Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of
our Chief Executive Officer (who is also acting as our principal financial officer) and our Principal Accounting Officer, evaluated
the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as
of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information that we are required to disclose in reports that we
file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
SEC rules and forms.
Our disclosure controls and procedures are
designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed
and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls
can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Based
on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, management, with
the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (who is also acting as our principal financial officer) and our Principal Accounting
Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing
and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
is 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 generally accepted accounting principles.
There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness
of any system of internal control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly,
even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurances with respect to financial statement preparation. Further,
because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.
Our management assessed the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria
set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (2013 framework). Based on this assessment, management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (who is
also acting as our principal financial officer) and our Principal Accounting Officer, concluded that, as of December 31, 2020,
our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This Annual Report on Form 10-K provides
only management’s report. As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide an attestation report by our independent
registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal
control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2020 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
Our certificate of incorporation provides
that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings: any
derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed
by any director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, any action asserting
a claim against the Company arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or the Company’s certificate
of incorporation or bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against the Company governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Despite
the fact that our certificate of incorporation provides for this exclusive forum provision to be applicable to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, Section 27 of the Securities Act and Exchange Act, creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all
suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder and Section
22 of the Securities Act, creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty
or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, this provision of our certificate
of incorporation would not apply to claims brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act, Exchange Act,
or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
38
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The
information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement
to be filed no later than 120 days after the fiscal year end of December 31, 2020.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The
information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement
to be filed no later than 120 days after the fiscal year end of December 31, 2020.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The
information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement
to be filed no later than 120 days after the fiscal year end of December 31, 2020.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The
information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement
to be filed no later than 120 days after the fiscal year end of December 31, 2020.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The
information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the information contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement
to be filed no later than 120 days after the fiscal year end of December 31, 2020.
39
PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Financial Statements
Our consolidated financial statements are
set forth in Item 8 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Financial Statement Schedules
Certain schedules are omitted because they
are not applicable, or are not required by smaller reporting companies.
Exhibits
Exhibit
Incorporated by Reference Herein
Number
Description
Form
Date
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
November 19, 2018
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to the Amendment and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
January 14, 2020
3.3
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Phio Pharmaceutical Corp.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No.
001-36304)
October 13, 2020
4.1
Form of Warrant.
Amendment No. 3 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-214199)
December 14, 2016
4.2
Form of Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No.
001-36304)
April 11, 2018
4.3
Form of Placement Agent Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
April 11, 2018
4.4
Form of Warrant.
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-221173)
September 28, 2018
40
4.5
Form of Underwriter Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
October 5, 2018
4.6
Form of Placement Agent Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
November 19, 2019
4.7
Form of Warrant
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
February 6, 2020
4.8
Form of Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
February 13, 2020
4.9
Form of Underwriter Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
February 13, 2020
4.10
Form of Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
April 2, 2020
4.11
Form of Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
January 25, 2021
4.12
Form of Placement Agent Warrant.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
February 17, 2021
4.13
Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.**
Annual Report on Form 10-K (File. 001-36304)
March 26, 2020
10.1
Patent and Technology Assignment Agreement between RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (formerly RNCS, Inc.) and Advirna, LLC, effective as of September 24, 2011.
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-177498)
October 25, 2011
10.2
Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan. *
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-251670)
December 23, 2020
10.3
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Company’s 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan. *
10.4
Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan. *
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-36304)
November 12, 2019
10.5
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Company’s 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan. *
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-177498)
December 29, 2011
10.6
Form of Incentive Stock Option Award under the Company’s 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended. *
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-191236)
September 18, 2013
10.7
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award under the Company’s 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended. *
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-191236)
September 18, 2013
10.8
RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan. *
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-277013)
August 24, 2018
10.9
Form of Indemnification Agreement. *
Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-177498)
January 23, 2012
10.10
Employment Agreement, dated April 24, 2017, between RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Gerrit Dispersyn, Dr. Med. Sc. *
Post-effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-214199)
May 4, 2017
41
10.11
Lease Agreement dated December 17, 2013 between RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation and 257 Simarano Drive, LLC, Brighton Properties, LLC, Robert Stubblebine 1, LLC and Robert Stubblebine 2, LLC.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-54910)
December 20, 2013
10.12
First Amendment to Lease dated January 22, 2019.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
January 28, 2019
10.13
Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2019 by and between Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. and Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
August 9, 2019
10.14
First Amendment to Purchase Agreement by and between Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. and Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC.
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-233584)
August 30, 2019
10.15
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2019, by and between Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. and Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
August 9, 2019
10.16
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 4, 2020, by and between the Company and the Purchasers signatory therein.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
February 6, 2020
10.17
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2020, by and between the Company and the
Purchasers signatory therein.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
April 2, 2020
10.18
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 21, 2021, by and between the Company and the
Purchasers signatory therein.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
January 25, 2021
10.19
Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 21, 2021, by and between the Company and the
Purchasers signatory therein.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
January 25, 2021
10.20
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 12, 2021, by and between the Company and the
Purchasers signatory therein.
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36304)
February 17, 2021
23.1
Consent of BDO USA, LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.**
31.1
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.**
32.1
Sarbanes-Oxley Action Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.**
101
The following financial information from the Annual Report on Form
10-K of Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. for the year ended December 31, 2020, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting
Language): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019; (2) Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019; (3) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended
December 31, 2020 and 2019; (4) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019;
and (4) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.**
_________________
*
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
Filed herewith.
+
Confidential treatment has been requested or granted for certain portions which have been blanked out in the copy of the exhibit filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omitted information has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
42
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
PHIO PHARMACEUTICALS CORP.
By:
/s/ Gerrit Dispersyn
Gerrit Dispersyn, Dr. Med. Sc.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 25, 2021
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities
and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
Title
Date
/s/ Gerrit
Dispersyn
Gerrit Dispersyn, Dr. Med. Sc.
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal
Financial Officer)
March 25, 2021
/s/ Caitlin
Kontulis
Caitlin Kontulis
Vice President of Finance and Administration and Secretary
(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 25, 2021
/s/ Robert
J. Bitterman
Robert J. Bitterman
Director
March 25, 2021
/s/ Geert
Cauwenbergh
Geert Cauwenbergh, Dr. Med. Sc.
Director
March 25, 2021
/s/ H.
Paul Dorman
H. Paul Dorman
Director
March 25, 2021
/s/ Robert
L. Ferrara
Robert L. Ferrara
Director
March 25, 2021
/s/ Jonathan
E. Freeman
Jonathan E. Freeman, Ph.D.
Director
March 25, 2021
/s/ Curtis
A. Lockshin
Curtis A. Lockshin, Ph.D.
Director
March 25, 2021
43
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.