining and maintaining healthcare coverage and adequate reimbursement for our product;
●
competing effectively with other therapies and diagnostics, including with respect to the sales and marketing of our product; and
●
qualifying for, maintaining, enforcing and defending our intellectual property rights and claims.
32
Many of these factors are beyond our control,
including potential threats to our intellectual property rights and changes in the competitive landscape. If we do not achieve one or
more of these factors in a timely manner or at all, we could experience significant delays or an inability to successfully commercialize
our product, which would materially harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In addition, we may not successfully commercialize
our product. We or our collaboration partners in any potential commercial marketing efforts of our product may not be successful in achieving
widespread patient or physician awareness or acceptance of this product. Also, we may be subject to pricing pressures from competitive
products or from governmental or commercial payors or regulatory bodies that could make it difficult or impossible for us to commercialize
our product. Any failure to commercialize our product could have a material adverse effect on our future revenue and our business
Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval
of our product in one jurisdiction does not mean that we will be successful in obtaining regulatory approval in other jurisdictions.
Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval
of our product in one jurisdiction does not guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain regulatory approval in any other jurisdiction,
while a failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one jurisdiction may have a negative effect on the regulatory approval process
in others. For example, even if the FDA grants marketing approval of a pharmaceutical product, comparable regulatory authorities in foreign
jurisdictions must also approve the manufacturing, marketing and promotion of the product in those countries. Approval procedures vary
among jurisdictions and can involve requirements and administrative review periods different from, and greater than, those in the United
States, including additional preclinical studies or clinical trials as clinical studies conducted in one jurisdiction may not be accepted
by regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions. In many jurisdictions outside the United States, a product must be approved for reimbursement
before it can be approved for sale in that jurisdiction. In some cases, the price that we intend to charge for our product is also subject
to approval.
We may also submit marketing applications in other
countries. Regulatory authorities in jurisdictions outside of the United States have requirements for approval of pharmaceutical or diagnostic
products with which we must comply prior to marketing in those jurisdictions. Obtaining foreign regulatory approvals and compliance with
foreign regulatory requirements could result in significant delays, difficulties, and costs for us and could delay or prevent the introduction
of our product in certain countries. If we fail to comply with the regulatory requirements in international markets and/or receive applicable
marketing approvals, our target market will be reduced and our ability to realize the full market potential of our vaccine candidates
will be harmed.
Even if we are able to commercialize our
product, it may become subject to unfavorable pricing regulations, third-party reimbursement practices or healthcare reform initiatives,
which would harm our business.
The regulations that govern marketing approvals,
pricing, coverage, and reimbursement for new drugs and diagnostics vary widely from country to country. In the United States, new and
future legislation may significantly change the approval requirements in ways that could involve additional costs and cause delays in
obtaining approvals. Some countries require approval of the sale price of a drug before it can be marketed. In many countries, the pricing
review period begins after marketing or product-licensing approval is granted. In some foreign markets, prescription pharmaceutical pricing
remains subject to continuing governmental control even after initial marketing approval is granted.
Our ability to commercialize our product successfully
also will depend in part on the extent to which coverage and adequate reimbursement for this product and related treatments will be available
from government health programs, private health insurers, integrated delivery networks and other third-party payors. Third-party payors
decide which drugs they will pay for and establish reimbursement levels. A significant trend in the U.S. healthcare industry and elsewhere
is cost containment. Government authorities and third-party payors have attempted to control costs by limiting coverage and the amount
of payment for particular drugs. Increasingly, third-party payors are requiring that drug companies provide predetermined discounts from
list prices and are challenging the prices charged for medical products. Coverage and reimbursement may not be available for any product
that we commercialize and, if reimbursement is available, the level of reimbursement may not be sufficient for commercial success. Coverage
and reimbursement may impact the demand for, or the price of, our product. If coverage and reimbursement is not available or is available
only to limited levels, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our product.
33
There may be significant delays in obtaining coverage
and adequate reimbursement for newly approved products, and coverage may be more limited than the purposes for which the product is approved
by the FDA or similar regulatory authorities outside the United States. Moreover, eligibility for coverage and reimbursement does not
imply that any product will be paid for in all cases or at a rate that covers our costs, including manufacture, sale and distribution.
Interim reimbursement levels for new drugs, if applicable, may also not be sufficient to cover our costs and may not be made permanent.
Coverage and reimbursement rates may vary according to the use of the drug and the medical circumstances under which it is used may be
based on reimbursement levels already set for lower cost products or procedures or may be incorporated into existing payments for other
services. Net prices for drugs may be reduced by mandatory discounts or rebates required by government healthcare programs or private
payors and by any future relaxation of laws that presently restrict imports of drugs from countries where they may be sold at lower prices
than in the United States. Commercial third-party payors often rely upon Medicare coverage policies and payment limitations in setting
their own reimbursement policies. Our inability to promptly obtain coverage and profitable payment rates from both government-funded programs
and private payors for our product could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, our ability to raise capital needed
to commercialize our product and our overall financial condition.
Our product could be subject to marketing
restrictions or withdrawal from the market, and we may be subject to penalties if we fail to comply with regulatory requirements or if
we experience unanticipated problems with our product.
Our product, along with the manufacturing processes
and facilities, post-approval clinical data, labeling, advertising, and promotional activities for such product, will be subject to continual
requirements of and review by the FDA and other regulatory authorities. These requirements include submissions of promotional materials
and safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration and listing requirements, current Good Manufacturing Practice
(“cGMP”) requirements for product facilities, quality assurance and corresponding maintenance of records and documents and
requirements regarding the distribution of samples to physicians and related recordkeeping. The FDA closely regulates the post-approval
marketing and promotion of drugs to ensure that they are marketed only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions
of the approved labeling. However, companies may share truthful and not misleading information that is otherwise consistent with the product’s
FDA approved labeling. The FDA imposes stringent restrictions on manufacturers’ communications regarding off-label use and if we
do not comply with these restrictions, we may be subject to enforcement actions.
In addition, later discovery of previously unknown
problems with our product, manufacturers or manufacturing processes and facilities or failure to comply with regulatory requirements,
may result in, among other things:
●
restrictions on our product, manufacturers or manufacturing processes or facilities;
●
restrictions on the labeling, marketing, distribution, or use of a product;
●
requirements to conduct post-approval clinical trials, other studies, or other post-approval commitments;
●
warning or untitled letters;
●
withdrawal or recall of our product from the market;
●
refusal to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications that we submit;
●
fines, restitution or disgorgement of profits or revenue;
●
suspension or withdrawal of marketing approval;
●
refusal to permit the import or export of our product;
●
product seizure; and
●
injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.
34
Failure to obtain regulatory approvals in
foreign jurisdictions will prevent us from marketing our product and product candidates internationally.
We intend to market our product and product candidates
in international markets. In order to market our product in regions such as the EEA, Asia Pacific, and many other foreign jurisdictions,
we must obtain separate regulatory approvals.
For example, in the EEA, medicinal products can
only be commercialized after obtaining a Marketing Authorization, or MA. Before granting the MA, the European Medicines Agency, or the
competent authorities of the member states of the EEA make an assessment of the risk-benefit balance of the product on the basis of scientific
criteria concerning its quality, safety and efficacy. In Japan, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, or the PMDA, of the Ministry
of Health Labour and Welfare, or MHLW, must approve an application under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act before a new drug product may
be marketed in Japan.
We have had limited interactions with foreign
regulatory authorities. The approval procedures vary among countries and can involve additional clinical testing, and the time required
to obtain approval may differ from that required to obtain FDA approval. Moreover, clinical studies conducted in one country may not be
accepted by regulatory authorities in other countries. Approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other
countries, and approval by one or more foreign regulatory authorities does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other foreign
countries or by the FDA. However, a failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one country may have a negative effect on the
regulatory process in others. The foreign regulatory approval process may include all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval.
We may not obtain foreign regulatory approvals on a timely basis, if at all. We may not be able to file for regulatory approvals and even
if we file, we may not receive necessary approvals to commercialize our product in any market.
Company shareholders may not realize a benefit from the Proteomedix
acquisitions commensurate with the ownership dilution they have experienced in connection with the transactions.
If the Company is unable to realize the full strategic
and financial benefits previously anticipated from acqusition, our shareholders may experience a dilution of their ownership interests
in our Company without receiving any commensurate benefit, or only receiving part of the commensurate benefit to the extent the Company
is able to realize only part of the strategic and financial benefits previously anticipated from the transactions. In light of (i) the
time and resources needed to continue pursuing commercialization of ENTADFI, and (ii) the Company’s cash runway and indebtedness,
the Company abandoned commercialization of ENTADFI and no longer holds inventory of ENTADFI. There is currently no plan to resume commercialization
of ENTADFI.
Disruptions to or significantly increased
costs associated with transportation and other distribution channels for Proclarix may adversely affect our margins and profitability.
We expect to rely on the uninterrupted and efficient
operation of third-party logistics companies to transport and deliver Proclarix. These third-party logistics companies may experience
disruptions to the transportation channels used to distribute our product, increased airport and shipping port congestion, a lack of transportation
capacity, increased fuel expenses, and a shortage of manpower or capital or due to other business interruptions. Disruptions to the transportation
channels experienced by our third-party logistics companies may result in increased costs, including the additional use of airfreight
to meet demand. Disruptions to this business model or our relationship with the third party if, for example, performance fails to meet
our expectations, could harm our business.
35
We are dependent on third parties, including
LabCorp, to develop, market, distribute and sell our product.
Our ability to receive revenues is dependent upon
the sales and marketing efforts of co-marketing partners and third-party distributors. In particular, the development and commercialization
of Proclarix in the United States is being pursued by LabCorp, pursuant to an exclusive license agreement that grants LabCorp the exclusive
right to develop and commercialize Proclarix, and other products developed by LabCorp using Proteomedix’s intellectual property
covered by the license, in the United States for identification, screening, staging, predisposition, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring,
prevention or treatment selection with respect to prostate cancer. However, we do not have control over LabCorp’s development and
commercialization of Proclarix, and there can be no guarantee that LabCorp will continue to advance development and commercialization
efforts, or that LabCorp will successfully commercialize Proclarix in the United States.
LabCorp may terminate or seek to renegotiate the
terms of this agreement, which could adversely affect our business operations and financial condition. If LabCorp terminates the agreement
or demands terms that are less favorable to us, we may experience disruptions in our product development and commercialization efforts,
potentially leading to a loss of revenue and market share.
Additionally, if LabCorp is unable to commercialize
Proclarix in the United States, and we fail to reach an agreement with any other commercialization partner, or upon reaching such an agreement
that partner fails to sell a large volume of our product, it may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results
of operations.
We may not be able to gain and retain market
acceptance for our product.
Physicians and other authorized health care practitioners
may not prescribe our product, which would prevent our product from generating revenue. Market acceptance of our product by healthcare
providers, patients and payors, will depend on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
●
the clinical indications for which our product is approved;
●
acceptance by healthcare providers and payors of our product as safe and effective treatment or test;
●
the cost in relation to alternative treatments or tests;
●
the relative convenience and ease of administration of our product for the conditions for which it is intended;
●
the availability and efficacy of competitive drugs or tests;
●
the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts;
●
the extent to which our product is approved for inclusion on formularies of hospitals and managed care organizations;
●
the availability of coverage and adequate reimbursement by third parties, such as insurance companies and other health care payors, or by government health care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid;
●
limitations or warnings contained in a product’s FDA or other applicable regulatory agency’s approved labeling; and
●
prevalence and severity of adverse side effects.
36
Even if the medical community accepts that our
product is safe and efficacious for its approved indications, healthcare providers may not immediately be receptive to the use or may
be slow to adopt such product as an accepted treatment or test for the conditions for which it is intended. Without head-to-head comparative
data, we will also not be able to promote our product as being superior to competing products. If our product does not achieve an adequate
level of acceptance by healthcare providers and payors, we may not generate sufficient or any revenue from this product. In addition,
our efforts to educate the medical community and third-party payors on the benefits of our product may require significant resources and
may never be successful.
In addition, even if our product achieves market
acceptance, we may not be able to maintain that market acceptance over time if:
●
new products or technologies are introduced that are more favorably received than our product, are more cost effective or render our product obsolete;
●
unforeseen complications arise with respect to use of our product or
●
sufficient third-party insurance coverage or reimbursement does not remain available.
Proclarix is subject to competition from
other prostate cancer diagnostics and larger, well-established companies with substantially greater resources than us.
The molecular diagnostics field is intensely competitive
and characterized by rapid technological changes, frequent new product introductions, changing customer preferences, emerging competition,
evolving industry standards, reimbursement uncertainty and price competition. Moreover, recent consolidation in the industry permits larger
clinical laboratory service providers to increase cost efficiencies and service levels, resulting in more intense competition.
The market for assessing men at risk for prostate
cancer is large, with many competitors some of which possess substantially greater financial, selling, logistical and laboratory resources,
more experience in dealing with third-party payors, and greater market penetration, purchasing power and marketing budgets, as well as
more experience in providing diagnostic services. Some companies and institutions are developing liquid biopsy (blood and urine)-based
tests and diagnostic tests based on the detection of proteins, mRNA, nucleic acids, or the presence of fragments of mutated genes that
are associated with prostate cancer. These competitors could have technological, financial, reputational, and market access advantages
over us.
The commercial success of our in-development
and future diagnostic tests and services and our revenue growth depend upon attaining significant market acceptance among payers, providers,
clinics, patients, and biopharmaceutical companies.
Our commercial success depends, in part, on the
acceptance of our diagnostic tests and services as being safe and relatively simple for medical personnel to learn and use, clinically
flexible, operationally versatile and, with respect to providers and payers, cost effective. We cannot predict how quickly, if at all,
payers, providers, clinics, and patients will accept future diagnostic tests and services or, if accepted, how frequently they will be
used. These constituents must believe that our diagnostic tests offer benefits over other available alternatives.
37
The degree of market acceptance of our current
and future diagnostic tests and services depends on a number of factors, including:
●
whether there is adequate utilization of our tests by clinicians, laboratories and other target groups based on the potential and perceived advantages of our diagnostic tests over those of our competitors;
●
the convenience and ease of use of our diagnostic tests relative to those currently on the market;
●
the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts;
●
the ability of our distribution partners to meet sales forecasts;
●
our ability to provide incremental data that show the clinical benefits and cost effectiveness, and operational benefits, of our diagnostic tests;
●
the coverage and reimbursement acceptance of our product and services;
●
pricing pressure, including from group purchasing organizations (“GPOs”), seeking to obtain discounts on our diagnostic tests based on the collective bargaining power of the GPO members;
●
negative publicity regarding our or our competitors’ diagnostic tests resulting from defects or errors; and
●
the diagnostic sensitivity and diagnostic specificity of our tests relative to those of our competitors.
Additionally, even if our diagnostic tests achieve
widespread market acceptance, they may not maintain that market acceptance over time if competing diagnostic tests or technologies, which
are more cost effective or are received more favorably, are introduced. Failure to achieve or maintain market acceptance and/or market
share would limit our ability to generate revenue and would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results
of operations.
If we fail to increase our sales and marketing
capabilities or develop broad awareness of our diagnostic tests in a cost-effective manner, we may not be able to generate revenue growth.
We plan to dedicate significant resources to the
expansion of our distribution network and to supporting their marketing efforts. It will negatively affect our business, financial condition,
and results of operations if our marketing efforts and expenditures do not generate a corresponding increase in revenue. In addition,
we believe that developing and maintaining broad awareness of our diagnostic tests in a cost-effective manner is critical to achieving
broad acceptance of our diagnostic tests. Promotional activities may not generate patient or physician awareness or increase revenue,
and even if they do, any increase in revenue may not offset the costs and expenses we incur in building our brand. If we fail to successfully
promote, maintain and protect our brand, we may fail to attract or retain the physician acceptance necessary to realize a sufficient return
on our brand building efforts, or to achieve the level of brand awareness that is critical for broad use of our diagnostic tests, which
in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we cannot maintain our current relationships,
or enter into new relationships, with CROs, universities, clinics, laboratories or tissue sample banks, our revenue prospects could be
reduced.
We engage contract research organizations, universities,
clinics, and tissue banks to enroll or access patients primarily to support clinical studies. The ability of our contractors to enroll
patients in clinical studies may also fluctuate in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our product development timelines,
financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the termination of these relationships could result in a temporary or prolonged
delay in commercial launches resulting in a loss of revenue.
We engage in conversations with diagnostic laboratories
regarding potential commercial opportunities on an ongoing basis. There is no assurance that any of these conversations will result in
a commercial agreement, or if an agreement is reached, that the resulting relationship will be successful or that clinical or research
studies conducted as part of the engagement will produce successful outcomes. Speculation in the industry about our existing or potential
relationships with diagnostic laboratories and biopharmaceutical companies can also be a catalyst for adverse speculation about us, our
tests and our technology, which can adversely affect our reputation and our business.
38
We need to ensure strong product performance
and quality to maintain and grow our business.
We will need to maintain and continuously improve
the performance of our diagnostic tests to maintain CE marking or other applicable market approvals and compliance with QMS (ISO 13485).
Poor product performance and quality could lead to customer dissatisfaction, adversely affect our reputation and revenues, and increase
our service and distribution costs and working capital requirements. Our diagnostic tests may contain errors or defects, and while we
have made efforts to control them extensively, we cannot assure that our current diagnostic tests, or those developed in the future, will
not have performance problems. Any performance issues with our diagnostic tests now or in the future will increase our costs and accordingly
adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The sizes of the markets for our diagnostic
tests and services and any future diagnostic tests and services may be smaller than we estimate and may decline.
Our estimates of the annual total addressable
market for our diagnostic tests and services are based on a number of internal and third-party estimates and assumptions, including, without
limitation, the assumed prices at which we can sell our diagnostic tests and services in the market. While we believe our assumptions
and the data underlying our estimates are reasonable, these assumptions and estimates may not be correct and the conditions supporting
our assumptions or estimates may change at any time, thereby reducing the predictive accuracy of these underlying factors.
As a result, our estimates of the annual total
addressable market for our diagnostic tests and services in different market segments may prove to be incorrect. If the actual number
of patients who would benefit from our diagnostic tests, the price at which we can sell them or the annual total addressable market for
them is smaller than we have estimated, it may impair our sales growth and negatively affect our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
We have a significant customer concentration,
with a limited number of customers accounting for a large portion or all of our revenues.
We derive a large portion or all of our revenues
from a few major customers. For the year ended December 31, 2025, 100% of our development service revenue, 100% of our other revenue,
and 92% of our product sales revenue came from Immunovia, and 5% and 3% of our remaining product sales revenue came from Zentrum fur Labormedizi
and Cambridge, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, 100% of our development service revenue came from Immunovia, and 73%
and 18% of our product sales revenue came from LabCorp and Cambridge, respectively.
There are inherent risks whenever a large percentage
of the total revenue is concentrated with a few customers. It is not possible for us to predict the future level of demand for our product
that will be generated by these customers or the future demand for our product by these customers. If any of these customers’ demands
decline or delayed demands due to market, economic or competitive conditions, we could be pressured to reduce our prices, which could
have an adverse effect on our financial position and could negatively affect our revenues and results of operations. If any of our largest
customers terminate the purchase of our product, such termination would materially negatively affect our revenues, results of operations
and financial condition.
Our results of operations will be materially
harmed if we are unable to accurately forecast customer demand for, and utilization of, our diagnostic tests and manage our inventory.
To ensure adequate inventory supply, we must forecast
inventory needs and manufacture our diagnostic tests based on our estimates of future demand for our diagnostic tests. Our ability to
accurately forecast demand for them could be negatively affected by many factors, including our failure to accurately manage our expansion
strategy, product introductions by competitors, an increase or decrease in customer demand for our diagnostic tests or for those of our
competitors, our failure to accurately forecast customer acceptance of new diagnostic tests, unanticipated changes in general market conditions
or regulatory matters and weakening of economic conditions or consumer confidence in future economic conditions. Inventory levels in excess
of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs or write-offs, which would cause our gross margin to be adversely affected and
could impair the strength of our brand. Conversely, if we underestimate customer demand for our diagnostic tests, our supply chain, manufacturing
partners and/or internal manufacturing team may not be able to deliver components and diagnostic tests to meet our requirements, and this
could result in damage to our reputation, sales growth and customer relationships. In addition, if we experience a significant increase
in demand, additional supplies of raw materials or additional manufacturing capacity may not be available when required on terms that
are acceptable to us, or at all, or suppliers may not be able to allocate sufficient capacity in order to meet our increased requirements,
which will adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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The timing of our new product offerings
is uncertain.
There can be no assurance that our development
activities will always produce tests with the sensitivity and specificity necessary to be clinically and commercially competitive, or
that any test will result in a commercially successful product. In addition, before we can develop diagnostic tests for new cancers
or other diseases and commercialize any new products, we will need to:
●
conduct substantial research and development;
●
conduct analytical and clinical performance testing (verification and validation); and
●
expend significant funds.
Our product development process involves a high
degree of risk and may take several years in some instances. Our product development efforts may fail for many reasons, including,
but not limited to:
●
failure of the product at the research or development phase;
●
difficulty in accessing samples, especially samples with known clinical results; or
●
lack of clinical performance data to support the safety and effectiveness of the product.
Few research and development projects result in
commercial products, and success in early clinical trials often is not replicated in later studies. At any point, we may abandon
development of a product candidate, or we may be required to expend considerable resources repeating clinical trials, which would adversely
impact the timing for generating potential revenues from those product candidates. In addition, as we develop products, we will have
to make significant investments in product development. If a clinical validation study fails to demonstrate the prospectively defined
endpoints of the study, we might choose to abandon the development of the product or product feature that was the subject of the clinical
trial, which could harm its business. In addition, our competitors may develop and commercialize competing products faster than we
are able to do so.
Our access to samples may hinder our ability
to research, develop, and commercialize future products.
Our planned and future products are focused primarily
on exploitation of blood plasma or serum as a medium for both biomarker identification and validation and ultimately for our commercial
testing applications. Our clinical development relies on our ability to secure access to high quality, well-characterized samples, as
well as information pertaining to the samples associated clinical outcomes. Our competitors have demonstrated their ability to obtain
these samples and often compete with us for access to such samples. Additionally, the process of negotiating access to samples is lengthy
since it typically involves numerous parties and approval levels to resolve complex issues such as usage rights, institutional review
board (ethical) approval, privacy rights, publication rights, intellectual property ownership and research parameters. If we are not able
to negotiate access to samples with hospitals, clinical partners, or other companies on a timely basis, or at all, or if competitors secure
access to these samples before us, then our ability to research, develop, and commercialize future products will be limited or delayed.
Adherence to complex test protocols is required.
We validate our tests in our lab in Switzerland
using blood samples obtained from a variety of sources. Tests results can be affected by a number of variables including how the blood
is extracted, how the blood is handled, the type of test tube used, the number and speed of centrifuge spins, the temperature the blood
is exposed to during processing, the concentration of the reagents, and the timing of reagent use. All of these and other variables in
the process are set forth in an assay protocol that we provide to our distributor lab partners along with training in proper compliance.
If, due to human or equipment failure, there is material deviation from the protocols, the accuracy of our tests can be negatively impacted.
If that occurs, the reputation of our product and our revenue could be negatively impacted.
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Risks Related to our Business and Industry
Our reliance on third parties heightens the risks faced by our
business.
We rely on suppliers, vendors, subcontractors,
and partners for certain key aspects of our business, including support for information technology systems and certain human resource
functions. We do not control these partners, but we depend on them in ways that may be significant to us. However, if these parties fail
to meet their defined obligations to us, we may fail to receive the expected benefits. In addition, if any of these third parties fails
to comply with applicable laws and regulations in the course of its performance of services for us, there is a risk that we may be held
responsible for such violations as well. This risk is particularly serious in emerging markets, where corruption is often prevalent and
where many of the third parties on which we rely do not have internal compliance resources comparable to our own. Any such failures by
third parties, in emerging markets or elsewhere, could adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition or results of operations.
We are dependent on third parties to market,
distribute and sell our product.
Our ability to receive revenues is dependent upon
the sales and marketing efforts of co-marketing partners and third-party distributors. If we fail to reach an agreement with any commercialization
partner, or upon reaching such an agreement that partner fails to sell a large volume of our product, it may have a negative impact on
our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We have no experience manufacturing our
product on a commercial scale and are dependent on third parties for the manufacture of our product. If we experience problems with any
of these third parties, they could delay our ability to sell our product.
We do not have any manufacturing facilities. We
will rely on third-party manufacturers for commercial supply of Proclarix.
We may be unable to establish agreements with
third-party manufacturers for commercial supply on terms favorable to us, or at all. Even if we are able to establish agreements with
third-party manufacturers, reliance on third-party manufacturers entails additional risks, including:
●
reliance on the third party for regulatory compliance and through quality management system;
●
the possible breach of the manufacturing agreement by the third party, including the inability to supply sufficient quantities or to meet quality standards or timelines; and
●
the possible termination or nonrenewal of the agreement by the third party at a time that is costly or inconvenient for us.
Third-party manufacturers may not be able to comply
with U.S. cGMPs, QSR or similar regulatory requirements outside the United States. Our failure, or the failure of our third-party manufacturers,
to comply with cGMPs or other applicable regulations, even if such failures do not relate specifically to our product, could result in
sanctions being imposed on us or the manufacturers, including fines, injunctions, civil penalties, delays, suspension or withdrawal of
approvals, license revocation, seizures or product recalls, operating restrictions and criminal prosecutions, any of which could adversely
affect supplies of our product and harm our business and results of operations.
Our product may compete with other products and/or
product candidates for access to these manufacturing facilities. There are a limited number of manufacturers that operate under cGMPs
and that might be capable of manufacturing for us.
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Any performance failure on the part of our manufacturers,
including a failure that may not relate specifically to our product, could adversely impact our ability to generate commercial sales.
If our contract manufacturers cannot perform as agreed, we may be required to replace that manufacturer.
Our anticipated future dependence upon others
for the manufacture of our product may adversely affect our future profit margins and our ability to commercialize our product on a timely
and competitive basis.
Moreover, our manufacturers and suppliers may
experience difficulties related to their overall businesses and financial stability, which could result in delays or interruptions of
supply of our product.
Manufacturing risks may adversely affect
our ability to manufacture our product and could reduce our gross margin and profitability.
Our business strategy depends on our ability to
manufacture our product in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis so as to meet consumer demand, while adhering to product quality
standards, complying with regulatory requirements and managing manufacturing costs. We are subject to numerous risks relating to our manufacturing
capabilities, including:
●
quality or reliability defects in product components that we source from third-party suppliers, including manufacturing compliance with federal and state regulations;
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our inability to secure product components in a timely manner, in sufficient quantities or on commercially reasonable terms;
●
our failure to increase production of product to meet demand;
●
our inability to modify production lines to enable us to efficiently implement changes in response to regulatory requirements; and
●
Potential damage to or destruction of our manufacturing equipment or manufacturing facility.
If demand for our product increases in the future,
we will have to invest additional resources to purchase components, hire and train employees, and enhance our manufacturing processes.
If we fail to increase our production capacity efficiently, our sales may not increase in line with our forecasts and our operating margins
could fluctuate or decline. Manufacturing of our product may require the modification of our production lines, the hiring of specialized
employees, the identification of new suppliers for specific components, or the development of new manufacturing technologies. It may not
be possible for us to manufacture this product at a cost or in quantities sufficient to make this product commercially viable. Any of
these factors may affect our ability to manufacture our product and could reduce our gross margin and profitability.
We maintain single supply relationships
for certain key components, and our business and operating results could be harmed if supply is restricted or ends or the price of raw
materials used in its manufacturing process increases.
We are dependent on sole suppliers or a limited
number of suppliers for certain components that are integral to our finished product. If these or other suppliers encounter financial,
operating or other difficulties or if our relationship with them changes, we may be unable to quickly establish or qualify replacement
sources of supply and could face production interruptions, delays and inefficiencies. In addition, technology changes by our vendors could
disrupt access to the required manufacturing capacity or require expensive, time-consuming development efforts to adapt and integrate
new equipment or processes. Our growth may exceed the capacity of one or more of these suppliers to produce the needed equipment and materials
in sufficient quantities to support our growth. Any one of these factors could harm our business and growth prospects.
We may not be able to manage our manufacturing
and supply chain effectively, which would harm our results of operations.
We must accurately forecast market demand for
our product in order to have adequate product inventory available to fulfil our timeline and customer orders timely. Our forecasts will
be based on multiple assumptions that may cause our estimates to be inaccurate, and thus affect our ability to ensure adequate manufacturing
capability to satisfy market demand. Any material delay in our ability to obtain timely product inventories from our manufacturing facility
and our ingredient suppliers could prevent us from satisfying increased consumer demand for our product, resulting in material harm to
our brand and business. In addition, we will need to continuously monitor our inventory and product mix against forecasted demand to avoid
having inadequate product inventory or having too much product inventory on hand. If we are unable to manage our supply chain effectively,
our operating costs may increase materially.
42
We may in the future have conflicts with
our current or future partners or third-party providers that could delay or prevent the commercialization of our current product.
We may in the future have conflicts with our current
or future partners or third-party providers, such as conflicts concerning the achievement of milestones, the interpretation of contractual
obligations, payments for services, development obligations or the ownership of intellectual property developed during our collaboration.
If any conflicts arise with any of our partners, such partner may act in a manner that is adverse to our best interests. Any such disagreement
could result in one or more of the following, each of which could delay or prevent the commercialization of our current product, and in
turn prevent us from generating revenues:
●
unwillingness on the part of a partner to pay us milestone payments or royalties we believe are due to us under a collaboration;
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uncertainty regarding ownership of intellectual property rights arising from our collaborative activities, which could prevent us from entering into additional collaborations;
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unwillingness by the partner to cooperate in the manufacture of the product, including providing us with product data or materials;
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unwillingness on the part of a partner to keep us informed regarding the progress of its commercialization activities or to permit public disclosure of the results of those activities;
●
initiating of litigation or alternative dispute resolution options by either party to resolve the dispute; or
●
attempts by either party to terminate the agreement.
Product liability lawsuits against us could
cause us to incur substantial liabilities and to limit commercialization of our product.
We face an inherent risk of product liability
exposure related to the commercialization of our product. Product liability claims may be brought against us by patients, healthcare providers
or others using, administering, or selling our product.
In addition, we face an inherent risk of product
liability as a result of the marketing and sale of Proteomedix’s diagnostic tests and services. For example, we may be sued if the
diagnostic tests or services cause or are perceived to cause injury or are found to be otherwise unsuitable during manufacturing, marketing
or sale. Any such product liability claim may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of
dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability, or a breach of warranties. In addition, we may be subject to claims against
us even if the apparent injury is due to the actions of others or the pre-existing health of the patient. For example, medical personnel,
care partners and patients collect samples for our diagnostic tests. If these medical personnel, care partners or patients are not properly
trained, are negligent or use our diagnostic tests incorrectly, the capabilities of such tests may be diminished, or the patient may suffer
critical injury. We may also be subject to claims that are caused by the activities of our suppliers, such as those who provide us with
components and sub-assemblies for our diagnostic tests.
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If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against
product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit or halt the marketing and sale of our diagnostic
tests and services. Even a successful defense would require significant financial and management resources. Regardless of the merits or
eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:
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decreased demand for our product;
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injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention;
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significant costs to defend the related litigation;
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substantial monetary awards to patients;
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loss of revenue;
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diversion of management and scientific resources from our business operations;
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the inability to commercialize our product;
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the initiation of investigations by regulators; and
●
product recalls, withdrawals or labeling, marketing, or promotional restrictions.
We have product liability insurance coverage at
a level that we believe is customary for similarly situated companies and adequate to provide us with insurance coverage for foreseeable
risks. However, we may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost or in an amount adequate to satisfy any liability
that may arise, and such insurance may not be adequate to cover all liabilities that we may incur. Furthermore, we intend to expand our
insurance coverage for product to include the sale of commercial product if we obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates in
development, but we may be unable to obtain commercially reasonable product liability insurance for any products that receive regulatory
approval. Large judgments have been awarded in class action lawsuits based on drugs that had unanticipated side effects. A successful
product liability claim, or series of claims brought against us, particularly if judgments exceed our insurance coverage, could decrease
our cash, and adversely affect our business.
We may engage in acquisitions that could
disrupt our business, cause dilution to our stockholders or reduce our financial resources.
In the future, we may enter into transactions
to acquire other businesses, products or technologies. If we do identify suitable candidates, we may not be able to make such acquisitions
on favorable terms, or at all. Any acquisitions we make may fail to strengthen our competitive position and these transactions may be
viewed negatively by customers or investors. We may decide to incur debt in connection with an acquisition or issue our common stock or
other equity securities to the stockholders of the acquired company, which would reduce the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders.
We could incur losses resulting from undiscovered liabilities of the acquired business that are not covered by the indemnification we
may obtain from the seller. In addition, we may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired personnel, technologies, and operations
into our existing business in an effective, timely and non-disruptive manner. Acquisitions may also divert management attention from day-to-day
responsibilities, increase our expenses and reduce our cash available for operations and other uses. We cannot predict the number, timing
or size of future acquisitions or the effect that any such transactions might have on our operating results.
Security threats to our information technology
infrastructure and/or our physical buildings could expose us to liability and damage our reputation and business.
It is essential to our business strategy that
our technology and network infrastructure and our physical buildings remain secure and are perceived by our customers and corporate partners
to be secure. Despite security measures, however, any network infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks by hackers and other security
threats. We may face cyber-attacks that attempt to penetrate our network security, sabotage, or otherwise disable our, product and services,
misappropriate our or our customers’ and partners’ proprietary information, which may include personally identifiable information,
or cause interruptions of our internal systems and services. Despite security measures, we also cannot guarantee the security of our physical
buildings. Physical building penetration or any cyber-attacks could negatively affect our reputation, damage our network infrastructure
and our ability to deploy our product and services, harm our relationship with customers and partners that are affected, and expose us
to financial liability.
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Additionally, there are a number of state, federal
and international laws governing the collection, use, processing and protection of health information and personal data. Most states have
data security breach laws requiring data protection measures and potentially requiring notification to regulators and impacted consumers.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical
Health Act of 2009 (collectively, “HIPAA”), imposes limitations on the use and disclosure of an individual’s healthcare
information “covered entities,” which include by healthcare providers who submit certain standard transactions electronically
(mostly related to claims for payment from health insurers), healthcare clearinghouses, and health insurance plans, and also grants individuals
rights with respect to their health information. Although we do not currently submit standard transactions electronically and therefore
are not a HIPAA covered entity, HIPAA has been in effect for over 20 years and accordingly individuals expect that providers of health
care items or services will safeguard their health information in accordance with HIPAA. Moreover, many states’ laws impose similar
or more stringent limitations on uses and disclosures of healthcare information than does HIPAA, and such laws also provide individuals
rights to access, amend, and withhold sharing of their health information. HIPAA also requires reporting of certain impermissible uses
and disclosures of health information, including security breaches, to affected individuals, the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, and in some cases the media. Notification is not required under HIPAA if the health information that is
improperly used or disclosed is deemed secured in accordance with encryption or other standards developed by the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services. Most states also have laws requiring notification of affected individuals and/or state regulators in the event of
a breach of personal information, which is a broader class of information than the health information protected by HIPAA. Many state laws
impose significant data security requirements, such as encryption or mandatory contractual terms, to ensure ongoing protection of personal
information. Activities outside of the U.S. implicate local and national data protection standards, impose additional compliance requirements
and generate additional risks of enforcement for non-compliance. We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources
to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable privacy and data security laws, to protect against security breaches and hackers or to alleviate
problems caused by such breaches.
We will need to grow the size of our organization
in the future, and we may experience difficulties in managing this growth.
As of March 11, 2026, we had 2 full-time and
6 subcontracted employees. We will need to increase the size of our organization in order to support our continued commercialization
of our product. As our commercialization plans and strategies continue to develop, our need for additional managerial, operational, manufacturing,
sales, marketing, financial and other resources may increase. Our management, personnel and systems currently in place may not be adequate
to support this future growth. Future growth would impose significant added responsibilities on members of management, including:
●
identifying, recruiting, maintaining, motivating, and integrating additional employees;
●
managing our internal development efforts effectively while complying with our contractual obligations to licensors, licensees, contractors and other third parties;
●
improving our managerial, development, operational, information technology and finance systems; and
●
expanding our facilities.
If our operations expand, we will also need to
manage additional relationships with various strategic partners, suppliers and other third parties. Our future financial performance and
our ability to commercialize our product and to compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to manage any future growth effectively,
as well as our ability to develop a sales and marketing force when appropriate. To that end, we must be able to hire, train and integrate
additional management, manufacturing, administrative and sales and marketing personnel. The failure to accomplish any of these tasks could
prevent us from successfully growing our company.
45
Our future success depends on our ability
to retain our executive officers and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.
We are highly dependent upon our personnel and
executive officers. We have not obtained, do not own, nor are we the beneficiary of, key-person life insurance. Our future growth and
success depend on our ability to recruit, retain, manage and motivate our employees. The loss of any member of our senior management team
or the inability to hire or retain experienced management personnel could compromise our ability to execute our business plan and harm
our operating results. Because of the specialized scientific and managerial nature of our business, we rely heavily on our ability to
attract and retain qualified scientific, technical and managerial personnel. The competition for qualified personnel in the biotechnology
field is intense and as a result, we may be unable to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel necessary for the development
of our business.
Members of our management team and board
of directors have significant experience as founders, board members, officers, or executives of other companies. As a result, certain
of those people have been and may become involved in proceedings, investigations and litigation relating to the business affairs of the
companies with which they were, are, or may in the future be, affiliated. This may have an adverse effect on us, could damage our reputation
and business.
During the course of their careers, members of
our management team and Board have had significant experience as founders, board members, officers or executives of other companies. As
a result of their involvement and positions in these companies, certain persons were, are now, or may in the future become, involved in
litigation, investigations or other proceedings relating to the business affairs of such companies or transactions entered into by such
companies. Any such litigation, investigations or other proceedings may divert our management team’s and board’s attention
and resources away from our affairs and may negatively affect our reputation and our business.
Inadequate funding for the FDA, the SEC
and other government agencies could hinder their ability to hire and retain key leadership and other personnel, prevent review of regulatory
submissions in a timely manner or otherwise prevent those agencies from performing normal business functions on which the operation of
our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business.
The ability of the FDA to review regulatory submissions
can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel and
accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in
recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of the SEC and other government agencies on which our operations may rely is
subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.
Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may
also slow the time necessary for regulatory submissions to be reviewed by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect
our business. For example, over the last several years, including beginning on December 22, 2018, the U.S. government has shut down several
times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the SEC, have had to furlough critical FDA, SEC and other government employees
and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely
review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, in our operations
as a public company, future government shutdowns could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in
order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.
We may be adversely affected by natural
disasters, pandemics and other catastrophic events, and by man-made problems such as terrorism and acts of war, that could disrupt our
business operations and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
If a disaster, power outage or other event occurred
that prevented us from using all or a significant portion of our headquarters, that damaged critical infrastructure, such as enterprise
financial systems, manufacturing resource planning or enterprise quality systems, or that otherwise disrupted operations, it may be difficult
or, in certain cases, impossible for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time. Our contract manufacturers’ and
suppliers’ facilities are located in multiple locations, where other natural disasters or similar events, such as blizzards, tornadoes,
fires, explosions or large-scale accidents or power outages, and other public health emergencies could severely disrupt our operations
and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. A public health emergency could
also affect the operations of the FDA and other regulatory or public health authorities, resulting in delays to meetings and ultimately
review of regulatory submissions.
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Our employees, independent contractors,
principal investigators, consultants, and vendors and engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with
regulatory standards and requirements.
We are exposed to the risk that our employees,
independent contractors, consultants, and vendors may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activity. Misconduct by these persons could
include intentional, reckless, or negligent conduct or unauthorized activity that violates laws or regulations, including those laws requiring
the reporting of true, complete and accurate information to the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities; manufacturing standards; federal,
state and foreign healthcare fraud and abuse laws and data privacy; or laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of
financial information or data. In particular, sales, marketing and other business arrangements in the healthcare industry are subject
to extensive laws intended to prevent fraud, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws may restrict or prohibit
a wide range of business activities, including research, manufacturing, distribution, pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales
commission, customer incentive programs, patient rebate programs, and other business arrangements. Activities subject to these laws also
involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical trials, or illegal misappropriation of drug product, which
could result in regulatory sanctions or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with such laws or regulations, and
serious harm to our reputation. In addition, federal procurement laws impose substantial penalties for misconduct in connection with government
contracts and require certain contractors to maintain a code of business ethics and conduct. If any such actions are instituted against
us, we may have to terminate employees or others involved and the impact of such termination can result in our experiencing delays and
additional costs associated with replacing the services being provided. If we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our
rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, including the imposition of civil, criminal and administrative
penalties, damages, monetary fines, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs,
FDA debarment, 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 operating results.
Macroeconomic pressures in the markets in
which we operate, including, but not limited to, the current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East may alter the ways in which we conduct
our business operations and manage our financial capacities.
To varying degrees, the ways in which we conduct
our business operations and manage our financial capacities are influenced by macroeconomic conditions that affect companies directly
involved in or providing services related to the drug development. For example, real GDP growth, business and investor confidence, the
conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, inflation, employment levels, oil prices, interest rates, tax rates, availability of consumer
and business financing, housing market conditions, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, costs for items such as fuel and food
and other macroeconomic trends can adversely affect not only our decisions and ability to engage in research and development and clinical
trials, but also those of our management, employees, third-party contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, competitors, stockholders and
regulatory authorities. In addition, geopolitical issues around the world and how our markets are positioned can also impact the macroeconomic
conditions and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
Economic uncertainty may adversely affect
our access to capital, cost of capital and ability to execute our business plan as scheduled.
Generally, worldwide economic conditions remain
uncertain. Access to capital markets is critical to our ability to operate. Traditionally, biotechnology companies have funded their research,
development and commercialization expenditures through raising capital in the equity markets. Declines and uncertainties in these markets
in the past have severely restricted raising new capital and have affected companies’ ability to continue to expand or fund existing
research, development, and commercialization efforts. We require significant capital for the commercialization of our product. The general
economic and capital market conditions, both in the U.S. and worldwide, have been volatile in the past and at times have adversely affected
our access to capital and increased the cost of capital. There is no certainty that the capital and credit markets will be available to
raise additional capital on favorable terms. If economic conditions become worse, our future cost of equity or debt capital and access
to the capital markets could be adversely affected. In addition, if we are unable to access the capital markets on favorable terms, our
ability to execute our business plan as scheduled would be compromised. Moreover, we rely and intend to rely on third-parties, including
CROs, CMOs and other important vendors and consultants. Global economic conditions may result in a disruption or delay in the performance
of our third-party contractors and suppliers. If such third-parties are unable to adequately satisfy their contractual commitments to
us in a timely manner, our business could be adversely affected.
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Conditions in the global economy may adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although demand for in vitro diagnostics is considered
inelastic in developed economies, the in vitro diagnostic industry that we sell to may be affected by material changes in supply, market
prices, exchange rates and general economic conditions. Delays or reductions in our customers’ purchasing or shifts to lower-cost
alternatives that result from tighter economic market conditions would reduce demand for our product and services and could, consequently,
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Misconduct and errors by our current and
former employees and our third-party service providers could cause a material adverse effect on our business and reputation.
Our employees and third-party service providers
are integral to our business operations, including confidential information. If any such information were leaked to unintended recipients
due to human error, theft, malicious sabotage or fraudulent manipulation, we may be subject to liability for loss of such information.
Further, if any of our employees or third-party service providers absconded with our proprietary data or know-how in order to compete
with us, our competitive position may be materially and adversely affected.
Any improper conduct or use of funds by any
of our employees or third-party service providers in contravention of our protocols and policies may lead to regulatory and disciplinary
proceedings involving us. We may be perceived to have facilitated or participated in such conduct and we could be subject to liability,
damages, penalties and reputational damage. It is impossible to completely identify and eradicate all risks of misconduct or human errors,
and our precautionary measures may not be able to effectively detect and prevent such risks from happening.
The occurrence of any of the above risks could
result in a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, as we are exposed to potential liability to borrowers and
investors, reputational damage, regulatory intervention, financial harm. Our ability to attract new and retain existing borrowers and
investors and operate as an ongoing concern may be impaired.
Our industry is subject to rapid change,
which could make our solutions and the diagnostic tests we develop and services we offer, obsolete. If we are unable to continue to innovate
and improve our diagnostic tests and services, we could lose customers or market share.
Our industry is characterized by rapid changes,
including technological and scientific breakthroughs, frequent new product introductions and enhancements and evolving industry standards,
all of which could make our current diagnostic tests and others we are developing obsolete. Our future success will depend on our ability
to keep pace with the evolving needs of our customers on a timely and cost-effective basis and to pursue new market opportunities that
develop as a result of scientific and technological advances. In recent years, there have been numerous advances in technologies relating
to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. There have also been advances in methods used to analyze very large amounts of molecular information
as well as new imaging-based technologies used of the early assessment and monitoring of disease. We must continuously enhance our offerings
and develop new and improved diagnostic tests to keep pace with evolving standards of care. If we do not leverage or scale our sample
and data biobank, discover new diagnostic biomarkers or applications, or update our diagnostic tests to reflect new scientific knowledge,
including about prostate cancer biology, and information about new cancer therapies or relevant clinical trials, our diagnostic tests
could become obsolete and sales of our current diagnostic tests and any new tests we develop could decline or fail to grow as expected.
This failure to make continuous improvements to our diagnostic tests to keep ahead of those of our competitors could result in the loss
of customers or market share that would adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The development
of new liquid biopsy and imaging technologies could negatively impact demand for our product.
In the event that our product is the subject of
guidelines, clinical studies or scientific publications that are unhelpful or damaging, or otherwise call into question the benefits of
our product, we may have difficulty in convincing prospective customers to adopt our test. Moreover, the perception by the investment
community or shareholders that recommendations, guidelines, or studies will result in decreased use of our product could adversely affect
the prevailing market price for our common stock.
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We face competition from many sources, including
larger companies, and we may be unable to compete successfully.
There are a number of diagnostic solutions companies
in the United States, Europe and Asia. Notable competitors in the United States include, but are not limited to OPKO Health, Beckman Coulter,
BioTechne, MdxHealth, A3P Biomedical AB. These competitors all provide diagnostic tests or testing services to hospitals, researchers,
clinicians, laboratories, and other medical facilities. Many of these organizations are significantly larger with greater financial and
personnel resources than us and enjoy significantly greater market share and have greater resources than we do. As a consequence, they
may be able to spend more on product development, marketing, sales and other product initiatives than we can. Some of our competitors
have:
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substantially greater name recognition;
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broader, deeper, or longer-term relations with healthcare professionals, customers, and third-party payers;
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more established distribution networks;
●
additional lines of diagnostic tests and the ability to offer rebates or bundle them to offer greater discounts or other incentives to gain a competitive advantage;
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greater experience in conducting research and development, manufacturing, clinical trials, marketing and obtaining regulatory clearance or approval for diagnostic tests; and
●
greater financial and human resources for product development, mergers and acquisitions, sales and marketing and possible patent litigation.
Our continued success depends on our ability to:
●
Further penetrate the diagnostic solutions market and increase utilization of our diagnostic tests;
●
attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees;
●
maintain and widen our technology lead over competitors by continuing to innovate and deliver new product enhancements on a continuous basis; and
●
cost-effectively manufacture our diagnostic tests and their component parts as well as drive down the cost of service.
As we attain greater commercial success, our competitors
are likely to develop diagnostic tests that offer features and functionality similar to our diagnostic tests that are currently on the
market. Improvements in existing competitive diagnostic tests or the introduction of new competitive diagnostic tests may make it more
difficult for us to compete for sales, particularly if those competitive diagnostic tests demonstrate better reliability, convenience
or effectiveness or are offered at lower prices.
Performance issues, service interruptions
or price increases by our shipping carriers and warehousing providers could adversely affect our business and harm our reputation and
ability to provide our services on a timely basis.
Expedited, reliable shipping and delivery services
and secure warehousing are essential to our operations. We rely heavily on providers of transport services for reliable and secure point-to-point
transport of our diagnostic tests to our customers and for tracking of these shipments, and from time to time require warehousing for
our diagnostic tests, sample collection kits and supplies. Should a carrier encounter delivery performance issues such as loss, damage,
or destruction of any systems, it would be costly to replace such systems in a timely manner and such occurrences may damage our reputation
and lead to decreased demand for our diagnostic tests and increased cost and expense to our business. In addition, any significant increase
in shipping or warehousing rates could adversely affect our operating margins and results of operations. Similarly, strikes, severe weather,
natural disasters, civil unrest and disturbances or other service interruptions affecting delivery or warehousing services we use would
adversely affect our ability to process orders for our diagnostic tests on a timely basis.
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For our clinical studies, we rely on commercial
courier delivery services to transport samples to our laboratory facility in a timely and cost-efficient manner and if these delivery
services are disrupted, our business will be harmed. Disruptions in delivery service, whether due to labor disruptions, bad weather, natural
disaster, civil unrest or disturbances, terrorist acts or threats or for other reasons could adversely affect specimen integrity and our
ability to process samples in a timely manner and to service our customers, and ultimately our reputation and our business. In addition,
if we are unable to continue to obtain expedited delivery services on commercially reasonable terms, our operating results may be adversely
affected.
We rely on software hosting our online risk calculator
needed to be accessed by the user to calculate the test result. Any internet service interruption or hardware failure could affect availability
of the online resource and thus negatively impact our business.
Cost-containment efforts of our customers,
purchasing groups and governmental purchasing organizations could have a material adverse effect on our future sales and profitability.
In an effort to reduce costs, many hospitals in
the United States have become members of GPOs and Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs). GPOs and IDNs negotiate pricing arrangements with
medical device companies and distributors and then offer these negotiated prices to affiliated hospitals and other members. GPOs and IDNs
typically award contracts on a category-by-category basis through a competitive bidding process. Bids are generally solicited from multiple
providers with the intention of driving down pricing or reducing the number of vendors. Due to the highly competitive nature of the GPO
and IDN contracting processes, we may not be able to obtain new contract positions with major GPOs and IDNs. Furthermore, the increasing
leverage of organized buying groups may reduce market prices for our diagnostic tests, thereby reducing our revenue and margins.
While having a contract with a GPO or IDN for
a given product category can facilitate sales to members of that GPO or IDN, such contract positions can offer no assurance that any level
of sales will be achieved, as sales are typically made pursuant to individual purchase orders. Even when a provider is the sole contracted
supplier of a GPO or IDN for a certain product category, members of the GPO or IDN are generally free to purchase from other suppliers.
Furthermore, GPO and IDN contracts typically are terminable without cause by the GPO or IDN upon 60 to 90 days’ notice. Accordingly,
the members of such groups may choose to purchase alternative diagnostic tests due to the price or quality offered by other companies,
which could result in a decline in our revenue.
We are highly dependent on our senior management
team and key personnel, and our business could be harmed if we are unable to attract and retain the personnel necessary for our success.
We are highly dependent on our senior management
and other key personnel. Our success will depend on our ability to retain senior management and to attract and retain qualified personnel
in the future, including sales and marketing professionals, scientists, clinical specialists, and other highly skilled personnel and to
integrate current and additional personnel in all departments. The loss of members of our senior management, sales and marketing professionals,
scientists, clinical and regulatory specialists could result in delays in product development and harm our business. If we are not successful
in attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel, it would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
and results of operations.
Our 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 competition for qualified personnel among life science businesses, particularly near our laboratory facility
in Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland. We also face competition from universities and public and private research institutions in recruiting
and retaining highly qualified scientific personnel.
We may also have difficulties locating, recruiting,
or retaining qualified salespeople. Recruiting and retention difficulties can limit our ability to support our research and development
and sales programs. To induce valuable employees to remain at our company, in addition to salary and cash incentives, we have issued and
may continue to issue equity awards that vest over time. Our employment arrangements with our employees provide for at-will employment,
which means that any of our employees could leave our employment at any time, with or without notice, which may lead to more difficulty
in retaining qualified salespeople and other talent.
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We depend on our information technology
systems and any failure of these systems could harm our business.
We depend on information technology and telecommunications
systems, including third-party cloud computing infrastructure and operating systems, for significant elements of our operations, including
our online risk analysis software.
We have installed, and expect to expand, a number
of enterprise software systems that affect a broad range of business processes and functional areas, including systems handling human
resources, financial controls and reporting, contract management, regulatory compliance and other infrastructure operations.
Information technology and telecommunications
systems are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications or network failures, malicious human acts (such
as ransomware) and natural disasters. Moreover, despite network security and back-up measures, some of our external servers are potentially
vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses and similar disruptive problems. Despite the precautionary measures we
have taken to prevent unanticipated problems that could affect our information technology and telecommunications systems, failures or
significant downtime of these systems or those used by our partners or subcontractors could prevent us from conducting our diagnostic
products development, preparing and providing reports to researchers, clinicians and our partners, billing payors, handling enquiries,
and managing the administrative aspects of our business. Any disruption or loss of information technology or telecommunications systems
on which critical aspects of our operations depend could have an adverse effect on our business and our reputation, and we may be unable
to regain or repair our reputation in the future.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
It is difficult and costly to protect our
proprietary rights, and we may not be able to ensure their protection. If our patent position does not adequately protect our product
and/or product candidates, others could compete against us more directly, which would harm our business, possibly materially.
Our commercial success will depend in part on
obtaining and maintaining patent protection and trade secret protection of our current product candidates and future product candidates,
the processes used to manufacture them and the methods for using them, as well as successfully defending these patents against third-party
challenges. Our ability to stop third parties from making, using, selling, offering to sell or importing our product and/or product candidates
is dependent upon the extent to which we have rights under valid and enforceable patents or trade secrets that cover these activities.
The patent positions of biotechnology and pharmaceutical
companies can be highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions for which important legal principles remain unresolved.
No consistent policy regarding the breadth of claims allowed in pharmaceutical patents has emerged to date in the U.S. or in foreign jurisdictions
outside of the U.S. Changes in either the patent laws or interpretations of patent laws in the U.S. and other countries may diminish the
value of our intellectual property. Accordingly, we cannot predict the breadth of claims that may be enforced in the patents that may
be issued from the applications we currently license or may in the future own or license from third parties. Further, if any patents we
obtain or license are deemed invalid and unenforceable, our ability to commercialize or license our product and/or product candidates
or technology could be adversely affected.
Others may file patent applications covering products
and technologies that are similar, identical, or competitive to ours or important to our business. We cannot be certain that any patent
application owned by a third party will not have priority over patent applications filed or in-licensed by us, or that we or our licensors
will not be involved in interference, opposition, re-examination, review, reissue, post grant review or invalidity proceedings before
U.S. or non-U.S. patent offices. Such proceedings are also expensive and time consuming.
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The degree of future protection for our proprietary
rights is uncertain because legal means afford only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain
or keep our competitive advantage. For example:
●
others may be able to make compounds/assays that are similar to our product and/or product candidates and/or assays, but that are not covered by the claims of our licensed patents;
●
any patents that we obtain from licensing or otherwise may not provide us with any competitive advantages;
●
any granted patents that we rely upon may be held invalid or unenforceable as a result of legal challenges by third parties; and
●
the patents of others may have an adverse effect on our business.
We are dependent on licensed intellectual
property. If we were to lose our rights to licensed intellectual property, we may not be able to continue developing or commercializing
our product and/or product candidates, if approved. If we breach any of the agreements under which we license the use, development, and
commercialization rights to our product and/or product candidates or technology from third parties or, in certain cases, we fail to meet
certain development deadlines, we could lose license rights that are important to our business.
Proteomedix owns the patents and patent applications
detailed above in the chapter entitled “Intellectual Property”. Apart from this we do not currently own any further patents,
and we are heavily reliant upon a number of license agreements under which we are granted rights to intellectual property that are important
to our business, and we may need or choose to enter into additional license agreements in the future. Our existing license agreements
impose, and we expect that future license agreements will impose on us, various development, regulatory and/or commercial diligence obligations,
payment of milestones and/or royalties and other obligations. If we fail to comply with our obligations under these agreements, or we
are subject to a bankruptcy, the licensor may have the right to terminate the license, in which event we would not be able to market products
covered by the license. Our business could suffer, for example, if any current or future licenses terminate, if the licensors fail to
abide by the terms of the license, if the licensed patents or other rights are found to be invalid or unenforceable, or if we are unable
to enter into necessary licenses on acceptable terms.
Licensing of intellectual property is of critical
importance to our business and involves complex legal, business, and scientific issues. Disputes may arise between us and our licensors
regarding intellectual property subject to a license agreement, including:
●
the scope of rights granted under the license agreement and other interpretation-related issues;
●
whether and the extent to which our technology and processes infringe on intellectual property of the licensor that is not subject to the licensing agreement;
●
our right to sublicense patent and other rights to third parties;
●
our diligence obligations with respect to the use of the licensed technology in relation to our development and commercialization of our product and/or product candidates, and what activities satisfy those diligence obligations;
●
our obligation to pursue or license others to pursue development of indications we are not currently pursuing;
●
the ownership of inventions and know-how resulting from the joint creation or use of intellectual property by our licensors and us and our partners;
●
our right to transfer or assign the license; and
●
the effects of termination.
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If disputes over intellectual property that we
own or have licensed prevent or impair our ability to maintain our patents or current licensing arrangements on acceptable terms, we may
be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected products and/or product candidates.
We have entered into several licenses to support
our various programs. Termination of any of these license agreements would have a material adverse impact on our ability to develop and
commercialize derived products under each respective agreement.
We may enter into additional licenses to third-party
intellectual property that are necessary or useful to our business. Our current licenses and any future licenses that we may enter into
impose various royalty payment, milestone, and other obligations on us. Under some license agreements, we may not control prosecution
of the licensed intellectual property or may not have the first right to enforce the intellectual property. In those cases, we may not
be able to adequately influence patent prosecution or enforcement or prevent inadvertent lapses of coverage due to failure to pay maintenance
fees. If we fail to comply with any of our obligations under a current or future license agreement, the licensor may allege that we have
breached our license agreement and may accordingly seek to terminate our license. Termination of any of our current or future licenses
could result in our loss of the right to use the licensed intellectual property, which could materially adversely affect our ability to
develop and commercialize a product candidate or product, if approved, as well as harm our competitive business position and our business
prospects. Under some license agreements, termination may also result in the transfer of or granting in rights under certain of our intellectual
property and information related to the product candidate being developed under the license, such as regulatory information.
The agreements under which we license intellectual
property or technology to or from third parties are complex, and certain provisions in such agreements may be susceptible to multiple
interpretations. The resolution of any contract interpretation disagreement that may arise could narrow what we believe to be the scope
of our rights to the relevant intellectual property or technology or increase what we believe to be our financial or other obligations
under the relevant agreement, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects. Moreover, if disputes over intellectual property that we have licensed prevent or impair our ability to maintain our current
licensing arrangements on commercially acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected products
and/or product candidates.
In addition, if our licensors fail to abide by
the terms of the license, if the licensors fail to prevent infringement by third parties, if the licensed patents or other rights are
found to be invalid or unenforceable, or if we are unable to enter into necessary licenses on acceptable terms, our business could suffer.
Moreover, our licensors may own or control intellectual property that has not been licensed to us, and, as a result, we may be subject
to claims, regardless of their merit, that we are infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the licensor’s rights.
Similarly, if we are unable to successfully obtain
rights to required third-party intellectual property rights or maintain the existing intellectual property rights we have, we may have
to seek alternative options, such as developing new products and/or product candidates with design-around technologies, which may require
more time and investment, or abandon development of the relevant research programs or products and/or product candidates and our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects could suffer.
Some of the intellectual property owned
by Proteomedix and/or covered by our licenses concerns patent applications and provisional applications. We cannot assure investors that
any of the currently pending or future patent applications will result in granted patents, nor can we predict how long it will take for
such patents to be granted.
Some of intellectual property covered by our licenses
concerns certain specified patent rights (including patent applications, provisional patent applications and PCT patent applications).
While in some instances, the licensors have agreed to assume responsibility for the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of
patent applications covered by the licensed patent rights, we cannot be certain as to when or if final patents will be issued for those
patent applications covered by the licensed patent rights. However, the licensors may not successfully prosecute certain patent applications,
the prosecution of which they control, under which we are only a licensee and on which our business substantially depends. Even if patents
issue from these applications, there is no assurance that the patents will be free from defects or survive validity or enforceability
challenges, the licensors may fail to maintain these patents, may decide not to pursue litigation against third-party infringers, may
fail to prove infringement or may fail to defend against counterclaims of patent invalidity or unenforceability.
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Moreover, it is possible that the patent applications
owned by Proteomedix and/or licensed pending patent applications will not result in granted patents, and even if such pending patent applications
grant as patents, they may not provide a basis for intellectual property protection of commercially viable vaccine products or may not
provide us with any competitive advantages. Further, it is possible that, for any of the patents that may be granted in the future, others
will design around the licensed patent rights or identify methods of diagnosis or for preventing or treating infectious diseases that
do not concern the rights covered by our patents and/or licenses. Further, we cannot assure investors that other parties will not challenge
any patents granted to Proteomedix or the licensors or that courts or regulatory agencies will hold Proteomedix and/or licensor’s
patents to be valid or enforceable. We cannot guarantee investors that, if required to defend the covered patents, we will have the funds
to or be successful in defending challenges made against the Proteomedix and/or licensed patents and patent applications. Any successful
third-party challenge to the Proteomedix and/or licensed patents could result in the unenforceability or invalidity of such patents, or
to such patents being interpreted narrowly or otherwise in a manner adverse to our interests. Our ability to establish or maintain a technological
or competitive advantage over our competitors may be diminished because of these uncertainties.
Even if patents are issued based on patent
applications to which we have been granted a license or owned by Proteomedix, because the patent positions of diagnostic methods and/or
pharmaceutical and biotechnology products are complex and uncertain, we cannot predict the scope and extent of patent protection for our
product and/or product candidates.
Any patents that may be issued based on patent
applications that we have been granted licenses to or owned by Proteomedix will not ensure sufficient protection with respect to our activities
for a number of reasons, including without limitation the following:
●
any issued patents may not be broad or strong enough to prevent competition from other diagnostic and/or vaccine products including identical or similar products;
●
if patents are not issued or if issued patents expire, there would be no protections against competitors making generic equivalents;
●
there may be prior art of which we are not aware that may affect the validity or enforceability of a patent claim;
●
there may be other patents existing, now or in the future, in the patent landscape for our product and/or product candidates that we seek to commercialize or develop, if any, that will affect our freedom to operate;
●
if patents that we have been granted licenses to are challenged, a court could determine that they are not valid or enforceable;
●
a court could determine that a competitor’s technology or product does not infringe patents that we have been granted licenses to;
●
patents to which we have been granted licenses could irretrievably lapse due to failure to pay fees or otherwise comply with regulations, or could be subject to compulsory licensing; and
●
if we encounter delays in our development or clinical trials, the period of time during which we could market our product under patent protection would be reduced.
Obtaining and maintaining patent protection
depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent
agencies, and patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for noncompliance with these requirements.
Periodic maintenance fees on any issued patent
are due to be paid to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) and foreign Intellectual Property Offices in
several stages over the term of the patent. Maintenance fees are also due for pending patent applications in some countries. The USPTO
and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar
provisions during the patent application process. While an inadvertent lapse can in many cases be cured by payment of a late fee or by
other means in accordance with the applicable rules, there are situations in which noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of
the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. Noncompliance events
that could result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application include, but are not limited to, failure to respond to office
actions within prescribed time limits, non-payment of fees and failure to properly legalize and submit formal documents. In such an event,
our competitors might be able to enter the market, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
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The life of patent protection is limited,
and third parties could develop and commercialize methods, products, and technologies similar or identical to ours and compete directly
with us after the patent licensed to us expires, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to commercialize our product
and technologies.
The life of a patent and the protection it affords
is limited. For example, in the United States, if all maintenance fees are timely paid, the natural expiration of a patent is generally
20 years from its earliest U.S. non-provisional filing date. In Europe, the expiration of an invention patent is 20 years from its filing
date. Even if we successfully obtain patent protection for a diagnostic method and/or an approved vaccine candidate, it may face competition,
e.g., from biosimilar medications. Diagnostic companies or manufacturers of biosimilar drugs may challenge the scope, validity or enforceability
of the patents underlying our technology in court or before a patent office, and the patent holder may not be successful in enforcing
or defending those intellectual property rights and, as a result, we may not be able to develop or market the relevant method/product
candidate exclusively, which would materially adversely affect any potential sales of that product.
Given the amount of time required for the development,
testing and regulatory review of new diagnostic methods and/or vaccine candidates, patents protecting such diagnostic methods and/or vaccine
candidates might expire before or shortly after such methods or vaccine candidates are commercialized. As a result, the patents and patent
applications owned or licensed may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing methods/products similar
or identical to ours. Even if we believe that the patents involved are eligible for certain (and time-limited) patent term extensions,
there can be no assurance that the applicable authorities, including the FDA and the USPTO, and any equivalent regulatory authority in
other countries, will agree with our assessment of whether such extensions are available, and such authorities may refuse to grant extensions
to such patents, or may grant more limited extensions than requested. For example, depending upon the timing, duration and specifics of
any FDA marketing approval of any product candidates we may develop, one or more of the U.S. patents licensed may be eligible for limited
patent term extension under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Action of 1984, or Hatch-Waxman Amendments. The Hatch-Waxman
Amendments permit a patent extension term of up to five years as compensation for patent term lost during the FDA regulatory review process.
A patent term extension cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, only
one patent may be extended and only those claims covering the approved drug, a method for using it, or a method for manufacturing it may
be extended. However, we may not be granted an extension because of, for example, failing to exercise due diligence during the testing
phase or regulatory review process, failing to apply within applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents,
or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable requirements.
Moreover, the applicable time period or the scope
of patent protection afforded could be less than requested. If we are unable to obtain patent term extension or term of any such extension
is less than requested, our competitors may obtain approval of competing products following our patent expiration, and our business could
be harmed. Changes in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States and other countries may diminish
the value of our patents or narrow the scope of our patent protection.
The patents and pending patent applications licensed
to us for our diagnostic methods and product candidates are expected to expire on various dates. Upon the expiration, we will not be able
to assert such licensed patent rights against potential competitors, which would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects.
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We may need to license intellectual property
from third parties, and such licenses may not be available or may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
There may be intellectual property rights existing
now, or in the future, relevant to our methods and/or product and/or product candidates that we seek to commercialize or develop, if any,
that may affect our ability to commercialize such methods and/or product and/or product candidates. Although the Company is not aware
of any such intellectual property rights, a third-party may hold intellectual property rights, including patent rights, that are important
or necessary to the development or manufacture of our methods and/or product and/or product candidates. Even if all our main methods and/or
product and/or product candidates are covered by patents, it may be necessary for us to use the patented or proprietary technology of
third parties to commercialize our methods and/or product and/or product candidates, in which case we would be required to obtain a license
from these third parties. Such a license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and we could be forced to accept
unfavorable contractual terms. In that event, we may be required to expend significant time and resources to redesign our technology,
methods and/or product and/or product candidates, or the methods for manufacturing them or to develop or license replacement technology,
all of which may not be feasible on a technical or commercial basis. If we are unable to do so, our business could be harmed.
The licensing or acquisition of third-party intellectual
property rights is a competitive area, and several more established companies may pursue strategies to license or acquire third party
intellectual property rights that we may consider attractive or necessary. These established companies may have a competitive advantage
over us due to their size, capital resources and greater clinical development and commercialization capabilities. In addition, companies
that perceive us to be a competitor may be unwilling to assign or license rights to us. We also may be unable to license or acquire third
party intellectual property rights on terms that would allow us to make an appropriate return on our investment or at all. If we are unable
to successfully obtain rights to required third party intellectual property rights or maintain the existing intellectual property rights
we have, we may have to abandon development of the relevant program or product candidate, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We may infringe the intellectual property
rights of others, which may prevent or delay our method and/or product development efforts and stop us from commercializing or increase
the costs of commercializing our methods and/or product and/or product candidates.
Our success will depend in part on our ability
to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. We are not aware of any third-party proprietary rights that our
planned methods and/or product will infringe or misappropriate, but we have not conducted any freedom to operate study as we are in the
earliest stages of development. We thus cannot guarantee that our methods and/or product and/or product candidates, or manufacture or
use of our product and/or product candidates, will not infringe third-party patents. Furthermore, a third party may claim that we are
using inventions covered by the third party’s patent rights and may go to court to stop us from engaging in our normal operations
and activities, including making or selling our methods and/or product and/or product candidates. These lawsuits are costly and could
affect our results of operations and divert the attention of managerial and scientific personnel. Some of these third parties may be better
capitalized and have more resources than us. There is a risk that a court would decide that we are infringing the third party’s
patents and would order us to stop the activities covered by the patents. In that event, we may not have a viable way around the patent
and may need to halt commercialization of our methods and/or product and/or product candidates. In addition, there is a risk that a court
will order us to pay the other party damages for having violated the other party’s patents. In addition, we may be obligated to
indemnify our licensors and collaborators against certain intellectual property infringement claims brought by third parties, which could
require us to expend additional resources. The diagnostic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have produced a proliferation of
patents, and it is not always clear to industry participants, including us, which patents cover various types of products or methods of
use. The coverage of patents is subject to interpretation by the courts, and the interpretation is not always uniform.
If we are sued for patent infringement, we would
need to demonstrate that our product and/or product candidates or methods either do not infringe the patent claims of the relevant patent
or that the patent claims are invalid, and we may not be able to do this. Proving invalidity is difficult. For example, in the U.S., proving
invalidity requires a showing of clear and convincing evidence to overcome the presumption of validity enjoyed by issued patents. Even
if we are successful in these proceedings, we may incur substantial costs and diversion of management’s time and attention in pursuing
these proceedings, which could have a material adverse effect on us. If we are unable to avoid infringing the patent rights of others,
we may be required to seek a license, which may not be available, defend an infringement action or challenge the validity of the patents
in court. Patent litigation is costly and time consuming. We may not have sufficient resources to bring these actions to a successful
conclusion. In addition, if we do not obtain a license, develop or obtain non-infringing technology, fail to defend an infringement action
successfully or have infringed patents declared invalid, we may incur substantial monetary damages, encounter significant delays in bringing
our methods and/or product and/or product candidates to market and be precluded from manufacturing or selling our product and/or product
candidates.
Some of our competitors may be able to sustain
the costs of complex patent litigation more effectively than us or the third parties from whom we license intellectual property because
they have substantially greater resources. In addition, any uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation
could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our operations.
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We may become involved in lawsuits to protect
or enforce our intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.
In addition to the possibility of litigation relating
to infringement claims asserted against it, we may become a party to other patent litigation and other proceedings, including inter
partes review proceedings, post-grant review proceedings, derivation proceedings declared by the USPTO and similar proceedings in
foreign countries, regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our current or future technologies or methods and/or product
and/or product candidates. The cost to us of any patent litigation or other proceeding, even if resolved in our favor, could be substantial.
Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their
substantially greater financial resources. Patent litigation and other proceedings may also absorb significant management time. Uncertainties
resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other proceedings could impair our ability to compete in the marketplace.
Competitors may infringe or otherwise violate
our intellectual property, including patents that may be issued to or be licensed by us. As a result, we may be required to file claims
in an effort to stop third-party infringement or unauthorized use. Any such claims could provoke these parties to assert counterclaims
against us, including claims alleging that we infringe their patents or other intellectual property rights, and/or that any of our intellectual
property, including licensed intellectual property, is invalid and/or unenforceable. This can be prohibitively expensive, particularly
for a company of our size, and time-consuming, and even if we are successful, any award of monetary damages or other remedy we may receive
may not be commercially valuable. In addition, in an infringement proceeding, a court may decide that our asserted intellectual property
is not valid or is unenforceable or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our intellectual
property does not cover its technology. An adverse determination in any litigation or defense proceedings could put our intellectual property
at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and could put our patent applications at risk of not being issued.
If the breadth or strength of our patent or other
intellectual property rights is compromised or threatened, it could allow third parties to exploit and, in particular, commercialize our
technology or methods and/or product or result in our inability to exploit and/or commercialize our technology and methods and/or product
without infringing third-party intellectual property rights. Further, third parties may be dissuaded from collaborating with us.
Interference or derivation proceedings brought
by the USPTO, or its foreign counterparts may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions with respect to our patent applications,
and we may also become involved in other proceedings, such as re-examination proceedings, before the USPTO or its foreign counterparts.
Due to the substantial competition in the pharmaceutical space, the number of such proceedings may increase. This could delay the prosecution
of our pending patent applications or impact the validity and enforceability of any future patents that we may obtain. In addition, any
such litigation, submission or proceeding may be resolved adversely to us and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and
distraction to our management.
If we are not able to adequately prevent
disclosure of trade secrets and other proprietary information, the value of our technology and product could be significantly diminished.
We also rely on trade secrets to protect our proprietary
technologies, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable. However, trade secrets are difficult
to protect. We rely in part on confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored
researchers, and other advisors to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information. These agreements may not effectively prevent
disclosure of confidential information and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential
information. In addition, others may independently discover our trade secrets and proprietary information. For example, the FDA, as part
of its transparency initiative, is currently considering whether to make additional information publicly available on a routine basis,
including information that we may consider to be trade secrets or other proprietary information, and it is not clear at the present time
how the FDA’s disclosure policies may change in the future, if at all. Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to
enforce and determine the scope of our proprietary rights, and failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could adversely affect
our competitive business position.
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We may be subject to claims that our employees
or consultants have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets.
As is common in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical
industries, we employ individuals who were previously employed at other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors
or potential competitors. Although we try to ensure that our employees and consultants do not use the proprietary information or know-how
of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees or consultants have inadvertently or otherwise used
or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these
claims. If we fail to defend any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we could lose valuable intellectual property rights
or personnel, which could adversely impact our business. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could
result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.
Our intellectual property may not be sufficient
to protect our methods and/or product and/or product candidates from competition, which may negatively affect our business as well as
limit our partnership or acquisition appeal.
We may be subject to competition despite the existence
of intellectual property we license or own or may in the future own. We can give no assurances that our intellectual property claims will
be sufficient to prevent third parties from designing around patents we own or license and developing and commercializing competitive
products. The existence of competitive products that avoid our intellectual property could materially adversely affect our operating results
and financial condition. Furthermore, limitations, or perceived limitations, in our intellectual property may limit the interest of third
parties to partner, collaborate or otherwise transact with us, if third parties perceive a higher than acceptable risk to commercialization
of our methods and/or product and/or product candidates or future product and/or product candidates.
We may elect to sue a third party, or otherwise
make a claim, alleging infringement or other violation of patents, trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names or
other intellectual property rights that we either own or license from a third party. If we do not prevail in enforcing our intellectual
property rights in this type of litigation, we may be subject to:
●
paying monetary damages related to the legal expenses of the third party;
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facing additional competition that may have a significant adverse effect on our product pricing, market share, business operations, financial condition, and the commercial viability of our product; and
●
restructuring our company or delaying or terminating select business opportunities, including, but not limited to, research and development, clinical trial, and commercialization activities, due to a potential deterioration of our financial condition or market competitiveness.
A third party may also challenge the validity,
enforceability, or scope of the intellectual property rights that we license or own and the result of these challenges may narrow the
scope or claims of or invalidate patents that are integral to our product and/or product candidates in the future. There can be no assurance
that we will be able to successfully defend patents we own or license in an action against third parties due to the unpredictability of
litigation and the high costs associated with intellectual property litigation, amongst other factors.
Intellectual property rights may be less extensive
and enforcement more difficult in jurisdictions outside of the U.S. Therefore, we may not be able to protect our intellectual property
and third parties may be able to market competitive products that may use some or all of our intellectual property.
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Intellectual property rights do not necessarily
address all potential threats to our competitive advantage and changes in patent laws or patent jurisprudence could diminish the value
of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our product.
The America Invents Act (“AIA”) has
been enacted in the United States, resulting in significant changes to the U.S. patent system. An important change introduced by the AIA
is that, as of March 16, 2013, the United States transitioned to a “first-to-file” system for deciding which party should
be granted a patent when two or more patent applications are filed by different parties claiming the same invention. A third party that
files a patent application in the USPTO after that date but before us could therefore be awarded a patent covering an invention of ours
even if we had made the invention before it was made by the third party. This will require us to be cognizant going forward of the time
from invention to filing of a patent application, but circumstances could prevent us from promptly filing patent applications on our inventions.
Among some of the other changes introduced by
the AIA are changes that limit where a patentee may file a patent infringement suit and provide opportunities for third parties to challenge
any issued patent in the USPTO. This applies to all of our U.S. patents, even those issued before March 16, 2013. Because of a lower evidentiary
standard in USPTO proceedings compared to the evidentiary standard in U.S. federal courts necessary to invalidate a patent claim, a third
party could potentially provide evidence in a USPTO proceeding sufficient for the USPTO to hold a claim invalid even though the same evidence
would be insufficient to invalidate the claim if first presented in a district court action. Accordingly, a third party may attempt to
use the USPTO procedures to invalidate our patent claims that would not have been invalidated if first challenged by the third party as
a defendant in a district court action. The AIA and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution
of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents.
Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled
on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening
the rights of patent owners in certain situations. This is in particular the case in the field of diagnostic patents based on biomarkers
(Mayo v. Prometheus, 566 U.S. 66 (2012)), where Proteomedix is active. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability
to obtain patents in the future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained.
Depending on decisions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change
in unpredictable ways that could weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce our existing patents and patents that we might
obtain in the future.
Any inability of us to protect our competitive
advantage with regard to any of our product candidates may prevent us from successfully monetizing such product candidate and this could
materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Healthcare Compliance and
Other Regulations
If we fail to comply with healthcare regulations,
we could face substantial enforcement actions, including administrative, civil, and criminal penalties and our business, operations and
financial condition could be adversely affected.
We could be subject to healthcare fraud and abuse
laws and health information privacy and security laws of both the federal government and the states in which we conduct our business.
The laws include:
●
the U.S. federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons from soliciting, receiving, or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, to induce either the referral of an individual, for an item or service or the purchasing or ordering of a good or service, for which payment may be made under federal healthcare programs such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs;
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Federal civil and criminal false claims laws and civil monetary penalties laws, including the federal civil False Claims Act, which can be enforced by individuals through civil whistleblower and qui tam actions, prohibit any person or entity from, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, a false claim for payment to the federal government or knowingly making, using or causing to be made or used a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim to the federal government.;
●
The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, with specific exceptions, to report annually to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals, and applicable manufacturers and applicable group purchasing organizations to report annually to CMS ownership and investment interests held by Covered Recipients, as defined at 42 CFR Part 403, Subpart I;
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HIPAA which prohibits knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program including private third-party payors and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services, and which also imposes certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information and certain notification requirements and criminal and civil penalties for failure to comply with those requirements;
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the FDCA which among other things, strictly regulates drug manufacturing and product marketing, prohibits manufacturers from marketing drug products for off-label use and regulates the distribution of drug samples; and
●
state law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payer, including commercial insurers, and state laws governing the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by federal laws, thus complicating compliance efforts.
If our operations are found to be in violation
of any of the laws described above or any governmental regulations that apply to us, we may be subject to penalties, including administrative,
civil, and criminal penalties, damages, fines and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. Any penalties, damages, fines, curtailment
or restructuring of our operations could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. Although compliance
programs can mitigate the risk of investigation and prosecution for violations of these laws, the risks cannot be entirely eliminated.
Any action against us for violation of these laws, even if we successfully defend against it, could cause us to incur significant legal
expenses and divert management’s attention from the operation of our business. Moreover, achieving and sustaining compliance with
applicable federal and state privacy, security and fraud laws may prove costly.
Healthcare reform in the United States has
been implemented in the past, and we expect further changes to be proposed in the future, leading to potential uncertainty in the healthcare
industry. Violations of healthcare laws can have an adverse impact on our ability to advance our product and our operating results.
In the United States, there have been, and continue
to be, a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes to the healthcare system that could affect the future results
of pharmaceutical manufactures’ operations. In particular, there have been and continue to be a number of initiatives at the federal
and state levels that seek to reduce healthcare costs. For example, the Affordable Care Act, or the ACA, which was originally enacted
in March 2010 and subsequently amended, includes measures to significantly change the way healthcare is financed by both governmental
and private insurers.
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In August 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation
Reduction Act, which extended enhanced subsidies, passed as part of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, and prevented insurance companies
from imposing significant increases in healthcare premiums for low-income exchange customers through 2025. In addition, under this legislation,
Medicare will have the ability to negotiate drug prices for a select list of pharmaceuticals in Medicare Part D drugs, with the list of
included drugs expected to increase over the coming years and incorporate drugs in Medicare Parts B and D.
The enhanced ACA premium subsidies that were extended
through 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act are still in effect, even though they were set to expire at the end of 2025. Extension
efforts are ongoing, but Congress has not yet succeeded in securing a continuation of enhanced ACA exchange subsidies beyond 2025, and
the outcome remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Medicare drug price negotiation program created by the IRA is now being implemented: Medicare
has negotiated lower prices for an initial set of high-cost Part D drugs effective January 1, 2026, and additional drugs have been selected
for subsequent years, with negotiation expanding in 2027 and beyond to include more Part D and later Part B drugs
Our employees may engage in misconduct or other
improper activities, including noncompliance with regulatory standards and requirements, which could cause significant liability for us
and harm our reputation.
We are exposed to the risk of employee fraud or
other misconduct, including intentional failures to comply with FDA regulations or similar regulations of comparable foreign regulatory
authorities, provide accurate information to the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, comply with manufacturing standards
we have established, comply with federal and state healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations and similar laws and regulations established
and enforced by comparable foreign regulatory authorities, report financial information or data accurately or disclose unauthorized activities
to us. It is not always possible to identify and deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity
may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other
actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted against
us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business
and results of operations, including the imposition of significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment,
exclusion from government funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and integrity oversight and reporting obligations.
We may rely on government funding and collaboration
with government entities for our product development, which adds uncertainty to our research and development efforts and may impose requirements
that increase the costs of development, commercialization and production of any programs developed under those government-funded programs.
Because we anticipate the resources necessary
to develop our product and/or product candidates will be substantial, we may explore funding and development collaboration opportunities
with the U.S. government and its agencies. For example, we may apply for certain grant funding from BARDA, the NIH or other government
agencies to further the research, development, manufacture, testing, and regulatory approval of our product and/or product candidates.
We have no control or input over whether an application for BARDA grant funding or any other funding will be accepted or approved, in
full or in part, and we cannot provide investors with any assurances that we will receive such funding.
Contracts and grants funded by the U.S. government
and its agencies, contain provisions that reflect the government’s substantial rights and remedies, many of which are not typically
found in commercial contracts, including powers of the government to:
●
reduce or modify the government’s obligations under such agreements without the consent of the other party;
●
claim rights, including Intellectual Property rights, in products and data developed under such agreements;
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audit contract-related costs and fees, including allocated indirect costs;
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●
suspend the contractor or grantee from receiving new contracts pending resolution of alleged violations of procurement laws or regulations.
●
impose U.S. manufacturing requirements for products that embody inventions conceived or first reduced to practice under such agreements;
●
suspend or debar the contractor or grantee from doing future business with the government;
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control and potentially prohibit the export of products;
●
pursue criminal or civil remedies under the False Claims Act, False Statements Act, and similar remedy provisions specific to government agreements; and
●
limit the government’s financial liability to amounts appropriated by the U.S. Congress on a fiscal-year basis, thereby leaving some uncertainty about the future availability of funding for a program even after it has been funded for an initial period.
If we received such grants or agreements, we may
not have the right to prohibit the U.S. government from using certain technologies developed by us, and we may not be able to prohibit
third parties, including our competitors, from using those technologies in providing products and services to the U.S. government. Further,
under such agreements we could be subject to obligations to and the rights of the U.S. government set forth in the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980,
meaning the U.S. government may have rights in certain inventions developed under these government-funded agreements, including a non-exclusive,
non-transferable, irrevocable worldwide license to use inventions for any governmental purpose. In addition, the U.S. government could
have the right to require us to grant exclusive, partially exclusive, or nonexclusive licenses to any of these inventions to a third party
if it determines that: (i) adequate steps have not been taken to commercialize the invention; (ii) government action is necessary to meet
public health or safety needs; or (iii) government action is necessary to meet requirements for public use under federal regulations,
also referred to as “march-in rights.” Although the U.S. government’s historic restraint with respect to these rights
indicates they are unlikely to be used, any exercise of the march-in rights could harm our competitive position, business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects. In the event we would be subject to the U.S. government’s exercise such march-in rights, we
may receive compensation that is deemed reasonable by the U.S. government in its sole discretion, which may be less than what we might
be able to obtain in the open market.
Additionally, the U.S. government requires that
any products embodying any invention generated through the use of U.S. government funding be manufactured substantially in the United
States. The manufacturing preference requirement can be waived if the owner of the intellectual property can show that reasonable but
unsuccessful efforts have been made to grant licenses on similar terms to potential licensees that would be likely to manufacture substantially
in the United States or that under the circumstances domestic manufacture is not commercially feasible. This preference for U.S. manufacturers
may limit our ability to contract with non-U.S. manufacturers for products covered by such intellectual property.
Although we may need to comply with some of these
obligations, not all of the aforementioned obligations may be applicable to us unless and only to the extent that we receive a government
grant, contract or other agreement. However, as an organization, we are relatively new to government contracting and new to the regulatory
compliance obligations that such contracting entails. If we were to fail to maintain compliance with those obligations, we may be subject
to potential liability and to termination of our contracts, which may have a materially adverse effect on our ability to develop our product
and/or product candidates.
We are subject to U.S. and certain foreign
export and import controls, sanctions, embargoes, anti-corruption laws and anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Compliance with
these legal standards could impair our ability to compete in domestic and international markets. We can face criminal liability and other
serious consequences for violations, which can harm our business.
We are subject to export control and import laws
and regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, U.S. Customs regulations, various economic and trade sanctions
regulations administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act of 1977, as amended, the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, the USA PATRIOT Act
and other state and national anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws in the countries in which we conduct activities. Anti-corruption
laws are interpreted broadly and prohibit companies and their employees, agents, contractors, and other collaborators from authorizing,
promising, offering or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or anything else of value to recipients in the public or private
sector. We may engage third parties for clinical trials outside of the United States, to sell our product abroad once we enter a commercialization
phase and/or to obtain necessary permits, licenses, patent registrations, and other regulatory approvals. We have direct or indirect interactions
with officials and employees of government agencies or government-affiliated hospitals, universities, and other organizations. We can
be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, agents, contractors, and other collaborators, even if we
do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of such activities. Any violations of the laws and regulations described above may
result in substantial civil and criminal fines and penalties, imprisonment, the loss of export or import privileges, debarment, tax reassessments,
breach of contract and fraud litigation, reputational harm and other consequences.
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Risks Related to Owning our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock has
been extremely volatile and may continue to be highly volatile due to numerous circumstances beyond our control, and stockholders could
lose all or part of their investment.
The market price of our common stock may be highly
volatile. Our stock price could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors, which include:
●
whether we achieve our anticipated corporate objectives;
●
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition and operating results;
●
changes in financial or operational estimates or projections;
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our execution of our sales and marketing, manufacturing and other aspects of our business plan;
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performance of third parties on whom we rely to manufacture our product and product components, including their ability to comply with regulatory requirements;
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results of operations that vary from those of our competitors and the expectations of securities analysts and investors;
●
changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;
●
our announcement of significant contracts, acquisitions, or capital commitments;
●
announcements by our competitors of competing products or other initiatives;
●
announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us;
●
regulatory and reimbursement developments in the United States and abroad;
●
future sales of our common stock;
●
product liability claims;
●
healthcare reform measures in the United States;
●
additions or departures of key personnel; and
●
general economic or political conditions in the United States or elsewhere.
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In addition, the stock market in general, and
the stock of medical biotechnology companies like ours, in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have
often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the issuer. For example, on February 13, 2025 and May 13, 2025,
the closing price of our common stock on Nasdaq was $46.07 and $6.46, respectively, and daily trading volume on these days was approximately
2,498 and 95,267 shares, respectively. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. In
particular, a proportion of our common stock may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for our common
stock, further influencing volatility in its market price. Additionally, these and other external factors have caused and may continue
to cause the market price and demand for our common stock to fluctuate, which may limit or prevent investors from readily selling their
shares of common stock and may otherwise negatively affect the liquidity of our common stock. While the market price of our common stock
may respond to developments regarding operating performance and prospects, expansion plans, developments regarding our participation in
direct contracting, and developments regarding our industry, we believe that the extreme volatility we experienced in recent periods reflects
market and trading dynamics unrelated to our underlying business, our actual or expected operating performance, our financial condition,
or macro or industry fundamentals, and we do not know if these dynamics will continue or how long they will last. Under these circumstances,
we caution you against investing in our common stock, unless you are prepared to incur the risk of losing all or a substantial portion
of your investment.
We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive
and could divert our management’s attention.
The market price of our securities may be volatile,
and in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their securities have been subject to securities class
action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial
costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.
If we fail to maintain
proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis could be impaired. We have
identified weaknesses in our internal controls, and we cannot provide assurances that these weaknesses will be effectively remediated,
or that additional material weaknesses will not occur in the future.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of
the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other
things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Effective internal
control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls
and procedures, is designed to prevent fraud. We must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal controls over
financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for each year, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section 404”).
This requires significant management efforts and requires us to incur substantial professional fees and internal costs to expand our accounting
and finance functions. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation,
could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us, as and when required, conducted in connection
with Section 404, or any subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, as and when required, may reveal
deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be significant deficiencies or material weaknesses or
that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements, or may identify other areas for further attention or
improvement. Furthermore, we cannot be certain that our efforts will be sufficient to remediate or prevent future material weaknesses
or significant deficiencies from occurring.
We do not yet have effective disclosure controls
and procedures, or internal controls over all aspects of our financial reporting. Specifically, we have identified the following control
deficiencies which we believe are material weaknesses.
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We did not maintain an effective control environment as there was an inadequate segregation of duties with respect to certain cash disbursements.
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We do not have an effective risk assessment process or effective monitoring of compliance with established accounting policies and procedures, and do not demonstrate a sufficient level of precision in the application of our controls.
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Our controls over the approval and reporting of expense payments were not designed and maintained to achieve the Company’s objectives.
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We have insufficient accounting resources to maintain adequate segregation of duties, maintain adequate controls over the approval and posting of journal entries, and to provide optimal levels of oversight in order to process financial information in a timely manner, analyze and account for complex, non-routine transactions, and prepare financial statements.
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The Company did not design, implement, and maintain effective controls to ensure information technology (“IT”) policies and procedures set the tone at the top, to mitigate the risks to the achievement of IT objectives and ITGCs in the change management, logical security and computer operations domains. Specifically, the design and implementation of user authentication, user access privileges, data backup and data recovery controls as well as the monitoring controls of excessive user access and elevated privileged access to financial applications and data were not appropriately designed and maintained. In addition, these inadequate ITGC controls combined with the use of personal devices to conduct business, can lead to an IT control environment vulnerable to breaches and social engineering persuasion.
We cannot provide assurances
that these weaknesses will be effectively remediated, or that additional material weaknesses will not occur in the future.
As a result of the material
weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting described above, and other matters raised or that may in the future be raised
by the SEC, we may face for the prospect of litigation or other disputes which may include, among others, claims invoking the federal
and state securities laws, contractual claims or other claims arising from the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial
reporting and the preparation of our financial statements, any of which claims could result in adverse effects to our business. As of
the date hereof, we have no knowledge of any such litigation or dispute.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against our directors,
officers, other employees or stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery
in the State of Delaware and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service
of process on such stockholder’s counsel, which may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors, officers, other
employees or stockholders.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against our directors, officers,
other employees or stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in
the State of Delaware and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service
of process on such stockholder’s counsel except any action (A) as to which the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware determines
that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent
to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), (B) which is vested in the exclusive
jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, (C) for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction,
or (D) any action arising under the Securities Act, as to which the Court of Chancery and the federal district court for the District
of Delaware shall have concurrent jurisdiction. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital
stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
This choice of forum provision may make it more costly for a stockholder to bring a claim, and it may also limit a stockholder’s
ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees
or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims, although our stockholders cannot waive our compliance with
federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision
contained in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional
costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
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Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides that the exclusive forum provision will be applicable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Section 27 of the Exchange
Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the
rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability
created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. In addition, our Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal
district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the exclusive forum for the resolution
of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder. We note, however, that there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce this provision and that investors cannot waive
compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent
jurisdiction for state and federal courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the
rules and regulations thereunder.
An active trading market for our common
stock may not develop or be sustained.
Although our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq
Capital Market, an active trading market for our common stock may not develop, or if developed, be sustained. The lack of an active market
may impair your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable. The lack of
an active market may also reduce the fair value of your shares.
Further, an inactive market may also impair our
ability to raise capital by selling shares of our common stock may impair our ability to enter into strategic partnerships or acquire
companies or products by using our shares of common stock as consideration.
Our principal stockholders and management
own a significant percentage of our capital stock and will be able to exert a controlling influence over our business affairs and matters
submitted to stockholders for approval.
As of March 11, 2026, our officers and directors, together with holders
of 5% or more of our outstanding common stock and their respective affiliates, beneficially own or control 557,604 shares of our common
stock, which in the aggregate represents approximately 15.6% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. As a result, if some of these
persons or entities act together, they will have the ability to exercise significant influence over matters submitted to our stockholders
for approval, including the election and removal of directors, amendments to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Amended and Restated Bylaws, the approval of any business combination and any other significant corporate transaction. These actions may
be taken even if they are opposed by other stockholders. This concentration of ownership may also have the effect of delaying or preventing
a change of control of our company or discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares, which could prevent our stockholders
from receiving a premium for their shares. Some of these persons or entities who make up our principal stockholders may have interests
different from yours.
There can be no assurance that we will be
able to comply with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq.
Our continued eligibility for listing on Nasdaq
depends on our ability to comply with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements.
There are no assurances that the Panel will grant
the Company’s request for continued listing or an extension to demonstrate compliance. If the Company does not obtain a favorable
decision from the Panel, its Common Stock will become subject to delisting.
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If Nasdaq delists our common stock from trading
on its exchange for failure to meet the Bid Price Rule or any other listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant
material adverse consequences including:
●
a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
●
a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock;
●
a limited amount of analyst coverage; and
●
a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.
If our shares become subject to the penny stock rules, it would
become more difficult to trade our shares.
The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer
practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00,
other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or authorized for quotation on certain automated quotation systems,
provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system.
If we do not retain a listing on Nasdaq and if the price of our common stock is less than $5.00, our common stock will be deemed a penny
stock. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to
deliver a standardized risk disclosure document containing specified information. In addition, the penny stock rules require that before
effecting any transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, a broker-dealer must make a special written determination
that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt
of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and dated copy of
a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market
for our common stock, and therefore stockholders may have difficulty selling their shares.
Future sales of our shares by existing stockholders could cause
our stock price to decline.
If we or our existing stockholders, directors and officers sell, or indicate
an intent to sell, substantial amounts of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock in the public market after
contractual lock-up and other legal restrictions on resale lapse, the trading price of our common stock could decline significantly and
could decline below the initial public offering price. We have outstanding 3,584,245 shares of common stock as of the date hereof, assuming
no exercise of outstanding options or warrants, are or will be freely tradable, without restriction, in the public market. If our existing
stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or if the public perceives that such sales could occur,
this could have an adverse impact on the market price of our common stock, even if there is no relationship between such sales and the
performance of our business. We have previously registered 17,058 shares of common stock under our equity compensation plans. These shares
can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to volume limitations applicable to affiliates and lock-up agreements.
Upon issuance, the 23 shares subject to outstanding
options under our stock option plan and the shares reserved for future issuance under our stock option plan will become eligible for sale
in the public market in the future, subject to certain legal and contractual limitations. If our existing stockholders sell substantial
amounts of our common stock in the public market, or if the public perceives that such sales could occur, this could have an adverse impact
on the market price of our common stock, even if there is no relationship between such sales and the performance of our business.
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The issuance or conversion of securities would result in significant
dilution in the equity interest of existing shareholders and adversely affect the market price of the securities.
The issuance or conversion of common shares or
other securities convertible into common shares would result significant dilution in the equity interest of existing shareholders and
adversely affect the market price of the common shares.
In particular, the Company is party to an ELOC, pursuant to which it may
offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, up to $25.0 million of newly issued Common Stock, subject to certain limitations.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company has sold approximately 661,762 shares under the ELOC Purchase Agreement for aggregate proceeds of
approximately $7.1 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2025, 7 shares of Series C Preferred Stock were outstanding from the original
issuance of 3,499 shares of Series C Preferred stock to institutional investors, after (i) the redemption of 1,369 shares of Series C
Preferred Stock for aggregate consideration of $1.71 million, (ii) the conversion of 1,920 shares of Series C Preferred Stock into shares
of common stock, and (iii) the exchange of 203 shares of Series C Preferred Stock into 244 shares of Series D Preferred Stock. As of December
31, 2025, 16,325 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and 7,813 shares of Series E Preferred stock, respectively, were outstanding. In addition,
as of March 11, 2026, at the election of their holders, 1,916 shares of Series D Preferred Stock had converted into 1,852,715 shares of
common stock and 132 shares of Series E Preferred Stock had converted into 176,363 shares of common stock.
We are an “emerging growth company”
and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,”
as defined in the JOBS Act. We may remain an “emerging growth company” until as late as December 31, 2027 (the fiscal year-end
following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, which closed during February 2022), though we may cease
to be an “emerging growth company” earlier under certain circumstances, including (1) if the market value of our common stock
that is held by nonaffiliates exceeds $700 million as of any June 30, in which case we would cease to be an “emerging growth company”
as of the following December 31, or (2) if our gross revenue exceeds $1.235 billion in any fiscal year. “Emerging growth companies”
may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including
not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations
regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding
advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Investors could
find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive
as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
In addition, Section 102 of the JOBS Act also
provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B)
of the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. An “emerging growth company” can therefore
delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.
We are subject to increased costs as a result
of operating as a public company, and our management is required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives.
As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting, and other
expenses that we did not incur as a private company, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. The Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, as amended, or Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules subsequently adopted by the SEC and The Nasdaq Capital Market to implement
provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, impose significant requirements on public companies, including requiring establishment and maintenance
of effective disclosure and financial controls and changes in corporate governance practices. Further, in July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, was enacted. There are significant corporate governance and executive
compensation related provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act that require the SEC to adopt additional rules and regulations in these areas, such
as “say on pay” and proxy access. Emerging growth companies may implement many of these requirements over a longer period
of up to five years from the pricing of their initial public offering. We intend to take advantage of these extended transition periods
but cannot guarantee that we will not be required to implement these requirements sooner than budgeted or planned and thereby incur unexpected
expenses. Stockholder activism, the current political environment and the current high level of government intervention and regulatory
reform may lead to substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations, which may lead to additional compliance costs and impact the
manner in which we operate our business in ways we cannot currently anticipate. Our management and other personnel will devote a substantial
amount of time to these compliance programs and monitoring of public company reporting obligations and as a result of the new corporate
governance and executive compensation related rules, regulations and guidelines prompted by the Dodd-Frank Act and further regulations
and disclosure obligations expected in the future, we will likely need to devote additional time and costs to comply with such compliance
programs and rules. These rules and regulations will cause us to incur significant legal and financial compliance costs and will make
some activities more time-consuming and costly.
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To comply with the requirements of being a public
company, we may need to undertake various actions, including implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring new accounting
or internal audit staff. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control
over financial reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure
that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers.
Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate and weaknesses in our internal control over financial
reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls when we become subject to this requirement
could negatively impact the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation
reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we may be required to include in our periodic
reports we will file with the SEC under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, harm our operating results,
cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in a restatement of our prior period financial statements. In the event that
we are not able to demonstrate compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, that our internal control over financial reporting is perceived
as inadequate or that we are unable to produce timely or accurate financial statements, investors may lose confidence in our operating
results and the price of our common stock could decline. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, we may
not be able to remain listed on Nasdaq.
The rules and regulations applicable to public
companies have substantially increased our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly.
If these requirements divert the attention of our management and personnel from other business concerns, they could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The increased costs will decrease our net income and may require
us to reduce costs in other areas of our business or increase the prices of our product or services. For example, these rules and regulations
made it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to incur substantial
costs in the future to maintain the same or similar coverage. We cannot predict or estimate the amount or timing of additional costs we
may incur to respond to these requirements. The impact of these requirements could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain
qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as executive officers.
Our management team has limited experience
managing a public company.
Several members of our management team have limited
experience managing a publicly-traded company, interacting with public company investors and complying with the increasingly complex laws
pertaining to public companies. Our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage our transition to being a public company
subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under the federal securities laws and the continuous scrutiny of
securities analysts and investors. These new obligations and constituents require significant attention from our senior management and
could divert their attention away from the day-to-day management of our business, which could adversely affect our business, financial
condition and operating results.
If securities or industry analysts do not
publish research, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research, about our business, our stock price and our trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock depends,
in part, on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. While we currently have certain
analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our common stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research
about our business, our stock price could decline. In addition, if our operating results fail to meet the forecast of analysts, our stock
price could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our
common stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
Failure in, or security breaches or incidents
impacting, our information technology or storage systems could significantly disrupt our operations and our research and development
efforts.
Our ability to execute our business strategy
will depend, in part, on the continued and uninterrupted performance of our information technology, or IT, systems, which support our
operations, including at our proposed clinical laboratories. We are dependent on our IT systems for many aspects of our business, including
our needs to retain and store our confidential and proprietary business information and to receive and process test orders, securely
store patient health records and deliver the results of our tests. The integrity and protection of our own data, and that of our customers
and employees, is critical to our business. The regulatory environment governing information, security and privacy and data protection
laws is increasingly demanding and continues to evolve. IT systems are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications
or network failures, cyberattacks (including ransomware attacks) and other malicious human acts from criminal hackers, hacktivists, state-sponsored
intrusions and other attacks, industrial espionage and employee malfeasance, breaches and incidents due to employee error or negligence,
and natural disasters. Moreover, despite network security and back-up measures, some of our servers are potentially vulnerable to physical
or electronic break-ins, computer viruses and other malicious code or similar disruptive problems.
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Proclarix is comprised of two components: Proclarix
Assays and Proclarix Risk Calculator. The Proclarix Risk Calculator is cloud-based software to integrate the results from Proclarix Assays
for THBS1 and CTSD together with age, total and free PSA (from third party manufacturers) to calculate the Proclarix Risk Score. When
entering the Patient ID, a warning indicates that the Patient ID shall not contain any sensitive personal patient data. After the risk
report is generated, the patient data including values for THBS1, CTSD, total and free PSA together with age and Patient ID is stored
for six months and is then automatically deleted.
High-profile security breaches and incidents
at other companies and in government agencies have increased in recent years, particularly in the healthcare sector, and security industry
experts and government officials have warned about the risks of hackers and cyber-attacks targeting businesses such as ours. Cyber-attacks
are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, and in some cases have caused significant harm. Computer hackers and others routinely attempt
to breach the security of technology products, services, and systems, and to fraudulently induce employees, customers, or others to disclose
information or unwittingly provide access to systems or data. Much of our workforce currently works remotely rather than in our offices,
and we may be more susceptible to security breaches and incidents as a result. Our service providers also may accommodate remote workers
and therefore may be more susceptible to security breaches and other security incidents.
We have experienced and may in the future experience
attempted or successful cyber-attacks of our IT systems or networks. To date, we have not experienced any material cyber-attacks. However,
any security breach or incident or interruption could compromise our networks and the information stored therein, including algorithms
relating to our product, could be accessed by unauthorized parties, publicly disclosed, lost, rendered inaccessible or unavailable, corrupted,
or stolen. Despite the precautionary measures we have taken to prevent unanticipated problems that could affect our IT systems, unauthorized
access to our systems, or disruptions or other security breaches impacting our IT systems, any unauthorized access to, or, loss, inaccessibility,
unavailability, corruption, theft, or disclosure could also disrupt our operations, including our ability to:
●
process tests, provide test results, bill patients;
●
provide customer assistance services;
●
collect, process and prepare company financial information;
●
provide information about our tests and other patient and healthcare
provider education and outreach efforts through our website; and
●
manage the administrative aspects of our business and damage our reputation.
Any such breach, incident, or other compromise
of IT systems or data, or the perception that any of these has occurred, could result in liability under laws that protect the privacy
of personal information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information
Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (collectively, “HIPAA”), similar U.S. state data privacy and security
laws and regulations, and other regulations, as well as in legal claims, complaints, regulatory investigations or proceedings, significant
fines or other penalties, or the requirement to enter into a multi-year settlement and remediation agreement with federal or state agencies.
We also may be required to incur significant costs in an effort to prevent, detect, and remediate security breaches and other security-related
incidents. Additionally, information obtained by third parties in connection with past or future cyberattacks, or other security breaches
or incidents could be used in ways that adversely affect our company or our stockholders.
Further, third-party service providers who support
our operations, and our independent contractors, consultants, collaborators, and service providers also may suffer interruptions and
disruptions of systems and other breaches, incidents, or other compromises of their IT systems or data that they process or maintain
for us, which may lead to any of the foregoing. We and our third-party service providers may not have the resources or technical sophistication
to anticipate or prevent all cyberattacks or other sources of security breaches or incidents, and we or they may face difficulties or
delays in identifying and responding to cyberattacks and data security breaches and incidents. In addition, the interpretation and application
of consumer or health related data security, privacy and protection laws in the United States, Europe and elsewhere are often uncertain,
contradictory and in flux, such as in the area of international transfers of personal data. Complying with these various laws and satisfying
healthcare providers’ and patients’ evolving expectations with respect to data protection, could cause us to incur substantial
costs or require us to change our business practices and compliance procedures in a manner adverse to our business.
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We do not maintain insurance policies for cybersecurity-related
matters, data handling or data security liabilities. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us could have a material
adverse effect on our business, including our financial condition, operating results, and reputation.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws and Delaware law may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage, delay or prevent
a change in control, which may cause our stock price to decline.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
and our Amended and Restated Bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if closing such
a transaction would be beneficial to our stockholders. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes us to issue up
to 10 million shares of preferred stock. This preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, the terms of which may be determined
at the time of issuance by our board of directors without further action by stockholders. The terms of any series of preferred stock
may include voting rights (including the right to vote as a series on particular matters), preferences as to dividend, liquidation, conversion
and redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. The issuance of any preferred stock could materially adversely affect the rights of
the holders of our common stock, and therefore, reduce the value of our common stock. In particular, specific rights granted to future
holders of preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell our assets to, a third party and thereby preserve
control by the present management.
Provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation, our Amended and Restated Bylaws and Delaware law also could have the effect of discouraging potential acquisition proposals
or making a tender offer or delaying or preventing a change in control, including changes a stockholder might consider favorable. Such
provisions may also prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our management. In particular, our Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Amended and Restated Bylaws and Delaware law, as applicable, among other things:
●
provide the board of directors with the ability to alter the bylaws
without stockholder approval;
●
place limitations on the removal of directors;
●
establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election
to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings; and
●
provide that vacancies on the board of directors may be filled by a
majority of directors in office, although less than a quorum.
These provisions, alone or together, could delay
or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our management.
As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject
to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation law, which prevents certain stockholders holding
more than 15% of our outstanding capital stock from engaging in certain business combinations without approval of the holders of at least
two-thirds of our outstanding common stock not held by such stockholder.
Any provision of our Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation, Amended and Restated Bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying, preventing, or deterring a change in control
could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our capital stock, and could also affect the
price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
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We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends
on our common stock in the foreseeable future and, as such, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source
of gain for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends
on our common stock. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend
to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. In addition, any future loan
arrangements we enter into may contain terms prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or paid on our common
stock. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock, which may never occur, will be your sole source of gain for the
foreseeable future.
A possible “short squeeze”
due to a sudden increase in demand of our common stock that largely exceeds supply may lead to price volatility in our common stock.
Investors may purchase our common stock to hedge
existing exposure in our common stock or to speculate on the price of our common stock. Speculation on the price of our common stock
may involve long and short exposures. To the extent aggregate short exposure exceeds the number of shares of our common stock available
for purchase in the open market, investors with short exposure may have to pay a premium to repurchase our common stock for delivery
to lenders of our common stock. Those repurchases may in turn dramatically increase the price of our common stock until investors with
short exposure are able to purchase additional common shares to cover their short position. This is often referred to as a “short
squeeze.” A short squeeze could lead to volatile price movements in our common stock that are not directly correlated to the performance,
or prospects of our company and once investors purchase the shares of common stock necessary to cover their short position the price
of our common stock may decline.
Risks Related to Pending Share Exchange
We
could fail to complete the Realbotix Transactions, or the Realbotix Transactions may be completed on different terms.
There can be no assurance that the Realbotix Transactions
will be completed, or if completed, that they will be completed on the same or similar terms to those set out in our previous disclosure.
The Realbotix Transactions are subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent, some of which are outside our control,
which include, among others, performance by Simulacra and Realbotix of their respective obligations and covenants in the Share Exchange
Agreement. If these conditions are not satisfied (or waived) or the Realbotix Transactions are not completed for any other reason, our
stockholders will not receive the consideration contemplated in the Share Exchange Agreement.
If the Realbotix Transactions are not completed,
our ongoing business may be adversely affected as a result of the costs (including opportunity costs) incurred in respect of pursuing
the Realbotix Transactions, and we could experience negative reactions from the financial markets, which could cause a decrease in the
market price of our Common Stock, particularly if the current market price reflects market assumptions that the Realbotix Transactions
will be completed or completed on certain terms. We may also experience negative reactions from our employees and there could be negative
impact our ability to attract future business opportunities. Failure to complete the Realbotix Transactions or a change in the terms of
the Realbotix Transactions could each have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
issuance of securities would result in significant dilution in the equity interest of existing stockholders and adversely affect the
marketplace of our Common Stock.
The issuance or conversion of Common Stock or other
securities convertible into Realbotix Common Stock in connection with the Realbotix Transactions would result in significant dilution
in the equity interest of our existing stockholders and adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. In addition, future issuances
of, or conversions of, securities may result in significant dilution to our existing stockholders, which could adversely impact your investment.
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Our stockholders may not realize a benefit
from the acquisition of Realbotix commensurate with the ownership dilution they will experience in connection with the Realbotix Transactions
contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement.
If we are unable to realize the full strategic
and financial benefits currently anticipated from the Realbotix Transactions, our stockholders may experience a dilution of their ownership
interests without receiving any commensurate benefit, or only receiving part of the commensurate benefit to the extent we are able to
realize only part of the strategic and financial benefits currently anticipated from the Realbotix Transactions. The Realbotix Transactions
may pose integration challenges which could result in management and business disruptions, any of which could harm our results of operation,
business prospects, and impair the value of the Realbotix Transactions to our stockholders.
The failure to successfully integrate the
businesses of us and Realbotix in the expected timeframe would adversely affect our future results.
Our ability to successfully integrate our operations
and those of Realbotix will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the Realbotix Transactions. If we
are not able to achieve the stated objectives, the anticipated benefits of the Realbotix Transactions may not be realized fully, or at
all, or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of our Common Stock may be adversely affected. In addition, the integration
of our and Realbotix’s respective businesses will be a time-consuming and expensive process. Proper planning and effective and timely
implementation will be critical to avoid any significant disruption to our operations. It is possible that the integration process could
result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of our business or the identification of inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures
and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, creditors or lessors,
or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Realbotix Transactions. Delays encountered in the integration process could have a material
adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition, including the value of our Common Stock.
The pending Realbotix Transactions may divert
the attention of our management.
The pending Realbotix Transactions could cause
the attention of our management to be diverted from the day-to-day operations. These disruptions could be exacerbated by a delay in the
completion of the Realbotix Transactions and could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results or prospects regardless of
whether the Realbotix Transactions are ultimately completed.
Unexpected market disruptions may cause
major losses for us not anticipated under the Share Exchange Agreement.
We may incur major losses in the event of disrupted
markets and other extraordinary events in which market behavior diverges significantly from historically recognized patterns, which may
offset any potential benefits achieved under the Share Exchange Agreement. The risk of loss in such events may be compounded by the fact
that, in disrupted markets, many positions become illiquid, making it difficult or impossible to close out positions against which markets
are moving. Market disruptions caused by unexpected political, military and terrorist events, or other factors, may from time to time
cause dramatic losses for us.
Risks associated with changes in the technology
industry.
Realbotix operates in a competitive industry characterized
by rapid technological change and evolving industry standards. Realbotix’s ability to attract new customers to its business, and
generate revenue from existing customers will depend largely on its ability to anticipate industry standards and trends, respond to technological
advances in its industry, and keep pace with technological developments and customers’ increasingly sophisticated needs. The success
of any enhancement of Realbotix’s products or new related applications will depend on several factors, including the timely completion
and market acceptance of the products.
Realbotix’s services are expected to embody
complex technology that may not meet those standards, changes and preferences. Realbotix’s ability to design, develop and commercially
launch products depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, its ability to design and implement solutions and services
at an acceptable cost and quality, its ability to attract and retain skilled technical employees, the availability of critical components
from third parties, and its ability to successfully complete the development of the products in a timely manner. There is no guarantee
that Realbotix will be able to respond to market demands. If Realbotix is unable to effectively respond to technological changes or fails
or delays to develop services in a timely and cost-effective manner, Realbotix may be unable to recover our development expenses which
could negatively impact sales, profitability and the continued viability of its business.
73
We
may be unable to protect Realbotix’s intellectual property.
Realbotix’s commercial success depends to a
significant degree upon its ability to develop new or improved technologies, instruments, and services, and to obtain patents, where appropriate,
or other intellectual property rights or statutory protection for these technologies and products in Canada and the United States. Despite
devoting resources to the research and development of proprietary technology, Realbotix, may not be able to develop new technology that
is patentable or protectable. Further, patents issued to Realbotix, if any, could be challenged, held invalid or unenforceable, or be
circumvented and may not provide Realbotix with necessary or sufficient protection or a competitive advantage. Competitors and other third
parties may be able to design around Realbotix’s intellectual property or develop technology similar to Realbotix’s products
that is not within the scope of such intellectual property. Realbotix’s inability to secure its indirectly owned, intellectual property
rights may have a materially adverse effect on its business and results of operations.
The business of Realbotix is exposed to
cybersecurity risks.
Cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks
or unintentional events, and may arise from internal sources (e.g., employees, contractors, suppliers and operational risks) or external
sources (e.g., nation states, terrorists, hacktivists, competitors and acts of nature). Cyber incidents include unauthorized access to
information systems and data (e.g., through hacking or malicious software) for purposes of misappropriating or corrupting data or causing
operational disruption. Cyber incidents also may be caused in a manner that does not require unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service
attacks on websites (e.g., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). A cyber incident that affects Realbotix might
cause disruptions and adversely affect their respective business operations and might also result in violations of applicable law (e.g.,
personal information protection laws), each of which might result in potentially significant financial losses and liabilities, regulatory
fines and penalties, reputational harm, and reimbursement and other compensation costs to Realbotix. In addition, substantial costs might
be incurred to investigate, remediate, and prevent cyber incidents.
We expect to incur significant transaction costs
in connection with the Realbotix Transactions
We expect to incur a number of non-recurring costs
associated with negotiating and completing the Realbotix Transaction. These fees and costs have been, and will continue to be, substantial
and, in many cases, will be borne by us whether or not the Realbotix Transaction is completed. A substantial majority of our non-recurring
expenses will consist of transaction costs related to the Realbotix Transactions and include, among others, fees paid to financial, legal,
accounting and other advisors. We will continue to assess the magnitude of theses costs, and we may incur additional unanticipated costs.
The costs described above and any unanticipated costs and expenses, many of which will be borne by us even if the Realbotix Transaction
is not completed, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
We, like other companies in our industry, face
several cybersecurity risks in connection with our business. Our business strategy, results of operations, and financial condition have
not , to date, been materially affected by risks from cybersecurity threats. During the reporting period, we have not experienced any
material cyber incidents, nor have we experienced a series of immaterial incidents, which would require disclosure.
We have implemented our cybersecurity program,
which is aimed at safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our essential systems and information, and is designed
to detect and mitigate risks from cybersecurity threats to our data and our systems. The program is subject to ongoing review and improvement
as our threat environment and operations evolve. Central to our cybersecurity efforts is a robust incident response plan designed to
address potential cyber incidents swiftly and effectively.
74
In designing and evaluating our cybersecurity
program, we have adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (“NIST CSF 2.0”) as a
guiding principle. It is important to clarify that our use of the NIST CSF 2.0 is for guidance purposes to frame our risk identification,
assessment, and management processes and does not equate to compliance with any specific technical standards or requirements.
The key components of our cybersecurity program
include:
● conducting risk assessments to identify material cybersecurity threats to our critical systems, data, product, services, and overall IT infrastructure;
● a third-party security expert consultant overseeing the risk assessment process, maintenance of security controls, and coordination of responses to cybersecurity incidents;
● engagement with external service providers to evaluate, enhance, or support our security measures;
● an incident response plan outlining specific procedures for managing cybersecurity incidents; and
● Cybersecurity awareness training for employees to promote a security-conscious culture and reduce the risk of human error.
Cybersecurity Governance
The governance of cybersecurity risks is a critical
function of our Board, with the Audit Committee playing a key role in the oversight of cybersecurity and related technology risks. The
Audit Committee is tasked with monitoring the effectiveness of our cybersecurity risk management program as implemented by management.
The Audit Committee receives regular updates
from management on the state of cybersecurity risks facing the Company. This includes briefings on any significant cyber incidents and
ongoing risk management efforts. These updates enable the Audit Committee to provide informed reports on cybersecurity matters to the
full Board.
The responsibility for day-to-day management of cybersecurity risks lies
with our management team, including the Interim Chief Financial Officer. This team is responsible for our cybersecurity initiatives, coordinating
both internal and external resources to anticipate, identify, and mitigate cyber threats. Our approach includes regular updates from our
third-party security expert consultant, leveraging intelligence from various sources, and utilizing advanced security tools to protect
our digital environment. Our third-party security expert consultant has over 30 years of experience with cybersecurity, information technology
development and deployment, and information technology risk assessment and management, including information security management.
Item 2. Properties
We currently lease an office located at 201 E
Fifth Street, Suite 1900, Cincinnati, OH 45202, which is renewed on a monthly basis.
Additionally, Proteomedix leases office and lab
space located at Wagistrasse 23, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland. This lease expired on December 31, 2025, and was renewed for a successive
two-year term, resulting in an additional right-of-use asset and lease liability of approximately $49,000. The lease, as renewed, requires
payments of approximately $24,000 over the next twelve months. The lease will automatically renew for successive two-year terms, unless
terminated. Either party may terminate the lease with twelve months’ written notice.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we may be involved in various
disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. We are currently not a party to any material legal proceedings.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common
Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Our common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “ONCO.”
Holders
As of March 11, 2026, there were approximately 27 holders of record of
our common stock. This number does not include stockholders who are beneficial owners, but whose shares are held in street name by brokers
and other nominees. This number of holders of record also does not include stockholders whose shares may be held in trust by other entities.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None that have not been previously reported on a Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K.
Dividend Policy
As of the date of this Annual Report on Form
10-K, we have not paid any cash dividends to stockholders. The declaration of any future cash dividend will be at the discretion of our
board of directors and will depend upon our earnings, if any, our capital requirements and financial position, the general economic conditions,
and other pertinent conditions. It is our present intention not to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, but rather to reinvest
earnings, if any, in our business operations.
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 our consolidated financial statements and the related
notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to historical financial information, the
following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Some of the
numbers included herein have been rounded for the convenience of presentation. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated
in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed under Part I. “Item 1A. Risk Factors”
and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
We are a commercial stage biotechnology company
focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions for men’s health and oncology. Through our
acquisition of Proteomedix, which closed on December 15, 2023, we own Proclarix, an in vitro diagnostic test for prostate cancer originally
developed by Proteomedix and approved for sale in the European Union under the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (“IVDR”), which
we anticipate will be marketed in the U.S. as a lab developed test through our license agreement with LabCorp.
We also own ENTADFI, an FDA-approved, once daily
pill that combines finasteride and tadalafil for the treatment of BPH, a disorder of the prostate. However, in light of (i) the time and
resources needed to continue pursuing commercialization of ENTADFI, and (ii) the Company’s cash runway and indebtedness, the Company
abandoned commercialization of ENTADFI and no longer holds remaining inventory of the product as of December 31, 2025. In addition, as
part of cost reduction efforts and in connection with our initial pause in commercializing ENTADFI, we terminated three employees involved
with the ENTADFI program, effective April 30, 2024, with such individuals to continue assisting the Company on an as-needed, consulting
basis. Based on the circumstances surrounding ENTADFI, at June 30, 2024, the ENTADFI assets were fully impaired.
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We are currently focusing our efforts on commercializing
Proclarix.
Proclarix is an easy-to-use next generation
protein-based blood test that can be done with the same sample as a patient’s regular Prostate-Specific Antigen (“PSA”)
test. The PSA test is a well-established prostate specific marker that measures the concentration of PSA molecules in a blood sample.
A high level of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer. However, PSA levels can also be elevated for many other reasons including infections,
prostate stimulation, vigorous exercise or even certain medications. PSA results can be confusing for many patients and even physicians.
It is estimated over 50% of biopsies with elevated PSA are negative or clinically insignificant resulting in an overdiagnosis and overtreatment
that impacts the physician’s routine, our healthcare system, and the quality of patients’ lives. Approximately 10% of all
men have elevated PSA levels., commonly referred to as the diagnostic “grey zone”, of which only 20 – 40% present clinically
with cancer. Proclarix is intended for use in diagnosing these patients where it is difficult to decide if a biopsy is necessary to verify
a potential clinically significant cancer diagnosis. Proclarix helps doctors and patients with unclear PSA test results through the use
of our proprietary Proclarix Risk Score which delivers clear and immediate diagnostic support for further treatment decisions. No additional
intervention is required, and results are available quickly. Local diagnostic laboratories can integrate this multiparametric test into
their current workflow because Proclarix assays use the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) standard, which most diagnostic laboratories
are already equipped to process.
Since our inception in October 2018 until
April 2023, when we acquired ENTADFI, we devoted substantially all of our resources to performing research and development, undertaking
preclinical studies and enabling manufacturing activities in support of our product development efforts, hiring personnel, acquiring
and developing our technology and now halted vaccine candidates, organizing and staffing our company, performing business planning, establishing
our intellectual property portfolio and raising capital to support and expand such activities. During the third quarter of 2023, we halted
our vaccine discovery and development programs, and accordingly, we now operate in one segment: commercial. The commercial segment was
new in the second quarter of 2023 and is currently dedicated to the development and commercialization of Proclarix.
Proclarix is CE-marked and for sale in Europe.
We continue our sales efforts and expect growing revenues from sales of Proclarix in 2026 and beyond. We anticipate these sales to offset
some expenses relating to commercial scale up and development, but we expect our expenses also to increase in connection with our ongoing
activities, as we:
●
commercialize Proclarix
●
hire additional personnel;
●
operate as a public company; and
●
obtain, maintain, expand, and protect our intellectual property portfolio.
We rely and will continue to rely on third parties
for the manufacturing of Proclarix. We have no internal manufacturing capabilities, and we will continue to rely on third parties, of
which the main suppliers are single-source suppliers, for commercial product.
We do not have any products approved for sale, aside
from (i) Proclarix and (ii) ENTADFI, which has not generated any revenue from product sales; we have determined to abandon commercialization
of ENTADFI and no longer holds inventory of the product, we have financed our operations primarily with proceeds from our sale of preferred
securities to seed investors, the initial public offering (“IPO”), and subsequent offerings of debt and equity securities.
We will continue to require significant additional capital to commercialize Proclarix, and to fund operations for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, until such time as we can generate significant revenue, if ever, we expect to finance our cash needs through public or private
equity or debt financings, third-party (including government) funding and to rely on third-party resources for marketing and distribution
arrangements, as well as other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements, or any combination of these approaches,
to support our operations.
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Some recent key developments affecting our business
include the following:
Realbotix Corp. Share Exchange Agreement
On February 11, 2026,
we entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”), by and among (i) Onconetix, (ii) Realbotix Corp.,
a company existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario (“Parent”), (iii) Simulacra Corporation, a Delaware corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Seller”) and (iv) Realbotix, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly
owned subsidiary of the Seller (the “Realbotix”).
Pursuant to the Share
Exchange Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Seller agreed to contribute and transfer to us, and we
agreed to acquire and accept, all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Realbotix (the “Realbotix Interests”)
in exchange for newly issued shares of Common Stock. (the “Share Exchange” and the other transactions contemplated by the
Share Exchange Agreement, the “Realbotix Transactions”).
For more information
about the Realbotix Transaction, see “ Realbotix Corp. Share Exchange Agreement ” in Item 1.
February 2026 Special Meeting of Stockholders
On February 3, 2026, the Company held a special meeting of stockholders
(the “Special Meeting”), whereby its stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at a ratio in the range of 1-for-2 to
1-for-50, at any time prior to the one-year anniversary date of the Special Meeting, with such ratio to be determined by the Board or
without further approval or authorization of the Company’s stockholders.
Series E PIPE Financing
On October 1, 2025, the Company entered into
a securities purchase agreement (the “Series E Securities Purchase Agreement”) with institutional investor(s) and sold to
such institutional investors(s)(collectively, the “Series E PIPE Investors”), an aggregate of 7,813 shares of Series E convertible
preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Series E Preferred Stock”), which are convertible into common stock of the
Company, $0.00001 par value per share and warrants (the “Series E Warrants”) to purchase 2,025,223 shares of Common Stock,
for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $6.25 million, which was also equal to the net cash proceeds. The exercise price of
the Series E Warrants is $3.8576, and the Series E Warrants are exercisable beginning on the issuance date and expire on the third anniversary
of the issuance date.
Concurrently with entering into the Series E
Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with the Series E PIPE Investors, pursuant
to which it has agreed to provide the Series E PIPE Investors with certain registration rights related to the shares of Common Stock
underlying the shares of Series E Preferred Stock and Series E Warrants.
Termination of Ocuvex
Business Combination Agreement:
On July 16, 2025, the
Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with (i) Onconetix Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company, and (ii) Ocuvex Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Ocuvex”, and such agreement,
the “Ocuvex Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Ocuvex, with Ocuvex
surviving the merger as a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Ocuvex Merger” and the other transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Ocuvex Transactions”).
78
Effective September
24, 2025, pursuant to Section 9.01(a) of the Ocuvex Merger Agreement, the Company and Ocuvex entered into a Termination and Release Agreement
(the “Termination Agreement”) pursuant to which they agreed to terminate the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby. The Termination Agreement also terminates and makes void the ancillary documents entered into in connection with the Ocuvex
Merger Agreement. The Termination Agreement also provides for a mutual release of claims among Company and Ocuvex and their affiliates
and in consideration of the foregoing, the Company agreed to pay to Ocuvex, an amount equal to $ 302,343.55 (the “Termination
Payment”), which represents all amounts payable by the Company to Ocuvex pursuant to Section 6.02(f) of the Ocuvex Merger Agreement.
As of September 24,
2025, Ocuvex confirmed receipt of the Termination Payment, and as a result the Merger Agreement is of no further force and effect.
Series D PIPE Financing
On September 22, 2025, the Company entered into
a securities purchase agreement (the “Series D Securities Purchase Agreement”) with eleven institutional investors, and sold
or exchanged debt, to such investors (collectively, the “Series D PIPE Investors”) an aggregate of 16,099 shares of Series
D convertible preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Series D Preferred Stock”), which includes an issuance of 500
shares of Series D Preferred Stock to the lead investor in consideration for the Series D PIPE Investors’ irrevocable commitment
to purchase shares of the Series D Preferred Stock, and warrants (the “Series D Warrants”) to purchase 4,362,827 shares of
Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $12.9 million and net cash proceeds of $9.3 million. The exercise price
of the Series D Warrants is $3.6896, and the Series D Warrants are exercisable beginning on the issuance date and expire on the third
anniversary of the issuance date.
Concurrently with entering into the Series D
Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with the Series D PIPE Investors, pursuant
to which it has agreed to provide the Series D PIPE Investors with certain registration rights related to the shares of Common Stock
underlying the shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Series D Warrants.
Amendment to Series D and Series E Warrants
On December 23, 2025, the Company entered into
Limited Waiver Agreements (the “Warrant Limited Waiver”) with all holders of the Series D and Series E Warrants, effective
as of October 1, 2025, pursuant to which such holders agreed to waive certain provisions of their Series D Warrants and Series E Warrants.
Specifically, in the event the Company issues securities with a conversion price dependent on the price of the Common Stock (the “Variable
Price”), the holders of Series D Warrants and Series E Warrants will no longer have the optional right to convert their applicable
Series D Warrants and Series E Warrants at the Variable Price.
Additionally, the Warrant Limited Waiver waived
the right of the Series D Warrants and the Series E Warrants to receive a guaranteed cash payment in connection with a “Fundamental
Transaction” (as such term is defined in the Series D Warrants and Series E Warrants). Instead, in connection with a “Fundamental
Transaction” that is not within the Company’s control, the holders of Series D Warrants and Series E Warrants are entitled
only to receive the same form and proportion of consideration (or deemed common stock of the successor entity, if no such consideration
is paid) as is offered and paid to holders of Common Stock, the definition of “Fundamental Transaction” in Series D Warrants
and the Series E Warrants was further amended by the Warrant Limited Waiver to replace each reference to “at least” 50% with
“more than” 50% of the outstanding Common Stock.
Reverse Stock Split
On June 13, 2025, the Company effected a reverse
stock split of all shares of its issued and outstanding Common Stock at a ratio of one-for-eighty-five (1:85). The Company accounted for
the reverse stock split on a retrospective basis pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, Earnings Per Share.
All issued and outstanding common stock, common stock warrants, and share-based awards’ exercise prices and per share data have
been adjusted in these consolidated financial statements, on a retrospective basis, to reflect the reverse stock split for all periods
presented. The number of authorized shares and par value of the preferred stock and common stock were not adjusted because of the reverse
stock split.
79
Veru Settlement Agreement and Release
On April 19, 2023, the Company entered into an
asset purchase agreement with Veru (the “Veru APA”). Pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Veru APA,
the Company purchased substantially all of the assets related to Veru’s ENTADFI business, in a transaction that closed in April
2023. Pursuant to the terms of the Veru APA, the Company agreed to provide Veru with initial consideration totaling $20.0 million, including
(i) $4.0 million in the form of a non-interest bearing note payable due on September 30, 2023, and (iii) $10.0 million in the form of
two equal (i.e. each for $5.0 million) non-interest bearing notes payable, each due on April 19, 2024 (the “April Veru Note”)
and September 30, 2024 (the “September Veru Note” and together with the April Veru Note, the “Veru Notes”).
Subsequently, the Company and Veru modified and
extended the payment terms under the Veru Notes on various occasions. On August 28, 2025, Veru and the Company agreed to amend and restate
the September Veru Note (as amended and restated, the “Second A&R September Veru Note”). Pursuant to the Second A&R
September Veru Note, the principal amount owed to Veru was increased by $100,000 to an aggregate principal amount of $5.2 million, and
the maturity date was amended to September 19, 2025. All other terms of the September Veru Note remained the same. On August 28, 2025,
Veru and the Company also entered into a waiver agreement (the “August 2025 Veru Waiver”) pursuant to which Veru agreed to
waive and extend the date for payment of the April Veru Note to September 19, 2025.
As of September 22, 2025, approximately $8.8
million was payable to Veru under the Veru Notes and related amendments. On September 22, 2025, the Company and Veru entered into a Settlement
Agreement and Release (the “Veru Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which Veru agreed to accept a cash payment of approximately
$6.3 million (including interest accrued through receipt of the Settlement Amounts (as defined herein), 3,125 shares of Series D Preferred
Stock and 846,975 Series D Warrants (such cash payment, shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Series D Warrants, collectively, the “Settlement
Amounts”) in full satisfaction of all amounts due under the Veru Notes, as amended by all preceding amendments, forbearance agreements,
and waivers, and Veru agreed that such acceptance constituted complete discharge of all obligations thereunder. The Settlement Agreement
contains customary release provisions that upon timely delivery of the Settlement Amounts, Veru shall release all claims or actions against
the Company.
As of September 24, 2025, Veru confirmed receipt
of all Settlement Amounts in satisfaction of all outstanding amounts, and all Veru Notes and related amendments were deemed cancelled
and terminated, respectively, and of no further force or effect.
Keystone Notes Payable
During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company
issued six subordinated promissory notes to Keystone Capital Partners, LLC, each with an original issue discount and payable upon the
earlier of (i) receipt of sufficient proceeds from the Company’s Equity Line of Credit (“ELOC”) with an institutional
investor (the “ELOC Purchaser”) or (ii) a specified maturity date. All notes are subordinated to the Company’s existing
debt obligations to Veru, do not initially bear interest, and are subject to a late charge of 15% per annum on any unpaid amounts past
due.
●
On February 12, 2025, the Company issued a note with an aggregate principal
amount of $117,647, including an original issue discount of $17,647. The note matures on November 12, 2025, unless prepaid earlier
upon receipt of sufficient capital from other securities offerings (the “February Keystone Note”).
●
On May 16, 2025, the Company issued a note with an aggregate principal
amount of $294,118, including an original issue discount of $44,118. The note matures on February 16, 2026, subject to the same prepayment
provisions (the “May Keystone Note”).
●
On June 5, 2025, the Company issued a note with an aggregate principal
amount of $147,059, including an original issue discount of $22,059. The note matures on March 5, 2026, subject to the same prepayment
provisions (the “June Keystone Note”).
●
On August 6, 2025, the Company issued a note with an aggregate principal
amount of $117,647, including an original issue discount of $17,647. The note matures on March 6, 2026, subject to the same prepayment
provisions (the “August 6 Keystone Note”).
●
On August 28, 2025, the Company issued two notes with an aggregate
principal amount of $58,824 each, including an original issue discount of $8,824 each. The notes mature on May 28, 2026, subject
to the same prepayment provisions (the “August 28 Keystone Notes”).
80
On September 22 2025, Keystone Capital Partners,
LLC and the Company agreed to exchange the principal owed under the May Keystone Note, the June Keystone Note, the August 6 Keystone Note
and the August 28 Keystone Notes for Series D Preferred Stock of 1,660 shares and Warrants of 449,395 shares of common stock in connection
with the Series D PIPE Financing. The February Keystone Note was paid in full on October 10, 2025.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, the
Company recorded approximately $0.8 million of interest expense, respectively, which includes accrued interest and amortization of the
debt discount. The unamortized debt discount as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $0 and $5,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2025
and 2024, the Company has recorded accrued interest of approximately $0 and $0.1 million, respectively, which is included in accrued
expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Series C PIPE Financing and ELOC
On October 1, 2024, the Board authorized the
Company to create a series of 10,000 shares of preferred stock designated as “Series C Preferred Stock”, with a par value
of $0.00001, pursuant to the certificate of designations. At any time after the initial issuance date of Series C Preferred Stock, each
Series C Preferred Stock shall be convertible into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock. On October 2,
2024, the Company entered into, and sold, to six institutional investors (collectively, the “Series C PIPE Investors”), pursuant
to the securities purchase agreement an aggregate of 3,499 shares of Series C Preferred Stock which includes an issuance of 840 shares
of Series C Preferred Stock to the lead investor in consideration for the Series C PIPE Investors’ irrevocable commitment to purchase
shares of the Series C Preferred Stock, and warrants to purchase 6,963 shares of Common Stock (“Series C Warrants”) for aggregate
net cash proceeds to the Company of $1.9 million. The exercise price of the Series C Warrants is $372.30 on a post-reverse split basis,
and the Series C Warrants are exercisable six months after the issuance date and expire on the third anniversary of their initial issuance.
On October 2, 2024, in connection with the ELOC,
the Company also entered into the ELOC Purchase Agreement with the ELOC Purchaser, whereby the Company may offer and sell, from time
to time at its sole discretion, and whereby the ELOC Purchaser has committed to purchase, up to $25.0 million of the Company’s
newly issued Common Stock, subject to the limitations described herein. Concurrently with entering into the ELOC Purchase Agreement,
the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with the ELOC Purchaser, pursuant to which it agreed to provide the ELOC
Purchaser with certain registration rights related to the shares issued under the ELOC Purchase Agreement (the “ELOC Registration
Rights Agreement”).
On July 16, 2025, the Company exercised its voluntary
Series C Preferred Stock adjustment right to lower the conversion price of the Series C Preferred Stock to $3.50, and holders of 1,920
Series C Preferred Stock shares agreed to convert their shares into shares of common stock.
As of December 31, 2025, 7 shares of Series C
Preferred Stock were outstanding from the original issuance of 3,499 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to institutional investors, after
the i) redemption of 1,369 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for aggregate consideration of $1.71 million, ii) the conversion of 1,920
shares of Series C Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock, and iii) the exchange of 203 shares of Series C Preferred Stock into 244
shares of Series D Preferred Stock.
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Certain Significant Relationships
We have entered into grant, license and collaboration
arrangements with various third parties as summarized below. For further details regarding these and other agreements, see the section
titled “Business - Intellectual Property” and Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
Report.
Laboratory Corporation of America
On March 23, 2023, Proteomedix entered into a
license agreement with LabCorp (“LabCorp License Agreement”) pursuant to which LabCorp has the exclusive right to develop
and commercialize Proclarix and other products developed by LabCorp using Proteomedix’s intellectual property covered by the license,
in the United States (“Licensed Products”). In consideration for granting LabCorp an exclusive license, Proteomedix received
an initial license fee in the mid-six figures upon signing of the LabCorp License Agreement. Additionally, Proteomedix is entitled to
royalty payments between 5% and 10% on the net sales recognized by LabCorp of any Licensed Products plus milestone payments as follows:
●
after the first sale of Proclarix as a laboratory developed test, LabCorp
will pay an amount in the mid-six figures;
●
after LabCorp achieves a certain amount in the low seven figures in
net sales of the Licensed Products, LabCorp will pay Proteomedix an amount in the low seven figures; and
●
after a certain amount in the mid-seven figures in net sales of Licensed
Products, LabCorp will pay Proteomedix an amount in the low seven figures.
A total of $2.5 million in milestone payments
are payable under the LabCorp License Agreement. An additional $0.5 million was paid to Proteomedix as an initial license fee in 2023.
LabCorp is wholly responsible for the cost, if
any, of research, development and commercialization of Licensed Products in the United States but has the right to offset a portion of
those costs against future royalty and milestone payments. Additionally, LabCorp may deduct royalties or other payments made to third
parties related to the manufacture or sale of Licensed Products up to a maximum amount of any royalty payments due to Proteomedix.
The LabCorp License Agreement and related royalty
payment provisions expire during 2038, which approximates the expiration of the last patent covered by the LabCorp License Agreement.
LabCorp has the right to terminate the LabCorp License Agreement for any reason by providing 90 days written notice to Proteomedix. Either
party may terminate the LabCorp License Agreement due to a material breach of the terms of the LabCorp License Agreement with 30 days’
notice, provided such breach is not cured within the foregoing 30-day period. Finally, Proteomedix may terminate the LabCorp License
Agreement with 60 days’ notice in the event LabCorp fails to make any undisputed payment due, provided that LabCorp does not remit
the payment within the foregoing 60-day period.
82
On December 6, 2025, Proteomedix and LabCorp
entered into an amendment (the “LabCorp Amendment”) of the LabCorp License Agreement. The Amendment provides for a new validation
study to be conducted by LabCorp for Proclarix, titled Prostate Cancer Risk Identification in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort: A Prospective
U.S.-Based Multi-Center Validation Study of Proclarix (the “PRIME Study”). Pursuant to the LabCorp Amendment, LabCorp
will not be required to pay any royalties or milestone payments in connection with its use of the risk calculator for purposes of the
PRIME Study. The Company will compensate LabCorp with specified milestone-based payments for conducting the PRIME Study of up to $300,000
in the aggregate and will bear all associated costs and expenses. Mid-five figure milestone payments will be made as subjects are enrolled,
commencing on the effective date of the PRIME Study and to be paid for every additional batch of subjects enrolled. If the final milestone
tier is not reached, the Company must pay Labcorp a fixed amount per subject enrolled beyond the last milestone tier that was paid. All
payments are due within thirty (30) days of each invoice.
Pursuant to the LabCorp Amendment, LabCorp is
also required to provide the Company with the results of each clinical study conducted by LabCorp upon completion; however, the Company
may not use or disclose such results to any third party without LabCorp’s prior consent.
Immunovia-Proteomedix Licensing Agreement
On September 17, 2025, Proteomedix entered into
a licensing agreement (the “Immunovia Agreement”) with Immunovia, Inc. (“Immunovia”), a pancreatic cancer diagnostics
company based in Lund, Sweden. Under the Agreement, Proteomedix will provide Immunovia with master cell lines required to produce antibodies
for three of the five biomarkers used in the PancreaSure test, as well as a license to key intellectual property related to the manufacturing
of associated reagents.
In return, Immunovia will make total payments
of $0.6 million over
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