UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the Fiscal Year Ended December 31 , 2024
or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission
file number 001-35813
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware 98-0376008
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1185 Avenue of the Americas , Third Floor , New York , NY 10036
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
844 - 967-2633
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.012 ORMP Nasdaq Capital Market, Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None.
(Title
of class)
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes
☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files).
Yes
☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
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 ☒
The
aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant’s
most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $ 131,190,607 based on a price of $3.58, being the last price at which the shares of
the registrant’s common stock were sold on the Nasdaq Capital Market prior to the end of the most recently completed second fiscal
quarter.
As
of March 27, 2025, the registrant had 40,850,455 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Introduction
and Use of Certain Terms
ii
Cautionary
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
ii
PART
I
ITEM
1. BUSINESS
1
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
13
ITEM
IB. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
34
ITEM
1C. CYBERSECURITY
34
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES
34
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
34
ITEM
4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
34
PART II
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
35
ITEM
6. [RESERVED]
36
ITEM
7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
36
ITEM
7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
43
ITEM
8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
44
ITEM
9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
45
ITEM
9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
45
ITEM
9B. OTHER INFORMATION
46
ITEM
9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
46
PART
III
ITEM
10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
47
ITEM
11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
51
ITEM
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
64
ITEM
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
66
ITEM
14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
66
PART
IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
67
ITEM
16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
73
i
INTRODUCTION
AND USE OF CERTAIN TERMS
As
used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,”
and “Oramed” mean Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. All dollar amounts
refer to U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.
On
December 31, 2024, the exchange rate between the New Israeli Shekel, or NIS, and the dollar, as quoted by the Bank of Israel, was NIS
3.647 to $1.00. Unless indicated otherwise by the context, statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that provide the dollar equivalent
of NIS amounts or provide the NIS equivalent of dollar amounts are based on such exchange rate.
CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The
statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws and the Israeli securities law.
Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “planned expenditures,”
“believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended
to identify forward-looking statements, but are not deemed to represent an all-inclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements
as denoted in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, statements concerning future matters are forward-looking statements. We
remind readers that forward-looking statements are merely predictions and therefore inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors
and involve known and unknown risks that could cause the actual results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements, or industry
results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements, or industry results,
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements appear in “Item 1. Business” and
“Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as elsewhere
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and include, among other statements, statements regarding the following:
●
our plan to evaluate potential
strategic opportunities;
●
our potential repurchases
of shares of our common stock;
●
the possibility that the
anticipated benefits of the 2023 Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing (as defined below) are not realized when expected or at
all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the ability of Scilex Holding Company, or Scilex, to repay
the Notes and the ability of the Company to realize the value of the warrants;
●
our Profit Sharing Loan
Agreement expose us to potential market, liquidity, and execution risks;
●
the JV Agreement (as defined
herein) includes potential delays and, indemnification liabilities, and the impact of the Spin Off (as defined below) could affect
our financial position, operations, and ability to realize anticipated benefits from the joint venture, or OraTech and Spin Off;
●
our exposure to potential
litigation;
●
our ability to enhance
value for our stockholders;
●
the expected development
and potential benefits from our products;
●
the prospects of entering
into additional license agreements, or other partnerships or forms of cooperation with other companies or medical institutions;
●
future milestones, conditions
and royalties under our license agreements;
●
the potential of the Oravax
Medical Inc., or Oravax, vaccine to protect against the coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic;
ii
●
our research and development
plans, including preclinical and clinical trials plans and the timing of enrollment, obtaining results and conclusion of trials;
●
our belief that our technology
has the potential to deliver medications and vaccines orally that today can only be delivered via injection;
●
the competitive ability
of our technology based on product efficacy, safety, patient convenience, reliability, value and patent position;
●
the potential market demand for our products;
●
our ability to obtain patent protection for our intellectual
property;
●
our expectation that our
research and development expenses will continue to be our major expenditure;
●
our expectations regarding our short- and long-term
capital requirements;
●
our outlook for the coming
months and future periods, including but not limited to our expectations regarding future revenue and expenses; and
●
information with respect to any other plans and strategies
for our business.
Although
forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can
only be based on facts and factors known by us at the time of such statements. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently
subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in or
anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include,
without limitation, those discussed herein, including those risks described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and expressed from
time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. In addition, historic results of scientific research,
clinical and preclinical trials do not guarantee that the conclusions of future research or trials would not suggest different conclusions.
Also, historic results referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K could be interpreted differently in light of additional research,
clinical and preclinical trials results. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any
forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this Annual Report on Form
10-K. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made throughout the entirety of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects.
iii
PART
I
ITEM
1. BUSINESS.
Description
of Business
We
are a pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development of innovative pharmaceutical solutions with a technology platform
that allows for the oral delivery of therapeutic proteins.
We
have developed an oral dosage form intended to withstand the harsh environment of the stomach and effectively deliver active biological
insulin or other proteins. The excipients in the formulation are not intended to modify the proteins chemically or biologically, and
the dosage form is designed to be safe to ingest.
On January 11, 2023, we announced that the Phase 3 oral insulin trial (ORA-D-013-1) did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As
a result, we terminated this trial and a parallel Phase 3, ORA-D-013-2 clinical trial. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the ORA-D-013-1
Phase 3 trial data and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as body mass index, or BMI, baseline
HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, on September 12, 2024 we submitted a protocol for a revised Phase
3 (ORA-D-013-3) clinical trial to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA. We intend to initiate study during 2025. We are
additionally examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal
of enhancing value for our stockholders.
On
January 22, 2024, we along with our wholly-owned subsidiary Oramed Ltd., entered into a joint venture agreement, or Initial JV Agreement,
with Hefei Tianhui Biotech Co., Ltd. or HTIT, and its subsidiary Technowl Limited or HTIT Sub. OraTech will focus on developing and commercializing
products based on our oral insulin and POD™ technology, utilizing HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities.
On
February 7, 2025, we and HTIT entered into a Joint Venture Agreement, or the JV Agreement, amending the Initial JV Agreement signed on
January 22, 2024. To execute the JV Agreement, we formed OraTech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or OraTech, which will serve as the joint venture
entity. We currently hold 100% of OraTech shares. OraTech was formed to advance the development and commercialization of oral insulin,
combining our proprietary technology and funding with HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities. Through this partnership, OraTech will
have the technology, resources, and production capacity to bring oral insulin to market. The agreement also outlines the spin-off of
OraTech, or the Spin Off, requiring regulatory filings and the distribution of the majority of OraTech’s shares held by us to our
shareholders. Both we and HTIT agreed to a 120-day lock-up period post-listing, restricting share sales.
The
Initial Closing, set for April 30, 2025, or the Initial Closing, includes an investment of $40,000,000 by HTIT and $7,500,000 by us into
OraTech . Additionally, we will transfer all our intellectual property rights to OraTech. The second closing, contingent on the listing
of OraTech’s shares on Nasdaq, involves a $20,000,000 investment by HTIT and an additional $7,500,000 investment by us, or the
Second Closing. It is expected to close by May 31, 2025, but no later than September 1, 2025. Upon completion of the Initial Closing
and the Second Closing, both HTIT and we will receive OraTech shares, resulting in ownership of 50% for each of HTIT and us, excluding
the impact of the contemplated distribution of OraTech shares to our shareholders.
As
part of the JV Agreement, HTIT will receive $20,000,000 at the Initial Closing and $10,000,000 at the Second Closing under a supply agreement
with OraTech.
1
2023
Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing
2023
Scilex Transaction
On
September 21, 2023, we entered into and consummated transactions, or, collectively, the 2023 Scilex Transaction, with Scilex, pursuant
to which Scilex issued to us:
a.
A senior secured
promissory note, or the Tranche A Note, with a principal amount of $101,875,000, maturing on March 21, 2025 and bearing interest of
SOFR plus 8.5%, payable in-kind. Scheduled principal payments are due on December 21, 2023, March 21, 2024, June 21, 2024, September
21, 2024, and December 21, 2024, with the balance due on March 21, 2025. In January 2025, we extended Tranche A Note maturity from
March 21, 2025 to December 31, 2025. As per the Tranche A Note terms, if the Tranche A Note is not repaid in full on or prior to
March 21, 2024, an exit fee of approximately $3,056,000 was. Since the Tranche A Note was not repaid by March 21, 2024, we are
entitled to the above-mentioned exit fee at the maturity date of the Tranche A Note. As of March 27, 2025, Scilex has repaid
$69,200,000 of the amount due under the Tranche A Note and refinanced $25,000,000 as part of the 2024 Refinancing (as defined
below).
b.
Warrants
to purchase up to 4,500,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $0.01 per share,
or the Closing Penny Warrants, and four additional warrants, or the Subsequent Penny Warrants, each
for 2,125,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Closing
Penny Warrants vested on September 21, 2023, and each of the Subsequent Penny Warrants vested on
each of March 19, 2024, June 17, 2024, September 15, 2024 and December 14, 2024. The Closing Penny
Warrants and the Subsequent Penny Warrants shall become exercisable on the earliest of (i) March
14, 2025 and (ii) the date on which the Tranche A Note has been repaid in full. As of March 27, 2025,
the Closing Penny Warrants and the Subsequent Penny Warrants are fully vested.
On
October 30, 2024, we exercised 4,500,000 Closing Penny Warrants and 2,000,000 Subsequent Penny Warrants that were exercisable at
such time. As a result, we hold 6,500,000 shares of common stock of Scilex.
c.
Transferred warrants, or
the Transferred Warrants, to purchase 4,000,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $11.50 per share, fully exercisable
and expiring on November 10, 2027. On September 20, 2024, we sold the Transferred Warrants for consideration of $300,000 (see below).
As a result, as of March 27, 2025 we do not hold any Transferred Warrants.
On
September 20, 2024, we and Scilex entered into an extension agreement, or the Extension Agreement, to extend the due date of the September
21, 2024 payment under the Tranche A Note. Pursuant to the Extension Agreement, Scilex paid us $2,000,000 on September 23, 2024, which
payment is to be applied as follows: (i) $1,700,000 to the payment due under the Tranche A Note on March 21, 2025 and (ii) $300,000 to
purchase the Transferred Warrants as mentioned above.
2024
Refinancing
On
October 7, 2024, we and certain institutional investors, or the Note B Holders, entered into certain agreements with Scilex, pursuant
to which the Note B Holders purchased in a registered offering, or the 2024 Refinancing, (i) a new tranche B of senior secured convertible
notes of Scilex in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000, or the Tranche B Notes, which Tranche B Notes are convertible into
shares of Scilex common stock and (ii) warrants, or the Tranche B Warrants, to purchase up to 7,500,000 shares of Scilex common stock,
or Tranche B Warrants. We purchased 50% of Tranche B Note and Tranche B Warrants and therefore hold an aggregate principal amount of
$25,000,000 under the Tranche B Note and 3,750,000 Tranche B Warrants.
Scilex
received from us, in consideration for our part in Tranche B Notes and the Tranche B Warrants issued to us, an exchange and reduction
of the principal outstanding balance under the Tranche A Note of $22,500,000.
2
Royalty
Purchase Agreement
In
addition, on October 8, 2024, we and certain institutional investors, or the RPA Purchasers, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement
or the RPA with Scilex and Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc., or Scilex Pharma. Pursuant to the RPA, the RPA Purchasers acquired the right
to receive, in the aggregate, 8% of net sales worldwide for 10 years of certain purchase receivables, or the Purchased Receivables with
respect to ZTlido (lidocaine topical system) 1.8%, SP-103 (lidocaine topical system) 5.4%, and any related, improved, successor, replacement
or varying dosage forms of the foregoing. We acquired the right to receive 50% of the Purchased Receivables, as more fully described
in the RPA and therefore hold the right to receive 4% royalties.
In
consideration for our interest in the Purchased Receivables, we exchanged and reduced $2,500,000 of the principal balance under the Tranche
A Note.
Following the refinancing as described above, on October 8, 2024, Scilex
used $12,500,000 of the net proceeds from the proceeds of the Tranche B Note for the repayment of the outstanding balance under the Tranche
A Note.
ZTLido
Rest of the World Binding Agreement
In
addition, on October 8, 2024, we and certain other institutional investors and Scilex entered into a binding term sheet, or the ROW License
Term Sheet, regarding a license and development agreement, or the Lido License Agreement, with respect to services, compositions, products,
dosages and formulations comprising lidocaine, including without limitation, the product and any future product defined as a “Product”
under Scilex Pharma’s existing (i) Product Development Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2011, with Oishi Koseido Co., Ltd., or Oishi,
and Itochu Chemical Frontier Corporation, or Itochu, as amended, and (ii) the associated Commercial Supply Agreement, dated February
16, 2017, between Scilex, Oishi and Itochu, as amended.
Subject
to determination of a final structure for the transactions contemplated by the ROW License Term Sheet, we anticipate that we and such
institutional investors will hold the Lido License Agreement through a joint venture, RoyaltyVest, Inc., or RoyaltyVest.
In
consideration for the rights to be provided under the proposed Lido License Agreement, as more fully described in the ROW License Term
Sheet, (a) RoyaltyVest will invest (whether through cash consideration or in-kind payment through the provision of services) $200,000
per year toward expanding the Product, (b) Scilex will grant RoyaltyVest a worldwide, exclusive right, license and interest to all products
rights for the development, out-licensing, commercialization of any Product outside of the United States and other territories, other
than certain excluded designated territories , or the ROW Territory, and (c) each of RoyaltyVest and Scilex will receive 50% percent
of the net revenue (less expenses) generated from any Product in the ROW Territory. The term sheet is subject to entering into a definitive
agreement (signed on February 22, 2025, see below) and subject to the consent of Oishi and Itochu to the Lido License Agreement.
Tranche
B Note Consent
On January 2, 2025, we and other Tranche B noteholders entered into
deferral and consent agreements with Scilex or the Tranche B Consent, deferring Scilex’s first amortization payment under the Tranche
B Note to October 8, 2026. In consideration, we received approximately $877,000 and 2,500,000 shares of Scilex common stock.
In
addition, as part of the Tranche B Consent and contingent upon certain conditions that were met:
1. Scilex
and the Tranche B Noteholders agreed to a 10-year, assignable 4% royalty on global net sales
of Gloperba and Elyxyb in certain territories outside of the United States , or RoW, of which,
we are entitled to 2% royalties. Gloperba, an oral liquid colchicine formulation for gout,
and Elyxyb, an oral solution for acute migraine treatment, represent key assets in Scilex’s
portfolio. The definitive agreement was signed on February 28, 2025.
2. The
Tranche B Noteholders have the option to fund up to 50% of the cash purchase price for RoW
product rights to Gloperba and Elyxyb (excluding Elyxyb in Canada) and will receive proportional
revenues from commercialization and licensing.
3
Tranche
A Note Maturity Date Extension Amendment
On
January 21, 2025, we entered into an amendment to the Tranche A Note, or the Tranche A Extension Amendment, extending the maturity date
from March 21, 2025, to December 31, 2025 or the Extended Maturity Date. Interest will continue to accrue and be payable on the Extended
Maturity Date. In consideration of the extension, we received 3,250,000 shares of Scilex common stock.
Lidocaine
License Agreement
As
part of the ROW License Term Sheet, on February 22, 2025, we, through its 50% ownership in RoyaltyVest, entered into a license agreement
with Scilex. Under this agreement, RoyaltyVest acquired exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize lidocaine-based products,
including ZTlido (lidocaine topical system 1.8%) and SP-103, in the ROW Territory. As part of the arrangement, RoyaltyVest and Scilex
will each receive 50% of the net profits from the commercialization of these products. Given our 50% ownership in RoyaltyVest, we effectively
holds a 25% in the profits generated under this agreement.
BioXcel
In order to diversify our investments as a part of our use of cash
strategy, on
March 4, 2025, we participated in a registered direct offering by BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI), or BioXcel, acquiring 2,000,000
shares of BioXcel’s common stock and accompanying warrants to purchase up to an additional 2,000,000 shares. The shares and warrants
were purchased at a combined offering price of $3.50 per share and warrant, representing 50% of the total 4,000,000 shares issued in
the offering. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.20 per share, are immediately exercisable, and will expire five years from the
date of issuance.
BioXcel
is a biopharmaceutical company leveraging artificial intelligence to develop innovative medicines in neuroscience and immuno-oncology.
Its lead programs focus on treatments for agitation in neuropsychiatric disorders and other central nervous system conditions.
As of March 27, 2025, we have sold 869,992 shares and continues to
hold 1,130,008 shares of BioXcel common stock.
Real Estate Transactions
Additionally, as a part of
our cash management strategy, we have engaged in certain real estate transactions.
In January 2025, we
entered into an agreement to acquire a parcel of land in Mevaseret Zion, Israel for a total purchase price of NIS 5,800,000
(approximately $1,586,000). The transaction is structured in installments, and as of March 27, 2025, we have paid approximately $1,210,000
toward the acquisition price. Under the agreement, the developer is responsible for executing all development-related activities,
and we and the developer will share the profits upon the future sale of the property.
On March 24, 2025, we
entered into a loan agreement to finance a purchase of a real estate asset in Jerusalem, Israel in the amount of $22,650,000. The
loan has a one-year maturity and is secured by a first-ranking mortgage on a property valued at approximately $800,000,000,
providing significant collateral coverage. The loan bears an annual interest rate of 12%.
Research
and Development
Oral
Insulin
Type
2 Diabetes : We conducted the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial on patients with type 2 diabetes,
or T2D, with inadequate glycaemic control who were on two or three oral glucose-lowering agents. The primary endpoint of the trial was
to evaluate the efficacy of our oral insulin capsule, ORMD-0801, compared to placebo in improving glycaemic control as assessed by HbA1c,
with a secondary efficacy endpoint of assessing the change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose at 26 weeks. On January 11, 2023, we
announced that the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Following the results of the ORA-D-013-1
Phase 3 trial, we also terminated the ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trial, a second Phase 3 trial that included T2D patients with inadequate glycaemic
control who were attempting to manage their condition with either diet alone or with diet and metformin. In 2023, we completed an analysis
of the data from the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as BMI,
baseline HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. These subsets exhibited an over 1% placebo adjusted, statistically significant,
reduction in HbA1c. Based on this analysis, on September 12, 2024 we submitted a protocol for a revised Phase 3 (ORA-D-013-3) clinical
trial to the FDA. We intend to initiate this study during 2025. We are additionally examining our existing pipeline and have commenced
an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders.
4
Joint
Venture Agreement : As mentioned above, on February 7, 2025, we entered into JV Agreement with HTIT. The collaboration combines our
POD technology with HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities, creating a synergy. This integration of technology and manufacturing expertise
will enable us to ensure consistent, high-quality production at scale, setting new standards for oral protein delivery.
OraTech
is backed by a substantial capital and operational commitment. These resources support the initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial in
the U.S. As mentioned above, by leveraging insights from prior clinical studies, we have strategically designed this refined Phase 3
trial to focus on key patient subpopulations that we believe have the highest potential to demonstrate efficacy.
Oral
Vaccine
On
March 18, 2021, we entered into a license agreement with Oravax, a 63% owned joint venture to commercialize oral vaccines for COVID-19
and other novel coronaviruses based on Premas Biotech Pvt. Ltd.’s proprietary vaccine technology involving a triple antigen virus
like particle.
In
October 2022, Oravax reported positive preliminary Phase 1 data for Cohort A of a Phase 1 clinical trial, meeting primary or secondary
endpoints of safety and immunogenicity. These results included significant antibody response (2-6 fold over baseline) as measured by
multiple markers of immune response to virus like particle vaccine antigens observed in the majority of the patients dosed, and no safety
issues were observed, including mild symptoms. Cohort B completed dosing in January 2023. Cohort B measured Immunoglobulin G, or IGG,
against the spike (S) protein, showing positive IGG in approximately 55% of the patients dosed. We are currently evaluating our path
forward for Oravax’s oral vaccines for COVID-19.
Impact
of Current Events
On October 7, 2023, the State of Israel was attacked by Hamas, a group
designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, and the State of Israel subsequently declared war on Hamas. Since that time,
Israel has been engaged in a multi-front armed conflict with combatants located in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Iran, Lebanon and Yemen.
The situation in the region remains volatile and the possibility of renewed conflicts persist. As of March 27, 2025, we believe that there
is no immediate risk to our business operations related to these events. For further information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,”
under “We are affected by the political, economic and military risks of having operations in Israel.”
Real
Estate Investments
On November 7, 2024, our Board of Directors, or the Board, approved
investments of up to $10,000,000 in real estate assets. This decision aligns with our strategic approach to capital allocation, leveraging
opportunities in the current real estate market where we have identified attractive investment prospects. With interest rates expected
to decline and valuations presenting favorable entry points, the Board believes these investments could provide long-term value appreciation
and potential income streams, further strengthening our financial position. As we continues to evaluate our business strategy, including
potential structural changes, these investments are intended to enhance financial flexibility and maximize shareholder value. On February
13, 2025, the Board approved increasing the real estate investments to up to $30,000,000.
Diabetes
Market Overview
Diabetes
is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that causes sugar to be absorbed into cells,
where the sugar is converted into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is attributed both to genetics (type 1 diabetes,
or T1D) and, most often, to environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise (T2D). According to the International Diabetes
Federation, or IDF, approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) worldwide suffered from diabetes in 2021 and the IDF projects this
number will increase to 783 million by 2045. According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, in 2023, the United States there
were approximately 37 million people with diabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and
amputation.
5
Intellectual
Property and Patents
We
own a portfolio of patents and patent applications covering our technologies, and we are aggressively protecting these technology developments
on a worldwide basis.
We
maintain a proactive intellectual property strategy, which includes patent filings in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States
and other commercially significant markets. We hold 26 patent applications currently pending, with respect to various compositions, methods
of production and oral administration of proteins and exenatide. Expiration dates for pending patents, if granted, will fall between
2026 and 2039.
We
hold 140 patents, eight of which were issued during the year ended December 31, 2024, including patents issued by the United States,
Swiss, German, French, U.K., Italian, Netherlands, Swedish, Spanish, Australian, Israeli, Japanese, New Zealand, South African, Russian,
Canadian, Hong Kong, Chinese, European and Indian patent offices that cover a part of our technology, which allows for the oral delivery
of proteins; patents issued by the Australian, Canadian, European, Austrian, Belgian, French, German, Irish, Italian, Luxembourg, Monaco,
Netherlands, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, U.K., Israeli, New Zealand, South African, Russian, Brazilian and Japanese patent offices
that cover part of our technology for the oral delivery of exenatide; and patents issued by the European, Austrian, Belgian, Denmark,
French, German, Irish, Italian, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, U.K. and Japanese patent offices for
treating diabetes.
Consistent
with our strategy to seek protection in key markets worldwide, we have been and will continue to pursue the patent applications and corresponding
foreign counterparts of such applications. We believe that our success will depend on our ability to obtain patent protection for our
intellectual property.
Our
patent strategy is as follows:
●
Aggressively protect all
current and future technological developments to assure strong and broad protection by filing patents and/or continuations in part
as appropriate,
●
Protect technological developments
at various levels, in a complementary manner, including the base technology, as well as specific applications of the technology,
and
●
Establish comprehensive
coverage in the United States and in all relevant foreign markets in anticipation of future commercialization opportunities.
Trademarks
and Trade Secrets
We
have trademark applications pending in Israel, with Corresponding international trademark applications in Australia, Brazil, Canada,
China, Colombia, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines,
Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, U.S.A., Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
We
also rely on trade secrets and unpatentable know-how that we seek to protect, in part, by confidentiality agreements. Our policy is to
require our employees, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, outside scientific collaborators and sponsored researchers, our Board,
technical review board and other advisors, to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships
with us. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the course of the
individual’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except in specific limited circumstances.
We also require signed confidentiality or material transfer agreements from any company that is to receive our confidential information.
In the case of employees, consultants and contractors, the agreements provide that all inventions conceived by the individual while rendering
services to us shall be assigned to us as the exclusive property of the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that all persons
who we desire to sign such agreements will sign, or if they do, that these agreements will not be breached, that we would have adequate
remedies for any breach, or that our trade secrets or unpatentable know-how will not otherwise become known or be independently developed
by competitors.
6
Out-Licensed
Technology
Entera
Bio
In
June 2010, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Oramed Ltd., entered into a joint venture agreement with DNA GROUP (T.R.) Ltd. (formerly D.N.A
Biomedical Solutions Ltd.), or DNA, for the establishment of Entera Bio Ltd., or Entera.
In
March 2011, Oramed Ltd. sold shares of Entera to DNA, retaining 117,000 ordinary shares (after giving effect to a stock split by Entera
in July 2018). In consideration for the shares sold to DNA, the Company received, among other payments, ordinary shares of DNA (see also
note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements).
As
part of this agreement, Oramed Ltd. entered into a patent transfer agreement, or the Patent Transfer Agreement, according to which Oramed
Ltd. assigned to Entera all of its rights to a patent application related to the oral administration of proteins that it has licensed
to Entera since August 2010, in return for royalties of 3% of Entera’s net revenues and a license back of that patent application
for use in respect of diabetes and influenza. As of December 31, 2024, Entera had not paid any royalties to Oramed Ltd. During the years
ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not sell any of DNA’s ordinary shares. As of December 31, 2024, we held approximately
1.4% of DNA’s outstanding ordinary shares and approximately 0.3% of Entera’s outstanding ordinary shares.
HTIT
On
November 30, 2015, we entered into a Technology License Agreement, or TLA, with HTIT and on December 21, 2015, these parties entered
into an Amended and Restated Technology License Agreement that was further amended by the parties on June 3, 2016 and July 24, 2016,
or the HTIT License Agreement. According to the HTIT License Agreement, we granted HTIT an exclusive commercialization license in the
territory of the People’s Republic of China, Macau and Hong Kong, related to our oral insulin capsule, ORMD-0801, or the Product.
Pursuant to the HTIT License Agreement, HTIT will conduct, at its own expense, certain pre-commercialization and regulatory activities
with respect to our technology and ORMD-0801 capsule, and will pay (i) royalties of 10% on net sales of the related commercialized products
to be sold by HTIT in the territory, or Royalties, and (ii) an aggregate of $37,500,000, of which $3,000,000 was payable immediately,
$8,000,000 will be paid subject to our entry into certain agreements with certain third parties, and $26,500,000 will be payable upon
achievement of certain milestones and conditions. In the event that we will not meet certain conditions, the Royalties rate may be reduced
to a minimum of 8%. Following the final expiration of our patents covering the technology in the territory in 2033, the Royalties rate
may be reduced, under certain circumstances, to 5%. The royalty payment obligation shall apply during the period of time beginning upon
the first commercial sale of the Product in the territory, and ending upon the later of (i) the expiration of the last-to-expire licensed
patents in the territory; and (ii) 15 years after the first commercial sale of the Product in the territory. The HTIT License Agreement
shall remain in effect until the expiration of the royalty term. The HTIT License Agreement contains customary termination provisions.
Through December 31, 2024, we received aggregate milestone payments of $20,500,000 out of the aggregate amount of $37,500,000.
On
August 21, 2020, we received a letter from HTIT, disputing certain pending payment obligations of HTIT under the TLA.
Pursuant
to the terms of the JV Agreement, each of us, HTIT and HTIT Sub, irrevocably released and waived (i) any claims and demands against each
other party in connection with the TLA; and (ii) all rights, obligations and liabilities set out and arising with respect to the performance
of the TLA.
HTIT
has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to China’s regulators for the oral insulin capsule in China. Since the TLA was novated
to OraTech, OraTech is expected to receive royalties from any future sales in China
7
Oravax
License
On
March 18, 2021, we entered into a license agreement, or the Oravax License Agreement, with Oravax, a 63% owned joint venture to commercialize
oral vaccines for COVID-19 and other novel coronaviruses based on Premas Biotech Pvt. Ltd.’s proprietary vaccine technology involving
a triple antigen virus like particle, or the Oravax product.
In
consideration for the grant of the license under the Oravax License Agreement, we will receive (i) royalties equal to 7.5% on net sales,
as defined in the Oravax License Agreement, of each product commercialized by Oravax, its affiliates and permitted sublicensees related
to the license during the term specified in the Oravax License Agreement, (ii) sublicensing fees equal to 15% of any non-sales-based
consideration received by Oravax from a permitted sublicensee and (iii) other payments ranging between $25,000,000 to $100,000,000, based
on certain sales milestones being achieved by Oravax. The parties further agreed to establish a development and steering committee, which
will consist of three members, of which two members will be appointed by us, that will oversee the ongoing research, development, clinical
and regulatory activity with respect to the Oravax product. In addition, we agreed to buy and Oravax agreed to issue to us 1,890,000
shares of common stock of Oravax, representing 63% of the common stock of Oravax for the aggregate amount of $1,500,000. Akers Biosciences
Inc. contributed $1,500,000 in cash to Oravax and a license agreement to the Oravax product.
Medicox
License
On
November 13, 2022, we entered into a distribution license agreement with Medicox Co., Ltd., or Medicox, an emerging biotech company with
a consortium of proven partnerships in the Republic of Korea. The agreement grants Medicox the exclusive license to apply for regulatory
approval and distribute ORMD-0801 for ten years in the Republic of Korea. Medicox will comply with agreed distribution targets and will
purchase ORMD-0801 at an agreed upon transfer price per capsule. In addition, Medicox will pay Oramed up to $15,000,000 in developmental
milestones, $2,000,000 of which were received by Oramed in 2022, and up to 15% royalties on gross sales. Medicox will also be responsible
for gaining regulatory approval in the Republic of Korea. This agreement was assigned to OraTech.
Government
Regulation
The
Drug Development Process
Regulatory
requirements for the approval of new drugs vary from one country to another. In order to obtain approval to market our drug portfolio,
we need to go through a different regulatory process in each country in which we apply for such approval. In some cases, information
gathered during the approval process in one country can be used as supporting information for the approval process in another country.
As a strategic decision, we decided to first explore the FDA regulatory pathway. The following is a summary of the FDA’s requirements.
The
FDA requires that pharmaceutical and certain other therapeutic products undergo significant clinical experimentation and clinical testing
prior to their marketing or introduction to the general public. Clinical testing, known as clinical trials or clinical studies, is either
conducted internally by life science, pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies or is conducted on behalf of these companies by CROs.
The
process of conducting clinical trials is highly regulated by the FDA, as well as by other governmental and professional bodies. Below
we describe the principal framework in which clinical trials are conducted, as well as describe a number of the parties involved in these
trials.
8
Protocols .
Before commencing human clinical trials, the sponsor of a new drug or therapeutic product must submit an IND application to the FDA.
The application contains, among other documents, what is known in the industry as a protocol. A protocol is the blueprint for each drug
study. The protocol sets forth, among other things, the following:
●
Who must be recruited as
qualified participants,
●
How often to administer
the drug or product,
●
What tests to perform on
the participants, and
●
What dosage of the drug
or amount of the product to give to the participants.
Institutional
Review Board . An institutional review board is an independent committee of professionals and lay persons which reviews clinical research
trials involving human beings and is required to adhere to guidelines issued by the FDA. The institutional review board does not report
to the FDA, but its records are audited by the FDA. Its members are not appointed by the FDA. All clinical trials must be approved by
an institutional review board. The institutional review board’s role is to protect the rights of the participants in the clinical
trials. It approves the protocols to be used, the advertisements which the company or CRO conducting the study proposes to use to recruit
participants, and the form of consent which the participants will be required to sign prior to their participation in the clinical trials.
Clinical
Trials . Human clinical trials or testing of a potential product are generally done in three stages known as Phase 1 through Phase
3 testing. The names of the phases are derived from the regulations of the FDA. Generally, there are multiple trials conducted in each
phase.
Phase
1 . Phase 1 trials involve testing a drug or product on a limited number of healthy or patient participants, typically 24 to 100 people
at a time. Phase 1 trials determine a product’s basic safety and how the product is absorbed by, and eliminated from, the body.
This phase lasts an average of six months to a year.
Phase
2 . Phase 2 trials involve testing of no more than 300 participants at a time who may suffer from the targeted disease or condition.
Phase 2 testing typically lasts an average of one to two years. In Phase 2, the drug is tested to determine its safety and effectiveness
for treating a specific illness or condition. Phase 2 testing also involves determining acceptable dosage levels of the drug. Phase 2
trials may be split into Phase 2a and Phase 2b sub-trials. Phase 2a trials may be conducted with patient volunteers and are exploratory
(non-pivotal) trials, typically designed to evaluate clinical efficacy or biological activity. Phase 2b trials are conducted with patients
defined to evaluate definite dose range and evaluate efficacy. If Phase 2 trials show that a new drug has an acceptable range of safety
risks and probable effectiveness, a company will generally continue to review the substance in Phase 3 trials.
Phase
3 . Phase 3 trials involve testing large numbers of participants, typically several hundred to several thousand persons. The purpose
is to verify effectiveness and long-term safety on a large scale. These trials generally last two to three years. Phase 3 trials are
conducted at multiple locations or sites. Like the other phases, Phase 3 requires the site to keep detailed records of data collected
and procedures performed.
Biological
License Application . The results of the clinical trials for a biological product are submitted to the FDA as part of a Biological
License Application, or BLA. Following the completion of Phase 3 trials, assuming the sponsor of a potential product in the United States
believes it has sufficient information to support the safety and effectiveness of its product, the sponsor will generally submit a BLA
to the FDA requesting that the product be approved for marketing. The application is a comprehensive, multi-volume filing that includes
the results of all clinical trials, information about the drug’s composition, and the sponsor’s plans for producing, packaging
and labeling the product. The FDA’s review of an application can take a few months to many years, with the average review lasting
18 months. Once approved, drugs and other products may be marketed in the United States, subject to any conditions imposed by the FDA.
Approval of a BLA provides 12 years of exclusivity in the U.S. market.
Phase
4 . The FDA may require that the sponsor conduct additional clinical trials following new drug approval. The purpose of these trials,
known as Phase 4 trials, is to monitor long-term risks and benefits, study different dosage levels or evaluate safety and effectiveness.
In recent years, the FDA has increased its reliance on these trials. Phase 4 trials usually involve thousands of participants. Phase
4 trials also may be initiated by the company sponsoring the new drug to gain broader market value for an approved drug.
9
European
Regulation . Similar to the U.S., a European sponsor of a biological product may submit a Marketing Approval Application to the European
Medicines Agency, or EMA, for the registration of the product. The approval process in Europe consists of several stages, which together
are summed up to 210 days from the time of submission of the application (net, without periods in which the sponsor provides answers
to questions raised by the agency) following which, a Marketing Approval may be granted. During the approval process, the sponsor’s
manufacturing facilities will be audited in order to assess Good Manufacturing Practice compliance.
The
drug approval process is time-consuming, involves substantial expenditures of resources, and depends upon a number of factors, including
the severity of the illness in question, the availability of alternative treatments, and the risks and benefits demonstrated in the clinical
trials.
Other
Regulations
Various
federal, state and local laws, regulations, and recommendations relating to safe working conditions, laboratory practices, the experimental
use of animals, the environment and the purchase, storage, movement, import, export, use, and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous
substances, including radioactive compounds and infectious disease agents, used in connection with our research are applicable to our
activities. They include, among others, the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Occupational Safety and
Health Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, national
restrictions on technology transfer, import, export, and customs regulations, and other present and possible future local, state, or
federal regulation. The compliance with these and other laws, regulations and recommendations can be time-consuming and involve substantial
costs. In addition, the extent of governmental regulation which might result from future legislation or administrative action cannot
be accurately predicted and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Competition
Competition
in the area of biomedical and pharmaceutical research and development is intense and significantly depends on scientific and technological
factors. These factors include the availability of patent and other protection for technology and products, the ability to commercialize
technological developments and the ability to obtain regulatory approval for testing, manufacturing and marketing. Our competitors include
major pharmaceutical, medical products, chemical and specialized biotechnology companies, many of which have financial, technical and
marketing resources significantly greater than ours. In addition, many biotechnology companies have formed collaborations with large,
established companies to support research, development and commercialization of products that may be competitive with ours. Academic
institutions, governmental agencies and other public and private research organizations are also conducting research activities and seeking
patent protection and may commercialize products on their own or through joint ventures. We are aware of certain other products manufactured
or under development by competitors that are used for the treatment of the diseases and health conditions that we have targeted for product
development. We can provide no assurance that developments by others will not render our technology obsolete or noncompetitive, that
we will be able to keep pace with new technological developments or that our technology will be able to supplant established products
and methodologies in the therapeutic areas that are targeted by us. The foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our
business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. These companies, as well as academic institutions, governmental agencies
and private research organizations, also compete with us in recruiting and retaining highly qualified scientific personnel and consultants.
Competition
within our sector is increasing, so we will encounter competition from existing firms that offer competitive solutions in diabetes treatment
solutions. These competitive companies could develop products that are superior to, or have greater market acceptance, than the products
being developed by us. We will have to compete against other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with greater market recognition
and greater financial, marketing and other resources.
10
Our
competition will be determined in part by the potential indications for which our technology is developed and ultimately approved by
regulatory authorities. In addition, the first product to reach the market in a therapeutic or preventive area is often at a significant
competitive advantage relative to later entrants to the market. Accordingly, the relative speed with which we, or our potential corporate
partners, can develop products, complete the clinical trials and approval processes and supply commercial quantities of the products
to the market are expected to be important competitive factors. Our competitive position will also depend on our ability to attract and
retain qualified scientific and other personnel, develop effective proprietary products, develop and implement production and marketing
plans, obtain and maintain patent protection and secure adequate capital resources. We expect our technology, if approved for sale, to
compete primarily on the basis of product efficacy, safety, patient convenience, reliability, value and patent position.
We
anticipated that our oral insulin capsule would be a competitive diabetes drug because of its anticipated efficacy and safety profile;
however, there are other treatment options for T1D and T2D patients, such as insulin injections, insulin pumps or a combination of diet,
exercise and oral medication which improve the body’s response to insulin or cause the body to produce more insulin.
Scientific
Advisory Board
We
maintain a Scientific Advisory Board consisting of internationally recognized scientists who advise us on scientific and technical aspects
of our business. The Scientific Advisory Board meets to review specific projects and to assess the value of new technologies
and developments to us. In addition, individual members of the Scientific Advisory Board meet with us to provide advice
in their particular areas of expertise. The Scientific Advisory Board consists of the following members, information with respect to
whom is set forth below: Dr. Roy Eldor, Professor Ele Ferrannini, Dr. Alexander Fleming, Professor Avram Hershko, Dr. Julio Rosenstock,
Dr. Jay Skyler and Dr. Anne Peters.
Dr.
Roy Eldor , MD, PhD , joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in July 2016. He is an endocrinologist, internist and
researcher with over twenty years of clinical and scientific experience. He is currently Director of the Diabetes Unit at the Institute
of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Hypertension at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Prior to that, Dr. Eldor served as Principal
Scientist at Merck Research Laboratories, Clinical Research – Diabetes & Endocrinology. He previously served as a senior physician
in internal medicine at the Diabetes Unit in Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel; and the Diabetes Division at the
University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Eldor is a recognized expert, with over 50 peer reviewed papers
and book chapters, and has been a guest speaker at numerous international forums.
Professor
Ele Ferrannini , MD , joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in February 2007. He is a past President to the European
Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), which supports scientists, physicians and students from all over the world who are interested
in diabetes and related subjects in Europe and performs functions similar to that of the American Diabetes Association in the United
States. Professor Ferrannini has worked with various institutions including the Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine at
the University of Pisa School of Medicine, and CNR (National Research Council) Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa, Italy; and the
Diabetes Division, Department of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. He has extensive training
in internal medicine and endocrinology, and has specialized in diabetes trials. Professor Ferrannini has received a Certificate of the
Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates from the University of Bologna, and completed a subspecialty in Diabetes and Metabolic
Diseases at the University of Torino, cum laude . He has published over 500 original papers and 50 book chapters and he is a “highly
cited researcher,” according to the Institute for Scientific Information.
Dr.
Alexander Fleming, MD , joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in December 2019. Dr. Fleming, an endocrinologist, is Founder
and Executive Chairman of Kinexum, a strategic advisory firm. From 1986 to 1998, he served at the FDA as a supervisory medical officer
in the Division of Metabolism and Endocrine Drug Products and was responsible for landmark approvals of the first statin, metformin,
and other endocrine and metabolic therapies. He also represented the FDA at the World Health Organization and on multiple expert working
groups of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Dr. Fleming coined the term, Metabesity, which refers to the constellation
of major chronic diseases and the aging process itself, all which share common metabolic root causes and potential preventive therapies.
He organized the first Congress on Metabesity in London in October 2017, followed by annual conferences. In 2020, Dr. Fleming founded
the non-profit Kitalys Institute as a means of producing Metabesity conferences and advancing interventions of any kind that can improve
health and healthspan.
11
Professor
Avram Hershko, MD, PhD , joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in July 2008. Professor Hershko served as a physician in
the Israel Defense Forces from 1965 to 1967. After a post-doctoral fellowship with Gordon Tomkins at the University of San Francisco
from 1969 to 1972, he joined the faculty of the Haifa Technion becoming a professor in 1980. He is now Distinguished Professor in the
Unit of Biochemistry in the B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine of the Technion in Haifa, Israel. Professor Hershko’s main research
interests concern the mechanisms by which cellular proteins are degraded, a formerly neglected field of study. Professor Hershko and
his colleagues showed that cellular proteins are degraded by a highly selective proteolytic system. This system tags proteins for destruction
by linkage to a protein called ubiquitin, which had previously been identified in many tissues, but whose function was previously unknown.
Subsequent work by Professor Hershko and many other laboratories has shown that the ubiquitin system has a vital role in controlling
a wide range of cellular processes, such as the regulation of cell division, signal transduction and DNA repair. Professor Hershko was
awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004, jointly with his former PhD student Aaron Ciechanover and their colleague Irwin Rose. His
many honors include the Israel Prize for Biochemistry (1994), the Gairdner Award (1999), the Lasker Prize for Basic Medical Research
(2000), the Wolf Prize for Medicine (2001) and the Louisa Gross Horwitz Award (2001). Professor Hershko is a member of the Israel Academy
of Sciences since 2000 and a Foreign Associate of the U.S. Academy of Sciences since 2003.
Dr.
Julio Rosenstock, MD , joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in January 2020. Dr. Rosenstock is the Senior Scientific Advisor
and Director of Velocity Clinical Research at Medical City, Dallas, Texas, and a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism. His clinical
and research activities have focused on exploring novel agents and therapeutic strategies to improve glycemic control, particularly early
combination therapies in Type 2 Diabetes. Over the last 30 years, he has participated in hundreds of clinical trials and has had an active
role in the development of new oral agents, incretin-related therapies and insulin formulations, often acting as a lead clinical investigator
and scientific advisor on the design and reporting of these clinical trials. Dr. Rosenstock has been the author or co-author of 386 peer-reviewed
manuscripts ( H-index 124 ) and several hundreds of scientific abstracts and he is considered a key opinion leader in Type 2 Diabetes.
He has also contributed to 13 book chapters on various topics in the field of diabetes and is considered a key opinion leader in Type
2 Diabetes.
Dr.
Jay Skyler, MD, MCAP, FRCP , joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in January 2020. Dr. Skyler is Professor of Medicine,
Pediatrics and Psychology in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Leonard
M. Miller School of Medicine. He previously held the position of Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.
In addition, Dr. Skyler is Deputy Director of Clinical Research and Academic Programs at the Diabetes Research Institute, and an Adjunct
Professor of Pediatrics at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes at the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Skyler’s
research focuses on the clinical aspects of diabetes, specifically the conduct of randomized controlled clinical trials. From 1993 to
2015, he was Chairman of the National Institute of Health (NIDDK)-sponsored Diabetes Prevention Trial–- Type 1 (DPT-1) and its
successor Type 1 Diabetes Trial Net, a nationwide and global network conducting clinical trials to prevent T1D.
Dr.
Anne Peters, MD , joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in June 2022. Dr. Peters is Professor of Medicine at the Keck School
of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) and Director of the USC Clinical Diabetes Programs. Dr. Peters earned her
medical degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and performed an internal medicine residency at Stanford
University and an endocrinology fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She previously directed the clinical diabetes programs at
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA in California. Her research has focused on testing new approaches for diagnosing and treating diabetes
and developing systems of care to improve outcomes in diabetic under-resourced populations. Dr. Peters has consulted for many
entities, including the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health to help guide the development
and use of treatments for diabetes. In addition to being an investigator for more than 40 research studies, Dr. Peters has published
over 200 articles, has written four books, and has given more than 500 lectures locally, nationally, and internationally. She has
been on multiple guideline writing committees for the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She was a recipient of the ADA Outstanding
Physician Clinician Award, the Bernardo Houssay Award from the National Minority Quality Forum and received an Endocrine Society Laureate
Award for Public Service.
12
Employees
We
believe it is imperative to attract and retain top talent for all positions in the Company. We seek to make Oramed an inclusive, diverse
and safe workplace, with meaningful compensation, benefits and wellness programs and opportunities.
We
have experienced personnel involved in our research and development programs, as well as appropriate clinical/regulatory, quality assurance
and other personnel needed to advance through clinical trials or have engaged the services of experts in the field for these requirements.
As of December 31, 2024, we have contracted with thirteen individuals for employment or consulting arrangements. Of our staff, four are
senior management, three are engaged in research and development work, and the remaining six are involved in corporate and administration
work.
We
provide competitive compensation, health and retirement programs for our employees. We offer variable pay in the form of bonuses and
stock-based compensation for eligible employees. We also provide our employees with additional benefits such as team-building and educational
offsite activities and gym facilities. We believe that this provides a comprehensive package to engage, motivate and retain our employees
as a cohesive unit unified in its goal to achieve the Company’s strategy and objectives.
Additional
Information
Additional
information about us is contained on our Internet website at www.oramed.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference
into this report. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those
reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, are available
free of charge on our website under “SEC Filings” as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material
with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Reports filed with the SEC are made available on its website at www.sec.gov and are also available on
the website of the Israeli Securities Authority at www.magna.isa.gov.il or on the website of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange at www.tase.co.il.
The following corporate governance documents are also posted on our website: Code of Ethics, Whistleblowing Policy and the charters for
each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee of our Board.
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS.
An
investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following information about these risks,
together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before making an investment decision. Our business,
prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected as a result of any of the following
risks. The value of our securities could decline as a result of any of these risks. You could lose all or part of your investment in
our securities. Some of the statements in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” are forward-looking statements. The following risk factors
are not the only risk factors facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem
immaterial may also affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Summary
Risk Factors
Risks
Related to Our Business
● Our
strategic review process may not be successful or timely.
● Our
ability to consummate a strategic transaction depends on our ability to retain our employees
required to consummate such transaction.
● We
continue, and in the future expect, to incur losses, and we may need substantial additional
capital in order to satisfy our business objectives.
13
● We
may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights and we may be liable for infringing
the intellectual property rights of others.
● Our
success was primarily dependent on the successful commercialization of our oral insulin capsule.
● We
have limited experience in conducting clinical trials.
● We
can provide no assurance that our products will obtain regulatory approval or that the results
of clinical trials will be favorable.
● We
may not realize a return on the ordinary shares of DNA and Entera and the common stock of
Scilex and BioXcel that we own.
●
Because we may from time to time maintain a significant percentage of our assets in cash and/or securities, we may in the future be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 resulting in additional costs and regulatory burdens.
● We
may not realize the full benefit from our distribution license agreement with Medicox.
● The
biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological developments
and a high degree of competition. We may be unable to compete with more substantial enterprises.
● Healthcare
policy changes, including pending legislation recently adopted and further proposals still
pending to reform the U.S. healthcare system, may harm our future business.
● We
face uncertainties related to Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine.
Risks
Related to Our Real Estate Investments
Risks
Related to the Notes
● We
have lent a substantial amount of funds to Scilex. In the event that Scilex is unable to
service its obligations under the Note and defaults on such Note, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business.
● We
may have difficulty realizing the full value of the Warrants.
Risks
Related to our Common Stock
● Future
sales of our common stock by our existing stockholders could adversely affect our stock price.
● Our
failure to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing requirements
could result in the delisting of our common stock.
● As
the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, this may make it difficult
for you to sell your shares of common stock when you want or at prices you find attractive.
Risks
Related to JV Agreement
● On
February 7, 2025, we and HTIT entered into a JV Agreement that amending the original agreement
signed on January 22, 2024 or the Supplemental Agreement. If we fail to complete the transactions
contemplated under the JV Agreement as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement with HTIT,
if such joint venture is not successful, or if we fail to realize the benefits we anticipate
from such joint venture, we may not be able to capitalize on the full market potential of
our drug products and technology.
● We
may not complete the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the
Supplemental Agreement.
● We
may not realize the anticipated benefits from the Spin Off, and the Spin Off could harm our
business.
● Our
business and assets will be less diversified following the Spin Off.
14
Risks
Related to Conducting Business in Israel
● We
are affected by the political, economic and military risks of having operations in Israel.
● It
may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us or our officers and directors and
to assert U.S. securities laws claims in Israel.
General
Risk Factors
● Changes
to tax laws could have a negative effect on us or our stockholders.
● Our
business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks
or deficiencies in our cyber-security.
Risks
Related to Our Business
Our
strategic review process may not be successful or timely.
Following
the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data to understand if there is a path forward
for our oral insulin candidate. We submitted a protocol ORA-D-013-3 titled, “A Double-Blinded, Placebo-controlled, Double Dummy
Multi-center Randomized, Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the efficacy and safety in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Inadequate
Glycemic Control on One to Three Glucose-lowering Agents” to the FDA on September 12, 2024. We intend to initiate study during
2025. Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities,
including among others, continuation as a stand-alone business, capital raises, or one or more acquisitions, mergers or business combinations
or other strategic transactions. Potential counterparties in a strategic transaction involving us may place minimal or no value on our
assets. While we are devoting significant efforts to identify and evaluate potential strategic alternatives, there can be no assurance
that this strategic review process will result in us pursuing any transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed
on attractive terms or at all. Additionally, there can be no assurances that any particular course of action, business arrangement or
transaction, or series of transactions, will be pursued, successfully consummated, or lead to any stockholder value. Any potential transaction
would be dependent on a number of factors that may be beyond our control, including, among other things, market conditions, industry
trends, the interest of third parties in a potential transaction with us, obtaining stockholder approval and the availability of financing
to third parties in a potential transaction with us on reasonable terms. The process of reviewing alternative strategic paths may be
time consuming, may involve the dedication of significant resources and may require us to incur significant costs and expenses. It could
negatively impact our ability to attract, retain and motivate employees, and expose us to potential litigation in connection with this
process or any resulting transaction. If we are not successful in setting forth a new strategic path for the Company, or if our plans
are not executed in a timely fashion, this may cause reputational harm with our stockholders and other stakeholders and the value of
our securities may be adversely impacted. In addition, speculation regarding any developments related to the review of strategic alternatives
and perceived uncertainties related to the future of the Company could cause our stock price to fluctuate significantly. There can be
no guarantee that the process of evaluating alternative strategic paths will result in our entering into or completing potential transactions
within the anticipated timing or at all.
If
we are successful in completing a strategic transaction, we may be exposed to other operational and financial risks.
Although
there can be no assurance that a strategic transaction will result from the process we have undertaken to identify and evaluate strategic
alternatives, the negotiation and consummation of any such transaction will require significant time on the part of our management and
may disrupt our business. The negotiation and consummation of any such transaction may also require more time or greater cash resources
than we anticipate and expose us to other operational and financial risks, including: increased near-term and long-term expenditures;
exposure to unknown liabilities; higher than expected acquisition or integration costs; incurrence of substantial debt or dilutive
issuances of equity securities to fund future operations; write-downs of assets or goodwill or incurrence of non-recurring, impairment
or other charges; increased amortization expenses; impairment of relationships with key suppliers of any acquired business
due to changes in management and ownership; inability to retain our key employees; and possibility of future litigation. Any
of the above risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and prospects.
15
Our
ability to consummate a strategic transaction depends on our ability to retain our employees required to consummate such transaction.
Our
ability to consummate a strategic transaction depends upon our ability to retain our employees required to consummate such a transaction,
the loss of whose services may adversely impact the ability to consummate such transaction. Our cash conservation activities may yield
unintended consequences, such as attrition and reduced employee morale, which may cause remaining employees to seek alternative employment.
Our ability to successfully complete a strategic transaction depends in large part on our ability to retain certain of our remaining
personnel. If we are unable to successfully retain our remaining personnel, we are at risk of a disruption to our exploration and consummation
of a strategic alternative as well as business operations.
We
may become involved in securities and stockholder litigation that could divert management’s attention and harm the Company’s
business, and insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all costs and damages.
In
the past, securities and stockholder litigation has often followed certain significant business transactions, such as the sale of a company
or announcement of any other strategic transaction, or the announcement of negative events, such as negative results from clinical trials.
The market price of our common stock dropped substantially when we announced the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial. We may be
exposed to such litigation even if no wrongdoing occurred. Litigation is usually expensive and diverts management’s attention and
resources, which could adversely affect our business and cash resources and our ability to consummate a potential strategic transaction
or the ultimate value our stockholders receive in any such transaction.
We
continue, and in the future expect, to incur losses .
Successful
evaluation and completion of our remaining development programs and our transition to normal operations are dependent upon obtaining
necessary regulatory approvals from the FDA prior to selling our products within the United States, and foreign regulatory approvals
must be obtained to sell our products internationally. There can be no assurance that we will receive regulatory approval of any of our
product candidates, and a substantial amount of time may pass before we achieve a level of revenues adequate to support our operations.
We expect to incur substantial expenditures in connection with our research and development programs, our strategic evaluation process,
as well as the regulatory approval process with FDA and other agencies for each of our current or future product candidates during their
respective developmental periods. Obtaining marketing approval will be directly dependent on our ability to implement the necessary regulatory
steps required to obtain marketing approval in the United States and in other countries. We cannot predict the outcome of these activities.
Based
on our current cash resources and commitments, we believe we will be able to maintain our current planned activities and the corresponding
level of expenditures for at least the next 12 months, although no assurance can be given that we will not need additional funds prior
to such time. If there are unexpected increases in our operating expenses, we may need to seek additional financing during the next 12
months.
We
may need substantial additional capital in order to satisfy our business objectives.
To
date, we have financed our operations principally through offerings of securities and we may require substantial additional financing
at various intervals in order to implement any potential strategic alternative, to continue our remaining or potential future research
and development programs, including significant requirements for operating expenses including intellectual property protection and enforcement,
for pursuit of regulatory approvals, and for commercialization of our remaining or future products. We can provide no assurance that
additional funding will be available on a timely basis, on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In the event that we are unable to obtain
such financing, we may not be able to implement the actions we decide to take as part of our strategic review process, and we will not
be able to fully develop and commercialize our technology or pursue new technology. Our future capital requirements will depend upon
many factors, including:
●
the results of our strategic
review process and any new strategic direction we decide to take;
●
continued scientific progress
in our research and development programs;
●
costs and timing of conducting
clinical trials and seeking regulatory approvals and patent prosecutions;
●
competing technological
and market developments;
●
our ability to establish
additional collaborative relationships; and
●
effects of commercialization
activities and facility expansions if and as required.
16
If
we cannot secure adequate financing when needed, we may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate one or more of our existing or
planned courses of action or research and development programs, or to enter into license or other arrangements with third parties to
commercialize products or technologies that we would otherwise seek to develop ourselves and commercialize ourselves. In such event,
our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected as we may be required to scale-back,
eliminate, or delay development efforts or product introductions or enter into royalty, sales or other agreements with third parties
in order to commercialize our products.
We
have a history of losses and can provide no assurance as to our future operating results.
We do not have sufficient revenues from our research and development
activities to fully support our operations. Consequently, we have incurred net losses since inception. We currently have only licensing
revenues and no product revenues, and may not succeed in developing or commercializing any products which could generate product revenues.
We do not expect to have any products on the market for several years. In addition, development of our product candidates requires a process
of pre-clinical and clinical testing, during which our products could fail. For example, in January 2023, the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial
did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. We may not be able to enter into agreements with one or more companies experienced in
the manufacturing and marketing of therapeutic drugs and, to the extent that we are unable to do so, we will not be able to market our
product candidates. Eventual profitability will depend on our success in developing, manufacturing, and marketing our product candidates
or in pursuing a successful strategic alternative. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had working capital of approximately $137,536,000
and approximately $109,370,000, respectively, and stockholders’ equity of approximately $146,265,000 and approximately $163,821,000,
respectively. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
We
rely upon patents to protect our technology.
The
patent position of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology firms is generally uncertain and involves complex legal and factual questions.
We do not know whether any of our current or future patent applications will result in the issuance of any patents. Even issued patents
may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Patents may not provide a competitive advantage or afford protection against competitors
with similar technology. Competitors or potential competitors may have filed applications for, or may have received patents and may obtain
additional and proprietary rights to compounds or processes used by or competitive with ours. In addition, laws of certain foreign countries
do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
Patent
litigation is widespread in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and we cannot predict how this will affect our efforts to
form strategic alliances, conduct clinical testing or manufacture and market any products under development. If challenged, our patents
may not be held valid. We could also become involved in interference proceedings in connection with one or more of our patents or patent
applications to determine priority of invention. If we become involved in any litigation, interference or other administrative proceedings,
we will likely incur substantial expenses and the efforts of our technical and management personnel will be significantly diverted. In
addition, an adverse determination could subject us to significant liabilities or require us to seek licenses that may not be available
on favorable terms, if at all. We may be restricted or prevented from manufacturing and selling our products in the event of an adverse
determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding or if we fail to obtain necessary licenses.
17
We
may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights and we may be liable for infringing the intellectual property rights of others.
Our
ability to compete effectively will depend on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies. We currently hold several
pending patent applications in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, India, Hong Kong, Japan and China for our technologies covering
oral administration of insulin and other proteins and oral administration of exenatide and proteins and 140 patents issued by the United
States and various other countries’ patent offices that cover a part of our technology, which allows for the oral delivery of proteins;
patents issued by various patent offices that cover part of our technology for the oral delivery of exenatide; and patents issued by
patent offices for treating diabetes. Further, we rely on a combination of trade secrets and non-disclosure and other contractual agreements
and technical measures to protect our rights in our technology. We depend upon confidentiality agreements with our officers, directors,
employees, consultants, and subcontractors, as well as collaborative partners, to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology.
These measures may not afford us sufficient or complete protection, and others may independently develop technology similar to ours,
otherwise avoid our confidentiality agreements, or produce patents that would materially and adversely affect our business, prospects,
financial condition and results of operations. We believe that our technology is not subject to any infringement actions based upon the
patents of any third parties; however, our technology may in the future be found to infringe upon the rights of others. Others may assert
infringement claims against us or against companies to which we have licensed our technology, and if we should be found to infringe upon
their patents, or otherwise impermissibly utilize their intellectual property, our ability to continue to use our technology could be
materially restricted or prohibited. If this event occurs, we may be required to obtain licenses from the holders of this intellectual
property, enter into royalty agreements, or redesign our products so as not to utilize this intellectual property, each of which may
prove to be uneconomical or otherwise impossible. Licenses or royalty agreements required in order for us to use this technology may
not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. These claims could result in litigation, which could materially adversely affect
our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Further, we may need to indemnify companies to which we licensed
our technology in the event that such technology is found to infringe upon the rights of others.
Our
commercial success will also depend significantly on our ability to operate without infringing the patents and other proprietary rights
of third parties. Patent applications are, in many cases, maintained in secrecy until patents are issued. The publication of discoveries
in the scientific or patent literature frequently occurs substantially later than the date on which the underlying discoveries were made
and patent applications are filed. In the event of infringement or violation of another party’s patent, we may be prevented from
pursuing product development or commercialization. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business— Intellectual Property
and Patents.”
Our
success was primarily dependent on the successful commercialization of our oral insulin capsule.
The
successful commercialization of our principal product, the oral insulin capsule, was crucial for our success. On January 12, 2023, we
announced top-line results from the phase 3 trial of our oral insulin capsule, which did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints,
and indicated that we expect to discontinue oral insulin clinical activities for T2D. At present, following the results of the ORA-D-013-1
Phase 3 trial, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters
responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we submitted a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to the FDA. . Concurrently,
we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities. Even if we succeed
in commencing a new clinical trial for our oral insulin capsule, there are a variety of risks and uncertainties related to its development.
Principally, these risks include the following:
●
Future clinical trial results
may show the same results as the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial;
●
Future clinical trial results
may be inconsistent with previous preliminary testing results and data from our earlier trials may be inconsistent with clinical
data;
18
●
Even if our oral insulin
capsule is shown to be safe and effective for its intended purposes in future clinical trials, we may face significant or unforeseen
difficulties in obtaining or manufacturing sufficient quantities or at reasonable prices;
●
Our ability to complete
the development and commercialization of the oral insulin capsule for our intended use is significantly dependent upon our ability
to obtain and maintain experienced and committed partners to assist us with obtaining clinical and regulatory approvals for, and
the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of, the oral insulin capsule on a worldwide basis;
●
Even if our oral insulin
capsule is successfully developed, commercially produced and receives all necessary regulatory approvals, there is no guarantee that
there will be market acceptance of our product; and
●
Our competitors may develop
therapeutics or other treatments which are superior or less costly than our own with the result that our products, even if they are
successfully developed, manufactured and approved, may not generate significant revenues.
Our
business may be seriously harmed if our analysis does not produce positive results, if we are unable to find a path forward to continue
development of our oral insulin capsule, if we are unsuccessful in realizing new strategic opportunities or dealing with any of these
risks, or if we are unable to successfully commercialize our oral insulin capsule for some other reason.
We
have limited experience in conducting clinical trials.
Clinical
trials must meet FDA and foreign regulatory requirements. We have limited experience in designing, conducting and managing the preclinical
trials and clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates in any country. In the past, we entered
into agreements with Integrium LLC and other consultants to assist us in designing, conducting and managing our various clinical trials
in the United States, Europe and Israel. Any failure of a consultant to fulfill their obligations could result in significant additional
costs as well as delays in designing, consulting and completing clinical trials on our products.
Our
clinical trials may encounter delays, suspensions or other problems.
We
may encounter problems in clinical trials that may cause us or the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies to delay, suspend or terminate
our clinical trials at any phase. These problems could include the possibility that we may not be able to conduct clinical trials at
our preferred sites, enroll a sufficient number of patients for our clinical trials at one or more sites or begin or successfully complete
clinical trials in a timely fashion, if at all. For example, the rate of enrollment for our Phase 1 clinical trial for our oral COVID-19
vaccine in South Africa was slower than anticipated due to several factors, including the fact that many volunteers did not qualify during
screening due to prior asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and other conditions, and as a result we had to add an additional clinical site.
Furthermore, we, the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies may suspend clinical trials at any time if we or they believe the subjects participating
in the trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks or if we or they find deficiencies in the clinical trial process or conduct
of the investigation. If clinical trials of any of the product candidates fail, we will not be able to market the product candidate which
is the subject of the failed clinical trials. The FDA and foreign regulatory agencies could also require additional clinical trials,
which would result in increased costs and significant development delays. Our failure to adequately demonstrate the safety and effectiveness
of a pharmaceutical product candidate under development could delay or prevent regulatory approval of the product candidate and could
have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. For example, see “Item
1. Business—Description of Business— Research and Development” regarding the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial
that did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted clinical trials generally in recent years,
and we experienced approximately six months of delays in clinical trials due to slow-downs of recruitment for trials generally related
to COVID-19. We may experience further delays in site initiation and patient enrollment, failures to comply with study protocols, delays
in the manufacture of our product candidates for clinical testing and other difficulties in starting or competing our clinical trials.
19
Initial
success in the completed and ongoing early-stage clinical trials does not ensure success in later stage trials, regulatory approval or
commercial viability of a product.
Positive
results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials. Additionally, success in preclinical work or
early stage clinical trials does not ensure that later stage or larger scale clinical trials will be successful or that regulatory approval
will be obtained. Any of our product’s failure to show sufficient efficacy in patients with the targeted indication, or if such
studies are discontinued for any other reason, could negatively impact our development and commercialization goals for these products
and our stock price could decline. Many companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical
trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. As a result, preliminary
and interim data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available. We have invested in clinical studies of medicines
that have not met the primary clinical endpoints in their Phase 3 studies or have been discontinued for other reasons. For example, in
January 2023, we reported that ORA-D-013-1 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoint. Even if later stage clinical trials
are successful, regulatory authorities may delay or decline approval of our product candidates.
There
are a number of factors that could cause a clinical study to fail or be delayed, including: (i) the clinical study may produce negative
or inconclusive results; (ii) regulators may require that we hold, suspend or terminate clinical research for noncompliance with regulatory
requirements; (iii) we, our partners, the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities could suspend or terminate a clinical study due to adverse
side effects of a product on subjects or lack of efficacy in the trial; (iv) we, or our partners, may decide, or regulators may require
us, to conduct additional preclinical testing or clinical studies; (v) change in rates of enrollment and dropout among clinical trial
participants; (vi) differences in the size and type of the patient populations; (vii) changes in and adherence to the dosing regimen
and other clinical trial protocols; and (viii) people who enroll in the clinical study may later drop out due to adverse events, a perception
they are not benefiting from participating in the study, fatigue with the clinical study process or personal or other issues. The occurrence
of any of these events could result in significant costs and expense, have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations and/or cause our stock price to decline or experience periods of volatility.
Clinical
trials of our products conducted by third parties may encounter delays, suspensions or other problems and are outside of our control.
Third
parties who conduct clinical trials of our products may encounter problems that may cause delays, suspensions or other problems at any
phase. These problems could include the possibility that they may not be able to conduct clinical trials at their preferred sites, enroll
a sufficient number of patients for their clinical trials at one or more sites or begin or successfully complete clinical trials in a
timely fashion, if at all. For example, the rate of enrollment for our Phase 1 clinical trial for our oral COVID-19 vaccine in South
Africa was slower than anticipated due to several factors, including the fact that many volunteers did not qualify during screening due
to prior asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and other conditions, and as a result we had to add an additional clinical site. In addition,
these third parties are not controlled by us and may conduct these trials in a manner in which we disagree or which may prove to be unsuccessful.
Furthermore, domestic or foreign regulatory agencies may suspend clinical trials at any time if they believe the subjects participating
in the trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks or if they find deficiencies in the clinical trial process or conduct of
the investigation. If such clinical trials conducted by third parties fail, it could have a material adverse effect on our business,
prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
20
We
can provide no assurance that our products will obtain regulatory approval or that the results of clinical trials will be favorable.
The
testing, marketing and manufacturing of any of our products will require the approval of the FDA or regulatory agencies of other countries.
We cannot predict with any certainty the amount of time necessary to obtain regulatory approvals, including from the FDA or other foreign
regulatory authorities, and whether any such approvals will ultimately be granted. In any event, review and approval by the regulatory
bodies is anticipated to take a number of years. Preclinical and clinical trials may reveal that one or more of our products are ineffective
or unsafe, in which event further development of such products could be seriously delayed or terminated. For example, in January 2023,
we announced that our ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As a result, we decided to terminate
our ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trial, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific
parameters, responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we submitted a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to the FDA.
Moreover, obtaining approval for certain products may require the testing on human subjects of substances whose effects on humans are
not fully understood or documented. Delays in obtaining necessary regulatory approvals of any proposed product and failure to receive
such approvals would have an adverse effect on the product’s potential commercial success and on our business, prospects, financial
condition and results of operations. In addition, it is possible that a product may be found to be ineffective or unsafe due to conditions
or facts which arise after development has been completed and regulatory approvals have been obtained. In this event we may be required
to withdraw such product from the market. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business—Government Regulation.”
We
are dependent upon third party suppliers of our raw materials and for other services.
We
are dependent on outside vendors for our entire supply of the oral insulin capsules and do not currently have any long-term agreements
in place for the supply of oral insulin capsules, which is still necessary if we decide to continue development of these projects. While
we believe that there are numerous sources of supply available, if the third party suppliers were to cease production, or otherwise fail
to supply us with quality raw materials in sufficient quantities on a timely basis and we were unable to contract on acceptable terms
for these services with alternative suppliers, our ability to produce our products and to conduct testing and clinical trials would be
materially adversely affected.
We
rely on suppliers, vendors, outsourcing partners, alliance partners and other third parties to research, develop, manufacture, commercialize,
co-promote and sell our products, manage certain marketing, IT, data and other business unit and functional services and meet their contractual,
regulatory and other obligations. Using these third parties poses a number of risks, such as: (i) they may not perform to our standards
or legal requirements, for example, in relation to the outsourcing of significant clinical development activities for innovative medicines
to some CROs; (ii) they may not produce reliable products; (iii) they may not perform in a timely manner; (iv) they may not maintain
confidentiality of our proprietary information; (v) they may incur a significant cyberattack or business disruption; (vi) they may be
subject to government orders or mandates that require them to give priority to the government and set aside pre-existing commercial orders;
(vii) disputes may arise with respect to ownership of rights to technology developed with our partners; and (viii) disagreements could
cause delays in, or termination of, the research, development or commercialization of the product or result in litigation or arbitration.
The failure of any critical third party to meet its obligations; to adequately deploy business continuity plans in the event of a crisis;
and/or to satisfactorily resolve significant disagreements with us or address other factors, could have a material adverse impact on
our operations and results. In addition, if these third parties violate, or are alleged to have violated, any laws or regulations, including
the local pharmaceutical code, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practice Act of 1977, the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, the EU’s General Data
Protection Regulations, and other similar laws and regulations, during the performance of their obligations for us, we could suffer financial
and reputational harm or other negative outcomes, including possible legal consequences.
We
may not realize a return on the ordinary shares of DNA and Entera and the common stock of Scilex and BioXcel that we own.
DNA’s
ordinary shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and Entera’s ordinary shares and Scilex’s and BioXcel’s common
stock are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, which are subject to market fluctuations. In addition, the shares of Scilex, DNA and Entera
have historically experienced low trading volume compared to the level of shares we hold. As a result, there is no guarantee that we
will be able to resell those shares at the prevailing market prices or that we will realize a positive return on such shares.
Because we may from time
to time maintain a significant percentage of our assets in cash and/or securities, we may in the future be deemed to be an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 resulting in additional costs and regulatory burdens.
Currently, we believe that either we are not within the definition
of “Investment Company” as the term is defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the 1940 Act, or, alternatively,
we may rely on one or more of the 1940 Act’s exemptions. As of December 31, 2024, we held approximately 1.4% of DNA’s outstanding
ordinary shares, approximately 0.3% of Entera’s outstanding ordinary shares, and beneficially own approximately 15.7% of BioXcel’s
outstanding common stock. Further, we hold the Tranche A Note and Tranche B Note and in consideration of deferring Scilex’s first
amortization payment under the Tranche B Note to October 8, 2026, we received, in addition to a nominal payment, 2,500,000 shares of Scilex
Common Stock. We have also investments in real estate and real estate lending transactions as described elsewhere in this Annual
Report. In order not to be regulated as an investment company under the 1940 Act, unless we can qualify for an exclusion,
we must ensure that we are engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and that our activities
do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our
total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We intend to continue to conduct our
operations and ongoing investments into DNA, BioXcel, Entera and Scilex and our real estate transaction in a manner that will exempt us
from the registration requirements of the 1940 Act. If we were to be deemed to be an investment company because of our investments,
we would be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Alternatively, to continue qualifying for the
exemption, we could be required to dispose of the securities holdings or other investments, which could have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The 1940 Act places significant restrictions on the capital structure
and corporate governance of a registered investment company and materially restricts its ability to conduct transactions with affiliates.
Compliance with the 1940 Act could also increase our operating costs. Such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
21
We
may not realize the full benefit from our distribution license agreement with Medicox.
Our
distribution license agreement with Medicox provides that Medicox will comply with agreed distribution targets and will purchase ORMD-0801
at an agreed upon transfer price per capsule and pay us up to $15,000,000 in developmental milestones, $2,000,000 of which have already
been received by us. If we are not successful in finding a mutually agreed way to continue our collaboration following the results of
the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, or if Medicox is not successful in independently advancing the oral insulin candidate, we may not realize
the benefits from this collaboration.
We
are highly dependent upon our ability to enter into agreements with collaborative partners to develop, commercialize and market our products.
Our
long-term strategy is to ultimately seek a strategic commercial partner, or partners, such as large pharmaceutical companies, with extensive
experience in the development, commercialization, and marketing of insulin applications and/or other orally digestible drugs. Such planned
strategic partnership, or partnerships, may provide a marketing and sales infrastructure for our products as well as financial and operational
support for global clinical trials, post marketing trials, label expansions and other regulatory requirements concerning future clinical
development in the United States and elsewhere. We currently lack the resources to manufacture any of our product candidates on a large
scale and we have no sales, marketing or distribution capabilities. In the event we are not able to enter into a collaborative agreement
with a partner, or partners, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, we may be unable to commercialize our products, which would
have a material adverse effect upon our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
The
biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological developments and a high degree of competition.
We may be unable to compete with more substantial enterprises.
The
biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological developments and a high degree of competition.
As a result, our products could become obsolete before we recoup any portion of our related research and development and commercialization
expenses. These industries are highly competitive, and this competition comes both from biotechnology firms and from major pharmaceutical
and chemical companies. Many of these companies have substantially greater financial, marketing and human resources than we do (including,
in some cases, substantially greater experience in clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products). We also
experience competition in the development of our products from universities and other research institutions and compete with others in
acquiring technology from such universities and institutions. We face the risk that new market entrants and existing competition may
try to replicate our business model or introduce a more innovative offering that renders our services less competitive or obsolete. In
addition, our research and development efforts may target diseases and conditions for which there are existing therapies or therapies
that are being developed by our competitors. Further, any products resulting from our research and development efforts might not be able
to compete successfully with others’ existing and future products. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business—Competition.”
Our
financial position or results could be negatively affected by product liability claims.
It
is possible that we will be responsible for potential product liability stemming from product research, development or manufacturing
and may face an even greater risk if any product candidate that we develop is commercialized. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves
against claims that products we develop independently or with our partners caused injuries, we could incur substantial liabilities. Regardless
of the merit or eventual outcome of such claims, any liability claims may result in, among other things, decreased demand for any product
that we may develop, loss of revenues, significant time and costs to defend the related litigation, initiation of investigations by regulators
and injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention. On occasion, large judgments have been awarded in class action
lawsuits based on drugs or medical treatments that had unanticipated adverse effects. Our clinical trials are covered by liability insurance,
but notwithstanding such coverage, our financial position or results could be negatively affected by product liability claims.
22
We
have limited senior management resources and may be required to obtain more resources to manage our growth.
We
expect the expansion of our business, as well as the activities we take as a result of our strategic review process, to place a significant
strain on our limited managerial, operational and financial resources. We will be required to expand our operational and financial systems
significantly and to expand, train and manage our work force in order to manage the expansion of our operations. Our failure to fully
integrate our new employees into our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition
and results of operations. Our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel is critical to our operations and expansion. We
face competition for these types of personnel from other technology companies and more established organizations, many of which have
significantly larger operations and greater financial, technical, human and other resources than we have. We may not be successful in
attracting and retaining qualified personnel on a timely basis, on competitive terms or at all. If we are not successful in attracting
and retaining these personnel, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Item 1.
Business—Description of Business—Employees.”
We
depend upon our senior management and skilled personnel and their loss or unavailability could put us at a competitive disadvantage.
We
currently depend upon the efforts and abilities of our senior executives, as well as the services of several key consultants and other
key personnel, including Dr. Miriam Kidron, our Chief Scientific Officer. The loss or unavailability of the services of any of these
individuals for any significant period of time could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and
results of operations. We do not maintain “key man” life insurance policies for any of our senior executives. In addition,
recruiting and retaining qualified scientific personnel to perform future research and development work will be critical to our success.
There is currently a shortage of employees with expertise in developing, manufacturing and commercialization of products and related
clinical and regulatory affairs, and this shortage is likely to continue. Competition for skilled personnel is intense and turnover rates
are high. Our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel may be limited. Our inability to attract and retain qualified skilled
personnel would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Our
existing and any future joint ventures may limit our flexibility with jointly owned investments and we may not realize the benefits we
expect from these arrangements.
We
are currently party to certain joint ventures, and we may in the future sell or contribute additional assets or acquire, develop or recapitalize
assets to or in these joint ventures or other joint ventures that we may enter.
Our
participation in our existing joint ventures is subject to risks, including the following:
●
We share approval rights
over certain major decisions affecting the ownership or operation of the joint ventures and any assets owned by the joint ventures;
●
We may need to contribute
additional capital in order to preserve, maintain or grow the joint ventures and their investments;
●
Our joint venture investors
may have economic or other business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals and that could
affect our ability to fully benefit from the assets owned by the joint ventures;
●
Our joint venture investors
may be subject to different laws or regulations than us, which could create conflicts of interest;
●
Our joint ventures may
have license and other agreements with other investors, which we are not party to and have no control over;
●
Our ability to sell our
interests in, or sell additional assets to, the joint ventures or the joint ventures’ ability to sell additional interests
of, or assets owned by, the joint ventures when we so desire are subject to the approval rights of the other joint venture investors
under the terms of the agreements governing the joint ventures; and
●
Disagreements with our
joint venture investors could result in litigation or arbitration that could be expensive and distracting to management and could
delay important decisions.
23
Any
of the foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further,
these, similar, enhanced or additional risks, including possible risks of the other joint venture investors having licensed assets to
the joint venture, may apply to any future additional or amended joint ventures that we may enter into.
Healthcare
policy changes, including pending legislation recently adopted and further proposals still pending to reform the U.S. healthcare system,
may harm our future business.
Healthcare
costs have risen significantly over the past decade. There have been and continue to be proposals by legislators, regulators and third-party
payors to keep these costs down. Certain proposals, if passed, would impose limitations on the prices we will be able to charge for the
products that we are developing, or the amounts of reimbursement available for these products from governmental agencies or third-party
payors. These limitations could in turn reduce the amount of revenues that we will be able to generate in the future from sales of our
products and licenses of our technology.
In
2010, the federal government enacted healthcare reform legislation that has significantly impacted the pharmaceutical industry. In addition
to requiring most individuals to have health insurance and establishing new regulations on health plans, this legislation requires discounts
under the Medicare drug benefit program and increased rebates on drugs covered by Medicaid. In addition, the legislation imposes an annual
fee, which has increased annually, on sales by branded pharmaceutical manufacturers. There can be no assurance that our business will
not be materially adversely affected by these increased rebates, fees and other provisions. In addition, these and other initiatives
in the United States may continue the pressure on drug pricing, especially under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and may also increase
regulatory burdens and operating costs. The announcement or adoption of any such initiative could have an adverse effect on potential
revenues from any product that we may successfully develop. An expansion in government’s role in the U.S. healthcare industry may
lower the future revenues for the products we are developing and adversely affect our future business, possibly materially.
In
September 2017, members of the U.S. Congress introduced legislation with the announced intention to repeal and replace major provisions
of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or the ACA. In addition to those efforts, on October 12, 2017, an executive order
was issued that modified certain aspects of the ACA. Following several years of litigation in the federal courts, in June 2021, the U.S.
Supreme Court upheld the ACA when it dismissed a legal challenge to the ACA’s constitutionality. Further attempts to repeal or
to repeal and replace the ACA may continue. In addition, various other healthcare reform proposals have also emerged at the federal and
state level. We cannot predict what healthcare initiatives, if any, will be implemented at the federal or state level, or the effect
any future legislation or regulation will have on us.
We
are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
A
considerable amount of our expenses are generated in dollars or in dollar-linked currencies, but a significant portion of our expenses
such as some clinical trials and payroll costs are generated in other currencies such as NIS and Euro. Most of the time, our non-dollar
assets are not totally offset by non-dollar liabilities. Due to the foregoing and to the fact that our financial results are measured
in dollars, our results could be adversely affected as a result of a strengthening or weakening of the dollar compared to these other
currencies. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the dollar depreciated in relation to the NIS, which raised the
dollar cost of our Israeli based operations and adversely affected our financial results, while during the year ended December 31, 2022,
2023 and 2024, the dollar increased in relation to the NIS, which reduced the dollar cost of our Israeli based operations costs. In addition,
our results could also be adversely affected if we are unable to guard against currency fluctuations in the future. Although we may in
the future decide to undertake foreign exchange hedging transactions to cover a portion of our foreign currency exchange exposure, we
currently do not hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risks. These transactions, however, may not adequately protect us from
future currency fluctuations and, even if they do protect us, may involve operational or financing costs we would not otherwise incur.
24
We
face uncertainties related to Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine.
We
face uncertainties related to Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine, including uncertainties related to the risk that our continued development
programs may not be successful, commercially viable or receive approval from regulatory authorities. Other companies may produce superior
or competitive oral or other products that make Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine not commercially worthwhile. Even if we succeed
in developing the product, the demand for any product we may develop may no longer exist, given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic,
including possible decreased demand for vaccines due to weaker strains, the need for different vaccines for new variants of the virus
or an end of the pandemic that may render Oravax’s vaccine obsolete.
Risks
Related to Our Real Estate Investments
Our
investments in real estate may expose us to market and liquidity risks that could adversely affect our financial condition and results
of operations. On November 7, 2024, our Board approved investments of up to $10,000,000 in real estate assets, and additional investments
of up to $20,000,000 On February 13, 2025. While we believe these investments present attractive opportunities, the real estate market
is subject to fluctuations due to economic conditions, interest rate changes, and other external factors beyond our control. A downturn
in the real estate market or an extended period of declining property values could negatively impact the returns on our investments.
Additionally, real estate investments tend to be relatively illiquid, which may limit our ability to quickly exit or reallocate capital
in response to market changes. Since our approach focuses on entrepreneurial real estate investments rather than direct property ownership
or management, we are also exposed to risks associated with deal execution, market timing, and the financial health of investment partners
or counterparties. If any of these risks materialize, they could adversely affect our financial position and ability to generate anticipated
returns.
Risks
Related to the Notes
We
have lent a substantial amount of funds to Scilex. In the event that Scilex is unable to service its obligations under the Note and defaults
on such Note, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.
On September 21, 2023, we were issued the Tranche A Note in an aggregate
principal amount of $101,875,000 by Scilex pursuant to the Scilex SPA. The Note originally matured on March 21, 2025 and is payable in
six principal installments, with the first installment paid on December 21, 2023. In January 2025, we extended Tranche A Note maturity
from March 21, 2025 to December 31, 2025. Interest under the Note accrues at a fluctuating per annum interest rate equal to the sum of
(1) the greater of (x) four percent (4%) and (y) Term SOFR (as defined in the Note) and (2) eight and one half percent (8.5%), payable
in-kind on a monthly basis.
On
October 7, 2024, we entered into an agreement to refinance a portion of the Tranche A Note and pay off certain other indebtedness of
Scilex. We were issued an aggregate principal amount of $25,000,000 under the Tranche B Note and 3,750,000 Tranche B Warrants. In addition,
on October 8, 2024, we entered into the RPA with Scilex to holds the right to receive 4% royalties.
There
is no guarantee that Scilex will be able to service its repayment obligations under the Note. Although the Note is secured by a first
priority security interest in and liens on all of the assets of Scilex and its subsidiaries, no assurance can be made that Scilex will
be able to repay the Tranche A Note and Tranche B Notes, or the Notes, when due or that we will be able to foreclose on such assets and
recover enough value upon the sale of such assets to repay the amounts owed to us. In such an event, we could lose all or a substantial
portion of our loan investment. Additionally, Scilex has disclosed in its periodic reports filed with the SEC that there is substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. If Scilex is unable to continue as a going concern or defaults on the Notes,
we may be unable to recover some or all of the principal amount of the Note, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
We
may have difficulty realizing the full value of the Warrants.
The
Closing Penny Warrant will be exercisable upon the earliest of (i) March 14, 2025, (ii) the date on which the Note has been repaid in
full, and (iii) the Management Sale Trigger Date (as defined therein), if any, and will expire on the date that is the fifth anniversary
of the issuance date. For purposes of the Penny Warrants, the Management Sale Trigger Date is generally the first date that certain members
of Scilex management engage in certain sales or other similar transfers of shares of Scilex Common Stock or other of Scilex’s or
any of its subsidiaries’ securities, subject to certain exceptions as are customary for lock-up agreements executed by directors
and officers in connection with financings or similar transactions.
25
The
Subsequent Penny Warrants will vest and become exercisable on the date that is the later of (i) Subsequent Penny Warrant Vesting Date,
and (ii) the earliest of (A) March 14, 2025, (B) the date on which the Note has been repaid in full and (C) the Management Sale Trigger
Date, if any. Each Subsequent Penny Warrant will expire on the date that is the fifth anniversary of the issuance date; provided that,
if the Notes are repaid in full prior to the Subsequent Penny Warrant Vesting Date applicable to such Subsequent Penny Warrant, such
Subsequent Penny Warrant will expire on the date the Notes are repaid in full.
Because of the foregoing restrictions on exercisability of the Closing
Penny Warrant and the Subsequent Penny Warrants, we may not be able to exercise the Warrants for shares of Scilex Common Stock at a time
when it would be financially beneficial for us to do so. Accordingly, there is no guarantee that we will be able to realize the full or
any value of the Warrants.
Risks
Related to our Common Stock
Future
sales of our common stock by our existing stockholders could adversely affect our stock price.
The
market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market, or
the perception that these sales could occur. We experienced a significant decline in the market price of our common stock and a significant
increase in trading volume after announcing the results of our ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial in January 2023. Any strategic decision we make
as a result of our strategic review process may also negatively affect our common stock price or cause volatility in the market price
of our common stock. Sales of large amounts of our securities or large variations in trading volume might make it more difficult for
us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. As of March 27, 2025, we had outstanding
40,850,455 shares of common stock, a large majority of which are freely tradable. Giving effect to the exercise in full of all of our
outstanding warrants, options and restricted stock units, or RSUs, including those currently unexercisable or unvested, we would have
outstanding 44,599,618 shares of common stock.
Our
issuance of warrants, options and RSUs to investors, employees and consultants may have a negative effect on the trading prices of our
common stock as well as a dilutive effect.
We
have issued and may continue to issue warrants, options, RSUs and convertible notes at, above or below the current market price. As of
March 27, 2025, we had outstanding warrants exercisable for 20,000 shares of common stock at a weighed average exercise price of $4.13
and options exercisable for 1,548,633 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $7.09. We also had outstanding RSUs
for 589,781 shares of common stock. In addition to the dilutive effect of a large number of shares of common stock and a low exercise
price for the warrants and options, there is a potential that a large number of underlying shares of common stock may be sold in the
open market at any given time, which could place downward pressure on the trading of our common stock.
Because
we will not pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, investors may have to sell shares of our common stock in order to realize their
investment.
We
have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to
retain future earnings, if any, for reinvestment in the development and expansion of our business. Any credit agreements which we may
enter into with institutional lenders or otherwise may restrict our ability to pay dividends. Whether we pay cash dividends in the future
will be at the discretion of our Board and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements
and any other factors that our Board decides is relevant.
26
Our
failure to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing requirements could result in the delisting of
our common stock.
Our
common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. In order to maintain this listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and
other requirements. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) requires the minimum bid price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market to
remain above $1.00. If the bid price of our common stock closes below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, we would be in
violation of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we would have 180 calendar days to
regain compliance with the minimum bid requirement.
While
we intend to engage in efforts to maintain compliance, and thus maintain our listing, there can be no assurance that we will continue
to meet all applicable Nasdaq Capital Market requirements in the future, especially in light of any strategic transaction we may choose
to undertake. If our common stock were removed from listing with the Nasdaq Capital Market, it may be subject to the so-called “penny
stock” rules. The SEC has adopted regulations that define a “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market
price per share of less than $5.00, subject to certain exceptions, such as any securities listed on a national securities exchange, which
is the exception on which we currently rely. For any transaction involving a “penny stock,” unless exempt, the rules impose
additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers, subject to certain exceptions. If our common stock were delisted and determined
to be a “penny stock,” a broker-dealer may find it more difficult to trade our common stock and an investor may find it more
difficult to acquire or dispose of our common stock on the secondary market.
If
our common stock is delisted and there is no longer an active trading market for our shares, it may, among other things: cause stockholders
difficulty in selling our shares without depressing the market price for the shares or selling our shares at all; substantially impair
our ability to raise additional funds; result in a loss of institutional investor interest and fewer financing opportunities for us;
and/or result in costly litigation, significant liabilities and diversion of our management’s time and attention and could have
a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations.
A
delisting would also reduce the value of our equity compensation plans, which could negatively impact our ability to retain employees.
As
the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, this may make it difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock
when you want or at prices you find attractive.
The
price of our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and constantly changes.
In recent years, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. We expect that the market price of
our common stock will continue to fluctuate. These fluctuations may result from a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control.
For example, we experienced a significant decline in the market price of our common stock after announcing the results of our ORA-D-013-1
Phase 3 trial in January 2023. These factors include:
●
market acceptance of our
new strategy, once determined and announced;
●
clinical trial results
and the timing of the release of such results;
●
the amount of cash resources
and our ability to obtain additional funding;
●
announcements of research
activities, business developments, technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors;
●
entering into or terminating
strategic relationships;
●
changes in government regulation;
●
departure of key personnel;
●
disputes concerning patents
or proprietary rights;
27
●
changes in expense level;
●
future sales of our equity
or equity-related securities;
●
public concern regarding
the safety, efficacy or other aspects of the products or methodologies being developed;
●
activities of various interest
groups or organizations;
●
media coverage; and
●
status of the investment
markets.
Future
sales of common stock or the issuance of securities senior to our common stock or convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for,
our common stock could materially adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, and our ability to raise funds in new equity
offerings.
Future
sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including pursuant to any strategic opportunity, the ATM Agreement (as defined below),
or other equity-related securities in the public market or privately, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely
affect prevailing trading prices of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity
or other equity-related securities. We anticipate that we will need to raise capital through offerings of equity and equity related securities.
We can make no prediction as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of our common stock or equity-related securities, or
the availability of shares of common stock for future sale, will have on the trading price of our common stock.
Our
stockholders may experience significant dilution as a result of any additional financing using our equity securities.
To
the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, including in connection with any strategic opportunity or pursuant
to the ATM Agreement, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. Additionally, we may, from time to time or in connection
with a strategic alternative, issue additional shares of common stock at a discount from the current trading price of our common stock.
As a result, our stockholders would experience immediate dilution upon the purchase of any shares of our common stock sold at such discount.
In addition, as opportunities present themselves, we may enter into financing or similar arrangements in the future, including the issuance
of convertible debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. If we issue common stock or securities convertible into common stock,
our common stockholders would experience additional dilution and, as a result, our stock price may decline.
Risks
Related to JV Agreement
If
we fail to complete the transactions contemplated under the JV Agreement as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement with HTIT , if
such joint venture is not successful, or if we fail to realize the benefits we anticipate from such joint venture, we may not be able
to capitalize on the full market potential of our drug products and technology.
In
joint ventures, we share ownership and management of a company with one or more parties who may not have the same goals, strategies,
priorities, business incentives or resources as we do and may compete with us outside the joint venture. Joint ventures are intended
to be operated for the benefit of all co-owners, rather than for our exclusive benefit. Operating a business as a joint venture often
requires additional organizational formalities as well as time-consuming procedures for sharing information and making decisions that
must further take into consideration our partners’ interests. In joint ventures, we are required to foster our relationships with our
co-owners as well as promote the overall success of the joint venture, and if a co-owner changes, relationships deteriorate or strategic
objectives diverge, our success in the joint venture may be materially adversely affected. Further, because most of the benefits from
a successful joint venture are shared among the co-owners, we do not receive all the benefits from our successful joint ventures.
28
In
addition, because we share ownership and management with one or more parties, we may have limited control over the actions of a joint
venture, particularly when we own a minority interest. As a result, we may be unable to prevent violations of applicable laws or other
misconduct by a joint venture, adverse human rights or other impacts or the failure to satisfy contractual obligations by one or more
parties. Moreover, a joint venture may not be subject to the same financial reporting, corporate governance or compliance approaches
that we follow. To the extent another party makes decisions that negatively impact the joint venture or internal control issues arise
within the joint venture, we may have to take responsive actions, or we may be subject to penalties, fines or other punitive actions
or suffer reputational harm for these activities.
The
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, is subject to the satisfaction
or waiver of certain other closing conditions.
If
we do not successfully complete the closing conditions, this may harm our ability to complete the transactions contemplated by the JV
Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, as well as additional clinical trials and marketing of our oral insulin candidate.
In addition, this may cause irreparable harm to our financial position and business operations.
Furthermore,
there can be no assurances that OraTech will receive the necessary regulatory approvals for the Phase 3 oral insulin trial in the United
States or that our drug products and our technology will be developed and commercialized successfully. In addition, OraTech will subject
us to a number of risks including risks relating to the lack of full control of OraTech, potential disagreements with HTIT about how
to manage OraTech that may result in the delay or termination of the commercialization of our products or product candidates or that
result in costly litigation or arbitration that diverts management attention and resources, conflicting interests of OraTech, and OraTech
and its business not being profitable.
While
we believe that our board representation, voting rights and other contractual rights with respect to OraTech will serve to mitigate some
of these risks, we may have disagreements with the other directors and HTIT that could impair our ability to influence OraTech to act
in a manner that we believe is in the best interest of us.
We
may not complete the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement.
Pursuant
to the Supplemental Agreement, the Initial Closing will be April 30, 2025. Subject to the completion and satisfaction of applicable closing
conditions, the Second Closing shall occur on a date specified in the applicable closing notice, which such date shall be no later than
the fifth business day after the satisfaction or waiver of the applicable closing conditions, provided, however, that the Second Closing
shall not be consummated before April 30, 2025 unless the shares of OraTech’s common stock have been approved for listing and trading
on the Nasdaq Stock Market prior to April 30, 2025. In the event the parties fail to consummate the Second Closing on or before April
30, 2025, solely due to the failure of not achieving the Listing, the parties agreed to consummate the Second Closing on or before May
31, 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions with respect to the Second Closing may be terminated by either HTIT or us if
the Second Closing has not occurred by September 1, 2025, subject to certain conditions.
There
are no assurances that the applicable parties will consummate either the Initial Closing or the Second Closing, of the Spin Off or complete
the closing conditions such closings are subject to. If we do not successfully complete such closings in a timely manner, or at all,
this may harm OraTech’s ability to complete the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement and the Supplemental Agreement, which
may in turn cause irreparable harm to our financial position and business operations.
29
We
may not realize the anticipated benefits from the Spin Off, and the Spin Off could harm our business.
We
may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the Spin Off and such benefits may be delayed
or not occur at all. The Spin Off is designed to enhance strategic and management focus, provide a distinct corporate identity, and allow
us to efficiently allocate resources and deploy capital. We may not achieve these and other anticipated benefits for a variety of reasons,
including the following:
● the
Spin Off will require significant amounts of management’s time and effort, which may
divert management’s attention from operating and growing our business;
● following
the Spin Off, OraTech may be more susceptible to economic downturns and other adverse events
than if it was still a part of the Company;
● following
the Spin Off, our business will be less diversified than prior to the Spin Off;
● following
the Spin Off, our business will experience a loss of scale and access to certain financial,
managerial, and professional resources as well as product and brand power influence and recognition
with some customers from which we have benefited in the past;
● actions
required to separate the respective businesses could disrupt our operations; and
● if
we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits expected to result from the Spin Off, or if
such benefits are delayed, our business could be harmed.
Until
the Spin Off occurs, the business of OraTech will remain our business segment. Completion of the Spin Off remains subject to the satisfaction
or waiver of certain conditions.
Potential
indemnification liabilities to HTIT pursuant to the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement could materially and
adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The
JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, among other things, provides for indemnification obligations designed to
make the Company and the OraTech financially responsible for certain liabilities that may exist relating to its business activities.
If we and the OraTech are required to indemnify HTIT under the circumstances set forth in the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental
Agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities.
We
potentially could have received better terms from unaffiliated third parties than the terms we received in our agreements with OraTech
The
agreements we and OraTech entered into in connection with the Spin Off have been negotiated while OraTech is still a part of our business.
The terms of the agreements negotiated in the context of the Spin Off relate to, among other things, the allocation of assets, intellectual
property, liabilities, rights, and other obligations between OraTech and us, among others. Arm’s-length negotiations between OraTech
and an unaffiliated third-party in another form of transaction, such as a buyer in a sale of a business transaction, may have resulted
in more favorable terms to the unaffiliated third-party.
Our
business and assets will be less diversified following the Spin Off
In
connection with the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, on February 7, 2025,
we entered into that certain Asset Transfer Agreement or the Asset Transfer Agreement with OraTech and Oramed Ltd., pursuant to which,
we and Oramed Ltd. have agreed to transfer to OraTech all of our and their rights, titles, and interests in the Transferred IP, Business
Contracts, Business Information, and Regulatory Information (each as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement and collectively, or the
Transferred Assets), as part of the capital contribution to be made to OraTech, in consideration for the issuance to us of certain Shares
(as defined in the JV Agreement) in OraTech.
If
such Transferred Assets are transferred to OraTech in connection with the Spin Off, OraTech will have all rights, title and interest
in such Transferred Assets, and we will no longer have all rights, title and interest in such Transferred Assets, meaning that our business
and assets will be less diversified following the Spin Off, which may in turn affect our operations and our financial position.
30
The
financial position and business operations of the OraTech could be impacted by HTIT’s ability to perform its obligations under
certain contracts with us.
In
connection with the Spin Off, we have entered into a number of agreements with HTIT, including a supply agreement and a license agreement
that govern our ongoing relationship with HTIT. Our success depends, in part, on the maintenance of our ongoing relationship with HTIT,
HTIT’s performance of its obligations under these agreements, including HTITs maintenance of the quality of products and services
and certain other trademarks and intellectual property that we license to HTIT. If we are unable to maintain a good relationship with
HTIT, or if HTIT does not perform its obligations under our agreements with HTIT, the business of OraTech, its operations and its financial
position may be negatively impacted.
The
Spin Off may expose us to potential liabilities arising out of state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws.
If
we file for insolvency or bankruptcy within certain timeframes following the Spin Off, a court could deem the Spin Off or certain internal
restructuring transactions undertaken by us in connection therewith to be a fraudulent conveyance or transfer. Fraudulent conveyances
or transfers are defined to include transfers made or obligations incurred with the actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud current
or future creditors or transfers made or obligations incurred for less than reasonably equivalent value when the debtor was insolvent,
or that rendered the debtor insolvent, inadequately capitalized or unable to pay its debts as they become due. In such circumstances,
a court could void the transactions or impose substantial liabilities upon us, which could adversely affect our financial condition and
our results of operations. Whether a transaction is a fraudulent conveyance or transfer will vary depending upon the jurisdiction whose
law is being applied.
Risks
Related to Conducting Business in Israel
We
are affected by the political, economic and military risks of having operations in Israel.
We
have operations in the State of Israel, and we are directly affected by political, economic and security conditions in that country.
Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors
and a state of hostility, varying in degree and intensity, has led to security and economic problems for Israel. In addition, acts of
terrorism, armed conflicts or political instability in the region could negatively affect local business conditions and harm our results
of operations. We cannot predict the effect on the region of any diplomatic initiatives or political developments involving Israel or
the Palestinians or other countries and territories in the Middle East. Recent political events, including political uprisings, social
unrest and regime change, in various countries in the Middle East and North Africa have weakened the stability of those countries and
territories, which could result in extremists coming to power. In addition, Iran has threatened to attack Israel and is widely believed
to be developing nuclear weapons. Iran is also believed to have a strong influence among extremist groups in the region, such as Hamas
in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This situation has escalated in the past and may potentially escalate in the future to violent events
which may affect Israel and us. On October 7, 2023, the State of Israel was attacked by and subsequently declared war on Hamas.
Israel has been in an ongoing state of war with Hamas since that time. Following the attack by Hamas, Hezbollah, a terrorist organization
in Lebanon has also launched missile, rocket, and shooting attacks against Israeli military sites, troops, and Israeli towns in northern
Israel. In response to these attacks, the Israeli army has carried out a number of targeted strikes on sites belonging to Hezbollah in
southern Lebanon and in October 2024, the Israeli military initiated a ground operation in Lebanon, primarily near the Israel-Lebanon
border. As of the end of November 2024, Israel entered into a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but there are no guarantees as to whether
the agreement will hold or whether further hostilities will resume.
In
April and October 2024, Iran launched missile and unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, attacks on Israel. Most of the missiles and UAVs were
intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, with support from the United States and other countries, including regional allies, preventing
significant damage and resulting in no casualties. Despite the successful interceptions, the attacks posed an elevated threat to Israel’s
security.
31
In
December 2024, Ba’athist Syria, led by President Bashar al-Assad, collapsed during a major offensive by opposition forces made
up of several competing rebel groups. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces took control over a United Nations-designated buffer zone
over Mount Hermon that separates Israel and Syria. Simultaneously, Israel conducted targeted military strikes against military assets
in Syria, aiming to eliminate any chemical weapons storage sites that could be used by rebel groups and further weaken Iran’s operational
capabilities in the region. While the transitional government of Syria has indicated that it is interested in reconstruction and stability
rather than a continuation of conflicts with Israel, there are no guarantees that there will be no future escalation of hostilities or
that Syria will not permit other neighboring countries to launch attacks at Israel from its territory.
It
is possible that other terrorist organizations, including Palestinian military organizations in the West Bank, as well as other hostile
countries, such as Iran, will join the hostilities. Although we believe that there is no immediate risk to our business operations related
to these events, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if such
hostilities involving Israel continue or escalate or if trade or scientific cooperation between Israel and its current partners is interrupted
or curtailed. Moreover, we cannot predict how this war will ultimately affect Israel’s economy in general, which may involve a
downgrade in Israel’s credit rating by rating agencies (such as the recent downgrade by Moody’s of its credit rating of Israel
from A1 to A2, in October 2023 and further downgrade to Baa1 with a negative outlook in September 2024, as well as the downgrade of its
outlook rating from “stable” to “negative”). We may also be targeted by cyber terrorists specifically because
we are an Israeli-related company.
All
adult male and female permanent residents of Israel, unless exempt, may be required to perform military reserve duty annually.
Additionally, all such residents are subject to being called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances, and several
hundred thousand Israeli military reservists were drafted to perform immediate military service during the current war with Hamas
and other hostile elements, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some of our employees may in the future be obligated to perform annual
military reserve duty, although none were called up for reserves in the current war. If called up, such persons may be absent from
their positions for a lengthy period of time. We can provide no assurance that such requirements will not have a material adverse
effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations in the future, particularly if emergency
circumstances occur.
It
may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us or our officers and directors and to assert U.S. securities laws claims in Israel.
Almost
all of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States. As a result, service of process
upon us, our Israeli subsidiary and our directors and officers, may be difficult to obtain within the United States. Furthermore, because
the majority of our assets and investments, and most of our directors and officers are located outside the United States, it may be difficult
for investors to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against us or any such officers or directors. Additionally,
it may be difficult to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. Israeli courts may refuse to hear
a claim based on a violation of U.S. securities laws because Israel is not the most appropriate forum in which to bring such a claim.
In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that Israeli law and not U.S. law is applicable to such
claim. If U.S. law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable U.S. law must be proved as a fact, which can be a time-consuming
and costly process. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law.
32
Subject
to specified time limitations and legal procedures, under the rules of private international law currently prevailing in Israel, Israeli
courts may enforce a U.S. judgment in a civil matter, including a judgment based upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities
laws, as well as a monetary or compensatory judgment in a non-civil matter, provided that the following key conditions are met:
●
subject to limited exceptions,
the judgment is final and non-appealable;
●
the judgment was given
by a court competent under the laws of the state in which the court is located and is otherwise enforceable in such state;
●
the judgment was rendered
by a court competent under the rules of private international law applicable in Israel;
●
the laws of the state in
which the judgment was given provides for the enforcement of judgments of Israeli courts;
●
adequate service of process
has been effected and the defendant has had a reasonable opportunity to present its arguments and evidence;
●
the judgment and its enforcement
are not contrary to the law, public policy, security or sovereignty of the State of Israel;
●
the judgment was not obtained
by fraud and does not conflict with any other valid judgment in the same matter between the same parties; and
●
an action between the same
parties in the same matter was not pending in any Israeli court at the time the lawsuit was instituted in the U.S. court.
If
any of these conditions are not met, Israeli courts will likely not enforce the applicable U.S. judgment.
General
Risk Factors
Changes
to tax laws could have a negative effect on us or our stockholders.
At
any time, the U.S. federal or state income tax laws, or the administrative interpretations of those laws, may be amended. Federal and
state tax laws are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and state taxing authorities. Changes to the tax laws, regulations and administrative interpretations, which
may have retroactive application, could adversely affect us. Our stockholders are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors about
the potential effects that changes in law may have on them and their ownership of our securities.
Our
business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security.
Despite
the implementation of security measures, our internal computer systems, and those of third parties on which we rely, are vulnerable to
damage from computer viruses, malware, natural disasters, terrorism, war, telecommunication and electrical failures, cyber-attacks or
cyber-intrusions over the Internet, attachments to emails, persons inside our organization, or persons with access to systems inside
our organization. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attacks or cyber intrusion, including by computer
hackers, foreign governments, and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted
attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. If such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations,
it could result in a material disruption of our product development programs. For example, the loss of clinical trial data from completed
or ongoing or planned clinical trials could result in delays in our clinical trial efforts and significantly increase our costs to recover
or reproduce the data. To the extent that any disruption or security breach was to result in a loss of or damage to our data or applications,
or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur material legal claims and liability, and damage
to our reputation, and the further development of our product candidates could be delayed.
33
We
also maintain compliance programs to address the potential applicability of restrictions against trading while in possession of material,
nonpublic information generally and in connection with a cyber-security breach. However, a breakdown in existing controls and procedures
around our cyber-security environment may prevent us from detecting, reporting or responding to cyber incidents in a timely manner and
could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and value of our stock.
Our
management will have significant flexibility in using the net proceeds of any offering of securities.
We
intend generally to use the net proceeds from any offerings of our securities for expenses related to our clinical trials, research and
product development activities, and for general corporate purposes, including general working capital purposes. Our management will have
significant flexibility in applying the net proceeds of any such offering and we will necessarily be using our capital when we decide
on new strategic initiatives. The actual amounts and timing of expenditures will vary significantly depending on a number of factors,
including the amount of cash used in our operations and our research and development efforts. Management’s failure to use these
funds effectively would have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock and could make it more difficult and costly to raise
funds in the future.
Delaware
law could discourage a change in control, or an acquisition of us by a third party, even if the acquisition would be favorable to you,
and thereby adversely affect existing stockholders.
The
Delaware General Corporation Law contains provisions that may have the effect of making more difficult or delaying attempts by others
to obtain control of the Company, even when these attempts may be in the best interests of stockholders. Delaware law imposes conditions
on certain business combination transactions with “interested stockholders.” These provisions and others that could be adopted
in the future could deter unsolicited takeovers or delay or prevent changes in our control or management, including transactions in which
stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares of common stock over then current market prices. These provisions may
also limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not
applicable.
ITEM
1C. CYBERSECURITY.
The
Board recognizes the critical importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our business partners, employees and clinical trial
participants. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing our policies with respect to cybersecurity risks and relevant contingent
liabilities and risks that may be material to the Company, including risks from third parties and business partners.
We
generally seek to address cybersecurity risks by implementing security measures on our internal computer systems and ensuring that third
parties and business partners implement similar measures. These security measures include firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection
systems, anti-malware functionality and access controls, which are evaluated by our external IT consultant and improved through vulnerability
assessments and cybersecurity threat intelligence.
Our
Chief Operating and Business Officer is responsible for implementing protection measures for our information systems from cybersecurity
threats and promptly responding to any cybersecurity incidents .
To
date, risks from cybersecurity threats have not materially affected us and we do not currently believe any risks from cybersecurity threats
are reasonably likely to affect the Company , including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For further
information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” under “Our business and operations would suffer in the event of computer
system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security.”
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES.
We
believe that our existing facilities are suitable and adequate to meet our current business requirements. In the event that we should
require additional or alternative facilities, we believe that such facilities can be obtained on short notice at competitive rates.
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From
time to time we may become subject to litigation incidental to our business. We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.
ITEM
4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not
applicable.
34
PART
II
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Common
Stock
Our
common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, in each case under the symbol “ORMP.”
Holders
As
of March 27, 2025, there were 40,850,455 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding held of record by approximately 40 registered
stockholders. We believe that a significant number of stockholders hold their shares of our common stock in brokerage accounts and registered
in the name of stock depositories and are therefore not included in the number of stockholders of record.
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
No
unregistered sales of equity securities were made during the three months ended December 31, 2024.
Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
In
June 2024, our Board authorized a stock buyback and retirement program pursuant to which we may, from time to time, repurchase up
to $20,000,000 in maximum value of our common stock. Share repurchases may be executed through various means, including, without limitation,
open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange
Act. The stock buyback program does not obligate us to purchase any shares and expires in 12 months. The authorization for the stock
buyback program may be terminated, increased or decreased by our Board in its discretion at any time.
We have repurchased and retired 1,036,976 shares of our common stock
under this program for approximately $2,494,000, including approximately $10,000 excise tax, at an average price of $2.36 per share. All
purchases were funded with cash on hand.
The
following sets forth information with respect to repurchase and retirement made by the Company of its shares of common stock during the
fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024:
Period
Total
number of
shares
purchased
Average
price paid
per share
Total
number of
shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced
plans or
programs
Approximate
dollar value of
shares that may yet be
purchased under
the plans or
programs
October 1-31, 2024
-
-
-
$ 18,708,193
November 1-30, 2024
252,802
$ 2.327
252,802
$ 18,119,189
December 1-31, 2024
244,722
$ 2.463
244,722
$ 17,515,906
Total
497,524
497,524
35
ITEM
6. [RESERVED]
ITEM
7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The
following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere herein and in our audited consolidated financial statements.
In
addition to our audited consolidated financial statements, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect
our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form
10-K, particularly in “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Overview
of Operations
We
are a pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development of innovative pharmaceutical solutions with a technology platform
that allows for the oral delivery of therapeutic proteins.
We
have developed an oral dosage form intended to withstand the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract and effectively deliver
active insulin or other proteins. The formulation is not intended to modify the proteins chemically or biologically, and the dosage form
is designed to be safe to ingest.
On
January 11, 2023, we announced that the Phase 3 oral insulin trial (ORA-D-013-1) did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As
a result, we terminated this trial and a parallel Phase 3, ORA-D-013-2 clinical trial. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the ORA-D-013-1
Phase 3 trial data and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as BMI, baseline HbA1c and age, responded
well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we submitted a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to the FDA. We are additionally
examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing
value for our stockholders.
As
detailed above, in September 2023, we entered into the 2023 Scilex Transaction, which included a senior secured promissory note (Tranche
A Note) and warrants. In October 2024, we participated in the 2024 Refinancing, purchasing a portion of the Tranche B Note and acquiring
royalty rights under a Purchase and Sale Agreement. Additional agreements secured the right to receive royalties from certain products
of Scilex. We believe that these transactions collectively strengthened our financial position and expanded our commercial interests.
36
Results
of Operations
The table and discussion that follows includes a comparison of our
results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. For a comparison of our results
of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, see “Item 7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2024.
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues
$ -
$ 1,340
Research and development expenses
(6,324 )
(8,971 )
Sales and marketing
-
287
General and administrative expenses
(6,457 )
(8,425 )
Interest expenses
(853 )
(2,037 )
Financial income (expenses), net
(2,286 )
22,894
Income (loss) before taxes on income
(15,920 )
5,088
Taxes on income
(3,183 )
-
Net income (loss) for the year
(19,103 )
5,088
Net income (loss) attributable to Company’s stockholders
(19,060 )
5,525
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
(43 )
(437 )
Net income (loss) for the year
(19,103 )
5,088
Basic income (loss) per share of common stock
$ (0.48 )
$ 0.14
Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock
$ (0.48 )
$ 0.14
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding used in computing basic income (loss) per share of common stock
40,828,380
40,315,068
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding used in computing diluted income (loss) per share of common stock
40,828,380
40,566,901
Revenues
Revenues
consist of proceeds related to the Amended and Restated Technology License Agreement, dated December 21, 2015, between us and HTIT, or
as further amended by the parties on June 3, 2016 and July 24, 2016, the HTIT License Agreement, that are recognized on a cumulative
basis when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, through the expected
product submission date by HTIT of June 2023.
We did not recognize revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024,
compared to revenues of approximately $1,340,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was due to recognition of revenues
through June 30, 2023, the product submission date by HTIT.
Research
and Development Expenses
Research
and development expenses include costs directly attributable to the conduct of research and development programs, including the cost
of salaries, employee benefits, costs of materials, supplies, the cost of services provided by outside contractors, including services
related to our clinical trials, clinical trial expenses, the full cost of manufacturing drugs for use in research and preclinical development.
All costs associated with research and development are expensed as incurred.
Clinical
trial costs are a significant component of research and development expenses and include costs associated with third-party contractors.
We outsource a substantial portion of our clinical trial activities, utilizing external entities such as CROs, independent clinical investigators
and other third-party service providers to assist us with the execution of our clinical trials.
Clinical
activities which relate principally to clinical sites and other administrative functions to manage our clinical trials are performed
primarily by CROs. CROs typically perform most of the start-up activities for our trials, including document preparation, site identification,
screening and preparation, pre-study visits, training and program management.
Clinical
trial and preclinical trial expenses include regulatory and scientific consultants’ compensation and fees, research expenses, purchase
of materials, cost of manufacturing of the oral insulin and exenatide capsules, payments for patient recruitment and treatment, as well
as salaries and related expenses of research and development staff.
37
Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024
decreased by 30% to approximately $6,324,000, compared to approximately $8,971,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease
was mainly due to lower expenses related to our Phase 3 trials that were terminated and was partially offset by stock-based compensation
expenses and costs related to the new Phase 3 clinical trial preparations.
Government
Grants
The
Government of Israel encourages research and development projects through the IIA, pursuant to the R&D Law. Under the R&D Law,
a research and development plan that meets specified criteria is generally eligible for a grant of up to 50% of certain approved research
and development expenditures. Each plan must be approved by the IIA.
From
August 2009 to March 2014, our subsidiary Oramed Ltd. was awarded five government grants amounting to a total net amount of NIS 8,000,000
(approximately $2,214,000 during such period) from the IIA. We used these funds to support further research and development and clinical
trials of our oral insulin capsule and oral GLP-1 analog candidate during the period from February 2009 to December 2014.
In
the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not recognize any research and development grants.
Under the terms of the grants we had received from the IIA, we were obligated to pay royalties of 3% on all revenues derived from the
sale of the products developed pursuant to the funded plans, including revenues from licensed ancillary services. Royalties were generally
payable up to a maximum amount equaling 100% of the grants received (dollar linked) with the addition of interest at an annual rate based
on the SOFR rate. On February 27, 2025, we paid approximately $2,031,000 to the IIA, and, as result, we are free of our obligations to
the IIA.
The
R&D Law generally requires that a product developed under a program be manufactured in Israel. However, when applying for a
grant, the applicant may declare that part of the manufacturing will be performed outside of Israel or by non-Israeli residents
and if the IIA is convinced that performing some of the manufacturing abroad is essential for the execution of the program, it may
still approve the grant. This declaration will be a significant factor in the determination of the IIA as to whether to approve a
program and the amount and other terms of the benefits to be granted. If a company wants to increase the volume of manufacturing
outside of Israel after the grant has been approved, it may transfer up to 10% of the company’s approved Israeli manufacturing
volume, measured on an aggregate basis, outside of Israel after first notifying the IIA thereof (provided that the IIA does not
object to such transfer within 30 days). In addition, upon the approval of the IIA, a portion greater than 10% of the manufacturing
volume may be performed outside of Israel. In any case of transfer of manufacturing out of Israel, the grant recipient is required
to pay royalties at an increased rate, which may be substantial, and the aggregate repayment amount is increased up to 120% or 150%
of the grant received (dollar linked) with the addition of interest at an annual rate based on the SOF R
rate, depending on the portion of the total manufacturing volume that is performed outside of Israel. The approval we received from
the IIA for the License Agreement was subject to payment of increased royalties and an increased ceiling, all in accordance with the
provisions of the R&D Law. The R&D Law further permits the IIA, among other things, to approve the transfer of manufacturing
rights outside of Israel in exchange for the import of different manufacturing into Israel as a substitute, in lieu of the increased
royalties.
The
R&D Law also provides that know-how developed under an approved research and development program and any derivatives thereof may
not be transferred or licensed to third parties in Israel without the approval of the research committee, which approval may be subject
to the payment of royalties from the sale. Such approval is not required for the sale or export of any products resulting from such research
or development. The R&D Law further provides that the know-how developed under an approved research and development program and any
derivatives thereof may not be transferred or licensed to any third parties outside Israel absent IIA approval which may be granted in
certain circumstances as follows: (a) the grant recipient pays to the IIA a portion of the sale or license price paid in consideration
for the purchase or license of such IIA-funded know-how or the price paid in consideration for the sale of the grant recipient itself,
as the case may be, in accordance with certain formulas included in the tracks published under the R&D Law; (b) the grant recipient
receives know-how from a third party in exchange for its IIA-funded know-how; or (c) such transfer of IIA-funded know-how is made in
the context of IIA approved research and development cooperation projects or consortia.
38
The
R&D Law imposes reporting requirements with respect to certain changes in the ownership of a grant recipient. The R&D Law requires
the grant recipient to notify the IIA of any change in control of the recipient or a change in the holdings of the means of control of
the recipient that results in a non-Israeli entity or person becoming an interested party in the recipient, and requires the new non-Israeli
interested party to undertake to the IIA to comply with the R&D Law. In addition, the rules of the IIA may require the provision
of additional information or representations in respect of certain such events. For this purpose, “control” is defined as
the ability to direct the activities of a company other than any ability arising solely from serving as an officer or director of the
company. A person is presumed to have control if such person holds 50% or more of the means of control of a company. “Means of
control” refers to voting rights or the right to appoint directors or the chief executive officer. An “interested party”
of a company includes a holder of 5% or more of its outstanding share capital or voting rights, its chief executive officer and directors,
someone who has the right to appoint its chief executive officer or at least one director, and a company with respect to which any of
the foregoing interested parties holds 25% or more of the outstanding share capital or voting rights or has the right to appoint 25%
or more of the directors.
Failure
to meet the R&D Law’s requirements may subject us to mandatory repayment of grants received by us (together with interest and
penalties), as well as expose us to criminal proceedings. In addition, the Israeli government may from time to time audit sales of products
which it claims incorporate technology funded through IIA programs which may lead to additional royalties being payable on additional
products.
Sales
and Marketing Expenses
Sales
and marketing expenses include the salaries and related expenses of our commercial functions, consulting costs and other general expenses.
We did not recognize any
sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to an income of approximately $287,000 for the year
ended December 31, 2023. The income primarily resulted from the reversal of previously recognized expenses related to forfeited
employee stock options, following the termination of an executive officer in fiscal year 2023.
General
and Administrative Expenses
General
and administrative expenses include the salaries and related expenses of our management, consulting expenses, legal and professional
fees, travel expenses, business development expenses, insurance expenses and other general expenses.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31,
2024 decreased by 23% to approximately $6,457,000, compared to approximately $8,425,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease
was mainly due to the reversal of previously recognized expenses following the resignation of certain executive officers.
Interest
Expenses
Interest expenses were approximately $853,000 for the year ended December
31, 2024, compared to approximately $2,037,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, since the Short-Term Borrowings (as defined below)
received from Discount Bank Ltd. were terminated during the second quarter of 2024 (see below).
Financial
Income, Net
Net financial loss was approximately $2,286,000 for the year ended
December 31, 2024, compared to approximately $22,894,000 net financial income for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change was mainly
due to the revaluation of the investments in Scilex and lower interest income on deposits.
39
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
From our inception through December 31, 2024, we have incurred losses
in an aggregate amount of approximately $176,616,000. During that period and through December 31, 2024, we have financed our operations
through several private placements of our common stock, as well as public offerings of our common stock, raising a total of approximately
$255,384,000, net of transaction costs. During that period, we also received cash consideration of approximately $28,001,000 from the
exercise of warrants and options. We expect to seek additional financing through similar sources in the future, as needed. As of December
31, 2024, we had approximately $54,420,000 of available cash and approximately $55,281,000 of short-term bank deposits. In addition, we
hold various of interest in certain investments, including in Scilex and others, as further detailed in this report.
From
inception through December 31, 2024, we have not generated significant revenues from our operations. Although, we have increased the
research and development activities related to the new Phase 3 clinical trial, our research and development activities have been significantly
reduced while we conducted a strategic review process, following the termination of the ORA-D-013-1 and ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trials. Following
the preparation and expected initiation of the revised phase 3 trial (ORA-D-013-3) we expect to increase our research and development
expenses, either directly or through OraTech.
Based
on our current cash resources and commitments, we believe we will be able to maintain our current planned activities and the corresponding
level of expenditures for at least the next 12 months, although no assurance can be given that we will not need additional funds prior
to such time. If there are increases in our operating expenses, we may need to seek additional financing during the next 12 months. We
may also need additional funds to realize the decisions made as part of our strategic review process. We cannot predict the outcome of
these activities.
On
August 8, 2023, we borrowed an aggregate of $99,550,000 pursuant to loan agreements from Israel Discount Bank Ltd., or the Short-Term
Borrowings. The Short-Term Borrowings mature on dates ranging from August 11, 2023 to May 24, 2024, bear interest ranging from 6.66%
to 7.38%, were secured by certificates of deposits issued by Israel Discount Bank Ltd. having an aggregate face amount of $99,550,000.
The net proceeds of the Short-Term Borrowings were used to fund the Tranche A Note. The Short-Term Borrowings were paid in one payment
of principal and interest at each respective maturity. As of December 31, 2024, we repaid the entire Short-Term Borrowings amount.
40
As of December 31, 2024, our
total current assets were approximately $143,221,000 and our total current liabilities were approximately $5,685,000. On December 31,
2024, we had a working capital surplus of approximately $137,536,000 and an accumulated loss of approximately $176,616,000. As of December
31, 2023, our total current assets were approximately $162,584,000 and our total current liabilities were approximately $53,214,000. On
December 31, 2023, we had a working capital surplus of approximately $109,370,000 and an accumulated loss of approximately $157,556,000.
The increase in working capital surplus was mainly due an increase in cash and cash equivalents together with a decrease in short-term
borrowings that was partially offset by a decrease in short-term deposits and investments at fair value.
During the year ended December
31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents increased to approximately $54,420,000 from approximately $9,055,000 as of December 31, 2023. The
increase was mainly due to the reasons described below.
Operating activities used
cash of approximately $8,412,000 in the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately $10,295,000 used in the year ended December
31, 2023. Cash used in operating activities consisted mainly of changes in fair value of investments partially offset by net loss resulting
from research and development and general and administrative expenses.
Investing activities provided
cash of approximately $105,817,000 in the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to cash used for investing activities of approximately
$73,038,000 in the year ended December 31, 2023. Cash provided by investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted primarily
of proceeds from short-term deposits and proceeds from repayments by Scilex under the Tranche A Note. Cash used by investing activities
in the year ended December 31, 2023 is mainly due to our investment in Scilex and the purchase of short-term deposits, partially offset
by the proceeds of short-term deposits.
Financing activities used cash of approximately $52,036,000 in the
year ended December 31, 2024, compared to cash of approximately $51,978,000 provided in the year ended December 31, 2023. Cash used for
financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2024, consisted primarily of repayments of the Short-Term Borrowings and repurchases
of our shares. Cash provided by financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2023, consisted primarily of the Short-Term Borrowings.
Our primary financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, were as follows:
●
In
March 2024, we entered into the ATM Agreement with Rodman & Renshaw LLC and StockBlock Securities
LLC as sales agents, or the Agents, pursuant to which we may issue and sell in transactions that
are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, shares of our common stock, par value $0.012 per
share, having a maximum aggregate offering price of up to $75,000,000 from time to time through the
Agents.
Any
sales of shares of common stock pursuant to the ATM Agreement will be made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 333-257926), which was declared effective by the SEC on July 26, 2021, the prospectus contained therein and
a prospectus supplement related thereto dated March 18, 2024, filed with the SEC. The Agents may sell our common stock (A) in privately
negotiated transactions with our consent; (B) as block transactions; or (C) by any other method permitted by law deemed to be an
“at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act, including sales made directly
on The Nasdaq Capital Market or sales made into any other existing trading market for our common stock. As of December 31, 2024,
no shares had been issued under the ATM Agreement.
●
In
June 2024, our Board authorized a stock buyback program pursuant to which we may, from time to time,
repurchase and retire up to $20,000,000 in maximum value of our common stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased and retired
1,036,976 shares of our common stock under this program for approximately $2,494,000, including approximately $10,000 excise tax, at an
average price of $2.36 per share. All repurchases were funded with cash on hand.
●
On August 8, 2023, we borrowed
an aggregate of $99,550,000 pursuant to loan agreements from Israel Discount Bank Ltd., or the Short-Term Borrowings. The Short-Term
Borrowings mature on dates ranging from August 11, 2023 to May 24, 2024, bear interest ranging from 6.66% to 7.38%, were secured
by certificates of deposits issued by Israel Discount Bank Ltd. having an aggregate face amount of $99,550,000. The net proceeds
of the Short-Term Borrowings were used to fund the Tranche A Note. The Short-Term Borrowings were paid in one payment of principal
and interest at each respective maturity. As of December 31, 2024, we repaid the entire Short-Term Borrowings amount.
41
Trend
Information
Following
the results of the Phase 3 trials for our oral insulin capsule candidate, ORMD-0801, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data
to understand if there is a path forward for our oral insulin candidate, and we worked on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial
that was submitted to the FDA. Conducting this clinical trial, whether independently or as part of OraTech, will require significant
funds and resources. Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic
opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders. At this time, we cannot foresee how these strategic decisions will
impact our financial results and operations.
Planned
Expenditures
In
previous years, we primarily invested in research and development. If we proceed to conduct a new clinical trial for our oral insulin
candidate, we expect that in the upcoming years our research and development expenses will continue to be our major operating expense;
however, if this clinical trial is conducted through OraTech, these costs will be borne by Oratech and not by us.
Critical
Accounting Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the
notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. We believe that the accounting policy below is critical for one to fully
understand and evaluate our financial condition and results of operations.
The
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which
we prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial
statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses
during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate such estimates and judgments. We base our estimates on historical experience
and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments
about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
42
Investments
at fair value : On September 21, 2023 and on October 7, 2024 we entered into the 2023 Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing,
respectively. We elected the fair value option for each of the components under 2023 Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing in order
to reduce operational complexity of bifurcating embedded derivatives. Changes in value are recorded under financial income, net and include
interest income on the Notes and Royalties received.
Determining
the fair value of the components above required significant judgment with regards to the expected repayment date of the Notes which also
impacts the number of Subsequent Penny Warrants to be issued to us. The total value of the 2023 Scilex Transaction (and of each of its
components) was valued on a weighted average of the different scenarios.
On September 4, 2024, we entered into a loan agreement to finance a
real estate project or the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement. We decided to designate the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement as a whole under the
fair-value option. The valuation of the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement was based on various project profit scenarios derived from the appraiser’s
report.
ITEM
7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
We
are exposed to a variety of risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the value of our
marketable securities and inflation.
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $54,420,000 in cash and
cash equivalents and approximately $55,281,000 in short term bank deposits.
We
aim to preserve our financial assets, maintain adequate liquidity and maximize return while minimizing exposure to market risks. Such
policy further provides that we should hold most of our current assets in bank deposits. As of today, the currency of our financial assets
is mainly in U.S. dollars.
Marketable
securities
We
own 1,701,357 common shares of DNA, 6,500,000 shares of Scilex Common Stock and 117,000 ordinary shares of Entera, which are presented
in our financial statements as marketable securities. Marketable securities are presented at fair value and their realization is subject
to certain limitations if sold through the market, and we are therefore exposed to market risk. There is no assurance that at the time
of sale of the marketable securities the price per share will be the same or higher, nor that we will be able to sell all of the securities
at once given the volume of securities we hold. Entera shares and the Closing Penny Warrants are traded on Nasdaq in U.S. dollars, while
DNA shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in NIS. We are also exposed to changes in the market price of the Scilex, Entera
and DNA shares and the Closing Penny Warrants, as well as to exchange rates fluctuations in the NIS currency compared to the U.S. dollar
with respect to the DNA shares.
43
Interest
Rate Risk
We
invest a major portion of our cash surplus in bank deposits in banks in Israel. Since the bank deposits typically carry fixed interest
rates, financial income over the holding period is not sensitive to changes in interest rates, but only the fair value of these instruments.
However, our interest gains from future deposits may decline in the future as a result of changes in the financial markets.
The
Note issued by Scilex is based on the SOFR rate. Our interest income may decline in the future as a result of a change in the SOFR rate.
Foreign
Currency Exchange Risk
A significant portion of our expenditures, including salaries, clinical
research expenses, consultants’ fees and office expenses relate to our operations in Israel. The cost of those Israeli operations,
as expressed in U.S. dollars, is influenced by the extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel is not offset (or is
offset on a lagging basis) by a devaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. dollar. If the U.S. dollar declines in value in relation
to the NIS, it will become more expensive for us to fund our operations in Israel. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, we own net balances
in NIS of approximately $2,078,000. Assuming a 10% appreciation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar, we would experience an exchange rate
gain of approximately $231,000, while assuming a 10% devaluation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar, we would experience an exchange rate
loss of approximately $189,000.
The
exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to the NIS, based on exchange rates published by the Bank of Israel, was as follows:
Year
ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Average rate for period
3.70
3.69
Rate at period-end
3.65
3.63
We
do not use any currency hedging transactions of options or forwards to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the
exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the NIS.
ITEM
8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
See
Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
44
ITEM
9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM
9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls
and procedures as of December 31, 2024. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded
that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Management’s
Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our
management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal
control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
●
pertain to the maintenance
of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and asset dispositions;
●
provide reasonable assurance
that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that
our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
●
provide reasonable assurance
regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material
effect on our financial statements.
Under
the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated
the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 based on the current framework for Internal
Control-Integrated Framework (2013) set forth by The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Based
on this evaluation, our management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December
31, 2024 at a reasonable assurance level.
45
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There
were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that have materially
affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM
9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
(a)
Disclosure Pursuant to Item 5.03 of Form 8-K. Amendments to Bylaws
On March 27, 2025, the Board amended and restated our by-laws, or the
Amended and Restated By-Laws. The Amended and Restated By-Laws became effective as of March 27, 2025. The changes to the
Amended and Restated By-Laws include (i) in a contested election, a director nominee shall be elected by a plurality of the
votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote at the election on such election of directors (an election shall be considered contested if,
as of the last date on which nominees for director may be submitted in accordance with the Amended and Restated By-laws, the nominees
for election to the Board of Directors exceed the number of positions on the Board to be filled by election at that meeting); and (ii)
clarification that the officers of the Company shall be a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. This description
of the amendments to the Amended and Restated By-Laws is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Amended and
Restated By-Laws filed as Exhibit 3.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b)
Termination of Rule 10b5–1 Trading Arrangements
Not
applicable .
ITEM
9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
Not
applicable.
46
PART
III
ITEM
10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Directors
and Executive Officers
The
name and age of each of our directors and executive officers, his or her position with us and the period during which such person has
served as a director or executive officer of the Company are set forth below.
Name
Age
Position
Serving
Since
Nadav
Kidron
50
President,
Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman (effective as of June 30, 2022)
2006
Dr.
Miriam Kidron
84
Chief
Scientific Officer and Director
2006
Avraham
Gabay
40
Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer
2024
Joshua
Hexter
54
Chief
Operating & Business Officer
2019
Daniel
Aghion
43
Director
2024
Dr.
Arie Mayer
68
Director
2019
Yehuda
Reznick
77
Director
2024
Leonard
Sank
59
Director
2007
Benjamin
Shapiro
41
Director
2023
Mr.
Derovan, our former Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, ended his service with the Company on March 5, 2024. Mr. Silberman, our former
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, ended his service with the Company on July 11, 2024.
Dr.
Miriam Kidron is Mr. Nadav Kidron’s mother. There are no other directors or officers of the Company who are related by blood or
marriage.
Business
Experience
The
following is a brief account of the education and business experience during at least the past five years of each of our directors and
of our executive officers who are not also directors, indicating the principal occupation during that period, and the name and principal
business of the organization in which such occupation and employment were carried out.
Mr.
Nadav Kidron was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and director in March 2006, and Chairman
of the Board effective as of June 30, 2022. He is also Chairman of the board of MDG Real Estate Global, Ltd., director of Israel
Advanced Technology Industries organization and until 2016 was a director of Entera Bio Ltd. In 2009, he was a fellow at the Merage Foundation
for U.S.-Israel Trade Programs for executives in the life sciences field. From 2003 to 2006, he was the managing director of the Institute
of Advanced Jewish Studies at Bar Ilan University. From 2001 to 2003, he was a legal intern at Wine, Mishaiker & Ernstoff Law Offices
in Jerusalem, Israel. Mr. Kidron holds an LL.B. and an International MBA from Bar Ilan University, Israel.
We
believe that Mr. Kidron’s qualifications to serve on our Board include his familiarity with the Company as its founder, his experience
in capital markets, as well as his knowledge and familiarity with corporate management.
Dr.
Miriam Kidron was appointed Chief Scientific Officer and director in March 2006. Dr. Kidron is a pharmacologist
and a biochemist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry. From 1990 to 2007, Dr. Kidron was a senior researcher in the Diabetes Unit at Hadassah
University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Kidron was formerly a visiting professor at the Medical School at the University of Toronto
(Canada), and is a member of the American, European and Israeli Diabetes Associations. Dr. Kidron is a recipient of the Bern Schlanger
Award.
We
believe that Dr. Kidron’s qualifications to serve on our Board include her expertise in the Company’s technology, as it is
based on her research, as well as her experience and relevant education in the fields of pharmacology and diabetes.
47
Mr.
Avraham Gabay was appointed Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary in June 2024. Prior to his
appointment, Mr. Gabay served as interim chief financial officer of BiomX Inc. (NYSE American: PHGE) during 2023. From 2021 until 2023,
Mr. Gabay served as the chief financial officer at Oravax Inc., a 63% owned subsidiary of the Company. From 2019 until 2021, Mr. Gabay
was the chief financial officer of the Company. From 2015 to 2019, Mr. Gabay served as VP Finance at Orcam Technologies Ltd. From 2014
to 2015, Mr. Gabay provided economic services in the advisory department of KPMG Israel, a certified public accounting firm, and from
2013 to 2014, he worked in the tax department of the law firm Gornitzky & Co. In addition, Mr. Gabay serves as a director on the
board of Iintoo Ltd. (TASE: INTO). Mr. Gabay holds a bachelor’s degree in law and accounting (magna cum-laude) from Tel-Aviv University
and is a certified public accountant in Israel and a member of the Israeli Bar Association.
Mr.
Joshua Hexter was appointed Chief Operating and Business Officer in September 2019. Prior to his appointment,
Mr. Hexter served as Chief Business Officer at BrainsWay Ltd. (Nasdaq/TASE: BWAY) from 2018 to 2019, a commercial stage medical device
company focused on the development and sale of non-invasive neuromodulation products. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Hexter served as Chief Operating
Officer and VP Business Development of the Company and from 2007 to 2013, Mr. Hexter was a Director or Executive Director of BioLineRx
Ltd. (Nasdaq/TASE: BLRX), a biopharmaceutical development company dedicated to identifying, in-licensing and developing innovative therapeutic
candidates. Prior to his employment with BioLineRx, Mr. Hexter was a member of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of
Biosensor Systems Design, Inc., a company developing market-driven biosensors. Mr. Hexter holds a bachelor’s degree from the University
of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in management from Boston University.
Dr.
Daniel Aghion became a director in January 2024. Dr. Aghion has been a neurosurgeon at Memorial Neuroscience Institute
in Florida since 2016, where he treats patients with a wide array of spine disorders, including severe degenerative spine diseases, spine
trauma, cancer in the spine, spine tumors, peripheral nerve surgery and more. Dr. Aghion holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the
University of Michigan and an MD from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. He completed his residency at Rhode Island
Hospital in 2015, and a complex spine fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in 2016.
We
believe that Dr. Aghion’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his extensive practical and academic medical background.
Dr.
Arie Mayer became a director in December 2019. Dr. Mayer is currently the Managing Director and Chairman of the
Board of Sigma-Aldrich Israel Ltd. and has held that position since January 2010. Dr. Mayer has held various roles with Sigma-Aldrich
Israel Ltd. since 1995 and was instrumental in introducing and developing the Cell Culture and Molecular Biology business for Sigma Aldrich
Israel Ltd. Dr. Mayer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Hebrew University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Israel
Institute of Technology.
We
believe that Dr. Mayer’s qualifications to serve on our Board include his experience as an executive in the biotechnology industry,
with knowledge in managing large organizations, as well as his experience and relevant education in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry.
Mr.
Yehuda Reznick became a director in April 2024. Mr. Reznick served as an audit partner at Kesselman & Kesselman
CPA, a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, from 1999 until 2014. Prior to joining Kesselman & Kesselman, he was
a tax and audit partner at Shachak, Peer Reznick CPA for sixteen years. Mr. Reznick currently serves on the board of directors of Oravax
Medical Inc., an affiliate of the Company. Since 2019, Mr. Reznick has also served on the board of directors of Hiron-Trade Investments
& Industrial Buildings Ltd (TASE: HRON). Mr. Reznick previously served on the board of directors of Bonus Biogroup Ltd (OTC: BBIXF)
from 2017 to 2023.
48
We
believe that Mr. Reznick’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his extensive operational experience and his business background
and acumen.
Mr.
Leonard Sank became a director in October 2007. Mr. Sank is a South African entrepreneur and businessman, whose
interests lie in entrepreneurial endeavors and initiatives, with over 30 years’ experience of playing significant leadership roles
in developing businesses. Mr. Sank serves on the boards of a few national businesses and local non-profit charity organizations in Cape
Town, where he resides.
We
believe that Mr. Sank’s qualifications to serve on our Board include his years of experience in development stage businesses, as
well as his experience serving as a director of many entities.
Mr.
Benjamin Shapiro became a director in May 2023. Mr. Shapiro is a successful entrepreneur and business professional
who co-founded The Daily Wire, a successful, industry leading, international media outlet in June 2015. Since May 2015, he has been host
of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” a popular podcast, and he is the author of numerous New York Times best-selling books. Mr. Shapiro
earned a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 2004, summa cum laude, and a law degree from Harvard Law School in 2007, cum laude.
We
believe that Mr. Shapiro’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his extensive operational experience and his business background
and acumen.
Board
of Directors
There
are no agreements with respect to the election of directors. Each director is currently elected for a period of one year at our annual
meeting of stockholders and serves until the next such meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected or until his or her earlier
resignation or removal. The Board may also appoint additional directors. A director so chosen or appointed will hold office until the
next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation
or removal.
The
Board has determined that Dr. Daniel Aghion, Dr. Arie Mayer, Yehuda Reznick, Leonard Sank and Benjamin Shapiro are independent as defined
under the rules promulgated by the Nasdaq. Except for Dr. Arie Mayer and Mr. Reznick, each of whom serves on the board of directors of
Oravax, a company 63% owned by us, none of the independent directors has any material relationship with us besides serving on our Board.
We
have determined that each of the directors is qualified to serve as a director of the Company based on a review of the experience, qualifications,
attributes and skills of each director. In reaching this determination, we have considered a variety of criteria, including, among other
things: character and integrity; ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided, to exercise effective
business judgment and to interact effectively with the other directors; and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform
the duties of a director.
Board
Meeting Attendance
During the year ended December 31, 2024, our Board held six meetings
and took action by written consent on nine occasions. Except Mr. Benjamin Shapiro, all of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate
number of meetings of the Board and the committees that were held during the period such director served on the Board. Board members are
encouraged to attend our annual meetings of stockholders.
Board
Evaluation Process
Our
Board is committed to continuous improvement and conducts a board and committee evaluation process each year, to ensure that our Board
maintains optimal composition and functions effectively.
As
part of this process, the members of our Board complete a confidential written assessment of the performance, oversight and composition
of the Board and its committees that is submitted to the Company secretary. The results are then reported back to the full Board. After
the evaluations, the Board and management work to improve upon any issues presented during the evaluation process and to identify opportunities
that may lead to further improvement.
49
Committees
Audit
Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
The
members of our Audit Committee are Dr. Daniel Aghion, Dr. Arie Mayer and Yehuda Reznick. Our Board has determined that Mr. Reznick is
an “audit committee financial expert” as set forth in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K based on his experience as set forth
above, and that all members of the Audit Committee are “independent” as defined by the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq rules
and regulations. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter that is posted on the “Investors” section of our website,
www.oramed.com. The primary responsibilities of our Audit Committee include:
●
Overseeing the accounting
and financial reporting processes of the Company and the audits of the financial statements of the Company;
●
Appointing, compensating
and retaining our registered independent public accounting firm;
●
Overseeing the work performed
by any outside accounting firm;
●
Assisting the Board in
fulfilling its responsibilities by reviewing: (i) the financial reports provided by us to the SEC, our stockholders or to the general
public and (ii) our internal financial and accounting controls;
●
Reviewing the Company’s
policies with respect to cyber security risks and relevant contingent liabilities and risks that may be material to the Company;
●
Recommending, establishing
and monitoring procedures designed to improve the quality and reliability of the disclosure of our financial condition and results
of operations; and
●
Reviewing major financial
risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, and discussing the guidelines and polices
to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken.
Our
Audit Committee met four times and took action by written consent on four occasions during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Compensation
Committee
The
members of our Compensation Committee are Dr. Daniel Aghion, Yehuda Reznick and Leonard Sank. The Board has determined that all of the
members of the Compensation Committee are “independent” as defined by the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations.
The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter that is posted on the “Investors” section of our website, www.oramed.com.
The primary responsibilities of our Compensation Committee include:
●
Reviewing, negotiating
and approving, or recommending for approval by our Board the salaries and incentive compensation of our executive officers;
●
Administering our equity
based plans and making recommendations to our Board with respect to our incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans;
●
Making recommendations
to our Board with respect to director compensation; and
●
Authority to exercise all
rights, authority and functions of the Board under our Clawback Policy.
The
Compensation Committee meets as often as it deems necessary, without the presence of any executive officer when approving compensation,
except that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, may be present during the approval
of, or deliberations with respect to, the compensation of other executive officers. The Compensation Committee may delegate any authority
granted to it to one or more subcommittees of the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion.
50
Our
Compensation Committee met two times and took action by written consent on four occasions during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Nominating
Committee
The
members of our Nominating Committee are Dr. Arie Mayer and Leonard Sank. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Nominating
Committee are “independent” as defined by the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Nominating Committee
operates under a written charter that is posted on the “Investors” section of our website, www.oramed.com. The primary responsibilities
of our Nominating Committee include:
●
Overseeing the composition
and size of the Board, developing qualification criteria for Board members based on background, skills, experience and diversity,
and actively seeking, interviewing and screening individuals qualified to become Board members for recommendation to the Board;
●
Recommending the composition
of the Board for each annual meeting of stockholders; and
●
Reviewing periodically
with the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer the succession plans relating to positions held by directors, and
making recommendations to the Board with respect to the selection and development of individuals to occupy those positions.
Our
Nominating Committee met once and took one action by written consent during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Code
of Ethics
We
have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct for our senior officers, directors and employees. A copy of the Code of Ethics and
Business Conduct is located at our website at www.oramed.com. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment
to, or a waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or controller,
or persons performing similar functions and that relates to the Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website, www.oramed.com .
Insider
Trading Policy
We
have adopted an insider trading policy, or the Policy, governing the purchase, sale and other transactions in our securities
that applies to our directors, officers, employees, including part-time and temporary employees, and other covered persons, including
immediate family members and entities controlled by any of the foregoing persons, as well as by the Company itself.
The
Policy prohibits, among other things, insider trading and certain speculative transactions in our securities (including short sales,
buying put and selling call options and other hedging or derivative transactions in our securities) and establishes a regular blackout
period schedule during which directors, executive officers, employees, and other covered persons may not trade in the Company’s
securities, as well as certain pre-clearance procedures that directors and executive officers must observe prior to effecting any transaction
in our securities.
The
Company believes that the Policy is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations,
and listing standards applicable to the Company. A copy of the Policy is filed as Exhibit 19.1 to this Form 10-K.
ITEM
11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
This
section explains the policies and decisions that shape our executive compensation program, including its specific objectives and elements,
as it relates to our “named executive officers,” or NEOs.
51
Our
NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2024 are those three individuals listed in the “Summary Compensation Table” below. The
Compensation Committee believes that our executive compensation is appropriately designed to incentivize our NEOs to work for our long-term
prosperity, is reasonable in comparison with the levels of compensation provided by comparable companies and reflects a reasonable cost.
We believe our NEOs are critical to the achievement of our corporate goals, through which we can drive stockholder value.
The
Compensation Committee of our Board is comprised solely of independent directors as defined by Nasdaq and non-employee directors as defined
by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee has the authority and responsibility to review and approve the compensation
of our President and Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers. Other information concerning the structure, roles and responsibilities
of our Compensation Committee is set forth in “Board Meetings and Committees—Compensation Committee” section.
Our
executive compensation program and our NEOs’ compensation packages are designed around the following objectives:
●
attract, hire, and retain
talented and experienced executives;
●
motivate, reward and retain
executives whose knowledge, skills and performance are critical to our success;
●
ensure fairness among the
executive management team via recognizing the contributions of each executive to our success;
●
focus executive behavior
on achievement of our corporate objectives and strategy; and
●
align the interests of
management and stockholders by providing management with longer-term incentives through equity ownership.
The
Compensation Committee reviews the allocation of compensation components regularly to ensure alignment with strategic and operating goals,
competitive market practices and legislative changes. The Compensation Committee does not apply a specific formula to determine the allocation
between cash and non-cash forms of compensation. Certain compensation components, such as base salaries, benefits and perquisites, are
intended primarily to attract, hire, and retain well-qualified executives. Other compensation elements, such as long-term incentive opportunities,
are designed to motivate and reward performance. Long-term incentives are intended to reward NEOs for our long-term performance and executing
our business strategy, and to strongly align NEOs’ interests with those of stockholders.
With
respect to equity compensation, the Compensation Committee makes awards to executives under our Amended and Restated 2019 Incentive Plan,
or the 2019 Plan. Executive compensation is paid or granted based on such matters as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, including
our financial and operating performance and the alignment of the interests of the executive officers and our stockholders.
Elements
of Compensation
Our
executive officer compensation program is comprised of: (i) base salary or monthly compensation; (ii) discretionary bonus; (iii) long-term
equity incentive compensation in the form of stock option and RSU grants; and (iv) benefits and perquisites.
In
establishing overall executive compensation levels and making specific compensation decisions for our NEOs in the year ended December
31, 2024, the Compensation Committee considered a number of criteria, including the executive’s position, scope of responsibilities,
prior base salary and annual incentive awards and expected contribution.
Generally,
our Compensation Committee reviews and, as appropriate, approves compensation arrangements for the NEOs from time to time but not less
than once each year. The Compensation Committee also takes into consideration the President and Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations
for executive compensation of the other NEOs. The President and Chief Executive Officer generally presents these recommendations at the
time of our Compensation Committee’s review of executive compensation arrangements.
52
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Compensation Committee received consulting services from Aon Solutions UK Limited., or Aon, with
regard to management compensation. The Compensation Committee engaged the consultant to review the Company’s current compensation
plans for its management and collect and analyze data regarding management compensation at other companies comparable to the Company,
in order to provide a competitive compensation benchmark. Aon collected SEC filings data regarding U.S. and Israeli compensation practices
and developed a peer group of the following U.S. and Israeli companies: ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., AN2 Therapeutics, Inc., Anavex Life
Sciences Corp., Atossa Therapeutics Inc., aTyr Pharma, Inc., Chimerix, Inc., Compugen Ltd., Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc., Immunic, Inc.,
Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MediciNova, Inc., Pluri Biotech Ltd., Rani Therapeutics, Inc., Relmada Therapeutics, Inc., Rezolute, Inc.,
Vistagen Therapeutics, Inc., vTv Therapeutics Inc. and Zevra Therapeutics, Inc.. Following its review, Aon provided recommendations for
cash and equity compensation at various percentiles for the Compensation Committee’s consideration.
Base
Salary
The
Compensation Committee performs a review of base salaries and monthly compensation for our NEOs from time to time as appropriate. In
determining salaries, the Compensation Committee members also take into consideration the scope of the NEOs’ responsibilities and
independent third-party market data, such as compensation surveys to industry, individual experience and performance and contribution
to our clinical, regulatory, commercial and operational performance. None of the factors above has a dominant weight in determining the
compensation of our NEOs, and our Compensation Committee considers the factors as a whole when considering such compensation. In addition,
our Compensation Committee uses comparative data regarding compensation paid by peer companies in order to obtain a general understanding
of current trends in compensation practices and ranges of amounts being awarded by other public companies, and not as part of an analysis
or a formula.
We
believe that a competitive base salary and monthly compensation is a necessary element of any compensation program that is designed to
attract and retain talented and experienced executives. We also believe that attractive base salaries can motivate and reward executives
for their overall performance. Base salary and monthly compensation are established in part based on the individual experience, skills
and expected contributions to our performance, as well as such executive’s performance during the prior year. Generally, we believe
that executives’ base salaries should be targeted near the median of the range of salaries for executives in similar positions
with similar responsibilities, experience and performance at comparable companies. Compensation adjustments are made occasionally based
on changes in an executive’s level of responsibility, company progress or on changed local and specific executive employment market
conditions.
In
November 2024, our Compensation Committee increased the base salary of our NEOs by 15% (effective July 1, 2024 as it deemed this to be
a reasonable rate based on, among other factors, such NEO’s responsibilities and the report from Aon, as it determined the salaries
were not in line with market compensation.
Performance
Based Bonus
Our
NEOs are eligible to receive discretionary annual bonuses based upon performance. The amount of annual bonus to our NEOs is based on
various factors, including, among others, the achievement of scientific and business goals and our financial and operational performance.
The Compensation Committee takes into account the overall performance of the individuals, as well as the overall performance of the Company
over the period being reviewed and the recommendation of management. For any given year, the compensation objectives vary, but relate
generally to strategic factors such as developments in our clinical path, the execution of a license agreement for the commercialization
of product candidates, the establishment of key strategic collaborations, the build-up of our pipeline and financial factors such as
capital raising. Bonuses are awarded generally based on corporate performance, with adjustments made within a range for individual performance,
at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee determines, on a discretionary basis, the size of the entire
bonus pool and the amount of the actual award to each NEO. The overall payment is also based on historic compensation of the NEOs.
53
We
believe that annual bonuses payable based on the achievement of short-term corporate goals incentivize our NEOs to create stockholder
value and attain short-term performance objectives.
Long-Term
Equity Incentive Compensation
Long-term
incentive compensation allows the NEOs to share in any appreciation in the value of our common stock. The Compensation Committee believes
that stock participation aligns executive officers’ interests with those of our stockholders. Equity incentive awards are generally
made at the commencement of employment and following a significant change in job responsibilities, or to meet other special retention
or performance objectives. The amounts of the awards are designed to reward past performance and create incentives to meet long-term
objectives. Awards are made at a level expected to be competitive within the biotechnology industry, as well as with Israeli-based companies.
Awards are made on a discretionary basis and not pursuant to specific criteria set out in advance. In determining the amount of each
grant, the Compensation Committee also takes into account the number of shares held by the executive prior to the grant. The vesting
schedule for NEOs generally provides for annual installments for new grants, though the Compensation Committee also utilizes quarterly
vesting from time to time, as well as performance-based vesting. The Compensation Committee believes that time-based vesting encourages
recipients to build stockholder value over a long period of time and that performance-based vesting encourages recipients to achieve
goals that benefit the Company.
As
part of its engagement in the year ended December 31, 2024 described above, Aon also provided consulting services in connection with
grants of equity awards to our executive officers. Aon reviewed annual long-term incentive grants at peer companies, as well as such
grants made by companies in the broader market, based on a blend of Black-Scholes valuations and grants as a percentage of the applicable
company’s capitalization. Following such consultation, the Compensation Committee is considering alternative models and equity
vehicles for future equity-based grants.
Benefits
and Perquisites
Generally,
benefits available to NEOs are available to all employees on similar terms and include welfare benefits, paid time-off, life and disability
insurance and other customary or mandatory social benefits in Israel. We provide some of our NEOs with a phone and a company car, which
are customary benefits in Israel to managers and officers.
We
do not believe that the benefits and perquisites described above deviate materially from the customary practice for compensation of executive
officers by other companies similar in size and stage of development in Israel. These benefits represent a relatively small portion of
the executive officers’ total compensation.
Say-on-Pay
Vote
Our
stockholders approved, on an advisory basis, our executive compensation program at our annual meeting of stockholders held on August
1, 2024. Over 90% of votes cast were voted “for” the compensation of our named executive officers as described in the proxy
statement for last year’s annual meeting of stockholders. The Compensation Committee did not specifically rely on the results of
the prior vote in making any compensation-related decisions during the year ended December 31, 2024.
54
SUMMARY
COMPENSATION TABLE
The
following table sets forth the compensation earned by our NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($) (1)
Bonus
($) (1)(2)
RSUs
and PSUs
Awards
($) (3)
All
Other
Compensation
($) (1)(4)
Total
($)
Nadav Kidron
2024
540,145
270,767
1,224,760
62,017
2,097,689
President,
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
2023
462,988
242,576
904,920
48,738
1,659,222
Dr. Miriam Kidron
2024
408,104
155,291
951,545
19,607
1,534,547
Chief
Scientific Officer and director (5)
2023
347,405
139,123
605,480
17,423
1,109,431
Avraham Gabay (6)
2024
119,925
49,623
450,084
28,583
648,215
Chief Financial Officer
(1)
Amounts paid for Salary,
Bonus and All Other Compensation that were originally denominated in NIS were translated into U.S. Dollars at the then average exchange
rate for the period.
(2)
Bonuses were granted at
the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
(3)
For
RSU and performance stock unit, or PSU, awards, the amounts reflect the grant date fair value, as calculated pursuant to ASC
Topic 718 “Compensation–Stock Compensation.” The assumptions used to determine
the fair value of the RSU awards are set forth in note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Our NEOs will not realize the value of these awards in cash unless and until the awards vest and
the underlying shares are issued and subsequently sold.
On
January 2, 2025, we granted 328,500 PSUs that shall veste upon at the earliest of (1) the closing of a JV transaction with HTIT;
or (2) the repayment to us of the value of our principal investment in Scilex plus 10%. We modified 294,000 outstanding PSUs that
were granted, adjusting the vesting criteria and performance targets. As of March 27, 2025, all PSUs that granted achieved the first
updated performance target.
(4)
See “All Other Compensation
Table” below.
(5)
Dr. Kidron receives compensation
from Oramed Ltd. through KNRY, Ltd., or KNRY. See “—Employment and Consulting Agreements” below.
(6)
Mr. Gabay was appointed
as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 18, 2024.
55
All
Other Compensation Table
The
“All Other Compensation” amounts set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above consist of the following:
Name
Year
Automobile-
Related Expenses
($)
Manager’s
Insurance
(1)($)
Education
Fund
($)
Total
($)
Nadav Kidron
2024
30,505
25,158
6,354
62,017
2023
21,191
21,711
5,836
48,738
Dr. Miriam Kidron
2024
19,607
-
-
19,607
2023
17,423
-
-
17,423
Avraham Gabay
2024
8,854
17,822
1,907
28,583
(1)
Manager’s insurance
and education funds are customary benefits provided to employees based in Israel. Manager’s insurance is a combination of severance
savings (in accordance with Israeli law), defined contribution tax-qualified pension savings and disability insurance premiums. An
education fund is a savings fund of pre-tax contributions to be used after a specified period of time for educational or other permitted
purposes.
Employment
and Consulting Agreements
On
July 1, 2008, Oramed Ltd. entered into a consulting agreement with KNRY whereby Dr. Miriam Kidron, through KNRY, provides services as
Chief Scientific Officer of both the Company and Oramed Ltd., or the Miriam Kidron Consulting Agreement.
The
Miriam Kidron Consulting Agreement is terminable by either party upon 140 days prior written notice. The agreement, as amended, provides
that KNRY will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with performance of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement,
each of KNRY and Dr. Miriam Kidron agreed that during the term of the agreement and for a 12-month period thereafter, none of them will
compete with Oramed Ltd. nor solicit employees of Oramed Ltd. Starting January 1, 2024, Dr. Miriam Kidron receives a monthly consulting
fee of NIS 117,040. Effective as of July 1, 2024, the monthly consulting fee is NIS 134,550.
Effective
November 1, 2022, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Shnida Ltd., whereby Nadav Kidron, through Shnida Ltd., provides
services as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The agreement is terminable by either party upon 140 days prior written
notice. The agreement provides that Shnida Ltd. will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with performance of
the agreement. Effective as of January 1, 2024, Nadav Kidron receives a monthly consulting fee of NIS 96,825. Effective as of July 1,
2024, the monthly consulting fee is NIS 111,349. Pursuant to the agreement, Shnida Ltd. and Nadav Kidron each agree that during the term
of the agreement and for a 12-month period thereafter, none of them will compete with the Company nor solicit employees of the Company.
In
addition, we, through Oramed Ltd., have entered into an employment agreement with Nadav Kidron, effective as of November 1, 2022, pursuant
to which, effective as of January 1, 2024, Mr. Kidron receives gross monthly salary of NIS 51,591 in consideration for his services as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Oramed Ltd. Effective as of July 1, 2024, Mr. Kidron receives gross monthly salary of NIS 59,330
in consideration for his services as President and Chief Executive Officer of Oramed Ltd. In addition, Mr. Kidron is provided with a
phone and a company car pursuant to the terms of his agreement.
We,
through Oramed Ltd., have entered into an employment agreement with Avraham Gabay as of June 6, 2024, pursuant to which Mr. Gabay was
appointed as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of the Company and Oramed Ltd., effective June 18, 2024. In accordance
with the employment agreement, as amended, Mr. Gabay’s current gross monthly salary is NIS 68,000, and he will be provided with
a company car allowance pursuant to the terms of his agreement.
56
We
have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers pursuant to which we agreed to indemnify each director and
officer for any liability he or she may incur by reason of the fact that he or she serves as our director or officer, to the maximum
extent permitted by law.
Potential
Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control
We
have no plans or arrangements in respect of remuneration received or that may be received by our NEOs to compensate such officers in
the event of termination of employment (as a result of resignation or retirement).
According
to our NEOs’ employment agreements, upon a termination in connection with a change-in-control that occurs during the period that
is three months prior and 12 months after the event, the following “double trigger” change-in-control provisions shall apply:
●
The President and Chief
Executive Officer will be entitled to receive 18 months severance.
●
All other NEOS will be
entitled to receive 12 months severance.
●
Severance shall be defined
as base salary plus bonuses over the severance period. For U.S.-based persons, COBRA payments equivalent to healthcare benefits values
will be provided over the severance period.
●
Full vesting acceleration
of all outstanding unvested equity incentives.
Pension,
Retirement or Similar Benefit Plans
We
have no arrangements or plans under which we provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for directors or executive officers. Our
directors and executive officers may receive stock options, RSUs or restricted shares at the discretion of our Compensation Committee
in the future.
Policy
Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation
Our Board has adopted an executive compensation clawback policy, administered by our Compensation Committee, which provides for the recoupment
(or clawback) from current and former executive officers of certain compensation in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from
material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the federal securities laws of the United States. In the event the
Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of its financial statements due to the Company’s material non-compliance
with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, the Compensation Committee will require prompt reimbursement or forfeiture
of any excess incentive compensation (as defined in the clawback policy) received by any covered executive officer during the three completed years immediately preceding the date on which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement.
57
OUTSTANDING
EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2024
The
following table sets forth information concerning stock options and stock awards held by the NEOs as of December 31, 2024.
Option
Awards
Stock
Awards
Name
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number
of shares
that
have not
vested
(#)
Market
value of
shares
that
have not
vested
($)
Nadav
Kidron
49,000 (1)
-
7.77
6/30/27
97,000 (2)
-
8.14
1/31/28
196,500 (3)(4)
-
3.16
2/26/29
190,000 (5)
-
4.80
1/8/30
150,000 (6)
10.40
2/3/31
53,500 (7)
53,500 (7)
13.89
1/3/32
116,127 (8)
3.91
9/17/32
792,082 (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)
1,916,838
Dr.
Miriam Kidron
69,999 (17)
-
7.77
6/30/27
47,000 (18)
-
8.14
1/31/28
104,000 (19)(4)
-
3.16
2/26/29
100,000 (20)
4.80
1/8/30
100,000 (21)
10.40
2/3/31
36,000 (22)
36,000 (22)
13.89
1/3/32
32,079 (23)
3.91
9/17/32
570,085 (24)(25)(26)(27)(29)(30)
1,379,606
Avraham
Gabay
174,040 (31)(32)
421,177
(1)
On June 30, 2017, 147,000
options were granted to Nadav Kidron under the 2008 Plan at an exercise price of $7.77 per share; 49,000 of such options vested on
December 31, 2017 and the remainder vested in two equal installments of 49,000 on each of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019,
subject to the Company share price reaching the target of $9.50 and $12.50 per share, respectively. The options expire on June 30,
2027. As of December 31, 2021, 98,000 of these options were forfeited.
(2)
On January 31, 2018, 97,000
options were granted to Nadav Kidron under the 2008 Plan at an exercise price of $8.14 per share; 97,000 of such options vested in
four equal installments of 24,250 on each of January 1, 2019, January 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022. The options expire
on January 31, 2028.
(3)
On February 26, 2019, 196,500
options were granted to Nadav Kidron under the 2008 Plan at an exercise price of $3.16 per share; 196,500 of such options vested
in four equal installments of 49,125 on each of December 31, 2019, December 31, 2020, December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. The
options expire on February 26, 2029. For additional information, see footnote 5 below.
58
(4)
On September 11, 2019,
these options were canceled and re-granted under the 2019 Plan in the same amounts and under the same terms as the original grants.
(5)
On January 8, 2020, 190,000
options were granted to Nadav Kidron under the 2019 Plan at an exercise price of $4.80 per share. 190,000 of the options vested in
four equal installments of 47,500 on each of December 31, 2020, December 31, 2021, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023. The options
expire on January 8, 2030.
(6)
On February 3, 2021, 150,000
options were granted to Nadav Kidron under the 2019 Plan at an exercise price of $10.40 per share. 112,500 of the options vested
in four equal installments of 37,500 on each of December 31, 2021, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024.
The options expire on February 3, 2031.
(7)
On January 3, 2022, 107,000
options were granted to Nadav Kidron under the 2019 Plan at an exercise price of $13.89 per share. 53,500 options vested in two equal
installments of 26,750 on each of January 1, 2023, January 1, 2024, and the remainder shall vest in two equal installments of 26,750
on January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026. The options expire on January 3, 2032.
(8)
On September 18, 2022,
116,127 options were granted to Nadav Kidron under the Oravax Medical Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of
$3.91 per share. 116,127 of the options vested in four installments on each of September 18, 2022, December 31, 2022, December 31,
2023 and December 31, 2024. The options expire on September 17, 2032.
(9)
On November 13, 2014, 9,788
RSUs, representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock, were granted to Nadav Kidron. The RSUs vested in
two equal installments, each of 4,894 shares, on November 30 and December 31, 2014. The shares of common stock underlying the RSUs
will be issued upon request of the grantee.
(10)
On February 23, 2015, 79,848
RSUs, representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock, were granted to Nadav Kidron. The RSUs vested in
23 installments consisting of one installment of 6,654 shares on February 28, 2015 and 22 equal monthly installments of 3,327 shares
each, commencing March 31, 2015. The shares of common stock underlying the RSUs will be issued upon request of the grantee.
(11)
On February 3, 2021, 300,000
RSUs, representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock, were granted to Nadav Kidron. 100,000 RSUs vested
on August 31, 2021 and the remainder shall vest per the following: 100,000 shares shall vest upon our common stock achieving a specified
price per share, and 100,000 shall vest upon our achievement of certain business objectives.
(12)
On January 3, 2022, 63,000
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Nadav Kidron. The RSUs vested in
two equal installments, each of 15,750 shares on January 1, 2023 and on January 1, 2024. The shares of common stock underlying the
RSUs will be issued upon request of the grantee. The remainder shall vest in two equal installments of 15,750 on each of January
1, 2025 and January 1, 2026.
(13)
On July 28, 2022, 126,000
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Nadav Kidron. 42,000 RSUs vested
on January 1, 2024. The shares of common stock underlying the RSUs will be issued upon request of the grantee. The remainder shall
vest in two equal installments of 42,000 on each of January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026.
(14)
On April 17, 2023, 279,000
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Nadav Kidron. 162,750 RSUs vested
in seven equal quarterly installments of 23,250 starting May 1, 2023 and the remainder of 116,250 shall vest in five equal quarterly
installments of 23,250 starting February 1, 2025.
59
(15)
On January 4, 2024, 329,000
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Nadav Kidron. 109,668 RSUs vested
in twelve equal quarterly installments of 27,417 starting January 8, 2024.
(16)
On January 4, 2024, 141,000
PSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Nadav Kidron. The total amount of
the PSUs shall vest when the closing price per share of Common Stock of the Company on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaches an average
of $4.00 over any 10-trading day period. The total fair value of these PSUs on the date of grant was $691, using the Monte-Carlo
model, based on the quoted closing market share price of $2.39 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
(17)
On June 30, 2017, 69,999
options were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron under the 2008 Plan at an exercise price of $7.77 per share; Such options vested in three
equal installments of 23,333 on each of December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019. The options have an expiration
date of June 30, 2027.
(18)
On January 31, 2018, 47,000
options were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron under the 2008 Plan at an exercise price of $8.14 per share; 47,000 of such options vested
in four equal installments of 11,750 on each of January 1, 2019, January 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022. The options
expire on January 31, 2028.
(19)
On February 26, 2019, 104,000
options were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron under the 2008 Plan at an exercise price of $3.16 per share; 104,000 of such options vested
in four equal installments of 26,000 on each of December 31, 2019, December 31, 2020, December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. The
options expire on February 26, 2029. For additional information, see footnote 4 above.
(20)
On January 8, 2020, 100,000
options were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron under the 2019 Plan at an exercise price of $4.80 per share. 100,000 of the options vested
in four equal installments of 25,000 on each of December 31, 2020, December 31, 2021, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
The options expire on January 8, 2030.
(21)
On February 3, 2021, 100,000
options were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron under the 2019 Plan at an exercise price of $10.40 per share. 100,000 of such options vested
in four equal installments of 25,000 on each of December 31, 2021, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024.
The options expire on February 3, 2031.
(22)
On January 3, 2022, 72,000
options were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron under the 2019 Plan at an exercise price of $13.89 per share. 36,000 of such options vested
in two equal installments of 25,000 on each of January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024. The remaining 36,000 of the options shall vest
in two equal installments of 25,000 on each of January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026. The options expire on January 3, 2032.
(23)
On September 18, 2022,
32,079 options were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron under the Oravax Medical Inc. 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price
of $3.91 per share. 32,079 of the options vested in four installments on each of September 18, 2022, December 31, 2022, December
31, 2023 and December 31, 2024. The options expire on September 17, 2032.
(24)
On February 3, 2021, 200,000
RSUs, representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock, were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron. 66,666 RSUs
vested in one installment on August 31, 2021 and the remainder shall vest per the following: 66,667 shares shall vest upon our common
stock achieving a specified price per share, and 66,667 shall vest upon our achievement of certain business objectives.
(25)
On January 3, 2022, 42,000
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron. 21,000 vested
on two equal installments of 10,500 on each of January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024. The remaining 21,500 shall vest in two equal
installments of 10,500 on each of January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026.
(26)
On July 28, 2022, 84,000
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron. 28,000 vested
on one installment on January 1, 2024. The remaining 56,000 shall vest in two equal installments of 28,000 on each of January 1,
2025 and January 1, 2026.
60
(27)
On April 17, 2023, 213,000
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron. 124,249 RSUs vested
in seven equal quarterly installments of 17,750 starting May 1, 2023 and the remainder of 88,751 shall vest in five equal quarterly
installments of 17,750 starting February 1, 2025. The shares of common stock underlying the RSUs will be issued upon request of the
grantee.
(28)
On April 17, 2023, 53,500
performance-based RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron.
120,000 RSUs vested in one installment on May 26, 2023, upon our common stock achieving a specified price per share. The shares of
common stock underlying the RSUs will be issued upon request of the grantee.
(29)
On January 4, 2024, 295,500
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron. The RSUs vested
in twelve equal quarterly installments of 24,625 starting January 8, 2024. The shares of common stock underlying the RSUs will be
issued upon request of the grantee.
(30)
On January 4, 2024, 74,000
PSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Dr. Miriam Kidron. The total amount
of the PSUs shall vest when the closing price per share of Common Stock of the Company on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaches an average
of $4.00 over any 10-trading day period. The total fair value of these PSUs on the date of grant was $691, using the Monte-Carlo
model, based on the quoted closing market share price of $2.39 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
(31)
On June 21, 2024, 140,040
RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Avraham Gabay. 93,360 shall vest
in one installment on June 18, 2026 and 46,680 shall vest in four equal quarterly installments of 11,670 starting September 18, 2026.
(32)
On June 20, 2024, the Company
granted 34,000 PSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to Avraham Gabay. The total amount
of the PSUs shall vest upon the later of (i) June 18, 2026 and (ii) when the closing price per share of Common Stock of the Company
on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaches an average of $4.00 over any 10-trading day period. The total fair value of these PSUs on the
date of grant was $73, using the Monte-Carlo model, based on the quoted closing market share price of $2.21 on the Nasdaq Capital
Market on the date of grant.
On
January 2, 2025, we granted 1,023,000 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company’s
executive officers. The total amount of the RSUs shall vest in equal quarterly installments of approximately 85,249 over a three year
period starting with the first quarterly vesting on January 1, 2025. Also on January 2, 2025, we granted 328,500 PSUs representing a
right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to our executive officers. The total amount of the PSUs shall vest upon at
the earliest of (1) the closing of OraTech transaction with HTIT; or (2) the repayment to the Company of the value of its principal investment
in Scilex plus 10%. The total fair value of these PSUs on the date of grant was $792 based on the quoted closing market share price of
$2.41 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant. As of March 27, 2025, all PSUs that were granted to the Company’s executive
officers achieved the first updated performance target.
61
DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION
The
following table provides information regarding compensation earned by, awarded or paid to each person for serving as a director who is
not an executive officer during the year ended December 31, 2024:
Name
of Director
Fees
Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
Stock
Awards
(1)(2)($)
Option
Awards
(1)(2)($)
All
Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Daniel
Aghion (6)
39,645
94,992
-
-
134,637
Dr. Arie
Mayer
41,963
93,987
-
-
135,950
Yehuda
Reznik (3)
29,537
71,091
-
-
100,628
Yadin
Rozov (5)
1,913
92,780
-
-
94,693
Leonard
Sank
41,117
93,987
-
-
135,104
Benjamin
Shapiro
30,000
83,817
-
-
113,817
(1)
As of December 31, 2024,
our non-employee directors then in office held options to purchase shares of our common stock and RSUs as follows:
Name of
Director
Aggregate
Number
of Shares
Underlying
Stock
Awards
Aggregate
Number
of Shares
Underlying
Option
Awards
Daniel
Aghion (6)
32,204
-
Dr.
Arie Mayer (4)
55,831
45,398
Yehuda
Reznik (3)
25,314
15,398
Yadin
Rozov (5)
-
-
Leonard
Sank
55,831
46,773
Benjamin
Shapiro
39,600
-
(2) The
amounts reflect the grant date fair value, as calculated pursuant to ASC 718, of these option
awards. The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the option awards are set forth
in note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report.
Our directors will not realize the value of these awards in cash unless and until these awards
are exercised and the underlying shares subsequently sold.
(3) Mr.
Reznik joined the Board effective on April 1, 2024.
(4)
Includes 15,398 option
awards granted by Oravax for Dr. Mayer’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of Oravax.
(5)
Mr. Rozov resigned from
the Board on January 17, 2024 and forfeited his unvested RSUs and Options.
(6)
Mr. Aghion joined the Board
on January 1, 2024.
62
Our
directors are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance
at meetings of our Board. Based on a report provided to the Compensation Committee by Aon in 2023, effective as of January 1, 2024, each
independent director is entitled to receive as remuneration for his or her service as a member of the Board a sum equal to $30,000 and
a grant of 5,070 RSUs per annum. The Chairman of our Board is entitled to receive an additional sum equal to $25,500, other than if
the Chairman is an executive officer. The members of our Audit Committee are each entitled to receive an additional sum equal to $6,000
and a grant of 2,230 RSUs. The members of our Compensation Committee are each entitled to receive an additional sum equal to $4,500 and
a grant of 1,520 RSUs. The members of our Nominating Committee are each entitled to receive an additional sum equal to $4,000 and a grant
of 505 RSUs. All cash remuneration is to be paid quarterly after the close of each quarter. The RSUs vest on April 1, July 1, October
1 and January 1 of each year, subject to Compensation Committee approval each year. Our executive officers did not receive additional
compensation for service as directors. The Board may award special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on behalf
of us other than services ordinarily required of a director.
On
January 2, 2025 the Compensation Committee, approved that in addition to the current annual compensation for the board members, a flat
cash fee of $500 per meeting will be paid to each director for attendance at every meeting beyond six meetings per year, and an additional
$2,000 in cash will be paid to each director per meeting of over three hours which he or she attends, regardless of the number of meetings.
Other
than as described above, we have no present formal plan for compensating our directors for their service in their capacity as directors.
Other than indicated above, no director received and/or accrued any compensation for his services as a director, including committee
participation and/or special assignments during the year ended December 31, 2024. In addition, during 2024 the directors granted an aggregate
of 142,500 RSUs that will vest in three equal annual installments starting January 1, 2025.
The
Company’s Policies and Practices Related to the Grant of Certain Equity Awards Close in Time to the Release of Material Nonpublic Information
We
do not have any formal policy that requires the Company to grant, or avoid granting, equity-based compensation at certain times. We do
not grant equity awards in anticipation of the release of material nonpublic information that is likely to result in changes to the price
of our common stock, and do not time the public release of such information based on award grant dates. The timing of any equity grants
to executive officers or directors in connection with new hires, promotions, or other non-routine grants is tied to the event giving
rise to the award (such as an executive officer’s commencement of employment or promotion effective date).
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, there were no equity grants made to our executive officers during any period beginning four business
days before the filing of a periodic report or current report disclosing material non-public information and ending one business day
after the filing or furnishing of such report with the SEC.
63
ITEM
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Stock
Option Plans
Our
Board adopted the 2008 Plan and the 2019 Plan in order to attract and retain quality personnel.
The
2008 Plan, which is no longer utilized for new grants, provided for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, and stock appreciation
rights, collectively referred to as “awards.” Under the 2008 Plan, as amended, 2,400,000 shares were reserved for the grant
of awards. As of December 31, 2024, options with respect to 2,287,989 shares had been granted, of which 275,673 had been forfeited, 308,804
had been exercised and 1,420,504 have expired. As of December 31, 2024, 525,824 RSUs had been granted, none of them have vested and the
shares of common stock underlying those RSUs have not been issued and 34,118 have been forfeited.
The
2019 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, and stock appreciation rights, collectively referred to as
“awards.” Under the 2019 Plan, 1,000,000 shares were initially reserved for the grant of awards. On June 29, 2020, and August
3, 2020, respectively, our Board and stockholders approved to amend and restate the 2019 Plan, the principal change being an increase
in the number of shares of common stock available under the 2019 Plan from 1,000,000 shares to 3,000,000 shares. On June 30, 2022, our
Board and stockholders approved to amend and restate the 2019 Plan, the principal change being an increase in the number of shares of
common stock available under the 2019 Plan from 3,000,000 shares to 7,500,000 shares. Stock options granted under the 2019 Plan may be
either incentive stock options under the provisions of Section 422 of the Code, or non-qualified stock options. Under the amended 2019
Plan, 7,500,000 shares are reserved for the grant of awards, which may be issued at the discretion of our Board from time to time. As
of December 31, 2024, options with respect to 1,863,646 shares have been granted, of which 282,043 had been forfeited, 66,978 had been
exercised and none of them were expired. As of December 31, 2024, 4,808,060 RSUs had been granted, of which 290,125 have vested and the
shares of common stock underlying those RSUs have not been issued and 808,196 have been forfeited. Since the Company had granted options
during the time after the 2008 Plan allegedly terminated, and out of an abundance of caution, the Company canceled these grants and re-granted
certain of the options under 2019 Plan in the same amounts and under the same terms as the original grants.
The
following table sets forth additional information with respect to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2024:
Plan category
Number
of
securities to
be issued
upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
RSUs and
rights (a)
Weight-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
RSUs and
rights (b)
Number
of
securities
remaining
available for
future
issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
(excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved
by security holders
3,947,562
$ 2.80
2,148,993
Equity compensation plans not approved by security
holders
-
-
-
Total
3,947,562
$ 2.80
2,148,993
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The
following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 27, 2025 by: (1) each
person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock; (2) each of our current directors; (3) each of our NEOs;
and (4) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. On such date, we had 40,850,455 shares of common stock outstanding.
64
As
used in the table below and elsewhere in this form, the term “beneficial ownership” with respect to a security consists of
sole or shared voting power, including the power to vote or direct the vote, and/or sole or shared investment power, including the power
to dispose or direct the disposition, with respect to the security through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or
otherwise, including a right to acquire such power(s) during the 60 days following March 27, 2025. Inclusion of shares in the table does
not, however, constitute an admission that the named stockholder is a direct or indirect beneficial owner of those shares. Unless otherwise
indicated, (1) each person or entity named in the table has sole voting power and investment power (or shares that power with that person’s
spouse) with respect to all shares of common stock listed as owned by that person or entity and (2) the address of each of the individuals
named below is: c/o Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc., 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Third Floor, New York, New York 10036.
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner
Number
of
Shares
Percentage
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned
Nadav Kidron #+
3,193,699 (1)
7.6 %
Dr. Miriam Kidron #+
1,256,332 (2)
3.0 %
Avraham Gabay+
137,340 (3)
*
Dr. Daniel Aghion #
18,820
*
Dr. Arie Mayer #
90,634 (4)
*
Yehuda Reznik#
15,560
*
Leonard Sank #
109,294 (5)
*
Benjamin Shapiro #
1,930,070 (6)
4.7 %
All current executive officers and directors,
as a group (nine persons)
7,533,336 (7)
18.2 %
Greater than 5% holders
BML Investment Partners, L.P.
2,643,907 (8)
6.6 %
*
Less than 1%
#
Director
+
NEO
(1)
Includes 953,884 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of
outstanding stock options, 86,791 shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of RSUs. Mr. Nadav’s beneficial ownership includes
the 218,603 shares of common stock held by Xiaopeng Li, a former director of the Company, over which he holds a proxy.
(2)
Includes 474,999 shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, 59,625 shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting
of RSUs, and 610,917 shares of common stock underlying vested RSUs that are issuable upon request.
(3)
Includes 15,666 shares
of common stock issuable upon the vesting of RSUs.
(4)
Includes 27,500 shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and 2,500 shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting
of RSUs.
(5)
Includes 44,273 shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and 2,500 shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting
of RSUs.
(6)
Includes 1,666 shares of
common stock issuable upon the vesting of RSUs.
(7)
Includes 1,677,656 shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options beneficially owned by the referenced persons, 208,997 shares of common stock
issuable upon the vesting of RSUs and 610,917 shares of common stock underlying vested RSUs that are issuable upon request.
(8)
Based on Schedule 13G/A,
filed on February 13, 2025. BML Investment Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership whose sole general partner is BML Capital
Management, LLC. The managing member of BML Capital Management, LLC is Braden M. Leonard. As a result, Braden M. Leonard is deemed
to be the indirect owner of the shares held directly by BML Investment Partners, L.P. Despite such shared beneficial ownership, the
reporting persons disclaim that they constitute a statutory group within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. The
address of BML Investment Partners, L.P. is 65 E Cedar, Suite 2 Zionsville, IN 46077.
65
ITEM
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
During
the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, except for compensation arrangements described elsewhere herein, we did not participate in
any transaction, and we are not currently participating in any proposed transaction, or series of transactions, in which the amount involved
exceeded the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for the last two completed years,
and in which, to our knowledge, any of our directors, officers, five percent beneficial security holders, or any member of the immediate
family of the foregoing persons had, or will have, a direct or indirect material interest.
Our
policy is to enter into transactions with related persons on terms that, on the whole, are no less favorable than those available from
unaffiliated third parties. Based on our experience in the business sectors in which we operate and the terms of our transactions with
unaffiliated third parties, we believe that all of the transactions described below met this policy standard at the time they occurred.
All related person transactions are approved by our Board.
The
Board has determined that Dr. Daniel Aghion, Dr. Arie Mayer, Yehuda Reznick, Leonard Sank and Benjamin Shapiro are independent as defined
under the rules promulgated by Nasdaq.
ITEM
14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The aggregate fees billed by Kesselman & Kesselman, Certified Public
Accountants (Isr.), a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, independent registered public accounting firm, for services
rendered to us during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024
2023
Audit
Fees (1)
$ 124,882
$ 132,501
Audit-Related
Fees (2)
1,500
1,500
Tax Fees (3)
17 ,986
31,363
All
Other Fees
-
-
Total
Fees
$ 144 ,368
$ 165,364
(1)
Amount represents fees
paid for professional services for the audit of our consolidated financial statements, review of our interim condensed consolidated
financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by our independent registered public accounting
firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
(2)
Represents fees paid for
services rendered in connection with the IIA requirements.
(3)
Represents fees paid for
tax consulting services.
SEC
rules require that before the independent registered public accounting firm are engaged by us to render any auditing or permitted non-audit
related service, the engagement be: (1) pre-approved by our Audit Committee; or (2) entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and
procedures established by the Audit Committee, provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service, the Audit
Committee is informed of each service, and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities
to management.
The
Audit Committee pre-approves all services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. All of the above services and
fees were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee before the services were rendered.
66
PART
IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)
Index to Financial Statements
The
following consolidated financial statements are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB name: Kesselman & Kesselman C.P.A.s, PCAOB ID: 1309 and Auditor Location: Tel Aviv, Israel) F-1
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-6
Notes to Consolidated financial Statements F-7 - F-43
67
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets of Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the
related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, including the
related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements
in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we
are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess
the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures
that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is
a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated
to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and
(ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter
in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit
matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
F- 1
Investments at fair value
As described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company has approximately $34,808 thousand investments at fair value recorded as of December 31, 2024 relating to Tranche A note, Tranche
B note, warrants and royalty purchase agreement payment issued to the Company by Scilex Holding Company. Management applied significant
judgment in estimating the fair value of the investments recorded, which also impacted the results of operations of the Company by approximately
$4,359 thousand for the change in fair value of such investments in the year ended December 31, 2024. The fair value estimation involved
the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the repayment dates and amounts of the notes and royalties.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing
procedures relating to investments at fair value is a critical audit matter are (i) the high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity
in performing procedures relating to the fair value measurement of the investments recorded, due to significant judgment by management
when developing the estimate; (ii) significant audit effort in evaluating the significant assumptions relating to the repayment dates
and amounts of the notes and royalties; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating
audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among
others (i) reading the related agreements and (ii) testing management’s process for estimating the fair value of the investments.
Testing management’s process included evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation methods, testing the completeness and accuracy
of the data provided by management, and evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions related to the repayment dates and amounts
of the notes and royalties. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s
models.
/s/ Kesselman & Kesselman
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
A member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International
Limited
Tel Aviv, Israel
March 27, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since
2008.
Kesselman & Kesselman, 146 Derech Menachem Begin St. Tel-Aviv
6492103, Israel,
P.O Box 50005 Tel-Aviv 6150001 Telephone: +972 -3- 7954555, Fax:+972 -3- 7954556, www.pwc.com/il
F- 2
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In thousands (except share and per share data)
December
31,
2024
2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and
cash equivalents
$ 54,420
$ 9,055
Short-term deposits
(note 2)
55,281
95,279
Marketable securities
(note 3)
3,441
-
Investments at fair
value (note 4)
28,788
57,713
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
1,291
537
Total
current assets
143,221
162,584
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Long-term deposits
2
7
Investments at fair
value (note 4)
7,387
51,035
Marketable securities
(note 3)
-
1,807
Other non-marketable
equity securities (note 5)
3,524
3,524
Amounts funded in respect
of employee rights upon retirement
32
27
Property and equipment,
net
698
873
Operating
lease right of use assets
414
694
Total
long-term assets
12,057
57,967
Total
assets
$ 155,278
$ 220,551
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses (note 6)
$ 5,140
$ 1,609
Short-term borrowings
(note 7)
-
51,013
Payable to related parties
(note 14b)
329
325
Operating
lease liabilities
216
267
Total
current liabilities
5,685
53,214
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term deferred revenues
4,000
4,000
Employee rights upon
retirement
30
28
Provision for uncertain
tax position (note 12f)
-
11
Operating lease liabilities
156
342
Other
liabilities
60
63
Total
long-term liabilities
4,246
4,444
COMMITMENTS (note
8)
EQUITY
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY’S
STOCKHOLDERS:
Common stock, $ 0.012 par value ( 60,000,000 authorized shares as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; 39,919,545 and 40,338,979 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)
480
485
Additional paid-in capital
322,401
320,892
Accumulated deficit
( 176,616 )
( 157,556 )
Total stockholders’ equity
146,265
163,821
Non-controlling interests
( 918 )
( 928 )
Total
equity
145,347
162,893
Total
liabilities and equity
$ 155,278
$ 220,551
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 3
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
Year ended
December 31,
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
REVENUES
$ -
$ 1,340
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
( 6,324 )
( 8,971 )
SALES AND MARKETING
-
287
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
( 6,457 )
( 8,425 )
OPERATING LOSS
( 12,781 )
( 15,769 )
INTEREST EXPENSES (note 11b)
( 853 )
( 2,037 )
FINANCIAL INCOME (EXPENSES), NET (note 11a)
( 2,286 )
22,894
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAX EXPENSES
( 15,920 )
5,088
TAX EXPENSES
( 3,183 )
-
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$ ( 19,103 )
$ 5,088
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
COMPANY’S STOCKHOLDERS
( 19,060 )
5,525
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
( 43 )
( 437 )
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$ ( 19,103 )
$ 5,088
BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
$ ( 0.48 )
$ 0.14
DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
$ ( 0.48 )
$ 0.14
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK USED IN COMPUTING BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
40,828,380
40,315,068
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK USED IN COMPUTING DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
40,828,380
40,566,901
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
in thousands
Attributable
to Company’s Stockholders
Additional
Total
Non-
Common Stock
paid-in
Accumulated
stockholders’
controlling
Total
Shares
$
capital
deficit
equity
interests
Equity
In thousands
BALANCE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2024
40,339
485
320,892
( 157,556 )
163,821
( 928 )
162,893
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
618
7
3,991
-
3,998
-
3,998
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION OF SUBSIDIARY
-
-
-
-
53
53
REPURCHASE AND RETIREMENT OF COMMON STOCK
( 1,037 )
( 12 )
( 2,482 )
( 2,494 )
( 2,494 )
NET LOSS
( 19,060 )
( 19,060 )
( 43 )
( 19,103 )
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024
39,920
480
322,401
( 176,616 )
146,265
( 918 )
145,347
Attributable
to Company’s Stockholders
Additional
Total
Non-
Common Stock
paid-in
Accumulated
stockholders’
controlling
Total
Shares
$
capital
deficit
equity
interests
Equity
In thousands
BALANCE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2023
39,564
476
314,417
( 163,081 )
151,812
( 656 )
151,156
SHARES ISSUED FOR SERVICES
3
*
9
-
9
-
9
ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK, NET
193
2
2,426
-
2,428
-
2,428
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
579
7
4,040
-
4,047
-
4,047
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION OF SUBSIDIARY
-
-
-
-
-
165
165
NET INCOME (LOSS)
-
-
-
5,525
5,525
( 437 )
5,088
BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
40,339
485
320,892
( 157,556 )
163,821
( 928 )
162,893
* Represents an amount of less than $1.
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
In thousands
Year ended
December 31,
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)
$
( 19,103
)
$
5,088
Adjustments required to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation
193
196
Exchange differences, accrued interest on deposits and held to maturity bonds
( 2,700
)
( 2,172
)
Changes in fair value of investments
7,413
( 16,392
)
Stock-based compensation
4,053
4,212
Shares issued for services
-
9
Funds in respect of employee rights upon retirement
( 5
)
( 3
)
Change in accrued interest on short-term borrowings to maturity
( 1,463
)
1,463
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
( 356
)
852
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and related parties
3,525
( 2,225
)
Net changes in operating lease
43
8
Deferred revenues
-
( 1,340
)
Liability for employee rights upon retirement
2
7
Other liabilities
( 14
)
2
Total net cash used in operating activities
( 8,412
)
( 10,295
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment
( 18
)
( 254
)
Purchase of short-term deposits
( 54,450
)
( 91,369
)
Proceeds from redemption of short-term deposits
97,152
109,760
Exercise of Closing Penny Warrants and Subsequent Penny Warrants
( 65
)
-
Long-term investments
( 1,307
)
( 99,550
)
Proceeds from long-term deposits
5
-
Proceeds from long-term investments
64,500
5,000
Proceeds from maturity of held to maturity securities
-
3,375
Total net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
105,817
( 73,038
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs
-
2,428
Repurchase and retirement of common stock
( 2,484
)
-
Loans received
-
99,550
Loans repaid
( 49,550
)
( 50,000
)
Tax withholdings related to stock-based compensation settlements
( 2
)
-
Total net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
( 52,036
)
51,978
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
( 4
)
( 54
)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
45,365
( 31,409
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
9,055
40,464
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
$
54,420
$
9,055
(A) SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE ON CASH FLOWS:
Interest paid
$
2,316
$
574
Interest received
$
7,376
$
5,156
(B) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
2024 Refinancing Tranche A
( 21,575
)
-
2024 Refinancing Tranche B
25,000
-
Excise tax for repurchase and retirement of common stock
( 10
)
-
Recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities
58
-
Derecognition of right-of-use asset
( 26
)
-
Derecognition of lease liability
23
-
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F- 6
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1
- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
a. General
Oramed
Pharmaceuticals Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” unless the context indicates otherwise), a Delaware
corporation, was incorporated on April 12, 2002.
On
February 17, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with Hadasit Medical Services and Development Ltd. to acquire the provisional
patent related to an orally ingestible insulin capsule to be used for the treatment of individuals with diabetes.
On
May 14, 2007, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary in Israel, Oramed Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), which is engaged
in research and development.
On March 18, 2021, the Company entered
into a license agreement with Oravax Medical Inc. (“Oravax”) and holds 63 % of the issued and outstanding share capital of
Oravax, on a fully diluted basis, as of the date of issuance. Consequently, Oramed consolidates Oravax in its consolidated financial statements
since that time.
On
July 1, 2024, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary in Nevada, Oramed NewCo, Inc. (“OraTech”), which intends
to serve as the company for the joint venture with Hefei Tianhui Biotech Co., Ltd. (“HTIT”), see note 15 (b)
On
January 11, 2023, the Company announced that the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As a result,
the Company terminated this trial and a parallel Phase 3, ORA-D-013-2 clinical trial. As these results are considered a triggering event,
the Company evaluated all of its long lived assets which include fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets in the first quarter
of 2023 and concluded that no impairment was required.
In
2023, the Company completed an analysis of the data from the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial and found that subpopulations of patients with
pooled specific parameters, such as body mass index (BMI), baseline HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. These subsets exhibited
an over 1 % placebo adjusted, statistically significant, reduction in HbA1c. Based on this analysis, on September 12, 2024 the Company
submitted protocol ORA-D-013-3 Phase 3 to focus on the subpopulations with the higher probability to show efficacy. The Company intends
to initiate a study during 2025. Moreover, the Company is examining its existing pipeline and has commenced an evaluation process of
potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for the Company’s stockholders.
See note 4 regarding 2023 Scilex Transaction
and 2024 Refinancing.
See note 7 regarding Short-Term Borrowings.
See
note 15 regarding JV Supplemental Agreement.
F- 7
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1
- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
b. Basis of presentation
The
consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
c. Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements
The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statements
date and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
As
applicable to these consolidated financial statements, the most significant estimates and assumptions relate to stock-based compensation
and to the investments at fair value (for further details, see note 4).
d. Functional currency
The
currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are conducted is the U.S. dollar
(“$” or “dollar”). Therefore, the functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the dollar.
Transactions
and balances originally denominated in dollars are presented at their original amounts. Balances in foreign currencies are translated
into dollars using historical and current exchange rates for non-monetary and monetary balances, respectively. For foreign transactions
and other items reflected in the statements of operations, the following exchange rates are used: (1) for transactions – exchange
rates at transaction dates or average rates and (2) for other items (derived from non-monetary balance sheet items such as depreciation)
– historical exchange rates. The resulting transaction gains or losses are carried to financial income or expenses, as appropriate.
e. Repurchase
and retirement of common stock
The Company debited the common stock account by the par value of the
shares retired and allocated the excess of the repurchase price over the par value of the shares to additional paid in capital.
F- 8
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1
- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
f. Principles of consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances
have been eliminated in consolidation.
g. Cash equivalents
The
Company considers all short-term, highly liquid investments, which include short-term deposits with original maturities of three months
or less from the date of purchase that are not restricted as to withdrawal or use and are readily convertible to known amounts of cash,
to be cash equivalents.
h. Fair value measurement:
The Company measures fair value and
discloses fair value measurements for financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell
an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to increase
consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, the guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable
and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described as follows:
Level 1:
Quoted
prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy
gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
Level 2:
Observable prices that
are based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
or indirectly.
Level 3:
Unobservable inputs are
used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.
F- 9
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE
1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
h. Fair
value measurement (continued):
The
Company’s financial assets subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis and the level of inputs used in such measurements
were as follows:
December 31, 2024
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Fair Value
Assets:
Marketable Securities
DNA
424
-
-
424
Entera
248
-
-
248
Scilex
2,769
-
-
2,769
Subsequent Penny Warrants (see note 4)
-
2,772
-
2,772
Warrants Note B (see note 4)
-
-
548
548
Tranche A Note (see note 4)
-
-
13,714
13,714
Tranche B Note (see note 4)
-
-
15,798
15,798
Royalty Purchase Agreement (see note 4)
-
-
1,976
1,976
Profit Sharing Loan Agreement (see note 4 (e))
-
-
1,367
1,367
$ 3,441
$ 2,772
$ 33,403
$ 39,616
December 31,
2023
Level
1
Level
2
Level
3
Fair
Value
Assets:
Marketable Securities
DNA
297
-
-
297
Entera
70
-
-
70
Transferred Warrants (see note 4)
1,440
-
-
1,440
Closing Penny Warrant (see note 4)
-
9,180
-
9,180
Subsequent Penny Warrants (see note 4)
-
-
6,502
6,502
The Note (see note 4)
-
-
93,066
93,066
$ 1,807
$ 9,180
$ 99,568
$ 110,555
As of December 31, 2024, and December
31, 2023, the carrying amounts of cash equivalents, short-term deposits, Short-Term Borrowings (as defined in Note 7), and accounts payable
approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
The
amounts funded in respect of employee rights are stated at cash surrender value which approximates its fair value.
F- 10
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE
1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
i. Marketable securities
The Company measured the securities
(investments in equity securities of DNA group (T.R.) Ltd. (“DNA”), Entera Bio Ltd. (“Entera”) and Scilex Holding
Company (“Scilex”) at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The Company intends to exercise these
investments during 2025, and has classified the marketable securities as short-term accordingly.
j. Other non-marketable equity securities
The
Company also invested in non-marketable equity securities, through an investment in a privately held company. This equity investment
does not have a readily determinable fair value. The investment is measured under the measurement alternative in Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) 321 “Investments – Equity Securities” to the extent such an investment is not subject
to consolidation or the equity method. Under the measurement alternative, this equity investment is carried at cost, less any impairment,
adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.
The investment would be impaired in accordance with the provisions of ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement” if, based on a qualitative
assessment of impairment indicators, the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying amount. If considered impaired, the difference
between the carrying amount and fair value would be recorded in the consolidated statement of income (loss). For further details, see
note 5.
k. Investments, at fair value
The Company invested in the Tranche A Note (as defined in note 4),
Tranche B Note (as defined in note 4) (collectively the “Notes”), Penny Warrants and Royalty Purchase Agreement issued by
Scilex, for which it has elected the fair value option. Under the Fair Value Option Subsections of ASC Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments
– Overall, the Company has the irrevocable option to report financial assets at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis.
Scilex
also issued to the Company the Note A Transferred Warrants and Note B Warrants (as defined in note 4) that meet the definition of a derivative
under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”. Therefore, the Warrants will be measured at fair value initially and on every reporting period.
The
Company entered into a loan agreement to finance a real estate project. The Company decided to designate the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement
(as define in note 4) as a whole under the Fair-Value option in accordance with ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments”.
Changes
in the fair value are recorded under financial income (expenses), net.
l. Concentration of credit risks
Financial instruments that subject the
Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term deposits, which are deposited in major financial
institutions, Profit Sharing Loan Agreement, Royalty Purchase Agreement and the Notes. The Company is of the opinion that the credit risk
in respect of these balances is remote, except for the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement, Royalty Purchase Agreement and the Notes for which
the Company is of the opinion there is a credit risk, which is reflected in its fair value measurement (for further details, see note
4).
F- 11
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1
- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
m. Income taxes
1. Deferred
taxes
Deferred
taxes are determined utilizing the asset and liability method based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial
accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities under the applicable tax laws. Deferred tax balances are computed using the tax rates
expected to be in effect when those differences reverse. A valuation allowance in respect of deferred tax assets is provided if, based
upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The
Company has provided a full valuation allowance with respect to its deferred tax assets. See note 12.
Taxes
that would apply in the event of disposal of investments in the Israeli subsidiary have not been taken into account in computing deferred
taxes, as it is the Company’s intention to hold this investment, not to realize it.
2. Uncertainty
in income tax
The
Company follows a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position
for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be
sustained on audit. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50 % likely of being realized
upon ultimate settlement. Such liabilities are classified as long-term, unless the liability is expected to be resolved within 12 months
from the balance sheet date. The Company’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within
income tax expenses.
F- 12
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1
- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
n. Revenue recognition
HTIT
On
November 30, 2015, the Company entered into a Technology License Agreement, with HTIT and on December 21, 2015, the parties entered into
an Amended and Restated Technology License Agreement that was further amended by the parties on June 3, 2016 and July 24, 2016 (the “HTIT
License Agreement”).
As of December 31, 2024, an aggregate amount of $ 22,382 was allocated
to the HTIT License Agreement, all of which were received through December 31, 2024. Through December 31, 2023, the Company recognized
revenue associated with this agreement in the aggregate amount of $ 20,382 , of which $ 1,340 was recognized in the year ended December 31,
2023, and deferred the remaining amount of $ 2,000 , which is presented as long-term deferred revenues on the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company did not recognize revenue related to the HTIT License Agreement in the year ended December 31, 2024. See note 15 regarding
the JV Supplemental Agreement.
Medicox
On
November 13, 2022, the Company entered into a distribution license agreement (“Medicox License Agreement”) with Medicox Co.,
Ltd. (“Medicox”). The Medicox License Agreement grants Medicox an exclusive license to apply for regulatory approval and
distribute ORMD-0801 in the Republic of Korea. For further details, see note 8b.
Under
ASC 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” the Company identified Medicox as a customer and the Medicox License Agreement
as a contract with a customer.
The
Company identified a performance obligation in the Medicox License Agreement to stand-ready and provide Medicox with support in its commercialization
efforts in the Republic of Korea. This performance obligation includes a non-distinct distribution license for ORMD-0801, which the Company
views a predominant item in the combined performance obligation. The Company concluded that the license is not distinct, as no party
other than the Company is capable of providing related services to Medicox, and both the license and related services are necessary for
the customer to obtain a regulatory approval in the Republic of Korea. In addition, the agreement covers the terms of future manufacturing
services, that are contingent on the completion and success of the commercialization efforts.
The
Medicox License Agreement contains a fixed consideration of $ 2,000 , which was received by the Company during the year ended December
31, 2022 and is currently presented under long-term deferred revenues. It also contains variable consideration of contractual milestone
payments and sales-based royalties.
The
Company’s obligation to stand-ready and support Medicox will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the period the Company
expects to provide support to Medicox. As of December 31, 2024, this support has not commenced, and no revenue was recognized from the
Medicox License Agreement.
If
Medicox proceeds with the regulatory approval process in the Republic of Korea, the Company expects most of the revenue to be recognized
at a later stage, going forward. The Company notes that its Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints (see note 1a.1).
If
Medicox chooses to terminate the agreement as a result of the outcome of the Phase 3 trials, the Company will accelerate revenue recognition
and recognize it at such time.
F- 13
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1
- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
o. Research and development
Research and development expenses include costs directly attributable
to the conduct of research and development programs, including the cost of salaries, stock-based compensation, employee benefits, the
cost of supplies, the cost of services provided by outside contractors, including services related to the Company’s clinical trials,
clinical trial expenses and the full cost of manufacturing drug for use in research and preclinical development. All costs associated
with research and development are expensed as incurred.
Clinical
trial costs are a significant component of research and development expenses and include costs associated with third-party contractors.
The Company outsources a substantial portion of its clinical trial activities, utilizing external entities such as Clinical Research
Organizations (“CROs”), independent clinical investigators, and other third-party service providers to assist the Company
with the execution of its clinical trials. For each clinical trial that the Company conducts, clinical trial costs are expensed immediately.
p. Stock-based compensation
Equity awards granted to employees are accounted for using the grant
date fair value method. The grant date fair value is determined as follows: for stock options with an exercise price and only service
conditions using the Black Scholes pricing model, for stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with market conditions
using a Monte Carlo model and for RSUs with service conditions based on the grant date share price. The fair value of share based payment
awards is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period. The expected term is the length of time until the expected dates
of exercising the award and is estimated using the simplified method due to insufficient specific historical information of employees’
exercise behavior, unless the award includes a market condition, in which case the contractual term is used. The volatility is based on
a historical volatility, by statistical analysis of the weekly share price for past periods. The Company elected to recognize compensation
cost for awards granted to employees that have a graded vesting schedule using the accelerated method based on the multiple-option award
approach. For awards with market conditions, compensation expense is not reversed if the market conditions are not satisfied.
The
Company elects to account for forfeitures as they occur.
F- 14
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1
- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
q. Income
(loss) per share of common stock
Basic net earnings (loss) per common
share are computed by dividing the net earnings (loss) attributable to stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of shares
of common stock outstanding for each period, including vested RSUs. Outstanding stock options, warrants and unvested RSUs have been excluded
from the calculation of the diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2024 because all such securities are anti-dilutive
for the year ended December 31, 2024.
For the diluted earnings per share calculation for the year ended December
31, 2023, the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for the potential dilution that could occur in
connection with employee share-based payment, using the treasury stock method. The difference in the denominator results from the dilutive
impact of 251,833 RSUs.
The weighted average number of stock
options, warrants and RSUs excluded from the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share was 4,582,421 and 1,227,506 for the years
ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
r. Leases
The
Company leases real estate and cars for use in its operations, which are classified as operating leases. In addition to rent, the leases
may require the Company to pay directly for fees, insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses.
The
Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right of use assets and
operating lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Right of use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s
right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments
arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value
of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement
date to determine the present value of the lease payments. Lease expenses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The
Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all of its leases.
Lease
terms will include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will either exercise or not
exercise the option to renew or terminate the lease.
The
Company’s lease agreements have remaining lease terms ranging from 4 months to 2.5 years. Some of these agreements include options
to extend the leases for up to an additional 5 years and some include options to terminate the leases immediately. See Note 8d.
F- 15
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1
- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
s. New accounting pronouncements
Recently
adopted accounting pronouncements
In
November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)
2023-07 “Segment Reporting: Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” This guidance expands public entities’
segment disclosures primarily by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating
decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for
other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. Public entities with a single
reportable segment are required to provide the new disclosures and all the disclosures required under ASC 280 “Segment Reporting”.
The Company adopted this standard in the current period retrospectively to all prior periods presented in its financial statements, see
note 13.
Recently
issued accounting pronouncements, not yet adopted
In
December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This guidance
is intended to enhance the transparency and decision-usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 address investor
requests for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to disclosure regarding rate reconciliation and income taxes paid
both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. ASU 2023-09 is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective
basis, with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance
to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 “Income Statement—Reporting
Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”, which
requires disclosure about the types of costs and expenses included in certain expense captions presented on the income statement as well
as disclosures about selling expenses. ASU 2024-03 is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within
years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The
Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements disclosures.
F- 16
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2
- SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS:
Composition :
December
31,
2024
2023
Annual
interest rate
Amount
Annual
interest rate
Amount
Dollar deposits
5.65 - 5.75
%
55,281
6.35 - 6.81
%
$
95,279
NOTE 3
- MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
a. Composition:
The
Company’s marketable securities include investments in equity securities of DNA, Entera and Scilex.
December
31,
2024
2023
Short-term:
DNA (see b below)
$ 424
$ -
Entera (see c below)
248
-
Scilex (see d below)
2,769
-
$ 3,441
-
Long-term:
DNA (see b below)
$ -
$ 297
Entera (see c below)
-
70
Transferred Warrants
(see note 4)
-
1,440
$ -
$ 1,807
b. DNA
DNA’s
ordinary shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The fair value of those securities is measured at the quoted prices of the
securities on the measurement date.
During
the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not sell any of DNA’s ordinary shares. As of December 31, 2024, the
Company owns approximately 1.4 % of DNA’s outstanding ordinary shares.
The
cost of the securities as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $ 595 .
c. Entera
Entera ordinary shares have been traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market
since June 28, 2018. The Company measures the investment at fair value from such date, since it has a readily determinable fair value.
F- 17
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 3
- MARKETABLE SECURITIES (continued):
d. Scilex
Scilex
ordinary shares are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The fair value of those securities is measured at the quoted prices of the securities
on the measurement date.
On
November 4, 2024 the Company exercised 6,500,000 of the Penny Warrant to shares. (for more details, see note 4).
NOTE 4
- INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE:
2023
Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing
2023
Scilex Transaction
On
September 21, 2023, the Company entered into and consummated the transactions (collectively, the “2023 Scilex Transaction”)
contemplated by a securities purchase agreement with Scilex, pursuant to which Scilex issued to the Company:
a. A senior secured promissory note (the “Tranche A Note”),
with a principal amount of $ 101,875 , maturing on March 21, 2025 and bearing interest of SOFR plus 8.5 %, payable in-kind. Scheduled principal
payments are due on December 21, 2023, March 21, 2024, June 21, 2024, September 21, 2024, and December 21, 2024, with the balance due
on March 21, 2025. In January 2025, the Company extended Tranche A Note maturity from March 21, 2025 to December 31, 2025. As per the
Tranche A Note terms, if the Tranche A Note is not repaid in full on or prior to March 21, 2024, an exit fee of $ 3,056 is due. Since the
Tranche A Note was not repaid by that date, the Company is entitled to the above-mentioned exit fee at the maturity date of the Tranche
A Note. As of December 31, 2024, Scilex has repaid $ 69,200 of the amount due under the Tranche A Note. See the description of the Extension
Agreement (as defined below).
The Tranche A Note constitutes senior secured indebtedness of Scilex
and is guaranteed by all existing or future formed, direct and indirect, domestic subsidiaries of Scilex and is secured by a first priority
security interest in and liens on all of the assets of Scilex, subject to customary and mutually agreed permitted liens and except for
certain specified exemptions.
b. Warrants to purchase up to 4,500,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $ 0.01 per share (the “Closing Penny Warrants”) and four additional warrants (the “Subsequent Penny Warrants”) each for 2,125,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $ 0.01 per share. The Closing Penny Warrants were vested on September 21, 2023, and each of the Subsequent Penny Warrants vested quarterly during 2024. The Closing Penny Warrants and the Subsequent Penny Warrants shall become exercisable on the earliest of (i) March 14, 2025 and (ii) the date on which the Tranche A Note has been repaid in full.
As of December 31, 2024, 4,500,000 Closing Penny Warrants were vested according to the terms of Tranche A Note, 8,500,000 Subsequent Penny Warrants were vested according to the terms of the Tranche A Note and as per the Extension Agreement (as defined below).
According to the Extension Agreement (as defined below), 4,500,000 Closing Penny Warrants and 2,000,000 Subsequent Penny Warrants have become exercisable.
On October 30, 2024, the Company exercised 4,500,000 Closing Penny Warrants and 2,000,000 Subsequent Penny Warrants that were exercisable at such time. As a result the Company holds 6,500,000 shares of common stock of Scilex.
c. Transferred warrants (the “Transferred Warrants”) to purchase 4,000,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $ 11.50 per share, fully exercisable and expiring on November 10, 2027 . On September 20, 2024, the Company sold the Transferred Warrants for consideration of $ 300 (see below). As a result, as of December 31, 2024 the Company does not hold any Transferred Warrants.
F- 18
ORAMED PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE (continued):
2023
Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing (continued)
2023
Scilex Transaction (continued)
The
Company accounted for the Transferred Warrants as derivatives measured at fair value.
The Company elected the fair value option for the Tranche A Note and
the Penny Warrants in order to reduce operational complexity of bifurcating embedded derivatives. Changes in value are recorded under
financial income (expense), net and include interest income on the Tranche A Note.
The
valuation was performed based on several scenarios. Each scenario took into consideration the present value of the Tranche A Note’s
cash flows (including the exit fee and the prepayment premium) and the Warrants’ value. The total value of the 2023 Scilex Transaction
(and of each of its components) was valued on a weighted average of the different scenarios.
The
discount rate of the Tranche A Note was based on the B- rating zero curve in addition to a risk premium which takes into account the
credit risk of Scilex and ranged between 112 % to 113 %.
The
fair value of the Transferred Warrants was based on their closing price on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The fair value of the Penny Warrants
was calculated based on the closing price of the Scilex common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
On
September 20, 2024, the Company and Scilex entered into an extension agreement (the “Extension Agreement”) to extend the
due date of the September 21, 2024 payment. Pursuant to the Extension Agreement, Scilex paid to the Company $ 2,000 on September 23, 2024,
which payment is to be applied as follows: (i) $ 1,700 to the payment due under the Tranche A Note on March 21, 2025 and (ii) $ 300 to
purchase the Transferred Warrants.
The
table below represents the fair value composition of the Tranche Note A:
December
31, 2024
December
31, 2023
Short
term
Long
term
Total
Short
term
Long
term
Total
Tranche Note
A
$ 13,714
-
$ 13,714
$ 57,713
$ 35,353
$ 93,066
Closing Penny Warrant
-
-
-
-
$ 9,180
$ 9,180
Subsequent Penny Warrants
$ 2,772
-
$ 2,772
-
$ 6,502
$ 6,502
Transferred Warrants
-
-
-
-
$ 1,440
$ 1,440
Total
$ 16,486
-
$ 16,486
$ 57,713
$ 52,475
$ 110,188
As
of December 31, 2023, the fair value of the Tranche A Note was less than the aggregate unpaid principal balance (which includes interest
payable on maturity) by $ 7,801 .
As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of the Tranche A Note was less than the aggregate unpaid principal
balance (which includes interest payable on maturity) by $ 8,114 .
F- 19
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 4
- INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE (continued):
2024
Refinancing
In October 2024, the Company entered into the transactions (collectively,
the “2024 Refinancing”) pursuant to which Scilex issued to the Company:
a.
Convertible Notes SPA
The Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Convertible Notes SPA”) with certain institutional
investors (together with the Company, the “Buyers”) and Scilex to refinance a portion of the Tranche A Note and pay off certain
other indebtedness of Scilex. Pursuant to the Convertible Notes SPA, the Buyers purchased in a registered offering by Scilex (i) a new
tranche B of senior secured convertible notes of Scilex in the aggregate principal amount of $ 50,000 (the “Tranche B Notes”)
repayable on a quarterly basis for 2 years, which Tranche B Notes are convertible into shares of Scilex common stock and (ii) warrants
to purchase up to 7,500,000 shares of Scilex common stock (the “Tranche B warrants”). The Company purchased 50 % of Tranche
B Notes and Tranche B Warrants and therefore holds an aggregate principal amount of $ 25,000 of the Tranche B Notes and 3,750,000 Tranche
B Warrants.
Scilex
received from the Company, in consideration for the Tranche B Notes and the Tranche B Warrants issued to the Company, an exchange and
reduction of the principal outstanding balance under the Tranche A Note of $ 22,500 .
b.
Royalty Purchase Agreement
The Company and certain institutional investors (together with the Company, the “RPA Purchasers”)
entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Royalty Purchase Agreement”) with Scilex and Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(“Scilex Pharma”). Pursuant to the Royalty Purchase Agreement, the RPA Purchasers acquired the right to receive, in the aggregate,
8 % of net sales worldwide for 10 years (the “Purchased Receivables”) with respect to ZTlido (lidocaine topical system) 1.8 %,
SP-103 (lidocaine topical system) 5.4 %, and any related, improved, successor, replacement or varying dosage forms of the foregoing. The
Company acquired the right to receive 50 % of the Purchased Receivables and therefore holds the right to receive 4 % royalties.
In
consideration for its interest in the Purchased Receivables, the Company exchanged and reduced $ 2,500 of the principal balance under
the Tranche A Note.
c.
ZTlido Rest of the World Binding Agreement
The Company and certain other institutional investors and Scilex entered into a binding term sheet (the
“ROW License Term Sheet”), regarding a license and development agreement (the: “Lido License Agreement”), with
respect to services, compositions, products, dosages and formulations comprising lidocaine, including without limitation, the product
and any future product defined as a “Product” under Scilex Pharma’s existing (i) Product Development Agreement, dated
as of May 11, 2011, with Oishi Koseido Co., Ltd. (“Oishi”), and Itochu Chemical Frontier Corporation (“Itochu”),
as amended, and (ii) the associated Commercial Supply Agreement, dated February 16, 2017, between Scilex, Oishi and Itochu, as amended.
F- 20
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 4
- INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE (continued):
2024
Refinancing (continued)
c.
ZTLido Rest of the World Binding Agreement (continued):
Subject
to determination of a final structure for the transactions contemplated by the ROW License Term Sheet, it is anticipated that the Company
and such institutional investors will hold the Lido License Agreement through a joint venture, RoyaltyVest, Inc. (“RoyaltyVest”).
In
consideration for the rights to be provided under the proposed Lido License Agreement, as more fully described in the ROW License Term
Sheet, (a) RoyaltyVest will invest (whether through cash consideration or in-kind payment through the provision of services) $ 200 per
year toward expanding the Product, (b) Scilex will grant RoyaltyVest a worldwide, exclusive right, license and interest to all products
rights for the development, out-licensing, commercialization of any Product outside of the United States and other territories, other
than certain excluded designated territories (the “ROW Territory”), and (c) each of RoyaltyVest and Scilex will receive 50 %
percent of the net revenue (less expenses) generated from any Product in the ROW Territory.
The
term sheet is subject to entering into a definitive agreement (see note 15) and subject to the consent of Oishi and Itochu to the Lido
License Agreement.
As of December 31, 2024, the fair value
of the ROW License was immaterial, inter alia, as it remains contingent upon third-party approvals and the future execution of agreements.
The institutional investors who are parties to the Convertible Notes
SPA, Royalty Purchase Agreement and ROW License Term Sheet are all inter-related.
Following the refinancing as described
above, on October 8, 2024, Scilex used $ 12,500 of the net proceeds from the proceeds of the Tranche B Note for the partial repayment
of the outstanding balance under the Tranche A Note.
The Company elected the fair value option for the Tranche B Note and the Royalty
Purchase Agreement, The Note B Warrants meet the definition of a derivative, and therefore will be measured at fair value. Changes in
value are recorded under financial income (expense), net and include interest income on the Tranche B Note.
The
valuation of the Tranche B Note’s was performed based on the binomial model , using a discount rate of 110.33 %.
Presented below is the summary of the assumptions and estimates that were used for the valuation:
Parameters and Assumptions
Share Price $ 0.43
Conversion Rate 1.04
Floor Rate 1.04
Expected Term 1.77 Years
Volatility 61.99 %
Risk Free Rate 4.16 %
The fair value of the Note B Warrants was calculated based on Black
and Scholes model.
F- 21
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 4
- INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE (continued):
2024
Refinancing (continued)
c.
ZTLido Rest of the World Binding Agreement (continued):
Presented below is the summary of the assumptions and estimates
that were used for the valuation of the Warrants:
Parameters and Assumptions
Share Price $ 0.43
Exercise Price $ 1.04
Expected Term 4.77 Years
Volatility 63.14 %
Risk Free Rate 4.33 %
Dividend Rate 0 %
The
value of the Royalty Purchase Agreement was calculated according to the royalty payment schedule and the aggregation of discounted cash
flows derived from the royalty payments, using a discount rate of 110.33 %.
As of December 31, 2024, the
fair value of the Tranche B Note was less than the aggregate unpaid principal balance (which includes interest payable on maturity)
is $ 9,833 .
The
table below represents the fair value composition of the Tranche B Note:
December 31, 2024
Short term
Long term
Total
Tranche B Note
$ 11,263
$ 4,535
$ 15,798
Warrant
-
$ 548
$ 548
Royalty Purchase Agreement
$ 1,039
$ 937
$ 1,976
Total
$ 12,302
$ 6,020
$ 18,322
F- 22
ORAMED PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE (continued):
2024 Refinancing (continued)
c.
ZTLido Rest of the World Binding Agreement (continued):
The
table below represents the fair value cycle of 2023 Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing Transaction throughout December 31, 2023
and December 31, 2024:
Tranche A
Tranche B
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2022
-
-
-
2023 Scilex Transaction
101,875
-
101,875
Cash received from note repayment
( 5,000 )
-
( 5,000 )
Change in fair value
13,313
-
13,313
Balance as of December 31, 2023
110,188
-
110,188
2024 Refinancing (*)
( 21,575 )
25,000
3,425
Proceeds from the sale of Transferred Warrants
( 300 )
-
( 300 )
Cash received from Tranche A Note repayment
( 64,200 )
-
( 64,200 )
Exercised warrants (**)
( 6,123 )
-
( 6,123 )
Amounts receivable from the royalty agreement (***)
-
( 398 )
( 398 )
Change in fair value
( 1,504 )
( 6,280 )
( 7,784 )
Balance as of December 31, 2024
16,486
18,322
34,808
(*) The amount was recorded as part of the financial income (expenses), net.
(**) On October 30, 2024 the Company exercised 4,500,000 Closing Penny Warrants,
and 2,000,000 Subsequent Penny Warrants into 6,500,000 shares of common stock of Scilex and as a result, these shares are not part of
the Tranche A Note and presented under fair value investment.
(***) The amount is included under prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Financial income (expenses) recognized in respect of 2023 Scilex
Transaction and 2024 Refinancing, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were ($ 4,359 ) and $ 13,313 , respectively.
F- 23
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 4
- INVESTMENTS, AT FAIR VALUE (continued):
2024
Refinancing (continued)
c.
ZTLido Rest of the World Binding Agreement (continued):
The
table below represents the fair value breakdown as of December 31, 2024:
Tranche A Note
Tranche B Note
Total
Amount
Fair Value
Amount
Fair Value
Fair Value
The Notes
7,675
13,714
25,000
15,798
29,512
Warrants
6,500
2,772
3,750
548
3,320
Royalty Purchase Agreement payment
-
-
-
1,976
1,976
December 31, 2024
-
16,486
-
18,322
34,808
For
more details see note 15, subsequent events.
e. Profit
Sharing Loan Agreement
On
September 4, 2024, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Profit Sharing Loan Agreement”) with Rabi Binyamin 4 Tama
38 Ltd. (the “Borrower”) to finance a real estate project (the “Project”). According to the terms of the Profit
Sharing Loan Agreement, Oramed agreed to loan NIS 5.5 million ($ 1,523 ) (the “Loan Principal”) to the Borrower. NIS 4.7 million
($ 1,307 ) was loaned upon signing the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement and an additional NIS 0.8 million ($ 216 ) will be loaned upon certain
milestones which are expected to occur in the first half of 2025. Upon completion of the Project, the Company is entitled to receive
the Loan Principal and the greater of: (i) 20 % annual interest of the Loan Principal and (ii) 40 % of the Project profits.
The
Company decided to designate the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement as a whole under the Fair-Value option in accordance with ASC Topic
825 “Financial Instruments”. The valuation of the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement was based on various project
profit scenarios derived from the appraiser’s report. The Company used the Wang Transform model, a risk-neutral probabilities
method, with an expected term of 4.01 years, a curve rate of 13.9 % and a risk spread of 0.43 %.
F- 24
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 5
- OTHER NON-MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES:
On
August 26, 2022, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Diasome Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Diasome”), a privately-held
company, pursuant to which the Company purchased shares of Series B preferred stock of Diasome for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$ 2,700 . Following the purchase, the Company holds less than 5 % of the issued and outstanding stock of Diasome. The stock purchase agreement
provides the Company with the option to purchase additional preferred shares of stock on a pro rata basis at similar terms to the terms
and conditions of the current round contingent upon Diasome achieving certain milestones.
The Company’s non-marketable equity
securities are an investment in a company without a readily determinable fair value. The Company accounts for this investment under the
measurement alternative in ASC 321, whereby the equity investment is recorded at cost, less impairment. The carrying amount is subsequently
remeasured to its fair value in accordance with the provisions of ASC 820 when observable price changes occur as of the date the transaction
occurred, or it is impaired. Any adjustments to the carrying amount are recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income
(loss).
During the year ended December 31,
2023, the Company recorded an $ 824 increase in value due to the closing in June 2023 of a Series C preferred investment round in
Diasome. The change was recorded using the transaction price of similar securities issued by Diasome, adjusted for contractual
rights and obligations of the securities held by the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2024, there was no change in the
value of the Diasome investment.
NOTE 6
- ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:
Composition:
December
31,
2024
2023
Accounts payable
$ 789
$ 551
Payroll and related accruals
407
453
Income tax
3,204
-
Accrued liabilities
740
605
$ 5,140
$ 1,609
NOTE 7
- SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:
On
August 8, 2023, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $ 99,550 pursuant to loan agreements from Israel Discount Bank Ltd. (the “Short-Term
Borrowings”). The Short-Term Borrowings mature on dates ranging from August 11, 2023 to May 24, 2024, bear interest ranging
from 6.66 % to 7.38 %, and are secured by certificates of deposits issued by Israel Discount Bank Ltd. having an aggregate face amount
of $ 99,550 . The net proceeds of the Short-Term Borrowings were used to fund the Tranche A Note (for further details, see note 4).
The Short-Term Borrowings are paid in one payment of principal and interest at each respective maturity. As of December 31, 2024, the
Company repaid the entire Short-Term Borrowings amount.
F- 25
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 8
- COMMITMENTS:
a . On August 21, 2020, the Company received a letter from HTIT, disputing certain pending payment obligations of HTIT under the Technology License Agreement (“TLA”). The payment obligation being disputed is $ 6,000 , out of which only an amount of $ 2,000 has been received and has been included in deferred revenue in each of the consolidated balance sheets as of the years ended December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.
On February 7, 2025, the Company and HTIT entered into a JV Agreement (as defined in note 15). Pursuant to the terms of the JV Agreement, each of the Company, the Subsidiary and HTIT irrevocably released and waived (i) any claims and demands against each other party in connection with the TLA; and (ii) all rights, obligations and liabilities set out and arising with respect to the performance of the TLA. For more details see note 15.
b. On November 13, 2022, the Company entered the Medicox License Agreement with Medicox.
The Medicox License Agreement grants Medicox an exclusive license to apply for regulatory approval and distribute ORMD-0801 in the Republic of Korea. The Medicox License Agreement is for ten years, but the parties have the right to terminate it with a 180 days-notice.
Medicox will comply with agreed distribution targets and will purchase ORMD-0801 at an agreed upon transfer price per capsule. In addition, Medicox will pay the Company up to $ 15,000 in developmental milestones, $ 2,000 of which were received by the Company in 2022, and up to 15 % royalties on gross sales. Medicox will also be responsible for obtaining a regulatory approval in the Republic of Korea.
For the Company’s revenue recognition policy, see note 1m.
c.
Grants from the Israel
Innovation Authority (“IIA”)
Under
the terms of the Company’s funding from the IIA, royalties of 3 % are payable on sales of products developed from a project so funded,
up to a maximum amount equaling 100 %- 150 % of the grants received (dollar linked) with the addition of interest at an annual rate based
on SOFR.
At
the time the grants were received, successful development of the related projects was not assured. The total amount that was received
through December 31, 2024 was $ 2,214 ($ 2,587 including interest). All grants were received before the year ended August 31, 2020 and
recorded as a reduction of research and development expenses at that time.
As
of December 31, 2024, the liability to the IIA was $ 59 . The royalty expenses which are related to the funded project were recognized
in cost of revenues in the relevant periods.
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company has paid a total amount of $ 556 to the IIA.
For
additional details see note 15.
F- 26
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 8
- COMMITMENTS (continued):
d. Leases
On
August 2, 2020, the Subsidiary entered into a lease agreement for its facilities in Israel. The lease agreement is for a period of 60
months commencing September 1, 2020. The Subsidiary has the option to extend the period for another 60 months. The annual lease payment,
including management fees, as of December 31, 2024 is approximately NIS 435 ($ 119 ). As security for its obligation under this lease agreement,
the Company provided a bank guarantee in an amount equal to three monthly lease payments. For accounting purposes, the lease period is
60 months.
On
December 2, 2021, the Subsidiary entered into an addendum (the “Addendum”) to the current lease agreement for its facilities
in Israel. The Addendum refers to the lease of an additional space of 264 square meters for a period of 60 months commencing February
1, 2022. The Subsidiary has the option to extend the period for another 60 months. The annual lease payment, including management fees,
is approximately NIS 435 ($ 119 ). As security for its obligation under the Addendum, the Company provided a bank guarantee in an amount
equal to three monthly lease payments. For accounting purposes, the lease commenced on February 1, 2022 as the Subsidiary did not have
access to the space until that date. For accounting purposes, the lease period is 60 months.
The
total expenses related to leases were $ 265 for the year ended December 31, 2024, and $ 236 for the year ended December 31,
2023.
The
Company has various operating leases for office space and vehicles that expire through 2027. Below is a summary of the Company’s
operating right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31,
2024 December 31,
2023
Operating right-of-use assets $ 414 $ 694
Operating lease liabilities, current 216 267
Operating lease liabilities long-term 156 342
Total operating lease liabilities $ 372 $ 609
Weighted Average of Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases 1.8 2.5
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases 3.52 % 3.15 %
Operating
cash flows from operating lease for the years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $ 264 and $ 267 , respectively.
Lease
payments for the Company’s right-of-use assets over the remaining lease periods as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
December 31,
2024
2025
$ 225
2026
141
2027
18
Total undiscounted lease
payments
384
Less: Interest*
( 12 )
Present value of lease liabilities
$ 372
* Future lease payments were discounted by 3 %- 7 % interest rate.
F- 27
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 8
- COMMITMENTS (continued):
e . Clinical
Research Organization Services Agreement
On
September 23, 2024, the Subsidiary entered into a Clinical Research Organization Services Agreement with a third party, to retain it
as a clinical research organization (“CRO”). The services covered by the agreement include strategic planning, expert consultation,
data processing, regulatory, clerical, project management and other research and development services requested by the Company for the
Phase 3 clinical trial. As consideration for its services, the Company will pay the CRO a total amount of $ 11,577 during the term of
the engagement and based on achievement of certain milestones, of which $ 775 recognized in research and development expenses through
December 31, 2024.
NOTE 9
- STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
The
following are the significant capital stock transactions that took place during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
a. On September 1, 2021, the Company entered into a controlled equity offering agreement (the “Cantor Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., as agent, pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $ 100,000 , through a sales agent, subject to certain terms and conditions. Any shares sold will be sold pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 including a prospectus dated July 26, 2021 and prospectus supplement dated September 1, 2021. The Company paid the sales agent a cash commission of 3.0 % of the gross proceeds of the sale of any shares sold through the sales agent under the Cantor Equity Distribution Agreement. As of December 31, 2023 1,971,447 shares were issued under the Cantor Equity Distribution Agreement for aggregate net proceeds of $ 26,253 , no shares were issued in 2024. The agreement terminated on March 17, 2024.
b. On March 18, 2024, the Company entered into an at the market offering (the “StockBlock ATM Agreement”) with Rodman & Renshaw LLC and StockBlock Securities LLC, as agent, pursuant to which the Company may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $ 75,000 , through a sales agent, subject to certain terms and conditions. Any shares sold will be sold pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 including a prospectus dated March 18, 2024 and prospectus supplement dated September 1, 2021. The Company will pay the sales agent a cash commission of 3.0 % of the gross proceeds of the sale of any shares sold through the sales agent under the StockBlock ATM Agreement. As of December 31, 2024 no shares had been issued under the StockBlock ATM Agreement.
c. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had outstanding warrants exercisable starting February 25, 2020 for 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 4.13 per share and expiring on April 15, 2029.
F- 28
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 9
- STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):
The
following table presents the warrant activity for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year
ended December 31,
2024
2023
Warrants
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Warrants
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Warrants outstanding at beginning
of year
20,000
$ 4.13
150,705
$ 4.71
Issued
-
$ -
-
$ -
Exercised
-
$ -
-
$ -
Expired
-
$ -
( 130,705 )
$ 4.80
Warrants outstanding
at end of year
20,000
$ 4.13
20,000
$ 4.13
Warrants exercisable
at end of year
20,000
$ 4.13
20,000
$ 4.13
d. Buyback
program
In
June 2024, the Company’s board of directors authorized a stock buyback program pursuant to which the Company may, from time
to time, repurchase and retire up to $ 20,000 in maximum value of its common stock. The stock buyback program does not obligate the Company
to purchase any shares and expires in 12 months. The authorization for the stock buyback program may be terminated, increased or decreased
by the Company’s board of directors in its discretion at any time.
During 2024, the Company repurchased
and retired 1,036,976 shares of its common stock under this program for approximately $ 2,494 , including $ 10 excise tax, at an average
price of $ 2.36 per share. All repurchases were funded with cash on hand.
F- 29
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 10
- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
The
Company makes awards only under the 2019 Plan, under which, the Company had reserved a pool of 7,500,000 shares of the Company’s
common stock which may be issued at the discretion of the board of directors from time to time. Under this 2019 Plan, each option or
RSU is exercisable into one share of common stock of the Company. The options may be exercised after vesting and in accordance with vesting
schedules which will be determined by the board of directors for each grant. The maximum term of the options and RSUs is 10 years.
The following are the significant stock
options, RSUs transactions with employees and board members made during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
a. On April 17, 2023, the Company granted an aggregate of 868,500 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to executive officers and board members of the Company. The RSUs will vest in twelve equal quarterly installments starting May 1, 2023. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant was $ 1,980 , using the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.28 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
b. On April 17, 2023, the Company granted an aggregate of 245,500 performance based RSUs (“PSUs”) representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to executive officers of the Company. The PSUs vested on May 26, 2023, upon the Company’s common stock achieving and maintaining a specified price per share. The total fair value of these PSUs on the date of grant was $ 550 , using the Monte-Carlo model.
c. On May 1, 2023, the Company granted an aggregate of 20,000 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to a new board member. The RSUs will vest in twelve quarterly installments starting May 1, 2023. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant was $ 49 , using the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.45 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
d. On January 4, 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 941,500 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to executive officers of the Company. The RSUs will vest in twelve equal quarterly installments starting January 8, 2024. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant was $ 2,250 using the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.39 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
F- 30
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 10
- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):
e. On January 4, 2024, the Company granted 294,000 PSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to executive officers of the Company. The total amount of the PSUs shall vest when the closing price per share of Common Stock of the Company on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaches an average of $ 4.00 over any 10-trading day period. The total fair value of these PSUs on the date of grant was $ 691 , using the Monte-Carlo model, based on the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.39 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
f. On January 4, 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 187,610 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to board members of the Company. 37,610 RSUs will vest in three equal quarterly installments starting April 1, 2024. 150,000 RSUs will vest in three equal annual installments starting January 1, 2025. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant was $ 448 , using the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.39 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
g. On January 30, 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 3,750 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to board member of the Company. The RSUs will vest in four equal quarterly installments starting April 1, 2024. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant was $ 11 , using the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.98 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
h. On April 17, 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 29,800 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to board member of the Company. 7,300 RSUs will vest in three equal quarterly installments starting July 1, 2024. 22,500 RSUs will vest in three equal annual installments starting January 1, 2025. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant was $ 69 , using the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.33 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
i. On June 20, 2024, the Company granted 34,000 PSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The total amount of the PSUs shall vest upon the later of (i) June 18, 2026 and (ii) when the closing price per share of Common Stock of the Company on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaches an average of $ 4.00 over any 10-trading day period. The total fair value of these PSUs on the date of grant was $ 73 , using the Monte-Carlo model, based on the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.21 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
j. On June 21, 2024, 140,040 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to executive officer. 93,360 shall vest in one installment on June, 18 2026 and 46,680 shall vest in four equal quarterly installments starting September 9, 2026. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant was $ 305 , using the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.18 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
k. On November 11, 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 135,000 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to executive officers of the Company. The RSUs vested on the date of grant. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant was $ 321 , using the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.38 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
F- 31
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 10
- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):
l.
Options
to employees, directors and non-employees
A
summary of the status of the stock options granted to employees and directors as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and changes during the
years ended on those dates, is presented below:
Year
ended December 31,
2024
2023
Number
of
options
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Number
of
options
Weighted
average
exercise
price
$
$
Options
outstanding at beginning of year
1,909,676
8.03
2,041,676
8.47
Changes
during the year:
Granted
-
-
-
-
Forfeited
( 49,125
)
13.92
( 132,000
)
14.81
Expired
( 199,543
)
13.40
-
-
Exercised
-
-
-
-
Options
outstanding at end of year
1,661,008
7.21
1,909,676
8.03
Options
exercisable at end of year
1,442,258
6.91
1,479,426
7.15
Expenses
recognized in respect of stock options granted to employees and directors, for the years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were $ 213
and $ 811 , respectively.
F- 32
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In
thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 10
- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):
m. Options
to employees, directors and non-employees
The
following table presents summary information concerning the options granted to employees and directors outstanding as of December 31,
2024:
Exercise prices $ Number outstanding Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life Years Weighted
average
exercise
price $
1-6 840,500 4.83 3.94
6.23-9.12 283,008 2.80 7.96
10.40-20.19 537,500 6.50 11.94
1,661,008 5.02 7.21
As
of December 31, 2024, there were $ 122 of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested options previously granted to employees
and directors. The unrecognized compensation costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years.
47,000
options granted to non-employees were outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company recorded no stock-based
compensation related to non-employees’ awards during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. During the years ended December
31, 2024 and 2023, no options were exercised.
As of December 31, 2024, there were
no unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested options previously granted to non-employees.
F- 33
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 10
- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):
m. Options
to employees, directors and non-employees (continued):
The
following table presents summary information concerning the options granted to non-employees outstanding as of December 31, 2024:
Range of
exercise
prices $ Number outstanding Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life Years Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price $
3.74-5.08 47,000 4.98 4.31
n. Restricted
stock units
The
following table summarizes the activities for unvested RSUs and PSUs granted to employees and directors for the years ended December
31, 2024 and 2023:
Year
ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Number
of RSUs
Outstanding at the beginning
of year
1,834,362
1,561,570
Changes during the year:
Granted
1,792,460
1,134,000
Issued
( 617,542 )
( 574,791 )
Forfeited
( 405,945 )
( 286,417 )
Expired
( 50,770 )
-
Outstanding at the
end of the year
2,552,565
1,834,362
Vested during the
year
925,937
521,625
Vested and unissued
at year end
520,531
212,136
The
Company recorded compensation expenses related to RSUs of $ 3,787 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and $ 3,210 for the year ended December
31, 2023.
As
of December 31, 2024, there were unrecognized compensation costs of $ 1,630 related to RSUs. The unrecognized compensation costs are expected
to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.68 year.
F- 34
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 10
- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):
n. Restricted
stock units (continued):
The Company recorded compensation
expenses related to RSUs granted to non-employees of $ 26 for the year ended December 31, 2023. No compensation expenses recorded for the
year ended December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, there were
no unrecognized compensation costs related to RSUs.
The Company recorded total compensation expenses of $ 4,053 and $ 4,212
for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. $ 1,998 and $ 1,718 were included in Research and Development expenses, $ 2,055
and $ 2,933 were included in General and Administrative expenses and $ 0 and $( 440 ) were included in Sales and Marketing for the years ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
For additional information regarding
RSUs and PSUs granted in 2025, see note 15.
NOTE 11
- FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSES:
a. Financial income
Year
ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Income from interest on deposits
$ 4,128
$ 8,016
Exchange rate differences, net
174
-
Income from interest on corporate bonds
-
10
Revaluation of investments, net
-
16,461
Money Market Interest Income
870
143
Other
67
-
$ 5,239
$ 24,630
b. Financial expenses
Year
ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Exchange rate differences, net
$ -
$ 124
Bank and broker commissions
15
29
Revaluation of securities, net
3,114
69
Revaluation of investments, net (see note 4)
4,302
-
Fees regarding Scilex transaction
94
1,514
Interest expenses
853
2,037
$ 8,378
$ 3,773
F- 35
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 12
- TAXES ON INCOME:
Taxes on income included in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income (loss) represent current taxes due to taxable income of the Company.
a. Corporate
taxation in the U.S.
The
applicable corporate tax rate for the Company is 21 %.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has utilized all of its outstanding
net operating loss (“NOL”). Oravax had an accumulated tax loss carryforward of approximately $ 3,386 (as of December 31, 2023,
$ 3,374 ). Under U.S. tax laws, subject to certain limitations, carryforward tax losses originating in tax years beginning after January
1, 2018, have no expiration date, but they are limited to 80 % of the company’s taxable income in any given tax year. Carryforward
tax losses originating in tax years beginning prior to January 1, 2018, expire 20 years after the year in which incurred.
b. Corporate
taxation in Israel
The
Subsidiary is taxed in accordance with Israeli tax laws. The corporate tax rate applicable to 2024 and 2023 is 23 %.
As
of December 31, 2024, the Subsidiary and Oravax Medical Ltd. had an accumulated tax loss carryforward of approximately $ 114,000 (as of
December 31, 2023, approximately $ 102,000 ). Under the Israeli tax laws, carryforward tax losses have no expiration date.
c. Deferred income taxes
December 31,
2024
2023
In respect of:
Net operating loss carryforward
$ 26,797
$ 27,757
Research and development expenses
1,220
2,731
Revaluation of investments
5,608
( 2,611 )
Other temporary differences
2,495
596
Less - valuation allowance
( 36,120 )
( 28,473 )
Net deferred tax assets
$ -
$ -
Deferred
taxes are determined based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured
using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Realization
of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the period that deductible temporary differences and
carryforwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income. As the achievement of required future taxable income is uncertain,
the Company recorded a full valuation allowance.
F- 36
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 12
- TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
d. Income (Loss) before taxes on income and income taxes included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Income (loss) before taxes on income:
U.S.
$ ( 8,853 )
$ 11,604
Outside U.S.
( 7,067 )
( 6,516 )
$ ( 15,920 )
$ 5,088
Taxes on income (tax benefit):
Current:
U.S. (*)
3,183
-
Outside U.S.
-
-
$ 3,183
$ -
(*) Based on anticipated gains from the 2023 Scilex Transaction
and 2024 Refinancing, the Company anticipates taxable income for the year ending December 31, 2024. As a result, the Company fully
utilized its tax loss carryforward and incurred associated tax expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized
tax expenses of $ 3,194 . Tax provision of $ 3,194 has been classified to Accounts payable and accrued expenses.
e. Reconciliation
of the statutory tax benefit to effective tax expense
Following
is a reconciliation of the theoretical tax expense, assuming all income is taxed at the regular tax rates applicable to companies in
the United States, and the actual tax expense:
Year ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Income (loss) before income taxes as reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss)
$ ( 15,920 )
$ 5,088
Statutory tax (benefit) expense – 21 %
( 3,343 )
1,068
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
Change in the balance of the valuation allowance for deferred tax
7,647
( 4,332 )
Disallowable deductions
( 878 )
731
Influence of different tax rate applicable to the Subsidiary and Oravax Medical Ltd.
( 219 )
( 305 )
Prior year adjustments
( 13 )
2,838
Uncertain tax position
( 11 )
-
Taxes on income for the reported year
$ 3,183
$ -
F- 37
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 12
- TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
f. Uncertainty
in Income Taxes
ASC
740, “Income Taxes” requires significant judgment in determining what constitutes an individual tax position as well as assessing
the outcome of each tax position. Changes in judgment as to recognition or measurement of tax positions can materially affect the estimate
of the effective tax rate and consequently, affect the operating results of the Company. The Company recognizes interest and penalties
related to its tax contingencies as income tax expense.
The
following table summarizes the activity of the Company unrecognized tax benefits:
Year
ended
December 31,
2024
2023
Balance at Beginning of Year
$ 11
$ 11
Decrease in uncertain
tax positions for the current year
( 11 )
-
Balance at End of
Year
$ -
$ 11
The
Company does not expect unrecognized tax expenses to change significantly over the next 12 months.
The
Company is subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for the tax years of 2020 through 2023.
The
Subsidiary is subject to Israeli income tax examinations for the tax years of 2019 through 2023.
g. Valuation Allowance Rollforward
Year ended
Balance at
beginning
of year
Additions
(deductions)
Balance at
end of
year
Allowance in respect of carryforward tax losses:
Year ended December 31, 2024
$ 28,473
$ 7,647
$ 36,120
Year ended December 31, 2023
32,805
( 4,332 )
28,473
F- 38
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 13
- SEGMENT REPORTING :
The Company’s Chief Executive
Officer, serving as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), evaluates operational performance and makes resource allocation decisions
based on net income (loss), which is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company has determined
that it operates in a single reportable segment, focused on research and development activities related to its proprietary products and
technologies.
The CODM monitors budgeted versus actual
net income (loss), using this measure to assess segment performance and guide financial planning, which is consistent with the financial
statements. In addition to its research and development activities, the Company holds financial investments, including a material investment
in Scilex, see note 4. The CODM monitors these investments separately from operational performance. Income and expenses related to financial
instruments are reported as finance income (expenses) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), reflecting their
distinct nature from core business operations.
NOTE 14
- RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
a. On July 1, 2008, the Subsidiary entered into two consulting agreements with KNRY Ltd. (“KNRY”), an Israeli company owned by the Chief Scientific Officer, whereby the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Scientific Officer, through KNRY, provide services to the Company (the “Consulting Agreements”). The Consulting Agreements are both terminable by either party upon 140 days, prior written notice. The Consulting Agreements, as amended, provide that KNRY will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with performance of the Consulting Agreements and that the monthly consulting fee paid to the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Scientific Officer is NIS 146,705 ($ 40 ) and NIS 106,400 ($ 29 ), respectively.
Following
the relocation of the President and Chief Executive Officer to the State of Israel, the Company entered into two agreements with the
President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing his above-mentioned consulting agreement through KNRY, substantially on the same terms,
in order to allocate his time and services between the Company and the Subsidiary.
Effective
as of January 1, 2024, the monthly consulting fee of the Chief Scientific Officer is NIS 117,040 ($ 32 ). Effective as of July 1,
2024, the monthly consulting fee of the Chief Scientific Officer is NIS 134,550 ($ 37 ).
Effective
November 1, 2022, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Shnida Ltd. (“Shnida”), whereby the President and
Chief Executive Officer, through Shnida, provides services as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The agreement is
terminable by either party upon 140 days prior written notice. The agreement provides that Shnida will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses
incurred in connection with performance of the agreement. Effective as of January 1, 2024, the President and Chief Executive Officer
receives a monthly consulting fee of NIS 96,825 ($ 26 ). Effective as of July 1, 2024, the monthly consulting fee of the President and
Chief Executive Officer is NIS 111,349 ($ 31 ). Pursuant to the agreement, Shnida and the President and Chief Executive Officer each agree
that during the term of the agreement and for a 12-month period thereafter, none of them will compete with the Company nor solicit employees
of the Company.
In addition, the Company, through
the Subsidiary, has entered into an employment agreement with the President and Chief Executive Officer, effective as of November 1,
2022, pursuant to which, effective as of January 1, 2024, the President and Chief Executive Officer receives gross monthly salary of
NIS 51,591 ($ 14 ) in consideration for his services as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Subsidiary. Effective as of July
1, 2024, the President and Chief Executive Officer receives gross monthly salary of NIS 59,330 ($ 16 ) in consideration for his
services as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Subsidiary. In addition, the President and Chief Executive Officer is
provided with a phone and a company car pursuant to the terms of his agreement.
F- 39
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 14
- RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued):
b. Balances with related parties:
December 31,
2024
2023
Accounts payable and accrued expenses - Shnida
$ 175
$ 160
Accounts payable and accrued expenses - KNRY
154
165
Total payable to related parties
$ 329
$ 325
c. Expenses to related parties:
Year
ended
December 31,
2024
2023
KNRY
$ 563
$ 486
Shnida
514
445
Nadav Kidron (President
and Chief Executive Officer)
$ 297
$ 296
NOTE 15
- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
A. RSUs
granted
On
January 2, 2025, the Company granted 1,023,000 RSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to the
Company’s executive officers. The total amount of the RSUs shall vest in equal quarterly installments of approximately 85,249 over
a three year period starting with the first quarterly vesting on January 1, 2025. The total fair value of these RSUs on the date of grant
was $ 2,465 based on the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.41 on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
B. PSUs
granted
On
January 2, 2025, the Company granted 328,500 PSUs representing a right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company’s
executive officers. The total amount of the PSUs shall vest upon at the earliest of (1) the closing of a joint venture (“JV”)
transaction with HTIT; or (2) the repayment to the Company of the value of its principal investment in Scilex plus 10 %. The total fair
value of these PSUs on the date of grant was $ 792 based on the quoted closing market share price of $ 2.41 on the Nasdaq Capital Market
on the date of grant.
F- 40
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 15
- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (continued):
B.
PSUs granted (continued):
The Company modified 294,000 outstanding
PSUs that were granted to the Company’s Executive Officers, adjusting the vesting criteria and performance targets. The Company
will recognize stock-based compensation expense equal to the unrecognized grant-date fair value of the original award plus any incremental
fair value arising from the modification over the remaining requisite service period.
As of March 27, 2025, all PSUs that
granted to the Company’s Executive Officers achieved the first updated performance target.
C. Scilex
investment
Tranche
B Note Consent
On January 2, 2025, the Company and other Tranche B Noteholders entered
into deferral and consent agreements with Scilex (the “Tranche B Consent”), deferring Scilex’s first amortization payment
under the Tranche B Note to October 8, 2026. In consideration, the Company received $ 877 ($ 555 of the principal amount and $ 322 accrued
interest), and 2,500,000 Scilex Common Stock shares.
In
addition, as part of the Tranche B Consent and contingent upon certain conditions that were met:
● Scilex and the Tranche B Noteholders agreed to a 10-year, assignable 4 % royalty on global net sales of Gloperba and Elyxyb, excluding Elyxyb sales in Canada, with the Company entitled to 2 %. Gloperba, an oral liquid colchicine formulation for gout, and Elyxyb, an oral solution for acute migraine treatment, represent key assets in Scilex’s portfolio. The agreement was signed on February 28, 2025.
● The Tranche B Noteholders have the option to fund up to 50 % of the cash purchase price for Ex-US Product Rights to Gloperba and Elyxyb (excluding Elyxyb in Canada) and will receive proportional revenues from commercialization and licensing.
● Scilex granted the Tranche B Noteholders exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Elyxyb in Canada, entitling them to 50 % of net revenue.
Tranche
A Note Maturity Date Extension Amendment
On
January 21, 2025, the Company entered into an amendment to the Tranche A Note (the “Tranche A Extension Amendment”), extending
the maturity date from March 21, 2025, to December 31, 2025 (the “Extended Maturity Date”). Interest will continue to accrue
and be payable on the Extended Maturity Date. In consideration of the extension, the Company received 3,250,000 shares of Scilex Common
Stock.
Lidocaine
License Agreement
As
part of the binding term sheet signed with Scilex under the Tranche B Note, on February 22, 2025, the Company, through its 50 % ownership
in RoyaltyVest, entered into an additional License Agreement with Scilex. Under this agreement, RoyaltyVest acquired exclusive rights
to develop, manufacture, and commercialize lidocaine-based products, including ZTlido (lidocaine topical system 1.8%) and SP-103, outside
the United States. As part of the arrangement, RoyaltyVest and Scilex will each receive 50 % of the net profits from the commercialization
of these products. Given the Company’s 50 % ownership in RoyaltyVest, Oramed effectively holds a 25 % share in the profits generated
under this agreement.
F- 41
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 15
- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (continued):
D. Real
Estate – Castel
In January 2025, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire a
parcel of land in Mevaseret Zion, Israel for a total purchase price of NIS 5,800 ($ 1,586 ). The transaction is structured in installments,
and as of March 27, 2025, the Company has paid $ 1,210 toward the acquisition price. Under the agreement, the developer is responsible
for executing all development-related activities, and the company and the developer will share the profits upon the future sale of the
property. The Company is currently evaluating the appropriate accounting treatment.
E. JV
Supplemental Agreement
On
February 7, 2025, the Company and HTIT entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (the “JV Agreement”), amending the original
agreement signed on January 22, 2024. The JV was formed to advance the development and commercialization of oral insulin, combining the
Company’s proprietary technology and funding with HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities. Through this partnership, the JV will
have the technology, resources, and production capacity to bring oral insulin to market.
The
initial closing, set for April 30, 2025, includes an investment of $ 40,000 by HTIT and $ 7,500 by the Company into OraTech. Additionally,
the Company will transfer all its intellectual property rights to OraTech. Upon completion, both HTIT and the Company will receive OraTech
shares.
The
second closing, contingent on Nasdaq listing approval, involves a $ 20,000 investment by HTIT and an additional $ 7,500 investment by the
Company. It is expected to close by May 31, 2025, but no later than September 1, 2025.
The
agreement also outlines the spin-off of OraTech, requiring regulatory filings and the distribution of at least 60 % of the Company’s
stake in OraTech to its shareholders. Both the Company and HTIT agreed to a 120-day lock-up period post-listing, restricting share sales.
As
part of the JV Agreement, HTIT will receive $ 20,000 at the initial closing and $ 10,000 at the second closing under a Supply Agreement
with OraTech.
F. IIA
Payment
on
February 18, 2025, the Company received approval from the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) to transfer all of its IIA-funded technology
to OraTech in accordance with the terms of the JV agreement. This approval was granted upon the condition that the Company pays the aggregate
IIA grant amount, plus accrued interest, less all royalties paid to date.
On
February 27, 2025, the Company fulfilled its payment obligation by remitting $ 2,031 to the IIA, and as result the Company has no further
obligations to the IIA.
F- 42
ORAMED
PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 15
- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (continued):
G. BioXcel
On March 4, 2025, the Company, through RoyaltyVest, participated in
a registered direct offering by BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI) (“BioXcel”), acquiring 2,000,000 shares of BioXcel’s
common stock and accompanying warrants to purchase up to an additional 2,000,000 shares. The shares and warrants were purchased at a combined
offering price of $ 3.50 per share and warrant, representing 50 % of the total 4,000,000 shares issued in the offering. The warrants have
an exercise price of $ 4.20 per share, are immediately exercisable, and will expire five years from the date of issuance.
BioXcel
is a biopharmaceutical company leveraging artificial intelligence to develop innovative medicines in neuroscience and immuno-oncology.
Its lead programs focus on treatments for agitation in neuropsychiatric disorders and other central nervous system conditions.
As of March 27, 2025, the Company, through RoyaltyVest, has sold 869,992
shares and continues to hold 1,130,008 shares of BioXcel common stock.
H. Real
Estate Transactions
On March 24, 2025, the Company entered into a loan agreement to finance
a purchase of a real estate asset in Jerusalem Israel in the amount of $ 22,650 . The loan has a one-year maturity and is secured by a first-ranking
mortgage on a property valued at approximately $ 800,000 , providing significant collateral coverage. The loan bears an annual interest
rate of 12 %.
F- 43
(b) Exhibits
3.1
Composite
Copy of Certificate of Incorporation, as amended as of January 22, 2013, corrected February 8, 2013, as amended as of July 25,
2014, corrected September 5, 2017 and as further amended as of August 3, 2020 (incorporated by reference from our annual report on
Form 10-K filed November 24, 2020)
3.2*
Fifth
Amended and Restated By-laws, adopted effective March 27, 2025.
3.3*
Fifth Amended and Restated By-laws, adopted effective March 27, 2025 (marked copy).
4.1
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form S-1 filed February 1, 2013).
4.2*
Description of Securities.
10.1+
Consulting
Agreement by and between Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Shnida Ltd., entered into as of November 1, 2022, for the services of Nadav
Kidron (incorporated by reference from our annual report on Form 10-K filed March 6, 2023).
10.2+
Amendment,
dated April 27, 2023, to Consulting Agreement by and between Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Shnida Ltd., entered into as of November
1, 2022, for the services of Nadav Kidron (incorporated by reference from our annual report on Form 10-K filed March 6, 2024).
10.3+
Amendment,
dated January 8, 2024, to Consulting Agreement by and between Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Shnida Ltd., entered into as of November
1, 2022, for the services of Nadav Kidron (incorporated by reference from our annual report on Form 10-K filed March 6, 2024).
10.4+
Employment
Agreement by and between Oramed Ltd. and Nadav Kidron, entered into as of November 1, 2022 (incorporated by reference from our annual
report on Form 10-K filed March 6, 2023).
10.5+
Amendment,
dated April 27, 2023, to Employment Agreement by and between Oramed Ltd. and Nadav Kidron, entered into as of November 1, 2022 (incorporated
by reference from our annual report on Form 10-K filed March 6, 2024).
10.6+
Amendment,
dated January 8, 2024, to Employment Agreement by and between Oramed Ltd. and Nadav Kidron, entered into as of November 1, 2022 (incorporated
by reference from our annual report on Form 10-K filed March 6, 2024).
10.7+
Consulting
Agreement by and between Oramed Ltd. and KNRY, Ltd., entered into as of July 1, 2008, for the services of Miriam Kidron (incorporated
by reference from our current report on Form 8-K
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