10-K
1
f10k2020_pluristemtherap.htm
ANNUAL REPORT
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
☒ ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020
☐ TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from [ ] to [ ]
Commission
file number 001-31392
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
98-0351734
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification No.)
MATAM
Advanced Technology Park,
Building No. 5, Haifa, Israel
3508409
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number 011-972-74-7108600
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 $0.00001
PSTI
Nasdaq
Capital Market
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 Data File required to be submitted pursuant
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☒
Smaller reporting company
☒
Emerging growth company
☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
State
the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price
at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common equity, as of the last business day
of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
$62,304,077
Indicate
the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
25,554,668
as of September 4, 2020
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
1
Item 1.
Business.
1
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
18
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
35
Item 2.
Properties.
36
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
36
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
36
PART II
37
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
37
Item 6.
Selected financial data.
37
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
37
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
44
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
46
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
47
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
47
Item 9B.
Other Information
48
PART III
51
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
51
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
57
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters.
68
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.
70
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
70
PART IV
71
Item 15.
Exhibits.
71
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary.
73
i
Our
financial statements are stated in thousands United States Dollars, or US$, and are prepared in accordance with United States
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or U.S. GAAP.
In
this annual report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar, amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars.
As
used in this annual report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, the “Company”, and “Pluristem”
mean Pluristem Therapeutics Inc., and our wholly owned Israeli subsidiary and the wholly owned subsidiary of our Israeli subsidiary
in Germany, unless otherwise indicated or required by the context.
All
information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or Annual Report, relating to shares or price per share reflects the 1-for-10
reverse stock split effected by us on July 25, 2019.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The
statements contained in this Annual Report 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. Such forward-looking statements
may be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “intends,”
“plans,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” or “anticipates” or the
negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, and similar expressions are intended to identify 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,” (especially in the section titled “Outlook”) as well as elsewhere in this Annual Report
and include, among other statements, statements regarding the following:
● the
expected development and potential benefits from our products in treating various medical
conditions;
● our
plan to execute our strategy independently, using our own personnel, and through relationships
with research and clinical institutions or in collaboration with other companies;
● our
entering into certain contracts with third parties;
● the
prospects of entering into additional license agreements, or other forms of cooperation
with other companies and medical institutions;
● our
pre-clinical and clinical trials plans, including timing of initiation, enrollment and
conclusion of trials;
● the
expected timing of the release of data from our various studies;
● achieving
regulatory approvals, including under accelerated paths;
● receipt
of future funding from the Israel Innovation Authority, or IIA, the European Union’s
Horizon 2020 program, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or
BARDA, as well as grants from other independent third parties;
ii
● the
receipt of funds pursuant to our agreement with the European Investment Bank, or the
EIB Agreement and EIB, respectively, and whether we will achieve the milestones necessary
to receive funds thereunder;
● our
marketing plans, including timing of marketing our product candidates, PLX-PAD and PLX-R18,
and the filing of any requests for marketing authorization;
● developing
capabilities for new clinical indications of placenta expanded (PLX) cells and new products;
● our
plan for the initiation of a multinational regulated clinical trial program for the potential
use of PLX cells in the treatment of patients suffering from complications associated
with the COVID-19 pandemic;
● our
estimations regarding the size of the global market for our product candidates;
● our
expectations regarding our production capacity, including the use of our serum-free formulation;
● our
expectation to demonstrate a real-world impact and value from our pipeline, technology
platform and commercial-scale manufacturing capacity;
● 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;
● information
with respect to any other plans and strategies for our business; and
● our
expectations regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on our clinical
trials and operations.
The
factors discussed herein, including those risks described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, and expressed from time to time
in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, could cause actual results and developments to be materially
different from those expressed in or implied by such statements. 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 would be interpreted differently in light of additional research, clinical
and preclinical trials results. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this filing, and except as required
by law we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
iii
PART
I
Item 1.
Business.
Our
Current Business
We
are a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapy product candidates for the treatment of multiple ischemic, inflammatory
and hematologic conditions. Our operations are focused on the research, development, manufacturing, conducting clinical trials
and business development of cell therapeutics and related technologies.
We are currently enrolling patients in
two Phase III studies: one for critical limb ischemia, or CLI, and another for muscle recovery following surgery for hip fracture.
In addition, we are focusing on other indications such as acute radiation syndrome, or ARS, incomplete recovery following bone
marrow transplantation, Steroid-Refractory Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease, or cGVHD, and intermittent claudication, or IC. We
received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and the German health regulatory agency, the Paul Ehrlich
Institute, or the PEI, to conduct a Phase II study evaluating PLX cells for the treatment of severe cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus,
or COVID-19, complicated by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, or ARDS. We have treated several patients in Israel and in the
United States suffering from severe ARDS associated with COVID-19 under a compassionate use program. In addition, the FDA has cleared
our Expanded Access Program, or EAP, for the use of our PLX-PAD cells to treat up to 100 patients suffering from ARDS caused by
COVID-19 outside of our ongoing Phase II COVID-19 study in the U.S. We believe that each of these indications is a severe unmet
medical need.
PLX cells are derived from a class of
placental cells that are harvested from donated placenta at the time of full term healthy delivery of a baby. PLX cell products
require no tissue or blood matching prior to administration. They are produced using our proprietary three-dimensional expansion
technology. Our manufacturing facility complies with the European, Japanese, Israeli, South Korean and the FDA’s current
Good Manufacturing Practice, or cGMP, requirements and has been inspected and approved by the European and Israeli regulators for
production of PLX-PAD for late stage trials. We have also granted manufacturer/importer authorization and cGMP Certification by
Israel’s Ministry of Health. If we obtain FDA and other regulatory approvals to market PLX cells, we expect to have in-house
production capacity to grow PLX cells in commercial quantities. See “ – Research and Development - In-House Clinical
Manufacturing” for additional information.
Our
goal is to make significant progress with our clinical pipeline and our clinical trials in order to ultimately bring innovative,
potent therapies to patients who need new treatment options. We expect to demonstrate a real-world impact and value from our pipeline,
technology platform and commercial-scale manufacturing capacity. Our business model for commercialization and revenue generation
includes, but is not limited to, direct sale of our products, partnerships, licensing deals, and joint ventures with pharmaceutical
companies.
We
were incorporated in Nevada in 2001, and we have a wholly owned subsidiary in Israel called Pluristem Ltd. and a wholly owned
subsidiary in Germany called Pluristem GmbH.
Scientific
Background
Cell
therapy is an emerging field within the regenerative medicine area. The characteristics and properties of cells vary as a function
of tissue source and growth conditions. The human placenta from which our PLX cells are derived provides an uncontroversial source
of non-embryonic, adult cells and represents an innovative approach in the cell therapy field. The different factors that PLX
cells release suggest that the cells can be used therapeutically for a variety of ischemic, inflammatory, autoimmune and hematological
disorders.
1
PLX
cells do not require tissue matching prior to administration. This allows for the development of ready-to-use / “off-the-shelf”
allogeneic products.
Our
Technology
We develop, and intend to commercialize,
cell therapy production technologies and products that are derived from the human placenta after a full term delivery of a healthy
baby. Our PLX cells are adherent stromal cells, or ASCs, that are expanded using a proprietary 3D process. This system utilizes
a synthetic scaffold to create an artificial 3D environment where placental-derived stromal cells can grow. Our automated proprietary
3D, cGMP approved, process enables the large-scale monitored and controlled production of reproducible, high quality cell products
and is capable of manufacturing a large number of PLX doses originating from different placentas. Additionally, our current manufacturing
process, which has scaled up as compared to previous years, has demonstrated batch-to-batch consistency, an important manufacturing
challenge for biological products.
Product
Candidates
Our
primary objective is to be the leading provider of allogeneic placenta based cell therapy products that are true off-the-shelf
products that do not require any matching or additional manipulation prior to administration. From the physician’s and patient’s
perspective, we believe that our PLX products are comparable to any other product delivered in a vial. Our PLX products are administered
using a standard needle and syringe. Our PLX products are in clinical stage development for multiple indications.
Our
first product candidate, PLX-PAD, is currently in a Phase III multinational clinical trial in CLI, in a Phase III multinational
clinical trial in recovery following surgery for hip fracture, and in a Phase II clinical trial in the treatment of severe COVID-19
cases complicated by ARDS. We have also completed Phase II multinational clinical trial in IC and a Phase I/II is currently conducted
with our PLX-PAD by Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) for the treatment of Steroid-Refractory cGVHD.
Our
second product candidate, PLX-R18, is under development in the United States for ARS via the FDA Animal Rule regulatory pathway,
as well as in a Phase I trial in the United States and Israel for incomplete hematopoietic recovery following hematopoietic cell
transplantation, or HCT.
We developed an additional product candidate,
PLX-Immune, which is under pre-clinical development for treatment of certain types of human cancer. In January 2018, we announced
the publication of a peer-reviewed article in a journal which examined the effect of PLX-Immune cells on the proliferation of over
50 lines of human cancerous cells. Data showed that the PLX-Immune cells exhibited an anti-proliferative effect on a wide range
of human cancer cell types, with a strong inhibitory effect on various lines of breast, colorectal, kidney, liver, lung, muscle
and skin cancers. We have also conducted a pre-clinical trial of female mice harboring human triple negative breast cancer. In
this study, the results showed a statistically significant reduction in tumor size as well as complete tumor remission in 30% of
treated recipients.
We
believe that using the placenta as a unique cell source, combined with our innovative research, development and high-quality manufacturing
capabilities, will be the “engine” that drives this platform technology towards the successful development of additional
PLX cell therapy products and indications.
2
Our
Clinical Development Product Candidates
Peripheral and Cardiovascular Diseases
– Peripheral and Cardiovascular Diseases – We are investigating the use of PLX-PAD cells for the treatment of peripheral
arterial disease, or PAD, including IC and CLI.
In
May 2015, our CLI clinical development program was selected for the EMA’s Adaptive Pathways Project. The goal of the project
is to improve timely access for patients to new medicines. During our fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the FDA and several EU
regulatory agencies cleared our application to begin the pivotal Phase III trial of PLX-PAD cells in the treatment of CLI for
patients with minor tissue loss (Rutherford Category 5) who are unsuitable for revascularization. This multinational Phase III
trial is being conducted in the United States, Europe and Israel. In September 2017, we announced that the FDA granted a fast
track designation to our ongoing Phase III study of PLX-PAD for the treatment of CLI. The FDA’s fast track designation is
a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drug to treat serious conditions and unmet medical
needs. With fast track designation, there is an increased possibility for a priority review by the FDA of PLX-PAD cells for the
treatment of CLI.
Following
the FDA’s and EMA’s advice and recommendations, we implemented the following items into the study design and the interim
data readout:
The
primary endpoint for the interim analysis will be identical to the full study endpoint, a comparison between the PLX-PAD treated
group and the placebo treated group of the number of days from randomization to occurrence of major amputation of the index leg
or death.
The
full study analysis will be based on 82 events. Each event is defined as occurrence of major amputation of the index leg or death
while the interim readout will be conducted based on a minimum of 45 events, which have already occurred.
The
FDA cleared our EAP for the use of our PLX-PAD cell treatment in patients with CLI and we initiated the EAP in April 2019. Under
the terms of the EAP, an initial cohort of 100 Rutherford-5 CLI patients who are ineligible for inclusion under our ongoing Phase
III study protocol can be enrolled and treated.
We
have completed two Phase I safety/dose-escalating clinical trials for CLI, one in the United States and one in Germany. These
CLI trials demonstrated that no blood type or human leukocyte antigen matching is required, and that the administration of PLX-PAD
cells is safe, even if two doses are administered to a patient on two different occasions. In addition, PLX-PAD cells are potentially
effective in reducing the frequency of amputations in CLI patients. Generally, the FDA and the EMA require the primary endpoint
for pivotal CLI clinical trials to be Amputation Free Survival, or AFS, at one year. The pooled data from the two studies we conducted
suggest an AFS rate at one year of 86% in PLX-treated patients versus an AFS ranging between 48% to 66% in patients from placebo
arms in other CLI trials.
In
June 2018, we announced the results from our 172 patients, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, and multinational Phase
II clinical trial in IC. Analysis of the Phase II IC data, which was announced on November 2018, confirmed the optimal dosing
regimen of PLX-PAD in the treatment of PAD - two administrations of 300 million cells, each originating from a different donor.
This is also the treatment regimen being administered to patients in the Company’s ongoing multinational Phase III study
in CLI, a more severe stage of PAD. PLX-PAD treated patients showed a good safety profile in the study.
3
In
April 2015, Japan’s PMDA approved our large-scale manufacturing methods and quality for PLX-PAD cells for use in clinical
trials. In August 2015, the PMDA granted safety clearance to PLX-PAD cells for use in clinical trials in Japan, and in December
2015 we reached an agreement with the PMDA on the design of the final trial needed to apply for conditional marketing approval
of PLX-PAD cells in the treatment of CLI. Currently, as part of our strategy to focus on our active clinical trials and marketing
readiness, we have not initiated clinical trial activities in Japan.
Orthopedic
Indications – In April 2018, we announced that the FDA cleared our IND for our Phase III trial for recovery following
surgery for hip fracture. This multinational Phase III trial is being conducted in the United States, Europe and Israel. The EMA
confirmed that recovery following surgery for hip fracture is eligible for the Adaptive Pathways Project as well.
Our
Phase III trial protocol and design was based on our phase I/II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=20) to
assess the safety and efficacy of intramuscular injections of allogeneic PLX-PAD cells for the regeneration of injured gluteal
musculature after total hip replacement has been conducted in Germany under the approval of PEI. In this study, PLX-PAD cells
or placebo were administered into the traumatized gluteal muscle during total hip replacement surgery. The study results met its
primary efficacy endpoint, change in maximal voluntary isometric contraction force of the gluteal muscle at six months after total
hip replacement. Patients treated with PLX-PAD had a significantly greater improvement of maximal voluntary muscle contraction
force than the placebo group (p=0.0067). In addition, the study demonstrated that PLX-PAD was safe and well tolerated by the patients.
COVID-19 Complicated by ARDS –
In May 2020, the FDA cleared our IND application for the Phase II study of our PLX cells in the treatment of severe COVID-19 cases
complicated by ARDS and we initiated the study in June 2020. The U.S trail is randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter,
parallel-group 140 patient study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of intramuscular injections of PLX-PAD for the treatment
of severe COVID-19 cases complicated by ARDS. The primary endpoint is the number of ventilator free days during the main 28-day
study period. Safety and survival follow-up will be conducted at week 8, 26 and 52. Secondary efficacy endpoints include all-cause
mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU free-days, and hospitalization free-days. In addition, the FDA has cleared our
EAP for the use of our PLX-PAD cells to treat ARDS caused by COVID-19 outside of our ongoing Phase II COVID-19 study in the U.S.
The EAP will include up to 100 patients with the resulting data being collected and evaluated alongside our existing clinical trial
in the U.S.
In August 2020, the PEI cleared our Phase
II study in Germany titled, “A Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter, Parallel-Group Phase II Study to Evaluate the Efficacy
and Safety of Intramuscular Injections of PLX PAD for the Treatment of severe COVID-19,” relating to the treatment of patients
hospitalized with severe cases of COVID-19 complicated by ARDS. Forty patients hospitalized with severe cases of COVID-19 complicated
by ARDS will be enrolled in the study. The primary efficacy endpoint of the study is the number of ventilator free days during
the 28 days from day 1 through day 28 of the study. Safety and survival follow-up will be conducted at day 60, week 26 and week
52.
Recovery
Following HCT – PLX-R18 is also under development in the United States and Israel for the treatment of incomplete
hematopoietic recovery following HCT. This Phase I study of PLX-R18 in HCT, as previously announced, has successfully enrolled
20 patients in the United States and Israel. We expect to provide top line efficacy results in the first quarter of calendar 2021.
In addition, the FDA granted orphan drug designation to our PLX cell therapy for the treatment of graft failure and incomplete
hematopoietic recovery following HCT.
ARS
– We have conducted several animal studies for the evaluation of PLX-R18 for the treatment of ARS, in collaboration
with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, or the NIAID. The U.S. National Institutes of Health, or NIH,
funded and conducted a pilot study in NHPs to evaluate the therapeutic effect of PLX-R18 on hematological aspects of ARS. In May
2017, we announced results of the NHPs pilot study for PLX-R18 as a treatment for ARS. Although study size was not designed to
show significance, results showed a trend toward improved survival of PLX-R18 treated animals compared to control, placebo treated
animals. The study, conducted and funded by the NIAID, was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of PLX-R18 following intramuscular
injection into irradiated and non-irradiated NHPs. Efficacy measures included survival as well as hematological parameters which
are affected by exposure to high levels of radiation as may occur in a nuclear accident or attack. These data will help the design
of a pivotal study to fulfill the requirements for a Biologics License Application, or BLA, submission under the FDA’s Animal
Rule regulatory pathway.
4
We
plan to continue the discussions with the different government agencies with the goal of receiving their support for pivotal studies
in large animals as well as conducting the safety studies required in order to file BLA for this indication.
In
October 2017, we announced that the FDA granted us an orphan drug designation for our PLX-R18 cell therapy for the prevention
and treatment of ARS.
In
April 2018, we announced that the FDA approved our IND application for PLX-R18 cell therapy in the treatment of ARS. The IND allows
us to treat victims who may have been acutely exposed to high dose radiation due to nuclear attack or accident.
In
December 2015, we also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a collaboration with Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima Global
Medical Science Center. The purpose of the collaboration is to develop our PLX-R18 cells for the treatment of ARS, and for morbidities
following radiotherapy in cancer patients. In June 2018, we reported positive animal data from studies conducted in collaboration
with Fukushima Medical University evaluating PLX-R18 cells as a treatment for radiation damage to the gastrointestinal, or GI,
tract and bone marrow. Data from these studies showed that PLX-R18 cells significantly increased survival rates, preserved GI
stem cells activity that enhance the recovery of the GI system and prevented severe damage to the intestinal lining, suggesting
PLX-R18 potential as a multi-organ therapy for ARS.
In
July 2019, we presented positive results from a series of studies of our PLX-R18 cell therapy product conducted by the U.S. Department
of Defense’s, or DoD, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, part of the Uniformed Services University of Health
Sciences. The studies were designed to evaluate PLX-R18 as a potential prophylactic countermeasure against ARS administered prior
to radiation exposure. These animal studies demonstrate that PLX-R18, administered 24 hours before radiation exposure, and again
72 hours after exposure, resulted in a significant increase in survival rates, from 4% survival rate in the placebo group to 74%
in the treated group. In addition, the data shows an increase in recovery of blood lineages and a favorable safety profile. Furthermore,
histopathological analysis and hematopoietic progenitor clonogenic assay of tissues collected show a significant increase in bone
marrow cell numbers and improved regenerative capability into all blood lineages.
Steroid-Refractory
cGVHD – In September 2017, we signed
an agreement with Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) to conduct a clinical Phase I/II trial of PLX-PAD cell therapy
for the treatment of Steroid-Refractory cGVHD. This trial is an investigator initiated study. As such, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical
Center supports the study and is responsible for its design and implementation.
Regulatory
and Clinical Affairs Strategy
Our
cell therapy development strategy is to hold open and frequent discussions with regulators at all stages of development from preclinical
trials to more advanced regulatory stages. We utilize this strategy in working with the FDA, the EMA, Germany’s PEI as well
as other European national competent authorities, the Israeli Ministry of Health, or MOH and Japan’s PMDA, and we are also
working with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, or MFDS, of South Korea.
The
Adaptive Pathways Project is part of the EMA’s efforts to improve timely access for patients to new therapies. It targets
treatments with the potential to heal serious conditions with an unmet medical need, and may reduce the time to a medicine’s approval
or to its reimbursement for targeted patient groups. The pilot is open to clinical programs in early stages of development only.
We have applied early to this program and have been selected for it.
In
September 2017, we announced that the FDA granted “Fast Track” designation for PLX-PAD in CLI. The FDA’s Fast
Track designation is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions
and unmet medical needs. With Fast Track designation, there is an increased possibility for a priority review by the FDA of PLX-PAD
cells for the treatment of CLI.
5
In
January 2018, we announced that the FDA cleared our EAP for the use of our PLX-PAD cell treatment in patients with CLI. EAP allows
the use of an investigational medical product outside of clinical trials and is usually granted in cases where patients are unsuitable
for inclusion under the study protocol and the patient’s condition is life-threatening with an unmet medical need. As part
of the EAP, our PLX-PAD cell therapy is available to a limited number of CLI patients in the United States who are unsuitable
for revascularization and cannot take part in our ongoing Phase III clinical trial.
In
August 2020, we announced that the FDA cleared our EAP for the use of our PLX-PAD cells to treat ARDS caused by COVID-19 outside
of our ongoing Phase II COVID-19 study in the U.S. The program provides a pathway for patients that are not eligible for inclusion
in the Phase II clinical trial to be treated with PLX-PAD cells and will include up to 100 patients. The resulting data will be
collected and evaluated alongside our existing clinical trial.
Impact of COVID-19 - In managing our ongoing global clinical
trials, as well as our daily operations, in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are taking all necessary precautions
for the safety and well-being of patients, healthcare providers involved in our trials, and our employees. We are continuing our
operational and manufacturing activities, subject to the directives of the Israeli Ministry of Health, with a dedicated team on
site at our facilities. In addition, we are using remote work technologies that enable other activities to be conducted without
the need for a physical presence in our facilities. Our allogenic, off-the-shelf approach and our advanced manufacturing capabilities
enabled us to complete the manufacturing of the entire stock of PLX cells needed to complete all of our current clinical trials
and EAPs. We currently hold supplies of PLX cells in inventory in Israel, and in secure storage facilities in Europe and the U.S.
In addition, we are following the FDA and EMA guidelines regarding the management of clinical trials during COVID-19
Intellectual
Property
We
understand that our success will depend, in part, on maintaining our intellectual property, and therefore we are committed to
protecting our technology and product candidates with patents and other methods described below.
We
are the sole owner of 128 issued patents and approximately 60 pending patent applications in the United States, Europe, China
and Japan, as well as in additional countries worldwide, including Israel, countries in the Far East and South America (in calculating
the number of issued patents, each European patent validated in multiple jurisdictions was counted as a single patent).
In
April 2016, the Subsidiary entered into a licensing agreement with TES Holdings Co., Ltd., a venture company derived from the
University of Tokyo, to obtain a key patent in Japan to cover the treatment of ischemic diseases with placental cell therapy.
This license is subject to future single low-digit royalties from sales of our product for treatment in the field of ischemic
diseases in Japan, until expiry of the patent in 2023. This license follows the grant of two key patents to us by the Japanese
Patent Office, which address three dimensional methods for expanding placental and adipose cells, and specified cell therapies
produced from placental tissue using these methods.
In
February 2017, Pluristem Ltd. signed an agreement with founders of a certain patent for a five year option to purchase the certain
patent for an amount of 1 million Euro. The agreement includes yearly payments of Euro 75,000, Euro 75,000 and Euro 100,000 in
February 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively, which have been paid. We are entitled to terminate the agreement for convenience upon
providing the founders 30 days prior notice.
In
April 2019, we filed a U.S. provisional patent application titled “Methods and Compositions for Producing Cannabinoids,”
which covers the use of our state-of-the-art, proprietary 3-D cell culturing technology for the potential manufacturing of cannabinoid-producing
cells. In April 2020, we filed a Patent Cooperation Treaty, or PCT, application with respect to the technology.
In
March 2020, we filed a U.S. provisional patent application titled “Methods and Compositions for Treating Viral Infections
and Sequelae Thereof,” which covers the use of placental ASC for treating coronavirus infections and sequelae thereof. In
May 2020, a related Israeli patent application was filed.
Based
on the well-established understanding that the characteristics and therapeutic potential of a cell product are largely determined
by the source of the cells and by the methods and conditions used during their culturing, our patent portfolio includes different
types of claims that protect the various unique aspects of our technology.
6
Our
multi-national portfolio of patent and patent applications includes the following claims:
● our
proprietary expansion methods for 3D stromal cells;
● composition
of matter claims covering the cells;
● the
therapeutic use of PLX cells for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions; and
● cell-culture,
harvest, and thawing devices.
Through
our experience with ASC-based product development, we have developed expertise and know-how in this field and have established
procedures for manufacturing clinical-grade PLX cells in our facilities. Certain aspects of our manufacturing process are covered
by patents and patent applications. In addition, specific aspects of our technology are retained as know-how and trade secrets
that are protected by our confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and advisors.
These agreements generally provide for protection of confidential information, restrictions on the use of materials, and an obligation
to assign to us inventions conceived during the course of performing services for us.
The
following table sets forth our key patents and patent applications and is not intended to represent an assessment of claims, limitations
or scope. In some cases, a jurisdiction is listed as both pending and granted for a single patent family. This is due to pending
continuation or divisional applications of the granted case.
There
is a risk that our patents will be invalidated, and that our pending patent applications will not result in issued patents. We
also cannot be certain that we will not infringe on any patents that may be issued to others. See “Risk Factors - We must
further protect and develop our technology and products in order to become a profitable company” . The expiration dates
of these patents, based on filing dates, range from 2020 to 2040.
Actual
expiration dates will be determined according to extensions received based on the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration
Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-417), commonly known as the “Hatch-Waxman” Act, that permits extensions of pharmaceutical patents
to reflect regulatory delays encountered in obtaining FDA market approval. The Hatch-Waxman Act is based on a U.S. federal law
and therefore only relevant to U.S. patents.
Our
Patent Portfolio
Patent
Name/ Int. App. No.
Pending
Jurisdictions
Granted
Jurisdictions
Expiry
Date
METHOD
AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION OF HAEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS AND/OR PROGENITOR CELLS
PCT/US2000/02688
United
States
October
6, 2020 (245 days patent term adjustment)
METHODS
FOR CELL EXPANSION AND USES OF CELLS AND CONDITIONED MEDIA PRODUCED THEREBY FOR THERAPY
PCT/IL2007/000380
China,
Hong Kong
Australia,
Canada, China, Hong Kong, Europe, Israel, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Singapore
March
23, 2027
7
ADHERENT
CELLS FROM PLACENTA TISSUE AND USE THEREOF IN THERAPY
PCT/IL2008/001185
United
States, Brazil, China, Israel
Australia,
Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Israel, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, USA, South Africa, South Korea
September
2, 2028
METHODS
OF TREATING INFLAMMATORY COLON DISEASES
PCT/IL2009/000527
United
States, Israel, Russia
May
26, 2029
METHODS
OF SELECTION OF CELLS FOR TRANSPLANTATION
PCT/IL2009/000844
Europe,
Israel
September
1, 2029
ADHERENT
CELLS FROM PLACENTA TISSUE AND USE THEREOF IN THERAPY
PCT/IL2009/000846
Hong
Kong, China
Australia,
Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Israel, India, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, USA, South Africa
September
1, 2029
ADHERENT
CELLS FROM PLACENTA TISSUE AND USE THEREOF IN THERAPY
PCT/IL2009/000845
United
States, Europe, Israel
September
1, 2029
ADHERENT
STROMAL CELLS DERIVED FROM PLANCENTAS OF MULTIPLE DONORS AND USES THEREOF
PCT/IB2011/001413
United
States
Israel
Israel:
April 21, 2031
U.S.:
March 22, 2027
ADHERENT
CELLS FROM PLACENTA AND USE OF SAME IN DISEASE TREATMENT
PCT/IB2010/003219
United
States, China, Israel
Australia,
Canada, China Hong Kong, Europe, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, United States, South Africa
November
29, 2030
METHODS
AND SYSTEMS FOR HARVESTING ADHERENT STROMAL CELLS
PCT/IB2012/000933
China,
Israel, United States
Australia,
Canada, Europe, Israel, India, South Korea, Mexico, Singapore, United States
April
15, 2032
METHODS
FOR TREATING RADIATION OR CHEMICAL INJURY
PCT/IB2012/000664
United
States
Europe,
Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, South Korea, United States
March
22, 2032
8
SKELETAL
MUSCLE REGENERATION USING MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS
PCT/EP2011/058730
United
States, Europe, Israel
May
27, 2031
GENE
AND PROTEIN EXPRESSION PROPERTIES OF ADHERENT STROMAL CELLS CULTURED IN 3D
PCT/IB2014/059114
Israel,
United States
February
20, 2034
DEVICES
AND METHODS FOR CULTURE OF CELLS
PCT/IB2013/058184
United
States, Israel
August
31, 2033
METHODS
FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PREECLAMPSIA
PCT/IB2013/058186
China,
Hong Kong, Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea, United States, South Africa
August
31, 2033
METHOD
AND DEVICE FOR THAWING BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
PCT/IB2013/059808
China,
Hong Kong
Australia,
Europe, Israel, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, United States
October
31, 2033
SYSTEMS
AND METHODS FOR GROWING AND HARVESTING CELLS PCT/IB2015/051559
Israel
United
States, Europe
March
3, 2035
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING AND PREVENTING MUSCLE WASTING DISORDERS
PCT/IB2015/059763
Israel
United
States
December
18, 2035
USE
OF ADHERENT STROMAL CELLS FOR ENHANCING HEMATOPOIESIS IN A SUBJECT IN NEED THEREOF
PCT/IB2016/051585
United
States, China, Israel
March
21, 2036
ALTERED
ADHERENT STROMAL CELLS AND METHODS OF PRODUCING AND USING SAME
PCT/IB2016/053310
United
States, Europe, China, Israel
June
6, 2036
9
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING CANCERS AND NEOPLASMS
PCT/IB2017/050868
United
States, Japan, Canada, Australia, Israel
Europe
February
16, 2037
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
PCT/IB2018/052806
Israel,
United States
April
23, 2038
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TUMOR ASSESSMENT
PCT/IB2018/050984
United
States, Israel
February
18, 2038
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING ADDICTIONS
PCT/IB2018/055473
Israel,
United States
July
23, 2038
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DETACHING ADHERENT CELLS
US
16/026,199
IL
260253
Germany
10 2018 115 360.0
United
States, Israel, Germany
June
25-July 3, 2038
DRUG
CONTAINING HUMAN PLACENTA-ORIGIN MESENCHYMAL CELLS AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING VEGF USING THE CELLS JP20030579842
Japan
March
28, 2023
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PRODUCING CANNABINOIDS
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
April
28, 2040
METHODS
FOR EXPANDING ADHERENT STROMAL CELLS AND CELLS OBTAINED THEREBY
PCT/IB2019/052569
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
March
28, 2039
10
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING SUBJECTS EXPOSED TO VESICANTS AND OTHER CHEMICAL AGENTS
PCT/IB2019/055074
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
June
18, 2039
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR FORMULATING AND DISPENSING PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS
PCT/IB2019/053115
Patent
Cooperation Treaty; Israel
International:
April 16, 2039
Israel:
April 26, 2038
THERAPEUTIC
DOSAGE REGIMENS COMPRISING ADHERENT STROMAL CELLS
PCT/IB2019/054828
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
June
10, 2039
MODULAR
BIOREACTOR
PCT/IB2019/058429
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
October
3, 2039
THERAPEUTIC
METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS
PCT/IB2019/059544
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
November
6, 2039
METHODS
AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING VIRAL INFECTIONS AND SEQUELAE THEREOF
United
States (provisional)
Israel
Not
yet determined
Research
and Development
Foundational
Research
Our
initial technology, the PluriX™ Bioreactor system, was invented at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology’s Rappaport
Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science. This technology has been further
significantly developed by our research and development teams over the ensuing years.
Collaborations
and Ongoing Research and Development Plans
Charité
Agreement
In July 2007, we entered into a five-year
collaborative research agreement with the Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies at Charité - University Medicine
Berlin, or Charité, which was extended from time to time through June 2022. We and Charité are collaborating on a
variety of indications utilizing PLX cells. According to the agreement, we will be the exclusive owner of the technology and any
products produced as a result of the collaboration. Charité will receive between 1% to 2% royalties from net sales of new
developments that have been achieved during the joint development.
11
In
March 2020, we announced that we had signed a collaborative agreement with the BIH Center for Regenerative Therapy and the Berlin
Center for Advanced Therapies at Charité University of Medicine Berlin to expand our existing framework and research agreement
and conduct a joint project evaluating the therapeutic effects of our patented PLX cell product candidates for potential treatment
of the respiratory and inflammatory complications associated with COVID-19.
Fukushima
Medical University
We
signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, for a collaboration with Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima Global Medical
Science Center. The purpose of the collaboration is to develop Pluristem’s PLX-R18 cells for the treatment of ARS, and for morbidities
following radiotherapy in cancer patients. The collaboration will proceed alongside research supported by the NIH, which is studying
PLX-R18 as a potential treatment for the hematologic component of ARS. The MOU for a collaboration with Fukushima will be renewed
automatically on a yearly basis. Each party is entitled to terminate the agreement for convenience upon providing the other party
30 days prior notice.
CHA
Agreement
On
June 26, 2013, we entered into an exclusive out-licensing and commercialization agreement, or the CHA Agreement, with CHA for
conducting clinical trials and commercialization of our PLX-PAD product candidate in South Korea in connection with two indications:
the treatment of CLI and IC. We will continue
to retain rights to our proprietary manufacturing technology and cell-related intellectual property.
The
first clinical trial that was performed as part of the CHA Agreement was a Phase II trial in IC. Upon the first regulatory approval
for a PLX product in South Korea, if granted, for the specified indications, we and CHA will establish an equally owned joint
venture with the purpose of commercializing PLX cell products in South Korea. Additionally, we will be able to use the data generated
by CHA to pursue the development of PLX product candidates outside of South Korea.
The
term of the CHA Agreement extends from June 24, 2013 until the later of the expiration, lapse, cancellation, abandonment or invalidation
of the last valid patent claim covering the development of the product indications. The CHA Agreement contains customary termination
provisions, including in the event that the parties do not reach an agreement upon a development plan for conducting the clinical
trials.
Upon
termination of the CHA Agreement, the license granted thereunder will terminate, and all rights included therein will revert to
us, whereupon we will be free to enter into agreements with any other third parties for the granting of a license in or outside
South Korea or to deal in any other manner with such rights as it shall see fit in our sole discretion.
Horizon
2020
The
Phase III study of PLX-PAD in CLI will be a collaborative project carried out by an international consortium led by the Berlin-Brandenburg
Center for Regenerative Therapies, together with the Company and with the participation of additional third parties.
Our
Phase III study of PLX-PAD cell therapy in the treatment of muscle recovery following surgery for hip fracture will be a collaborative
project carried out by an international consortium led by Charité, together with us and with the participation of additional
third parties.
In
October 2017, we entered into a collaborative project, the nTRACK, carried out by an international consortium led by Leitat. The
aim of this project is to examine gold nano particles labeling of stem cells to enable assessment of cells’ in vivo persistence
and distribution in correlation to biological efficacy. Under the project, PLX cells, labeled and non-labeled will be characterized
and examined in animal models for muscle injury.
Indiana
University
In
April 2018, NIAID awarded a $2.5 million grant to Indiana University to conduct, together with us, studies of our PLX-R18 cell
therapy in the treatment of ARS. The goal of this project is to extend the PLX-R18 ARS studies to include examination of survival
in pediatric and geriatric populations as well as the ability of PLX-R18 to alleviate delayed effects of radiation in survivors.
12
Thermo
Fisher
In
July 2018, we entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., or Thermo Fisher, with the
aim of advancing the fundamental knowledge of cell therapy industrialization and to improve quality control of the end-to-end
supply chain. The collaboration will combine Thermo Fisher’s experience in cell therapy development and bioproduction scaleup
with our expertise in cell therapy manufacturing, clinical development and quality control.
Chart
Industries
In
November 2018, we entered into a license agreement with a subsidiary of Chart Industries, Inc., or Chart, regarding our thawing
device for cell-based therapies. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Chart obtained the exclusive rights to manufacture and
market the thawing device in all territories worldwide, excluding Greater China, and we are to receive royalties from sales of
the product and supply of an agreed upon number of thawing devices. Royalties shall commence on the date of Chart’s first
commercial sale of the thawing device.
NASA
In
February 2019, we entered into a collaboration with NASA’s Ames Research Center to evaluate the potential of our PLX cell
therapies in preventing and treating medical conditions caused during space missions.
U.S.
Department of Defense
In
August 2017, we announced that a pilot study of our PLX-R18 cell therapy was initiated by the U.S. DoD. The study is examining
the effectiveness of PLX-R18 as a treatment for ARS prior to, and within the first 24 hours of exposure to radiation. In July
2019, we presented positive results from a series of studies of our PLX-R18 cell therapy product conducted by the U.S. DoD.
RESTORE
We
are members of a large-scale research initiative, the RESTORE project which has received funding of Euro 1,000,000 (approximately
$1,100,000) from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, to submit a full grant application for
the development and advancement of transformative therapeutics. At this time, due to COVID-19, there is no open call for full
proposal. The members of the RESTORE project continue to collaborate in attempt to collectively submit the grant application once
such call is available.
CRISPR-IL
In
June 2020, we announced that we were selected as a member of the CRISPR-IL consortium, a group funded by the IIA. CRISPR-IL brings
together the leading experts in life science and computer science from academia, medicine, and industry, to develop AI based end-to-end
genome-editing solutions. These next-generation, multi-species genome editing products for human, plant, and animal DNA, have
applications in the pharma, agriculture, and aquaculture industries. CRISPR-IL is funded by the IIA with a total budget of approximately
$10,000,000 of which, an amount of approximately $480,000 is a direct grant allocated to us, for a period of 18 months, with a
potential for extension of an additional 18 months and additional budget from the IIA. CRISPR-IL participants include leading
companies, and medical and academic institutions.
13
United
Arab Emirates-based Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center
In August 2020, we signed a non-binding
MOU with the United Arab Emirates-based Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, a specialist healthcare center focused on cell therapy and
regenerative medicine. The aim of the collaboration is to capitalize on each party’s respective areas of expertise in cell
therapies. The parties have agreed to exchange research results, share samples, join usage of equipment and testing, and other
essential activities related to advancing the treatment and research of cell therapies for a broad range of medical conditions,
including COVID-19.
We
plan to continue to collaborate with universities, academic institutions, and corporate partners worldwide to fully leverage our
expertise and explore the use of our cells in other indications.
In-House
Clinical Manufacturing
We
have the in-house capability to perform clinical cell manufacturing. Our state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice, or GMP,
grade manufacturing facility in Haifa has been in use since February 2013 for the main purpose of clinical grade, large-scale
manufacturing. The facility’s new automated manufacturing process and products were approved for production of PLX-PAD for
clinical use by the FDA, EMA, Korean MFDS, PMDA and the Israeli MOH. Our second product, PLX R18, was cleared by the FDA and the
Israeli Ministry of Health for clinical use. Furthermore, the site was inspected and approved by an EU qualified person (European
accreditation body), approving that the site and production processes meet the current GMP for the purpose of manufacturing clinical
grade products.
The
site was also inspected and approved by Israel’s Ministry of Health and we received a cGMP Certification and manufacturer-importer
authorization.
We
obtain the human placentas used for our research and manufacturing activities from various hospitals in Israel after receiving
a written informed consent by the mother and pathogen clearance. Any medical waste related to the use of placentas is treated
in compliance with local environmental laws and standards.
In
June 2019, we announced that we developed a serum-free formulation to support the manufacturing of cell therapy products. This
serum-free formulation was developed using our deep understanding in cell therapy industrial scale production standards, and the
quality methods designed to support implementation in Phase III development and marketing. Achieving this significant technological
challenge is expected to provide us with large-scale, highly-consistent production capacity with operational independency from
third party suppliers for standard serum, an expensive and quantity limited product. PLX-R18 is the first product candidate that
we intend to manufacture using the serum-free media, which is expected to be followed by PLX-PAD.
Government
Regulation
The
development, manufacturing, and marketing of our cell therapy product candidates are subject to the laws and regulations of governmental
authorities in the United States and the European Union as well as other countries in which our products will be marketed in the
future like Japan, Israel and South Korea. In addition, the manufacturing conditions are specifically inspected by the Israeli
Ministry of Health.
The
FDA in the United States and the EMA in Europe must approve the product for marketing. Furthermore, various governmental statutes
and regulations also govern or influence testing, manufacturing, safety, labeling, storage and record keeping related to such
products and their marketing. Governments in other countries have similar requirements for testing and marketing.
The
process of obtaining these approvals and the subsequent compliance with appropriate statutes and regulations require the expenditure
of substantial time, resources and money. There can be no assurance that our product candidates will ultimately receive marketing
approval, or, if approved, will be reimbursed by public and private health insurance.
14
There
are several stages every drug has to go through during its development process. Among these are:
● Performance
of nonclinical laboratory and animal studies to assess a drug’s biological activity and
to identify potential safety problems, and to characterize and document the product’s
chemistry, manufacturing controls, formulation, and stability. In accordance with regulatory
requirements, nonclinical safety and toxicity studies are conducted under Good Laboratory
Practice requirements to ensure their quality and reliability;
● The
manufacture of the product according to GMP regulations and standards;
● Conducting
adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials in compliance with Good Clinical Practice,
or GCP, to establish the safety and efficacy of the product for its intended indication;
and
● Potential
post-marketing clinical testing and surveillance of the product after marketing approval,
which can result in additional conditions on the approvals or suspension of clinical
use.
Approval
of a drug for clinical trials in humans and approval of marketing are sovereign decisions
of states, made by national, or, in case of the European Union, international regulatory competent authorities.
The
Regulatory Process in the United States
In
the United States, our product candidates are subject to regulation as a biological product under the Public Health Service Act
and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The FDA, regulating the approval of clinical trials and marketing applications in
the United States, generally requires the following steps prior to approving a new biological product either for clinical trials
or for commercial sale:
● Submission
of an IND Application, which must become effective before clinical testing in humans
can begin;
● Obtaining
approval of Institutional Review Boards, or IRBs, of research institutions or other clinical
sites to introduce the drug candidate into humans in clinical trials;
● FDA
may grant approval for EAP prior to the completion of clinical trials ,
in order to allow access for the investigational drug, for patients that are excluded
from the study.
● FDA
may grant priority review status, in order to expedite the BLA review process. Obtaining
of a Fast Track designation allows access for the request of priority review.
● Submission
to the FDA of a BLA for marketing authorization of the product, which must include adequate
results of pre-clinical testing and clinical trials;
● Submission
of BLA with a proof of efficacy that is based only on animal studies, where human efficacy
studies cannot be conducted because the conduct of such trials is unethical and field
trials after an accidental or deliberate exposure are not feasible.
● FDA
review of the BLA in order to determine, among other things, whether the product is safe
and effective for its intended uses; and
● FDA
inspection and approval of the product manufacturing facility at which the product will
be manufactured.
15
The
Regulatory Process in Europe
In
the European Union, our investigational cellular products are regulated under the Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product regulation,
a regulation specific to cell and tissue products. This European Union regulation requires:
● Filing
a Clinical Trial Application for each European country involved in the clinical trial.
The application may be filed via a centralized procedure, which makes it possible to
obtain a coordinated assessment of an application for a clinical trial that is to take
place in several European countries;
● Obtaining
approval of affiliated ethics committees to test the investigational product into humans
in clinical trials;
● Adequate
and well-controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the investigational
product for its intended use; and
● Since
our investigational cellular products are regulated under the Advanced Therapy Medicinal
Product regulation, the application for marketing authorization to the EMA is mandatory
within the 28 member states of the EU. The EMA is expected to review and approve the
MAA.
In
April 2015, the EMA designated PLX-PAD as a tissue-engineered product.
In
May 2015, we were selected by EMA for development of PLX-PAD cells via the EMA Adaptive Pathways Project.
In
April 2019, the Pediatric Committee of the EMA granted PLX-PAD a waiver for the requirement to submit a pediatric investigational
plan for treatment of peripheral ischemia.
Other
Regulations
In
general, the approval procedure varies among countries, and may involve additional preclinical testing and clinical trials. The
requirements and time required may differ from those required for FDA or EMA approval. Each country may impose certain procedures
and requirements of its own. Most countries other than the United States, the European Union and Japan are willing to consider
requests for marketing approval only after the product had been approved for marketing by either the FDA, the EMA or the PMDA.
The decision regarding marketing approval is made following the submission of a dossier that is thoroughly assessed and critically
addressed.
In
Japan, we have completed the required regulatory interactions with the PMDA, prior to the submission of clinical trial notification,
in the framework of the new regulations for regenerative therapy effective in November 2014, which promote expedited approval
for regenerative therapies that are being developed for seriously debilitating/life-threatening indications.
Clinical
Trials
Typically,
in the United States, as well as in the European Union, clinical testing involves a three-phase process, although the phases may
overlap. In Phase I, clinical trials are conducted with a small number of healthy volunteers, or patients in cases of ethical
issues with using healthy volunteers, and are designed to provide information about product safety and to evaluate the pattern
of drug distribution and metabolism within the body.
In
Phase II, clinical trials are conducted with a homogenous group of patients afflicted with the specific target disease, in
order to determine preliminary efficacy, optimal dosages and expanded evidence of safety. In some cases, an initial trial is conducted
in diseased patients to assess both preliminary efficacy and preliminary safety and patterns of drug metabolism and distribution,
in which case it is referred to as a Phase I/II trial. Phase III clinical trials are generally large-scale, multi-center,
controlled trials conducted with a heterogeneous group of patients afflicted with the target disease, in order to provide statistically
valid proof of efficacy, as well as safety and potency. The Phase III trials represent the trials that are considered for confirmation
of efficacy and safety and are the most important ones for the approval. In some circumstances, a regulatory agency may require
Phase IV, or post-marketing trials if it feels that additional information needs to be collected about the drug after it
is on the market.
16
During
all phases of clinical development, regulatory agencies require extensive monitoring and auditing of all clinical activities,
clinical data and clinical trial investigators to minimize risks. The sponsor of a clinical trial is required to submit an annual
safety report to the relevant regulatory agencies, in which serious adverse events must be reported, and also to submit in an
expedited manner any individual serious adverse events that are suspected to be related to the tested drug. An agency may, at
its discretion, re-evaluate, alter, suspend, or terminate the clinical trial based
upon the data that have been accumulated to that point and its assessment of the risk/benefit ratio to the patient.
Employees
We
presently employ a total of 146 full-time employees and 12 part-time employees, of whom, 120 full-time employees and 12 part-time
employees are engaged in research and development, manufacturing and clinical trials.
Competition
The
regenerative medicine field is characterized by intense competition, as global pharma players are becoming more engaged in the
cell therapy field based on the advancements made in clinical trials and due to the new favorable regenerative medicine legislation
in certain regions. We face competition from both allogeneic and autologous cell therapy companies, academic, commercial and research
institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biopharmaceutical companies, and governmental agencies. Some of the clinical indications
we currently have under development are also being investigated in preclinical and clinical programs by others.
While
there are hundreds of companies in the regenerative medicine space globally, there are multiple participants in the cell therapy
field based in the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, and Australia such as Athersys Inc., Celularity Inc., Tigenix NV (acquired
by Takeda), SanBio Inc. and Mesoblast Ltd. Among other things, we expect to compete based upon our intellectual property portfolio,
our in-house manufacturing efficiencies and capabilities, and the efficacy of our products. Our ability to compete successfully
will depend on our continued ability to attract and retain experienced and skilled executives, scientific and clinical development
personnel, to identify and develop viable cellular therapeutic candidates, and exploit these products commercially. Given
the magnitude of the potential opportunity for cell therapy, we expect competition in this area to intensify.
Available
Information
Additional
information about us is contained on our Internet website at www.pluristem.com. Information on our website is not incorporated
by reference into this report. Under the “SEC Filings” and “Financial Information” sections, under the “Investors
& Media” section of our website, we make available free of charge 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, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file
such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our reports filed with the SEC are also made available on the SEC’s website
at www.sec.gov. The following Corporate Governance documents are also posted on our website: Code of Business Conduct and Ethics,
Trading Policy and the Charters for each of the Committees of our Board of Directors, or the Board.
17
Item
1A. Risk Factors.
The
following risk factors, among others, could affect our actual results of operations and could cause our actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by us. These forward-looking statements are based on current
expectations and except as required by law we assume no obligation to update this information. You should carefully consider the
risks described below and elsewhere in this Annual Report before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition
or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. Our common stock is considered speculative
and the trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
The following risk factors are not the only risk factors facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently
known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business.
We
may need to raise additional financing to support the research, development and manufacturing of our cell therapy products and
our products in the future but we cannot be sure we will be able to obtain additional financing on terms favorable to us when
needed. If we are unable to obtain additional financing to meet our needs, our operations may be adversely affected or terminated.
It
is highly likely that we will need to raise significant additional capital in the future. Although we were successful in raising
capital in the past, our current financial resources are limited, and are dependent, to a certain extent, on our achieving certain
milestones, and may not be sufficient to finance our operations until we become profitable, if that ever happens.
It
is likely that we will need to raise additional funds in the near future in order to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditure
requirements. Therefore, we are dependent on our ability to sell our common stock for funds, receive grants, potentially receive
milestone payments pursuant to the EIB agreement, enter into collaborations and licensing deals or to otherwise raise capital.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing, including any funding under the EIB Agreement. Any sale of
our common stock in the future will result in dilution to existing stockholders and could adversely affect the market price of
our common stock.
Also,
we may not be able to borrow or raise additional capital in the future to meet our needs or to otherwise provide the capital necessary
to conduct the development and commercialization of our potential cell therapy products, which could result in the loss of some
or all of one’s investment in our common stock.
Our
likelihood of profitability depends on our ability to license and/or develop and commercialize products based on our cell production
technology, which is currently in the development stage. If we are unable to complete the development and commercialization of
our cell therapy products successfully, our likelihood of profitability will be limited severely .
We
are engaged in the business of developing cell therapy products. We have not realized a profit from our operations to date and
there is little likelihood that we will realize any profits in the short or medium term. Any profitability in the future from
our business will be dependent upon successful commercialization of our potential cell therapy products and/or licensing of our
products, which will require additional research and development.
If
we are not able to successfully license and/or develop and commercialize our cell therapy product candidates and obtain the necessary
regulatory approvals, we may not generate sufficient revenues to continue our business operations.
So
far, the product candidates we are developing have completed one Phase I/II clinical trial of Gluteal Musculature rehabilitation
after total hip arthroplasty (efficacy, ongoing for safety), two Phase I clinical trials for CLI, and one Phase II clinical trial
in IC. In addition, we currently have an ongoing Phase II FDA study of PLX cells for the treatment of severe COVID-19 complicated
by ARDS and two Phase III multinational clinical trials with our PLX-PAD product candidate: one in CLI, and the other in muscle
recovery following surgery for hip fracture. Our early stage cell therapy product candidates may fail to perform as we expect.
Moreover, even if our cell therapy product candidates successfully perform as expected, in later stages of development they may
fail to show the desired safety and efficacy traits despite having progressed successfully through pre-clinical or initial clinical
testing. We will need to devote significant additional research and development, financial resources and personnel to develop
commercially viable products and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.
18
If
our cell therapy product candidates do not prove to be safe and effective in clinical trials, we will not obtain the required
regulatory approvals. If we fail to obtain such approvals, we may not generate sufficient revenues to continue our business operations.
Even
if we obtain regulatory approval of a product, that approval may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which it
may be marketed. Even after granting regulatory approval, the FDA, the EMA, and regulatory agencies in other countries continue
to regulate marketed products, manufacturers and manufacturing facilities, which may create additional regulatory barriers and
burdens. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer or facility, may result in restrictions on
the product or manufacturer, including a withdrawal of the product from the market.
Further,
regulatory agencies may establish additional regulations that could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our product candidates.
We
cannot market and sell our cell therapy product candidates in the United States, Europe, or in other countries if we fail to obtain
the necessary regulatory approvals or licensure.
We
cannot sell our cell therapy product candidates until regulatory agencies grant marketing approval, or licensure. The process
of obtaining regulatory approval is lengthy, expensive and uncertain. It is likely to take at least several years to obtain the
required regulatory approvals for our cell therapy product candidates, or we may never gain the necessary approvals.
Any
difficulties that we encounter in obtaining regulatory approval may have a substantial adverse impact on our operations and cause
our stock price to decline significantly.
To
obtain marketing approvals in the United States and Europe for cell therapy product candidates we must, among other requirements,
complete carefully controlled and well-designed clinical trials sufficient to demonstrate to the FDA, the EMA and the PMDA that
the cell therapy product candidates is safe and effective for each disease for which we seek approval. So far, we have successfully
conducted Phase I/II and Phase I clinical trials for our PLX-PAD product candidate. Several factors could prevent completion or
cause significant delay of these trials, including an inability to enroll the required number of patients or failure to demonstrate
adequately that cell therapy product candidates are safe and effective for use in humans. Negative or inconclusive results from
or adverse medical events during a clinical trial could cause the clinical trial to be repeated or a program to be terminated,
even if other studies or trials relating to the program are successful. The FDA or EMA (or, if we seek to conduct development
efforts in Japan, the PMDA) can place a clinical trial on hold if, among other reasons, it finds that patients enrolled in the
trial are or would be exposed to an unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury. If safety concerns develop, we, the
FDA, the EMA or other regulatory bodies could stop our trials before completion.
If
we are not able to conduct our clinical trials properly and on schedule, marketing approval by FDA, EMA, MOH and other regulatory
authorities may be delayed or denied.
The
completion of our clinical trials may be delayed or terminated for many reasons, such as:
● The
FDA, the EMA or the MOH does not grant permission to proceed or places additional trials
on clinical hold;
19
● Subjects
do not enroll in our trials at the rate we expect, including as a result of COVID-19;
● Government
actions, such as those enacted during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that limit the general
populations movement;
● The
regulators may ask to increase subject’s population in the clinical trials;
● Subjects
experience an unacceptable rate or severity of adverse side effects;
● Third-party
clinical investigators do not perform our clinical trials on our anticipated schedule
or consistent with the clinical trial protocol, GCP and regulatory requirements, or other
third parties do not perform data collection and analysis in a timely or accurate manner;
● Third-party
clinical investigators do not perform our clinical trials on our anticipated schedule
or consistent with the clinical trial protocol, GCP and regulatory requirements, or other
third parties do not perform data collection and analysis in a timely or accurate manner;
● Inspections
of clinical trial sites by the FDA, EMA, MOH and other regulatory authorities find regulatory
violations that require us to undertake corrective action, suspend or terminate one or
more sites, or prohibit us from using some or all of the data in support of our marketing
applications; or
● One
or more IRBs suspends or terminates the trial at an investigational site, precludes enrollment
of additional subjects, or withdraws its approval of the trial.
Our
development costs will increase if we have material delays in our clinical trials, or if we are required to modify, suspend, terminate
or repeat a clinical trial. If we are unable to conduct our clinical trials properly and on schedule, marketing approval may be
delayed or denied by the FDA, EMA, MOH and other regulatory authorities.
The
results of our clinical trials may not support our product candidates claims or any additional claims we may seek for our product
candidates and our clinical trials may result in the discovery of adverse side effects.
Even
if any clinical trial that we need to undertake is completed as planned, or if interim results from existing clinical trials are
released, we cannot be certain that such results will support our product candidates claims or any new indications that we may
seek for our products or that the FDA or foreign authorities will agree with our conclusions regarding the results of those trials.
The clinical trial process may fail to demonstrate that our products or a product candidate is safe and effective for the proposed
indicated use, which could cause us to stop seeking additional clearances or approvals for our product candidates. Any delay or
termination of our clinical trials will delay the filing of our regulatory submissions and, ultimately, our ability to commercialize
a product candidate. It is also possible that patients enrolled in clinical trials will experience adverse side effects that are
not currently part of the product candidate’s profile.
20
If our processing and storage facility or our clinical manufacturing facilities are damaged or destroyed, our business and prospects
would be adversely affected.
If
our processing and storage facility, our clinical manufacturing facilities or the equipment in such facilities were to be damaged
or destroyed, the loss of some or all of the stored units of our cell therapy drug candidates would force us to delay or halt
our clinical trial processes. We have one clinical manufacturing facilities located in Haifa, Israel. If these facilities
or the equipment in them are significantly damaged or destroyed, we may not be able to quickly or inexpensively replace our manufacturing
capacity.
If
we encounter problems or delays in the research and development of our potential cell therapy products, we may not be able to
raise sufficient capital to finance our operations during the period required to resolve such problems or delays.
Our
cell therapy products are currently in the development stage and we anticipate that we will continue to incur substantial operating
expenses and incur net losses until we have successfully completed all necessary research and clinical trials. We, and any of
our potential collaborators, may encounter problems and delays relating to research and development, regulatory approval and intellectual
property rights of our technology. Our research and development programs may not be successful, and our cell culture technology
may not facilitate the production of cells outside the human body with the expected result. Our cell therapy products may not
prove to be safe and efficacious in clinical trials. If any of these events occur, we may not have adequate resources to continue
operations for the period required to resolve the issue delaying commercialization and we may not be able to raise capital to
finance our continued operation during the period required for resolution of that issue. Accordingly, we may be forced to discontinue
or suspend our operations.
We
may not be able to secure and maintain research institutions to conduct our clinical trials.
We
rely on research institutions to conduct our clinical trials. Specifically, the limited number of centers experienced with cell
therapy product candidates heightens our dependence on such research institutions. Our reliance upon research institutions, including
hospitals and clinics, provides us with less control over the timing and cost of clinical trials and the ability to recruit subjects.
If we are unable to reach agreements with suitable research institutions on acceptable terms, or if any resulting agreement is
terminated, we may be unable to quickly replace the research institution with another qualified institution on acceptable terms.
We may not be able to secure and maintain suitable research institutions to conduct our clinical trials.
Our
product development programs are based on novel technologies and are inherently risky.
We
are subject to the risks of failure inherent in the development of products based on new technologies. The novel nature of our
therapeutics creates significant challenges in regards to product development and optimization, manufacturing, government regulation,
third-party reimbursement and market acceptance. For example, the FDA, the EMA and other countries’ regulatory authorities
have relatively limited experience with cell therapies. Very few cell therapy products have been approved by regulatory authorities
to date for commercial sale, and the pathway to regulatory approval for our cell therapy product candidates may accordingly be
more complex and lengthy. As a result, the development and commercialization pathway for our therapies may be subject to increased
uncertainty, as compared to the pathway for new conventional drugs.
21
There
are very few drugs and limited therapies that the FDA or EMA and other regulatory authorities have approved as treatments for
some of the disease indications we are pursuing. This could complicate and delay FDA, EMA or other countries’ regulatory
authorities approval of our biologic drug candidates.
There
are very few drugs and limited therapies currently approved for treatment of CLI, IC, ARS, muscle recovery following surgery for
hip fracture or HCT. As a result, the clinical efficacy endpoints, or the criteria to measure the intended results of treatment
may be difficult to determine. Despite our eligibility for certain accelerated pathways, this could increase the difficulty of
our obtaining FDA, EMA or other countries’ regulatory authorities’ approval to market our products.
Our
cell therapy drug candidates represent new classes of therapy that the marketplace may not understand or accept.
Even
if we successfully develop and obtain regulatory approval for our cell therapy candidates, the market may not understand or accept
them. We are developing cell therapy product candidates that represent novel treatments and will compete with a number of more
conventional products and therapies manufactured and marketed by others, including major pharmaceutical companies. The degree
of market acceptance of any of our developed and potential products will depend on a number of factors, including:
● the
clinical safety and effectiveness of our cell therapy drug candidates and their perceived
advantage over alternative treatment methods, if any;
● adverse
events involving our cell therapy product candidates or the products or product candidates
of others that are cell-based; and
● the
cost of our products and the reimbursement policies of government and private third-party
payers.
If
the health care community does not accept our potential products for any of the foregoing reasons, or for any other reason, it
could affect our sales, having a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
clinical manufacturing process for cell therapy products is complex and requires meeting high regulatory standards. Any delay
or problem in the clinical manufacturing of PLX may result in a material adverse effect on our business.
Our
manufacturing process, controls, equipment and quality system for PLX-PAD have received approval from the FDA, EMA, Germany’s
PEI, the Korean MFDS and the PMDA. However, the clinical manufacturing process is complex and we have no experience in manufacturing
our product candidates at a commercial level.
There
can be no guarantee that we will be able to successfully develop and manufacture our product candidates in a manner that is cost-effective
or commercially viable, or that our development and manufacturing capabilities might not take much longer than currently anticipated
to be ready for the market. In addition, if we fail to maintain regulatory approvals for our manufacturing facilities, we may
suffer delays in our ability to manufacture our product candidates. This may result in a material adverse effect on our business.
Because
we received grants from the IIA we are subject to on-going restrictions.
We
have received royalty-bearing grants from the IIA, for research and development programs that meet specified criteria. The terms
of the IIA’s grants limit our ability to transfer know-how developed under an approved research and development program
outside of Israel, regardless of whether the royalties are fully paid. Any non-Israeli citizen, resident or entity that, among
other things, becomes a holder of 5% or more of our share capital or voting rights, is entitled to appoint one or more of our
directors or our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, serves as a director of our Company or as our CEO is generally required to notify
the same to the IIA and to undertake to observe the law governing the grant programs of the IIA, the principal restrictions of
which are the transferability limits described above. For more information, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
22
We
have limited operating history, which raises doubts with respect to our ability to generate revenues in the future.
We
have a limited operating history in our business of commercializing cell production technology. Until we entered into the United
Agreement, which was terminated in December 2015, we did not generate any revenues. While we generated minimal revenue for the
year ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, it is not clear when we will generate additional revenues or whether we will experience further
delays in recognizing revenues such as if we experienced a clinical hold. Our primary source of funds has been the sale of our
common stock and government grants. We cannot give assurances that we will be able to generate any significant revenues or income
in the future. There is no assurance that we will ever be profitable.
If
we do not keep pace with our competitors and with technological and market changes, our technology and products may become obsolete
and our business may suffer.
The
cellular therapeutics industry, of which we are a part, is very competitive and is subject to technological changes that can be
rapid and intense. We have faced, and will continue to face, intense competition from biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical
companies, academic and research institutions and governmental agencies engaged in cellular therapeutic and drug discovery activities
or funding, both in the United States and internationally. Some of these competitors are pursuing the development of cellular
therapeutics, drugs and other therapies that target the same diseases and conditions that we target in our clinical and pre-clinical
programs.
Some
of our competitors have greater resources, more product candidates and have developed product candidates and processes that directly
compete with our products. Our competitors may have developed, or could develop in the future, new products that compete with
our products or even render our products obsolete.
We
depend to a significant extent on certain key personnel, the loss of any of whom may materially and adversely affect our Company.
Our
success depends to a significant extent on the continued services of certain highly qualified scientific and management personnel,
in particular, Zami Aberman, our Executive Chairman, and Yaky Yanay, our CEO and President. We face competition for qualified
personnel from numerous industry sources, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain qualified personnel
on acceptable terms.
The
loss of service of any of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition. In
the event of the loss of services of such personnel, no assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain the services of
adequate replacement personnel. We do not maintain key person insurance on the lives of any of our officers or employees.
The
market for our products will be heavily dependent on third party reimbursement policies.
Our
ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates will depend on the extent to which government healthcare programs,
as well as private health insurers, health maintenance organizations and other third party payers will pay for our products and
related treatments.
Reimbursement
by third party payers depends on a number of factors, including the payer’s determination that use of the product is safe
and effective, not experimental or investigational, medically necessary, appropriate for the specific patient and cost-effective. Reimbursement
in the United States or foreign countries may not be available or maintained for any of our product candidates. If we do
not obtain approvals for adequate third party reimbursements, we may not be able to establish or maintain price levels sufficient
to realize an appropriate return on our investment in product development. Any limits on reimbursement from third party
payers may reduce the demand for, or negatively affect the price of, our products. The lack of reimbursement for these procedures
by insurance payers has negatively affected the market for our products in this indication in the past.
23
Managing
and reducing health care costs has been a general concern of federal and state governments in the United States and of foreign
governments. In addition, third party payers are increasingly challenging the price and cost-effectiveness of medical products
and services, and many limit reimbursement for newly approved health care products. In particular, third party payers may
limit the indications for which they will reimburse patients who use any products that we may develop. Cost control initiatives
could decrease the price for products that we may develop, which would result in lower product revenues to us.
Our
success depends in large part on our ability to develop and protect our technology and our cell therapy products. If our patents
and proprietary rights agreements do not provide sufficient protection for our technology and our cell therapy products, our business
and competitive position will suffer.
Our
success will also depend in part on our ability to develop our technology and commercialize cell therapy products without infringing
the proprietary rights of others. We have not conducted full freedom of use patent searches and no assurance can be given that
patents do not exist or could not be filed which would have an adverse effect on our ability to develop our technology or maintain
our competitive position with respect to our potential cell therapy products. If our technology components, devices, designs,
products, processes or other subject matter are claimed under other existing United States or foreign patents or are otherwise
protected by third party proprietary rights, we may be subject to infringement actions. In such event, we may challenge the validity
of such patents or other proprietary rights or we may be required to obtain licenses from such companies in order to develop,
manufacture or market our technology or products. There can be no assurances that we would be able to obtain such licenses or
that such licenses, if available, could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. Furthermore, the failure to either develop
a commercially viable alternative or obtain such licenses could result in delays in marketing our proposed products or the inability
to proceed with the development, manufacture or sale of products requiring such licenses, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are required to defend ourselves against charges
of patent infringement or to protect our proprietary rights against third parties, substantial costs will be incurred regardless
of whether we are successful. Such proceedings are typically protracted with no certainty of success. An adverse outcome could
subject us to significant liabilities to third parties and force us to curtail or cease our development of our technology and
the commercialization our potential cell therapy products.
We
have built the ability to manufacture clinical grade ASCs in-house. Through our experience with ASC-based product development,
we have developed expertise and know-how in this field. To protect these expertise and know-how, our policies require confidentiality
agreements with our employees, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and advisors. These agreements generally provide for protection
of confidential information, restrictions on the use of materials and assignment of inventions conceived during the course of
performance for us. These agreements might not effectively prevent disclosure of our confidential information.
The
price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
The
market for our shares of common stock may fluctuate significantly. A number of events and factors may have an adverse impact on
the market price of our common stock, such as:
● results
of our clinical trials or adverse events associated with our products;
● the
amount of our cash resources and our ability to obtain additional funding;
● changes
in our revenues, expense levels or operating results;
● entering
into or terminating strategic relationships;
24
● announcements
of technical or product developments by us or our competitors;
● market
conditions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology stocks in particular;
● changes
in laws and governmental regulations, including changes in tax, healthcare, competition
and patent laws;
● disputes
concerning patents or proprietary rights;
● new
accounting pronouncements or regulatory rulings;
● public
announcements regarding medical advances in the treatment of the disease states that
we are targeting;
● patent
or proprietary rights developments;
● regulatory
actions that may impact our products;
● future
sales of our common stock, or the perception of such sales;
● disruptions
in our manufacturing processes; and
● competition.
In
addition, a global pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a market downturn in general and/or in the biopharmaceutical sector
in particular, may adversely affect the market price of our securities, which may not necessarily reflect the actual or perceived
value of our Company.
Future
sales of our common stock may cause dilution.
Future
sales of our common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, could cause immediate dilution and adversely affect the
market price of our common stock. If we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, the percentage ownership of our
existing stockholders may be reduced, and accordingly these stockholders may experience substantial dilution. We may also issue
equity securities that provide for rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock. Given our need for
cash and that equity raising is the most common type of fundraising for companies like ours, the risk of dilution is particularly
significant for stockholders of our company.
We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
A
significant portion of our business is conducted outside the United States. Therefore, we are exposed to currency exchange fluctuations
in other currencies such as the New Israeli Shekel, or NIS, and the Euro, because a portion of our expenses in Israel and Europe
are paid in NIS and Euros, respectively, which subjects us to the risks of foreign currency fluctuations. Our primary expenses
paid in NIS are employee salaries, subcontractors and material suppliers, fees for consultants and lease payments on our facilities.
During the year ended June 30, 2020, or the fiscal year 2020, we entered into options contracts to hedge against some of the risk
of changes in future cash flows from payments of payroll and related expenses and costs of operations denominated in NIS.
25
The
dollar cost of our operations in Israel will increase to the extent increases in the rate of inflation in Israel are not offset
by a devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar, which would harm our results of operations.
Since
a considerable portion of our expenses such as employees’ salaries are linked to an extent to the rate of inflation in Israel,
the dollar cost of our operations is influenced by the extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel is or is
not offset by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar. As a result, we are exposed to the risk that the NIS, after
adjustment for inflation in Israel, will appreciate in relation to the dollar. In that event, the dollar cost of our operations
in Israel will increase and our dollar-measured results of operations will be adversely affected. We cannot predict whether the
NIS will appreciate against the dollar or vice versa in the future. Any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel, unless the
increase is offset on a timely basis by a devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar, will increase labor and other costs,
which will increase the dollar cost of our operations in Israel and harm our results of operations.
Potential
product liability claims could adversely affect our future earnings and financial condition.
We
face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of our products results in adverse
effects. We may not be able to maintain adequate levels of insurance for these liabilities at reasonable cost and/or reasonable
terms. Excessive insurance costs or uninsured claims would add to our future operating expenses and adversely affect our financial
condition.
Our
principal research and development and manufacturing facilities are located in Israel and the unstable military and political
conditions of Israel may cause interruption or suspension of our business operations without warning.
Our
principal research and development and manufacturing facilities are located in Israel. As a result, we are directly influenced
by the political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a
number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors. During July and August 2014 and November 2012,
Israel was engaged in an armed conflict with a militia group and political party which controls the Gaza Strip, and during the
summer of 2006, Israel was engaged in an armed conflict with Hezbollah, a Lebanese Islamist Shiite militia group and political
party. These conflicts involved missile strikes against civilian targets in various parts of Israel, including areas in which
our employees and some of our consultants are located, and negatively affected business conditions in Israel.
In
addition, Israeli-based companies and companies doing business with Israel, have been the subject of an economic boycott by members
of the Arab League and certain other predominantly Muslim countries since Israel’s establishment. Although Israel has entered
into various agreements with certain Arab countries and the Palestinian Authority, and various declarations have been signed in
connection with efforts to resolve some of the economic and political problems in the Middle East, we cannot predict whether or
in what manner these problems will be resolved. Wars and acts of terrorism have resulted in significant damage to the Israeli
economy, including reducing the level of foreign and local investment.
Furthermore,
certain of our employees may be obligated to perform annual reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces and are subject to being
called up for active military duty at any time. All Israeli male citizens who have served in the army are subject to an obligation
to perform reserve duty until they are between 40 and 49 years old, depending upon the nature of their military service.
The
trend towards consolidation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries may adversely affect us.
There
is a trend towards consolidation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This consolidation trend may result in the
remaining companies having greater financial resources and technical discovery capabilities, thus intensifying competition in
these industries. This trend may also result in fewer potential collaborators or licensees for our therapeutic product candidates.
Also, if a consolidating company is already doing business with our competitors, we may lose existing licensees or collaborators
as a result of such consolidation. This trend may adversely affect our ability to enter into license agreements or agreements
for the development and commercialization of our product candidates, and as a result may materially harm our business.
26
Our cash may be subject to a risk of loss
and we may be exposed to fluctuations in the market values of our portfolio investments and in interest rates.
Our
assets include a significant component of cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits. We adhere to an investment policy
set by our investment committee which aims to preserve our financial assets, maintain adequate liquidity and maximize returns.
We believe that our cash is held in institutions whose credit risk is minimal and that the value and liquidity of our deposits
are accurately reflected in our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2020. Currently, we hold part of our current
assets in bank deposits. However, nearly all of our cash and bank deposits are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
or the FDIC, or similar governmental deposit insurance outside the United States. Therefore, our cash and any
bank deposits that we now hold or may acquire in the future may be subject to risks, including the risk of loss or of reduced
value or liquidity, particularly in light of the increased volatility and worldwide pressures in the financial and banking sectors.
Although
our internal control over financial reporting was considered effective as of June 30, 2020, there is no assurance that our internal
control over financial reporting will continue to be effective in the future, which could result in our financial statements being
unreliable, government investigations or loss of investor confidence in our financial report.
Pursuant
to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to furnish an annual report by our management assessing the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This assessment must include disclosure of any material weaknesses
in our internal control over financial reporting identified by management. Management’s report as of the end of fiscal year 2020
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective. There is, however, no assurance that we will be able
to maintain such effective internal control over financial reporting in the future. Ineffective internal control over financial
reporting can result in errors or other problems in our financial statements. In the future, if we or our registered independent
public accounting firm are unable to assert that our internal controls are effective, our investors could lose confidence in the
accuracy and completeness of our financial report, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline. Failure to maintain effective
internal control over financial reporting could also result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities.
Because
most of our officers and directors are located in non-U.S. jurisdictions, you may have no effective recourse against the management
for misconduct and may not be able to enforce judgment and civil liabilities against our officers, directors, experts and agents.
Most
of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States, and all or a substantial
portion of their assets are located outside the United States.
As
a result, it may be difficult to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against our officers or directors, including
judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any U.S. state.
Because
we do not intend to pay any dividends on our common stock, investors seeking dividend income should not purchase shares of our
common stock.
We
have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock since our inception, and we do not anticipate paying any such dividends
for the foreseeable future. Investors seeking dividend income should not invest in our common stock.
We
are dependent upon third-party suppliers for raw materials needed to manufacture PLX; if any of these third parties fails or is
unable to perform in a timely manner, our ability to manufacture and deliver will be compromised.
In
addition to the placenta used in the clinical manufacturing process of PLX, we require certain raw materials. These items must
be manufactured and supplied to us in sufficient quantities and in compliance with current GMP. To meet these requirements, we
have entered into supply agreements with firms that manufacture these raw materials to current GMP standards. Our requirements
for these items are expected to increase if and when we transition to the manufacture of commercial quantities of our cell-based
drug candidates.
27
In
addition, as we proceed with our clinical trial efforts, we must be able to continuously demonstrate to the FDA, EMA and other
regulatory authorities that we can manufacture our cell therapy product candidates with consistent characteristics. Accordingly,
we are materially dependent on these suppliers for supply of current GMP-grade materials of consistent quality. Our ability to
complete ongoing clinical trials may be negatively affected in the event that we are forced to seek and validate a replacement
source for any of these critical materials.
We
intend to decrease our dependency in third-party suppliers for raw materials. To that effect we have developed a serum-free formulation
which is expected to support the manufacturing of cell therapy products. This serum-free formulation was developed using our deep
understanding in cell therapy industrial scale production standards, and the quality methods designed to support implementation
in Phase III development and marketing. Achieving this significant technological challenge is expected to provide us with large-scale,
highly consistent production with operational independency from third party suppliers for standard serum, an expensive and quantity
limited product. There can be no guarantee that we will successfully implement the use of our serum-free formulation to support
the manufacturing of cell therapy products or any other future product candidates, if any, that we seek to produce using such
formulation, or that such implementation of the serum-free formulation will decrease our dependency on third-party suppliers for
raw materials.
We
rely and will rely on third parties to conduct our clinical trials. If these third parties do not successfully carry out their
contractual duties or meet expected deadlines, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval of or commercialize our product
candidates.
We
depend and will depend upon independent investigators and collaborators, such as universities, medical institutions, CROs,
vendors and strategic partners to conduct our pre-clinical and clinical trials under agreements with us. We negotiate budgets
and contracts with CROs, vendors and study sites which may result in delays to our development timelines and increased costs.
We rely heavily on these third parties over the course of our clinical trials, and we control only certain aspects of their
activities. Nevertheless, we are responsible for ensuring that each of our studies is conducted in accordance with applicable
protocol, legal, regulatory and scientific standards, and our reliance on third parties does not relieve us of our regulatory
responsibilities. We and these third parties are required to comply with current good clinical practices, or cGCPs, which are
regulations and guidelines enforced by the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities for product candidates in
clinical development.
Regulatory authorities enforce these cGCPs through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, principal
investigators and trial sites. If we or any of these third parties fail to comply with applicable cGCP regulations, the
clinical data generated in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory
authorities may require us to perform additional clinical trials before approving our marketing applications. We cannot
assure that, upon inspection, such regulatory authorities will determine that any of our clinical trials comply with the cGCP
regulations. In addition, any Phase III clinical trials which we may conduct must be conducted with biologic product produced
under cGMP and may require a large number of test patients. Biologic products for commercial purposes must also be produced
under cGMP. Our failure or any failure by these third parties to comply with these regulations or to recruit a sufficient
number of patients may require us to repeat clinical trials, which would delay the regulatory approval process. Moreover, our
business may be implicated if any of these third parties violates federal or state fraud and abuse or false claims laws and
regulations or healthcare privacy and security laws and regulations.
28
Any
third parties conducting our clinical trials are not and will not be our employees and, except for remedies available to us under
our agreements with such third parties, which in some instances may be limited, we cannot control whether or not they devote sufficient
time and resources to our ongoing pre-clinical, clinical and nonclinical programs. These third parties may also have relationships
with other commercial entities, including our competitors, for whom they may also be conducting clinical trials
or other drug development activities, which could affect their performance on our behalf. If these third parties do not
successfully carry out their contractual duties or obligations or meet expected deadlines, if they need to be replaced or if the
quality or accuracy of the clinical data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to our clinical protocols or
regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated and we may not be able
to complete development of, obtain regulatory approval of or successfully commercialize our product candidates. As a result, our
financial results and the commercial prospects for our product candidates would be harmed, our costs could increase and our ability
to generate revenue could be delayed. Switching or adding third parties to conduct our clinical trials involves substantial cost
and requires extensive management time and focus. In addition, there is a natural transition period when a new third party commences
work. As a result, delays occur, which can materially impact our ability to meet our desired clinical development timelines.
We
may not be able to take advantage of the new regulatory pathways in the United States, Europe and Japan to shorten our time to
market our products.
Regulatory
pathways in United States, Europe and Japan may allow for early commercialization of our products and thereby reducing the time
to market our products.
The
FDA’s Fast Track designation is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat
serious conditions and unmet medical needs. The FDA granted PLX-PAD with “Fast Track” designation for the treatment
of CLI.
The
EAP allows the use of an investigational medical product outside of clinical trials and is usually granted in cases where patients
are unsuitable for inclusion under the study protocol and the patient’s condition is life-threatening with an unmet medical
need. The FDA has cleared PLX-PAD EAP, for the treatment of patients with CLI. As part of the EAP, our PLX-PAD cell therapy will
be made available to a limited number of CLI patients in the United States who are unsuitable for revascularization and cannot
take part in our ongoing Phase III clinical trial . In addition, the FDA has cleared
our EAP for the use of our PLX-PAD cells to treat ARDS caused by COVID-19 outside of our ongoing Phase II COVID-19 study in the
U.S. The EAP will include up to 100 patients with the resulting data being collected and evaluated alongside our existing clinical
trial in the U.S.
The
purpose of the EMA’s Adaptive Pathways Project is to shorten the time it takes for innovative medicines to reach patients
with serious conditions that lack adequate treatment options. After a therapy is selected for the program, the discussion group
that oversees a given project entering into the EMA’s Adaptive Pathways Project conducts high level discussions and provides
guidance to the applicant regarding the formal regulatory processes that precede a trial targeting early approval and further
expansion of the indications. The EMA selected our PLX-PAD cell program in CLI and in recovery following surgery for hip fracture
for its Adaptive Pathways Project.
In
Japan, a regulation regarding regenerative therapies, including cell therapies. This regulation allows for conditional, time-limited
approval of products for marketing after limited proof of efficacy.
In
addition, the PMDA approved the proposed quality and large-scale manufacturing methods for PLX-PAD and has cleared our PLX-PAD
cells for use in clinical trials in Japan.
However,
since these new regulatory pathways are relatively new, we may not be able to meet the regulatory requirements and as a result
would not benefit from early access to the market.
29
Favorable
results from compassionate use treatment or initial interim results from a clinical trial do not ensure that later clinical trials
will be successful and success in early stage clinical trials does not ensure success in later-stage clinical trials.
PLX
cells have been administered as part of compassionate use treatments, which permit the administration of the PLX cells outside
of clinical trials. No assurance can be given that any positive results are attributable to the PLX cells, or that administration
of PLX cells to other patients will have positive results. Compassionate use is a term that is used to refer to the use of an
investigational drug outside of a clinical trial to treat a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or
condition who has no comparable or satisfactory alternative treatment options. Regulators often allow compassionate use on a case-by-case
basis for an individual patient or for defined groups of patients with similar treatment needs.
There
is no assurance that we will obtain regulatory approval for PLX cells. We will only obtain regulatory approval to commercialize
a product candidate if we can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA, the EMA or other applicable regulatory authorities,
in well-designed and conducted clinical trials, that the product candidate is safe and effective and that the product candidate,
including the cell production methodology, otherwise meets the appropriate standards required for approval. Clinical trials can
be lengthy, complex and extremely expensive processes with uncertain results. A failure of one or more clinical trials may occur
at any stage of testing.
Success
in early clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical trials will be successful, and initial results from a clinical trial
do not necessarily predict final results. While results from treating patients through compassionate use have in certain cases
been successful, we cannot be assured that further trials will ultimately be successful. Results of further clinical trials may
be disappointing.
Even
if early stage clinical trials are successful, we may need to conduct additional clinical trials for product candidates with patients
receiving the drug for longer periods before we are able to seek approvals to market and sell these product candidates from the
FDA and regulatory authorities outside the United States. Even if we are able to obtain approval for our product candidates through
an accelerated approval review program, we may still be required to conduct clinical trials after such an approval. If we are
not successful in commercializing any of our lead product candidates, or are significantly delayed in doing so, our business will
be materially harmed.
We
may not successfully maintain our existing exclusive out-licensing agreement with CHA, or establish new collaborative and licensing
arrangements, which could adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates.
One
of the elements of our business strategy is to license our technology to other companies. Our business strategy includes establishing
collaborations and licensing agreements with one or more pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. To date, we have a strategic
partnership with CHA for both the IC and CLI indications in Korea. CHA will conduct PLX clinical trials
in South Korea, and, following approval, a joint venture equally owned by both parties will be established to market PLX
products in South Korea. Our PLX cells are also being used in South Korean sites participating to our International IC study through
our partnership with CHA. Notwithstanding, we may not be able to further establish or maintain such licensing and collaboration
arrangements necessary to develop and commercialize our product candidates.
Even
if we are able to maintain or establish licensing or collaboration arrangements, these arrangements may not be on favorable terms
and may contain provisions that will restrict our ability to develop, test and market our product candidates. Any failure to maintain
or establish licensing or collaboration arrangements on favorable terms could adversely affect our business prospects, financial
condition or ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates.
Our
agreements with our collaborators and licensees may have provisions that give rise to disputes regarding the rights and obligations
of the parties. These and other possible disagreements could lead to termination of the agreement or delays in collaborative research,
development, supply, or commercialization of certain product candidates, or could require or result in litigation or arbitration.
Moreover, disagreements could arise with our collaborators over rights to intellectual property or our rights to share in any
of the future revenues of products developed by our collaborators. These kinds of disagreements could result in costly and time-consuming
litigation. Any such conflicts with our collaborators could reduce our ability to obtain future collaboration agreements and could
have a negative impact on our relationship with existing collaborators.
30
Our
internal computer systems, or those used by our CROs or other contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer security breaches.
We
rely on and utilize services provided by third parties in connection with our clinical trials, which services involve the collection,
use, storage and analysis of personal health information. While we receive assurances from these vendors that their services are
compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, and other applicable privacy laws, there can
be no assurance that such third parties will comply with applicable laws or regulations. Non-compliance by such vendors may result
in liability for us which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations.
Despite
the implementation of security measures, our internal computer systems and those of our current and future CROs and other contractors
and consultants are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses and unauthorized access. While, to our knowledge, we have not experienced
any such material system failure or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations,
it could result in a material disruption of our development programs and our business operations. For example, the loss of clinical
trial data from completed or future clinical trials could result in delays in our regulatory approval efforts and significantly
increase our costs to recover or reproduce the data. To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a
loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could
incur liability and the further development and commercialization of our product candidates could be delayed.
Unsuccessful
compliance with certain European privacy regulations could have an adverse effect on our business and reputation.
The
collection and use of personal health data in the European Union is governed by the provisions of the General Data Protection
Regulation, or GDPR. This directive imposes several requirements relating to the consent of the individuals to whom the personal
data relates, the information provided to the individuals, notification of data processing obligations to the competent national
data protection authorities and the security and confidentiality of the personal data. The GPDR also extends the geographical
scope of European Union data protection law to non-European Union entities under certain conditions, tightens existing European
Union data protection principles and creates new obligations for companies and new rights for individuals. Failure to comply with
the requirements of the GDPR and the related national data protection laws of the European Union Member States may result in fines
and other administrative penalties. There may be circumstances under which a failure to comply with GDPR, or the exercise of individual
rights under the GDPR, would limit our ability to utilize clinical trial data collected on certain subjects. The GDPR regulations
impose additional responsibility and liability in relation to personal data that we process and we intend to put in place additional
mechanisms ensuring compliance with these and/or new data protection rules.
Changes
to these European privacy regulations and unsuccessful compliance may be onerous and adversely affect our business, financial
condition, prospects, results of operations and reputation.
We
have limited experience in conducting Phase III trials. If we fail in the conduct of such trials, our business will be materially
harmed.
Even
though we conducted Phase I and Phase II trials and we are currently conducting two Phase III trials for our PLX-PAD product candidate,
a Phase II FDA study of PLX cells for the treatment of severe COVID-19 complicated by ARDS, and a Phase I for our PLX-R18 product,
and have recruited employees who are experienced in managing and conducting clinical trials, we have limited experience in this
area.
31
We
will need to expand our experience and rely on consultants in order to obtain regulatory approvals for our therapeutic product
candidates. The failure to successfully conduct clinical trials could materially harm our business.
Existing
government programs and tax benefits may be terminated.
We
have received certain Israeli government approvals under certain programs and may in the future utilize certain tax benefits in
Israel by virtue of these programs. To remain eligible for such tax benefits, we must continue to meet certain conditions. If
we fail to comply with these conditions in the future, the benefits we receive could be canceled and have to pay additional taxes.
We cannot guarantee that these programs and tax benefits will be continued in the future, at their current levels or at all. If
these programs and tax benefits are ended, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely
affected.
If
we fail to obtain or maintain orphan drug exclusivity for our products, our competitors may sell products to treat the same conditions
and our revenue will be reduced.
Our
business strategy focuses on the development of drugs that are eligible for FDA and European Union orphan drug designation. Under
the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may designate a product as an orphan drug if it is intended to treat a rare disease or condition,
defined as a patient population of fewer than 200,000 in the United States, or a patient population greater than 200,000 in the
United States where there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing the drug will be recovered from sales in the
United States. In the European Union, the EMA’s Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products, or COMP, grants orphan drug designation
to promote the development of products that are intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a life-threatening or
chronically debilitating condition affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in the European Union Community. Additionally,
designation is granted for products intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a life threatening, seriously debilitating
or serious and chronic condition and when, without incentives, it is unlikely that sales of the drug in the European Union would
be sufficient to justify the necessary investment in developing the drug or biological product.
In
the United States, orphan drug designation entitles a party to financial incentives such as opportunities for grant funding towards
clinical trial costs, tax advantages, and user-fee waivers. In addition, if a product receives the first FDA approval for the
indication for which it has orphan designation, the product is entitled to orphan drug exclusivity, which means the FDA may not
approve any other application to market the same drug for the same indication for a period of seven years, except in limited circumstances,
such as a showing of clinical superiority over the product with orphan exclusivity or where the manufacturer is unable to assure
sufficient product quantity. In the European Union, orphan drug designation also entitles a party to financial incentives such
as reduction of fees or fee waivers and ten years of market exclusivity is granted following drug or biological product approval.
This period may be reduced to six years if the orphan drug designation criteria are no longer met, including where it is shown
that the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity.
Even
if we obtain orphan drug exclusivity for a product, that exclusivity may not effectively protect the product from competition
because different drugs with different active moieties can be approved for the same condition.
Even
with orphan drug exclusivity, if a third party were to prepare or market a product which infringes upon our intellectual property,
we may need to initiate litigation, which may be costly, to enforce our rights against such party. After an orphan drug is approved,
the FDA can subsequently approve the same drug with the same active moiety for the same condition if the FDA concludes that the
later drug is safer, more effective, or makes a major contribution to patient care. Orphan drug designation on its own neither
shortens the development time or regulatory review time for a drug.
32
While
orphan drug products are typically sold at a high price relative to other medications, the market may not be receptive to high
pricing of our products.
We
develop our product candidates to treat rare and ultra-rare diseases, a space where medications are usually sold at high prices
compared with other medications.
Accordingly,
even if regulatory authorities approve our product candidates, the market may not be receptive to, and it may be difficult for
us to achieve, a per-patient per-year price high enough to allow us to realize a return on our investment.
The
patent approval process is complex and we cannot be sure that our pending patent applications or future patent applications will
be approved.
The
patent position of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies generally is highly uncertain, involves complex legal and factual
questions and has in recent years been the subject of much litigation. As a result, the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability
and commercial value of our and any future licensors’ patent rights are highly uncertain. Our pending and future patent applications
may not result in patents being issued which protect our technology or products or which effectively prevent others from commercializing
competitive technologies and products. Changes in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States
and other countries may diminish the value of our patents or narrow the scope of our patent protection. The laws of foreign countries
may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States and we may not be able to obtain meaningful patent
protection for any of our commercial products either in or outside the United States.
No
assurance can be given that the scope of any patent protection granted will exclude competitors or provide us with competitive
advantages, that any of the patents that have been or may be issued to us will be held valid if subsequently challenged, or that
other parties will not claim rights to or ownership of our patents or other proprietary rights that we hold. Furthermore, there
can be no assurance that others have not developed or will not develop similar products, duplicate any of our technology or products
or design around any patents that have been or may be issued to us or any future licensors. Since patent applications in the United
States and in Europe are not publicly disclosed until patents are issued, there can be no assurance that others did not first
file applications for products covered by our pending patent applications, nor can we be certain that we will not infringe any
patents that may be issued to others.
Third
parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which
would be uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our
commercial success depends upon our ability and the ability of our collaborators to develop, manufacture, market and sell our
product candidates and use our proprietary technologies without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. We have yet
to conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate searches to determine whether our proposed business activities or use of certain of
the patent rights owned by us would infringe patents issued to third parties. We may become party to, or threatened with, future
adversarial proceedings or litigation regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our products and technology, including
interference proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Third parties may assert infringement claims against us
based on existing patents or patents that may be granted in the future. If we are found to infringe a third party’s intellectual
property rights, we could be required to obtain a license from such third party to continue developing and marketing our products
and technology. However, we may not be able to obtain any required license on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
Even
if we were able to obtain a license, it could be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to the same technologies
licensed to us. We could be forced, including by court order, to cease commercializing the infringing technology or product. In
addition, we could be found liable for monetary damages. A finding of infringement could prevent us from commercializing our product
candidates or force us to cease some of our business operations, which could materially harm our business. For example, we are
aware of issued third party patents directed to placental stem cells and their use for therapy and in treating various diseases.
We may need to seek a license for one or more of these patents. No assurances can be given that such a license will be available
on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Claims that we have misappropriated the confidential information or trade secrets
of third parties could have a similar negative impact on our business.
33
Even
if resolved in our favor, litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims may cause us to incur
significant expenses, and could distract our technical and management personnel from their normal responsibilities. In addition,
there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments and if securities
analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our common
stock. Such litigation or proceedings could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce the resources available for
development activities or any future sales, marketing or distribution activities. We may not have sufficient financial or other
resources to adequately conduct such litigation or proceedings. Some of our competitors are able to sustain the costs of such
litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their greater financial resources. Uncertainties resulting from
the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our ability
to compete in the marketplace.
We
must further protect and develop our technology and products in order to become a profitable company.
If
we do not complete the development of our technology and products in development by the time our patents expire, create additional
sufficient layers of patents or other intellectual property rights, other companies may use the technology to develop competing
products. If this happens, we may lose our competitive position and our business would likely suffer.
Furthermore,
the scope of our patents may not be sufficiently broad to offer meaningful protection. In addition, our patents could be successfully
challenged, invalidated or circumvented so that our patent rights would not create an effective competitive barrier. We also intend
to seek patent protection for any of our potential cell therapy products once we have completed their development. We also rely
on trade secrets and unpatentable know-how that we seek to protect, in part, by confidentiality agreements with our employees,
consultants, suppliers and licensees. These agreements may be breached, and we might not have adequate remedies for any breach.
If this were to occur, our business and competitive position would suffer.
We
may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and any determination that we violated the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We
are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act, or FCPA, and other laws that prohibit U.S. companies or their agents and employees
from providing anything of value to a foreign official or political party for the purposes of influencing any act or decision
of these individuals in their official capacity to help obtain or retain business, direct business to any person or corporate
entity or obtain any unfair advantage. We have operations and agreements with third parties. Our international activities create
the risk of unauthorized and illegal payments or offers of payments by our employees or consultants, even though they may not
always be subject to our control. We discourage these practices by our employees and consultants. However, our existing safeguards
and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and our employees or consultants, may engage in conduct for which
we might be held responsible for Any failure by us to adopt appropriate compliance procedures and ensure that our employees and
consultants comply with the FCPA and applicable laws and regulations in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial penalties
or restrictions on our ability to conduct business in certain foreign jurisdictions.
Violations
of the FCPA may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively
affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the U.S. government may seek to hold our Company
liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.
34
The
COVID-19 pandemic, or any other pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, may materially and adversely affect our
business and operations.
The
recent outbreak of COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since spread to approximately 200 countries,
including the United States, Israel and many European countries in which we operate. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization
declared the outbreak a pandemic. While COVID-19 is still spreading and the final implications of the pandemic are difficult to
estimate at this stage, it is clear that it has affected the lives of a large portion of the global population. At this time,
the pandemic has caused states of emergency to be declared in various countries, travel restrictions imposed globally, quarantines
established in certain jurisdictions and various institutions and companies being closed. We are actively monitoring the pandemic
and we are taking any necessary measures to respond to the situation in cooperation with the various stakeholders.
Based
on guidelines provided by the Israeli Government, employers (including us) are also required to prepare and increase as much as
possible the capacity and arrangement for employees to work remotely. In addition, COVID-19 infection of our workforce could result
in a temporary disruption in our business activities, including manufacturing and other functions.
The
COVID-19 pandemic is also affecting the United States, Israel and global economies and has affected, and may continue to affect,
the conduct of our clinical trials and may in the future affect our operations and those of third parties on which we rely, including
by causing disruptions in our raw material supply, though to date we have not experienced any such disruptions.
In
addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the operations of the FDA and other health authorities, which could result in delays
of reviews and approvals, including with respect to our Phase III clinical trials relating to CLI and muscle recovery following
surgery for hip fracture. The evolving COVID-19 pandemic has already impacted, and may continue to, directly or indirectly impact
the pace of enrollment in our clinical trials as patients may avoid or may not be able to travel to healthcare facilities and
physicians’ offices unless due to a health emergency and clinical trial staff can no longer get to the clinic. Additionally,
such facilities and offices have been and may continue to be required to focus limited resources on non-clinical trial matters,
including treatment of COVID-19 patients, thereby decreasing availability, in whole or in part, for clinical trial services. Additionally,
the stock market has been unusually volatile during the COVID-19 outbreak and such volatility may continue. To date, during certain
periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, our stock price fluctuated significantly, and such fluctuation may continue to occur. The ultimate
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent of potential delays
or impacts on our business, financing or clinical trial activities, or on healthcare systems or the global economy as a whole.
However, these effects could have a material impact on our liquidity, capital resources, operations and business and those of
the third parties on which we rely.
The
impact of the use of our PLX cells in various COVID-19 related compassionate use programs, as well as our expected clinical trial,
if any, on our business and our results of operations cannot be predicted with certainty, as factors including, but not limited
to, the ultimate duration and scope of the compassionate use authorization, as well as the availability of our product internationally,
are not determinable at this time. Our PLX cells may not be successful in treating complications associated with COVID-19.
Item
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not
Applicable.
35
Item 2.
Properties.
Our
principal executive, manufacturing and research and development offices are located at MATAM Advanced Technology Park, Building
No. 5, Haifa, Israel, where we occupy approximately 4,389 square meters. Our monthly rent payment for these leased facilities
as of July 2020 was 263,000 NIS (approximately $76,000). For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, we recognized a net expense
of $491,000, according to the implementation of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases”.
We
believe that the current space we have is adequate to meet our current and near future needs.
Item
3. Legal Proceedings.
None.
Item
4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not
applicable.
36
PART
II
Item
5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our
shares of common stock trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol PSTI.
As
of September 4, 2020, there were 101 holders of record, and 25,554,668 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding.
American
Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC is the registrar and transfer agent for our common shares. Their address is 6201 15th Avenue,
2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11219, telephone: (718) 921-8300, (800) 937-5449.
Item
6. Selected Financial Data
Not
applicable.
Item
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. -
We
are a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapy product candidates for the treatment of multiple ischemic, inflammatory
and hematologic conditions. Our operations are focused on the research, development, manufacturing, conducting clinical trials
and business development of cell therapeutics and related technologies.
We are currently enrolling
patients in two Phase III studies: one for CLI and another for muscle recovery following surgery for hip fracture. In addition,
we are focusing on other indications such as ARS, incomplete recovery following bone marrow transplantation, Steroid-Refractory
cGVHD and IC. We received clearance from the FDA and the PEI to conduct a Phase II study evaluating PLX cells for the treatment
of severe cases of the COVID-19 complicated by ARDS. We have treated several patients in Israel and in the United States suffering
from severe ARDS associated with COVID-19 under a compassionate use program. In addition, the FDA has cleared our EAP for the use
of our PLX-PAD cells to treat up to 100 patients suffering from ARDS caused by COVID-19 outside of our ongoing Phase II COVID-19
study in the U.S. We believe that each of these indications is a severe unmet medical need.
37
PLX cells are derived from
a class of placental cells that are harvested from donated placenta at the time of full term healthy delivery of a baby. PLX cell
products require no tissue or blood matching prior to administration. They are produced using our proprietary three-dimensional
expansion technology. Our manufacturing facility complies with the European, Japanese, Israeli, South Korean and the FDA’s
cGMP requirements and has been inspected and approved by the European and Israeli regulators for production of PLX-PAD for late
stage trials. We have also granted manufacturer/importer authorization and cGMP Certification by Israel’s Ministry of Health.
If we obtain FDA and other regulatory approvals to market PLX cells, we expect to have in-house production capacity to grow PLX
cells in commercial quantities. See “ – Research and Development - In-House Clinical Manufacturing” for additional
information.
Our
goal is to make significant progress with our clinical pipeline and our clinical trials in order to ultimately bring innovative,
potent therapies to patients who need new treatment options. We expect to demonstrate a real-world impact and value from our pipeline,
technology platform and commercial-scale manufacturing capacity. Our business model for commercialization and revenue generation
includes, but is not limited to, direct sale of our products, partnerships, licensing deals, and joint ventures with pharmaceutical
companies.
We
were incorporated in Nevada in 2001, and we have a wholly owned subsidiary in Israel called Pluristem Ltd. and a wholly owned
subsidiary in Germany called Pluristem GmbH.
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS – YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2019.
Revenues
Revenues
for the year ended June 30, 2020 were $23,000 and revenues for the year ended June 30, 2019 were $54,000. All revenues in the
years ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 were related to the sale of our PLX cells for research use.
Cost
of Revenues
Cost
of revenues for the year ended June 30, 2019 were $2,000 compared to no cost of revenues for the year ended June 30, 2020. All
cost of revenues are related to the royalties we are obligated to pay to the IIA.
Research
and Development, Net
Research
and development net costs (costs less participation and grants by the IIA, Horizon 2020 and other parties) for the year ended
June 30, 2020 decreased by 18% to $21,577,000 from $26,427,000 for the year ended June 30, 2019. The decrease is mainly attributed
to (1) our increasingly efficient production activities that resulted in a decrease in materials consumption, (2) a decrease in
payroll expenses related to a decrease in the average number of employees and temporary salary deductions during April and May
2020 (as part of our expense reduction strategy due to COVID-19), (3) a decrease in stock-based compensation expenses related
to the amount of restricted stock units, or RSUs, granted and their vesting schedules, (4) a decrease in expenses related to clinical
site initiation and (5) a decrease in rent expenses due to the implementation of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases,”
which resulted in a reduction of $160,000 (for further information please refer to Note 7 in the accompanying financial statements
to this Annual Report). The decrease was partially offset by lower participation by the European Union with respect to the Horizon
2020 grants, which was primarily utilized in the first year of the projects, and a lower participation by the IIA due to a decrease
in the grant obtained in calendar year 2020 compared to calendar year 2019 and to calendar year 2018.
38
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses decreased
by 13% from $9,157,000 for the year ended June 30, 2019 to $7,922,000 for the year ended June 30, 2020. This decrease is attributed
to a decrease in stock-based compensation expenses related to the amount of RSUs granted and their vesting schedules, a decrease
in payroll expenses related to a 25% reduction of the annual salary of our CEO and, a 25% reduction of the annual compensation
of our Executive Chairman and temporary salary deductions during April and May 2020 (as part of our expense reduction strategy
due to COVID-19). The decrease was partially offset by an increase in professional services expenses related to the EIB Agreement.
Financial Income, Net
Financial income increased from $225,000
for the year ended June 30, 2019 to $324,000 for the year ended June 30, 2020. This increase is mainly attributable to increased
income from exchange rates related to the strength of the U.S. dollar against the NIS and changes in the fair value of our hedging
instruments related to the strength of the U.S. dollar against the NIS, partially offset by financial expense from the implementation
of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases,” which resulted in an expense of $261,000 (for further information
please refer to Note 7 in the accompanying financial statements to this Annual Report).
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended June 30, 2020
was $29,152,000 as compared to a net loss of $35,307,000 for the year ended June 30, 2019. The changes were mainly due to a decrease
in research and development expenses, net, and a decrease in general and administrative expenses, net for the reasons mentioned
above. Net loss per share for the year ended June 30, 2020 was $1.60 per share, as compared to $2.90 per share for the year ended
June 30, 2019. The net loss per share decreased mainly as a result of an increase in our weighted average number of shares due
to the issuance of additional shares issued during fiscal year 2020, and by a decrease in the net loss.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of June 30, 2020, our total current assets
were $48,461,000 and our total current liabilities were $7,987,000. On June 30, 2020, we had a working capital surplus of $40,474,000
and an accumulated deficit of $280,156,000.
As of June 30, 2019, our total current assets
were $26,371,000 and our total current liabilities were $8,158,000. On June 30, 2019, we had a working capital surplus of $18,213,000
and an accumulated deficit of $251,004,000.
Our cash and cash equivalents and restricted
cash as of June 30, 2020 amounted to $9,229,000. This is a decrease of $4,043,000 from the $5,186,000 reported as of June 30, 2019.
Cash balances decreased in the year ended June 30, 2020 for the reasons presented below.
Operating activities used cash of $26,369,000
in the year ended June 30, 2020. Cash used by operating activities in the year ended June 30, 2020 primarily consisted of payments
to subcontractors, suppliers, and professional services providers primarily related to our ongoing clinical trials and payments
of salaries to our employees, offset by participation of the IIA, Horizon 2020 and other grants.
Investing activities used cash of $30,458,000
in the year ended June 30, 2020. The investing activities in the year ended June 30, 2020 consisted primarily of cash used for
investment in short-term deposits of $17,949,000, investment in long-term deposits of $12,239,000 and payments of $270,000 related
to investments in property and equipment.
39
Financing activities generated cash in the
amount of $60,870,000 during the year ended June 30, 2020. The cash generated in the year ended June 30, 2020 from financing activities
is related to net proceeds of $43,262,000 from issuing shares of our common stock under our Sales Agreement (defined below), net
proceeds of $14,901,000 from issuing shares of our common stock in a registered direct offering in May 2020 and net proceeds of
$2,707,000 from issuing shares of our common stock from the exercise of warrants.
On February 6, 2019, we entered into an
Open Market Sales Agreement SM , or the Sales Agreement, with Jefferies LLC, or Jefferies, pursuant to which we may issue
and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $50,000,000 from time to time through Jefferies.
We are not obligated to make any sales of common stock under the Sales Agreement. From February 6, 2019 through June 30, 2020,
we sold an aggregate of 8,297,750 shares of common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement for aggregate gross proceeds of $ 49,140,965.
On June 30, 2020, our shelf registration on Form S-3 declared effective by the SEC on June 23, 2017 expired, and as a result thereof,
the parties stopped utilizing the Sales Agreement. On July 16, 2020, we entered into a new Open Market Sales Agreement SM ,
or the 2020 Sales Agreement, with Jefferies, pursuant to which we may issue and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate
offering price of up to $75,000,000 from time to time through Jefferies. Upon entering into the 2020 Sales Agreement, we filed
a new shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the SEC on July 23, 2020.
In the year ended June 30, 2020, warrants
to purchase up to 386,678 shares from our April 2019 firm commitment public offering, or the 2019 Public Offering, were exercised
by investors at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, resulting in the issuance of 386,678 shares of common stock for net proceeds
of approximately $2,707,000.
On May 5, 2020, we entered into a securities
purchase agreement with two institutional investors, or the Investors, pursuant to which we sold, in a registered direct offering
to the Investors, 1,587,302 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $14,901.
On April 30, 2020, we and our Israeli subsidiary,
Pluristem Ltd., and our German subsidiary, Pluristem GmbH, entered into the EIB Agreement with the EIB, pursuant to which we can
obtain a loan in the amount of Euro 50 million, or the Loan, payable in tranches, subject to the achievement of certain clinical,
regulatory and scale up milestones. Each of the Company and Pluristem Ltd. are guarantors under the Finance Contract. The Loan
is not secured and will be disbursed in three tranches consisting of one tranche of Euro 20 million, or the First Tranche, a second
tranche of Euro 18 million, or the Second Tranche, and a third tranche of Euro12 million, or the Third Tranche, each as may be
requested by us, subject to the achievement of clinical, regulatory and scale up milestones. The tranches will be treated independently,
each with its own interest rate and maturity period. The fixed interest rate is 0% per annum for the First Tranche and 1.00% for
each of the Second Tranche and Third Tranche. The deferred interest rate is 4% per annum for the First Tranche, 3% for the Second
Tranche and 2% for the Third Tranche. We are required to repay the First Tranche and the Second Tranche, with all other amounts
owed thereunder, in a single installment on the maturity date of that tranche, following the five-year anniversaries from each
of the First Tranche and the Second Tranche disbursements. We are required to repay the Third Tranche, with all other amounts owed
thereunder, in two equal installments, with the first such payment following the fourth anniversary of the disbursement date and
the last repayment on a date not later than five years from the disbursement date. To date, we have not yet received a disbursement
pursuant to the EIB Agreement.
During the year ended
June 30, 2020, we received cash of approximately $23,000 from third parties from the sale of our PLX cells for research use.
Our cash and cash equivalents and restricted
cash as of June 30, 2019 amounted to $5,186,000. This is a decrease of $4,701,000 from the $9,887,000 reported as of June 30, 2018.
Cash balances decreased in the year ended June 30, 2019 for the reasons presented below.
40
Operating activities used cash of $29,453,000
in the year ended June 30, 2019. Cash used by operating activities in the year ended June 30, 2019 primarily consisted of payments
to subcontractors, suppliers, and professional services providers primarily related to our ongoing Phase III clinical trials and
payments of salaries to our employees, offset by participation of the IIA, Horizon 2020 and other grants.
Investing activities provided cash of $1,170,000
in the year ended June 30, 2019. The investing activities in the year ended June 30, 2019 consisted primarily of cash provided
from repayment of short term deposits of $1,415,000, offset by payments of $239,000 related to investments in property and equipment
and Investment in restricted bank deposits of $6,000.
Financing activities generated cash in the
amount of $23,582,000 during the year ended June 30, 2019. The cash generated in the year ended June 30, 2019 from financing activities
is related to net proceeds, after deducting underwriting commissions and discounts, and other offering expenses, of $19,464,000
from issuing shares of our common stock in the Public Offering and Registered Direct Offering (as defined below), aggregate net
proceeds of $4,003,000 from issuing shares of our common stock under our (1) At Market Sales Agreement, or the ATM Agreement, with
FBR Capital Markets & Co., MLV & Co. LLC and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., and (2) the Sales Agreement, proceeds of $107,000
related to a grant received from the Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation and net proceeds
of $8,000 from the exercise of options.
In July 2017, we entered into the ATM Agreement
with FBR Capital Markets & Co., MLV & Co. LLC and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., each an Agent, which provided that, upon
the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in the ATM Agreement, we could elect, from time to time, to issue
and sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $80,000,000 through any of the Agents. We were not
obligated to make any sales of common stock under the ATM Agreement. From July 2017 through February 4, 2019, we sold an aggregate
of 530,541 shares of common stock pursuant to the ATM Agreement at an average price of $13.70 per share. On February 4, 2019, we
notified the Agents of the termination of the ATM Agreement.
From February 6, 2019 through June 30, 2019,
we sold an aggregate of 236,800 shares of common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement at an average price of $9.70 per share.
On April 8, 2019, we sold, pursuant to an
underwriting agreement relating to the 2019 Public Offering, an aggregate of 2,857,143 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase
up to 2,857,143 shares of common stock, inclusive of the underwriter’s over-allotment option which was exercised in full,
for aggregate gross proceeds of $20,000,000. The warrants issued in the Public Offering are exercisable for a period of five years
from issuance and have an exercise price of $7.00 per share. In addition, on April 8, 2019, we sold, pursuant to a subscription
agreement with a certain investor in a registered direct offering, or the Registered Direct Offering, 142,857 shares of common
stock, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,000,000. The net proceeds from the Public Offering and the Registered Direct Offering,
after deducting underwriting commissions and discounts, and other offering expenses, were $19,464,000.
During the year ended June 30, 2019, we
received cash of approximately $54,000 from third parties from the sale of our PLX cells for research use.
During the years ended June 30, 2020 and
2019, we received total cash grants of approximately $1,227,000 and $1,374,000, respectively, from the European Union research
and development consortiums relating to the Horizon 2020 program.
Non-dilutive grants
The IIA has supported
our activity during the past 14 years. Our last program was approved by the IIA in 2019 and relates to a grant of approximately
$500,000. The grant was used to cover research and development expenses for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
41
According to the IIA grant terms, we are
required to pay royalties at a rate of 3% on sales of products and services derived from technology developed using this and other
IIA grants until 100% of the dollar-linked grants amount plus interest are repaid. In the absence of such sales, no payment is
required. During the year ended June 30, 2020, no royalties were paid to the IIA. The IIA may impose certain conditions on any
arrangement under which the IIA permits the Company to transfer technology or development out of Israel or outsource manufacturing
out of Israel. While the grant is given to the Company over a certain period of time (usually a year), the requirements and restrictions
under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development, 1984 continue and do not have a set expiration
period, except for the royalties, which requirement to pay them expires after payment in full.
In May 2020, we were
selected as a member of the CRISPR-IL consortium, a group funded by the IIA. CRISPR-IL brings together the leading experts in life
science and computer science from academia, medicine, and industry, to develop AI based end-to-end genome-editing solutions. CRISPR-IL
is funded by the IIA with a total budget of approximately $10,000,000 of which, an amount of approximately $480,000 is a direct
grant allocated to us, for a period of 18 months, with a potential for extension of an additional 18 months and additional budget
from the IIA. CRISPR-IL participants include leading companies, and medical and academic institutions.
In July 2018, we were
awarded a marketing grant of approximately $52,000 under the “Shalav” program of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and
Industry. The grant is intended to facilitate certain marketing and business development activities with respect to our advanced
cell therapy products in the U.S. market.
In July 2017, we were
awarded an additional Smart Money grant of approximately $229,000 from Israel’s Ministry of Economy. The Israeli government
granted us budget resources that we intend to use to advance our product candidate towards marketing in China-Hong Kong markets.
We will also receive close support from Israel’s trade representatives stationed in China, including Hong Kong, along with
experts appointed by the Smart Money program.
In August 2016, our
CLI program in the European Union was awarded a Euro 7,600,000 (approximately $8,500,000) grant. The grant is part of the European
Union’s Horizon 2020 program. The Phase III study of PLX-PAD in CLI will be a collaborative project carried out by an international
consortium led by the Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies together with the Company and with participation of
additional third parties. The grant will cover a significant portion of the CLI program costs. An amount of Euro 1,900,000 (approximately
$2,100,000) is a direct grant allocated to us, and the Company also expects to benefit from cost savings resulting from grant amounts
allocated to the other consortium members. In July 2017, the consortium amended the consortium agreement, pursuant to which the
original grant allocation was amended such that we will receive an additional direct grant of Euro 1,000,000 (approximately $1,100,000).
The additional direct grant was allocated to us from the total amount of the original grant.
In September 2017,
our Phase III study of PLX-PAD cell therapy in the treatment of muscle injury following surgery for hip fracture was awarded a
Euro 7,400,000 (approximately $8,300,000) grant, as part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program. This Phase III study
will be a collaborative project carried out by an international consortium led by Charité, together with us, and with participation
of additional third parties. The grant will cover a significant portion of the project costs. An amount of Euro 2,550,000 (approximately
$2,900,000) is a direct grant allocated to us for manufacturing and other costs, and we also expect to have a direct benefit from
cost savings resulting from grant amounts allocated to the other consortium members.
In October 2017, the
nTRACK, a collaborative project carried out by an international consortium led by Leitat was awarded a Euro 6,800,000 (approximately
$7,600,000) non-royalty bearing grant. An amount of Euro 500,000 (approximately $560,000) is a direct grant allocated to us. We
also expect to benefit from cost savings resulting from grant amounts allocated to the other consortium members.
42
Outlook
We have accumulated a deficit of $280,156,000
since our inception in May 2001. We do not expect to generate any significant revenues from sales of products in the next twelve
months. Our cash needs may increase in the foreseeable future. We expect to generate revenues, from the sale of licenses to use
our technology or products, but in the short and medium terms will unlikely exceed our costs of operations.
We may be required to obtain additional
liquidity resources in order to support the commercialization of our products and maintain our research and development and clinical
trials activities.
We are continually looking for sources
of funding, including non-diluting sources such as the EIB Financing, the IIA grants, the European Union grant and other research
grants, collaboration with other companies and sales of our common stock.
We believe that we have sufficient cash
to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
Our significant accounting
policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report. We believe
that the accounting policies below are 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 financial statements, which we prepared in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during
the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate such estimates and judgments, including those described in greater detail
below. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances.
Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation
is considered a critical accounting policy due to the significant expenses of RSUs which were granted to our employees, directors
and consultants. In fiscal year 2020, we recorded stock-based compensation expenses related to options, restricted stock and RSUs
in the amount of $2,561,000.
In accordance with
ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”, or ASC 718, RSUs granted to employees and directors are measured at their
fair value on the grant date. All RSUs granted in fiscal years 2020 and 2019 were granted for no consideration; therefore their
fair value was equal to the share price at the date of grant, based on the close trading price of our shares known at the grant
date. The RSUs granted in fiscal year 2019 to non-employees consultants were remeasured in any future vesting period for the unvested
portion of the grants. The RSUs granted in fiscal year 2020 to non-employees consultants were measured at their fair value on the
grant date in accordance with ASU No. 2018-07 - “Compensation—Stock Compensation”
The value of the portion
of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense over the requisite service periods in our consolidated
statements of operations. We have graded vesting based on the accelerated method over the requisite service period of each of the
awards. The expected pre-vesting forfeiture rate affects the number of the shares. Based on our historical experience, the pre-vesting
forfeiture rate per grant is 7% for the shares granted to employees and 0% for the shares granted to our directors, CEO, Executive
Chairman and non-employee consultants.
43
Research and Development Expenses, Net
We expect our research
and development expenses to remain our primary expense in the near future as we continue to develop our product candidates. Our
research and development expenses consist primarily of clinical trials expenses, consultant and subcontractor expenses, payroll
and related expenses, lab material expenses, stock-based compensation expenses, rent and maintenance expenses and patent expenses.
The following table provides a breakdown of the related costs for fiscal years 2018 through 2020 (in thousands of dollars):
Year ended June 30,
2020
2019
2018
Payroll and related expenses
$ 8,478
$ 9,752
$ 9,915
Materials expenses
2,821
5,871
4,521
Clinical trials expenses
6,021
5,774
4,370
Depreciation expenses
1,453
1,841
1,893
Consultants and subcontractor expenses
1,351
2,028
1,469
Rent and maintenance expenses
1,227
1,473
1,429
Stock-based compensation expenses
556
1,616
1,423
Patent expenses
528
482
426
Other Research and development expenses
661
1,045
925
Total expenses
23,096
29,882
26,371
Less: Research and development participation grants
(1,519 )
(3,455 )
(3,742 )
Research and development expenses, net
$ 21,576
$ 26,427
$ 22,629
We invest heavily in research and development.
Research and development expenses, net, were our major operating expenses, representing 73%, 74% and 67% of the total operating
expenses for each of our fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We expect that in the upcoming years our research and
development expenses, net, will continue to be our major operating expense.
Contractual Obligations
The following summarizes our contractual
obligations and other commitments on June 30, 2020, and the effect such obligations could have on our liquidity and cash flow in
future periods:
Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations
Total
Less than
1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
More than
5 years
Operating lease obligations
$ 1,706,000
$ 1,123,000
$ 563,000
$ 20
-
Accrued severance pay, net
$ 248,000
-
-
-
$ 248,000
Total
$ 1,954,000
$ 1,123,000
$ 563,000
$ 20
$ 248,000
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off balance sheet arrangements.
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 and inflation.
44
As of June 30, 2020, we had $8.3 million
in cash and cash equivalents, $38 million in short-term bank deposits and restricted deposits and $12.7 million in long-term bank
deposits and restricted deposits.
We adhere to an investment policy set by
our investment committee, which aims to preserve our financial assets, maintain adequate liquidity and maximize return while minimizing
exposure to the NIS. Such policy further provides that we should hold most of our current assets in bank deposits and the remainder
of our current assets should be invested in low risk instruments. As of June 30, 2020, the currency of our financial portfolio
is mainly in U.S. dollars and we use options contracts in order to hedge our exposures to currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
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. However, our interest gains from future deposits may decline in the future
as a result of changes in the financial markets. In any event, given the historic low levels of the interest rate, we estimate
that a further decline in the interest rate we are receiving will not result in a material adverse effect to our business.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk and Inflation
A significant portion of our expenditures,
including salaries, materials, consultants’ fees and facility 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 June 30, 2020, we own net financial balances in NIS of approximately ($13,989,000).
Assuming a 10% appreciation of the NIS against
the U.S. dollar, we would experience exchange rate loss of approximately $1,272,000, while assuming a 10% devaluation of the NIS
against the U.S. dollars, we would experience an exchange rate gain of approximately $1,554,000, in both cases excluding the effect
of our hedging transactions (as described below).
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 June 30,
2018
2019
2020
Average rate for period
3.529
3.647
3.507
Rate at period-end
3.650
3.566
3.466
We use currency transactions of options
and forward contracts to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against
the NIS.
For the year ended June 30, 2020, our net
realized loss from hedging transactions that are non-designated and consist primarily of options strategies and also forward contracts
to minimize the risk associated with the foreign exchange effects of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in NIS was $11,000.
45
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our financial statements are stated in thousands
United States dollars (US$) and are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following audited consolidated financial
statements are filed as part of this Annual Report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, dated September 10, 2020.
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
F-3 - F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
F-6
Statements of Changes in Equity.
F-7 - F-9
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
F-10 - F-11
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-12 - F-37
46
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As
of June 30, 2020
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As
of June 30, 2020
U.S.
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
INDEX
Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F- 2
Consolidated Balance Sheets
F-3 - F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
F- 6
Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
F-7 - F-9
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
F- 10 - F-11
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F- 12 - F-37
F- 1
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
144 Menachem Begin Road, Building A,
Tel-Aviv 6492102, Israel
Tel: +972-3-6232525
Fax: +972-3-5622555
ey.com
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To The Stockholders and Board of Directors Of
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC.
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. and its subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes
in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2020 and 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 at June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited,
in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated September
12, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis
for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s 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 in accordance
with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the 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 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 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 financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ KOST FORER GABBAY
& KASIERER
A Member of Ernst &
Young Global
We have served as the
Company’s auditor since 2003.
Tel Aviv, Israel
September 10, 2020
F- 2
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per
share data)
June 30,
Note
2020
2019
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 8,270
$ 4,106
Short-term bank deposits
37,514
19,599
Restricted cash
2f
555
692
Other current assets
4,2n
2,122
1,974
Total current assets
48,461
26,371
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Long-term deposits and restricted bank deposits
2g
12,653
398
Severance pay fund
631
693
Property and equipment, net
5
2,516
3,838
Operating lease right-of-use asset
7
1,259
-
Other long-term assets
12
10
Total long-term assets
17,071
4,939
Total assets
$ 65,532
$ 31,310
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 3
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per
share data)
June 30,
Note
2020
2019
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade payables
$ 1,968
$ 2,281
Accrued expenses
3,018
3,744
Operating lease liability, current
1,020
-
Other accounts payable
6
1,981
2,133
Total current liabilities
7,987
8,158
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Accrued severance pay
879
950
Operating lease liability
7
565
-
Other long-term liabilities
-
381
Total long-term
liabilities
1,444
1,331
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
8
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share capital:
9
Common stock $0.00001 par value per share:
Authorized: 60,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding: 25,492,713 shares as of June 30, 2020; 15,082,852 shares as of June 30, 2019
*
*
Additional paid-in capital
336,257
272,825
Accumulated deficit
(280,156 )
(251,004 )
Total stockholders’
equity
56,101
21,821
Total liabilities
and stockholders’ equity
$ 65,532
$ 31,310
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 4
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per
share data)
Year ended June 30,
Note
2020
2019
2018
Revenues
2i
23
54
50
Cost of revenues
-
(2 )
(2 )
Gross profit
23
52
48
Operating Expenses:
Research and development expenses
(23,096 )
(29,882 )
(26,371 )
Less: participation grants by the Israel Innovation Authority, Horizon 2020 and other parties
1,519
3,455
3,742
Research and development expenses, net
(21,577 )
(26,427 )
(22,629 )
General and administrative expenses, net
(7,922 )
(9,157 )
(11,193 )
Other income
10
-
-
43
Total operating loss
(29,476 )
(35,532 )
(33,731 )
Financial income, net
11
324
225
7,605
Net loss for the period
$ (29,152 )
$ (35,307 )
$ (26,126 )
Loss per share:
Basic and diluted net loss per share
$ (1.60 )
$ (2.90 )
$ (2.50 )
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share
18,197,303
12,332,912
10,587,677
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 5
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
U.S.
Dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
Year ended June 30,
2020
2019
2018
Net loss
$ (29,152 )
$ (35,307 )
$ (26,126 )
Other comprehensive loss, net:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale marketable securities, net
-
-
6,441
Reclassification adjustment of available-for-sale marketable securities gains realized in net loss, net
-
-
(8,440 )
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
(1,999 )
Total comprehensive loss
$ (29,152 )
$ (35,307 )
$ (28,125 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 6
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per
share data)
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Accumulated
Total Stockholders’
Shares (**)
Amount
Capital
Income (Loss)
Deficit
Equity
Balance as of July 1, 2017
9,693,879
$ (*)
$ 217,823
$ 1,999
$ (189,571 )
$ 30,251
Exercise of options by employees
5,050
(*)
42
-
-
42
Stock-based compensation to employees, directors and non-employee consultants
314,838
(*)
6,548
-
-
6,548
Issuance of common stock under At-The Market Agreement, net of issuance costs of $174 (Note 9c)
359,941
(*)
4,985
-
-
4,985
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs of $1,405 (Note 9d)
900,000
(*)
13,646
-
-
13,646
Exercise of warrants by investors (Note 9b)
82,871
(*)
1,160
-
-
1,160
Other comprehensive loss, net
-
-
-
(1,999 )
-
(1,999 )
Net loss
-
-
-
-
(26,126 )
(26,126 )
Balance as of June 30, 2018
11,356,579
$ (*)
$ 244,204
$ -
$ (215,697 )
$ 28,507
(*) Less than $1
(**) See note 9a for reverse stock split
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 7
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per
share data)
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in
Accumulated
Total Stockholders’
Shares (**)
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Balance as of July 1, 2018
11,356,579
$ (*)
$ 244,204
$ (215,697 )
$ 28,507
Stock-based compensation to employees, directors and non-employee consultants
317,023
(*)
5,146
-
5,146
Issuance of common stock under At Market Issuance Sales Agreement, and Open Market Sales Agreement, net of aggregate issuance costs of $403 (Note 9c, 9e)
407,400
(*)
4,003
-
4,003
Issuance of common stock and warrants related to April 2019 offering, net of issuance costs of $1,536 (Note 9f)
3,000,000
(*)
19,464
-
19,464
Exercise of options by employees and non-employee consultants
1,850
(*)
8
-
8
Net loss
-
-
-
(35,307 )
(35,307 )
Balance as of June 30, 2019
15,082,852
$ (*)
$ 272,825
$ (251,004 )
$ 21,821
(*) Less than $1
(**) See note 9a for reverse stock split
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 8
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per
share data)
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in
Accumulated
Total Stockholders’
Shares (**)
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Balance as of July 1, 2019
15,082,852
$ (*)
$ 272,825
$ (251,004 )
$ 21,821
Stock-based compensation to employees, directors and non-employee consultants
357,755
(*)
2,562
-
2,562
Issuance of common stock under Open Market Sales Agreement, net of aggregate issuance costs of $3,573 (Note 9e)
8,060,950
(*)
43,262
-
43,262
Issuance of common stock related to May 2020 registered direct offering, net of issuance costs of $99 (Note 9h)
1,587,302
(*)
14,901
-
14,901
Exercise of options by employees and non-employee consultants
15,884
(*)
-
-
-
Exercise of warrants by investors (Note 9g)
386,678
(*)
2,707
-
2,707
Round up of shares due to reverse stock split effectuated on July 25, 2019 (see Note 9a)
1,292
(*)
-
-
-
Net loss
-
-
-
(29,152 )
(29,152 )
Balance as of June 30, 2020
25,492,713
$ (*)
$ 336,257
$ (280,156 )
$ 56,101
(*) Less than $1
(**) See note 9a for reverse stock split
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 9
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
U.S.
Dollars in thousands
Year ended June 30,
2020
2019
2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$ (29,152 )
$ (35,307 )
$ (26,126 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation
1,570
1,962
2,018
Loss from sale of property and equipment, net
-
-
6
Accretion of discount, amortization of premium and changes in accrued interest of marketable securities
-
-
11
Gain from sale of investments of available-for-sale marketable securities
-
-
(8,440 )
Other-than-temporary loss of available-for-sale marketable securities
-
-
850
Stock-based compensation to employees, directors and non-employee consultants
2,562
5,146
6,548
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable from the IIA
37
(121 )
978
Increase in other current and other long-term assets
(187 )
(397 )
(59 )
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
(291 )
(863 )
1,212
Decrease in operating lease right-of-use asset and liability, net and effect of exchange rate differences
(295 )
-
-
Increase (decrease) in other accounts payable, accrued expenses, other long-term liabilities and other current liabilities
(638 )
86
1,600
Decrease (increase) in interest receivable on short-term deposits
45
68
(128 )
Linkage differences and interest on short and
long-term deposits and restricted bank deposits
(11 )
(3 )
5
Accrued severance pay, net
(9 )
(24 )
145
Net cash used in operating activities
$ (26,369 )
$ (29,453 )
$ (21,380 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment
$ (270 )
$ (239 )
$ (342 )
Proceeds from (investment in) short-term deposits
(17,949 )
1,415
(14,721 )
Investment in long-term deposits
(12,239 )
(6 )
-
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale marketable securities
-
-
21,881
Proceeds from redemption of available-for-sale marketable securities
-
-
9
Investment in available-for-sale marketable securities
-
-
(1,146 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
$ (30,458 )
$ 1,170
$ 5,681
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 10
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
U.S.
Dollars in thousands
Year ended June 30,
2020
2019
2018
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds related to issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs
$ 58,163
$ 23,467
$ 18,631
Proceeds with respect to Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation
-
107
88
Exercise of options and warrants
2,707
8
1,202
Net cash provided by financing activities
$ 60,870
$ 23,582
$ 19,921
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
4,043
(4,701 )
4,222
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period
5,186
9,887
5,665
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period
$ 9,229
$ 5,186
$ 9,887
(a) Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activities:
Cash paid during the period for:
Taxes paid due to non-deductible expenses
$ 10
$ 10
$ 27
(b) Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Purchase of property and equipment on credit
$ 32
$ 54
$ 171
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F- 11
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S.
Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
1:- GENERAL
a. Pluristem
Therapeutics Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Pluristem Therapeutics”), was incorporated on May 11, 2001. Pluristem
Therapeutics has a wholly owned subsidiary, Pluristem Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), which is incorporated under the
laws of the State of Israel. In January 2020, the Subsidiary established a wholly owned subsidiary, Pluristem GmbH (the
“German Subsidiary”) which is incorporated under the laws of Germany. Pluristem Therapeutics, the Subsidiary and
the German Subsidiary are referred to as the “Company” or “Pluristem”.
The Company’s
shares of common stock are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market and on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “PSTI”.
b. The
Company is a bio-therapeutics company developing placenta-based cell therapy product candidates for the treatment of multiple
ischemic, inflammatory and hematologic conditions. The Company has also initiated a compassionate use programs in the United States
and Israel and commenced enrollment in its Phase II study of PLX cells for the treatment of severe COVID-19 complicated by Acute
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (“ARDS”).
The
Company has incurred an accumulated deficit of approximately $280,156 and incurred recurring operating losses and negative cash
flows from operating activities since inception. As of June 30, 2020, the Company’s total stockholders’ equity amounted
to $56,101. During the year ended June 30, 2020, the Company incurred operating
losses of $29,476 and its negative cash flow from operating activities was $26,369.
As
of June 30, 2020, the Company’s cash position (cash and cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits and restricted cash and
long-term bank deposits) totaled approximately $58,992. The Company plans to continue to finance its operations with the current
resources and potential funds it will obtain from the European Investment Bank (the “EIB”) finance contract (the “Finance
Contract”) (See note 1c) once certain milestones are reached, and also by entering into licensing or other commercial agreements,
grants to support its research and development activities and with sales of equity securities. Management believes that these
funds, together with its existing operating plan, are sufficient for the Company to meet its obligations as they come due at least
for a period of twelve months from the date of the issuance of these consolidated financial statements. There are no assurances,
however, that the Company will be able to obtain an adequate level of financial resources that are required for the long-term
development and commercialization of its product.
c. EIB
Finance contract
On
April 30, 2020, Pluristem entered into a Finance Contract with the EIB, pursuant to which the German Subsidiary can obtain a loan
in the amount of up to €50 million, subject to certain milestones being reached (the “Loan”), payable in three
tranches, with the first tranche consisting of €20 million, second of €18 million and third of €12 million for
a period of 36 months from the signing of the Finance Contract.
The Tranches will be treated
independently, each with its own interest rate and maturity period. The fixed interest rate is 0% per year for the First Tranche
and 1% for each of the Second Tranche and Third Tranche. The deferred interest rate is 4% per year for the First Tranche, 3% for
the Second Tranche and 2% for the Third Tranche.
In
addition to any interest payable on the Loan, EIB is entitled to receive royalties from future revenues, if any, of Pluristem
for a period of seven years starting in 2024, in an amount equal to between 0.2% to 2.3% of the Company’s consolidated revenues,
pro-rated to the amount disbursed from the Loan to Pluristem beginning in the fiscal year 2024 and continuing up to and including
its fiscal year 2030.
As
of June 30, 2020 Pluristem has not yet disbursed any tranche of the Finance Contract.
F- 12
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S.
Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
1:- GENERAL (CONT.)
CHA
Agreement
On
June 26, 2013, Pluristem entered into an exclusive license and commercialization agreement (the “CHA Agreement”) with
CHA Biotech Co. Ltd. (“CHA”), for conducting clinical trials and commercialization of Pluristem’s PLX-PAD product
in South Korea in connection with two indications: the treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia (“CLI”), and IntermittentClaudication
(collectively with CLI, the “Indications”). Under the terms of the CHA Agreement, CHA will receive exclusive rights
in South Korea for conducting clinical trials with respect to the Indications and the Company will continue to retain rights
to its proprietary manufacturing technology and cell-related intellectual property. CHA participated in the Phase II trial in
Intermittent Claudication.
Upon
the first regulatory approval for a PLX product in South Korea, for the specified Indications, Pluristem and CHA will establish
an equally owned joint venture to commercialize PLX cell products in South Korea. Pluristem will be able to use the data generated
by CHA to pursue the development of PLX product candidates outside of South Korea.
The
CHA Agreement contains customary termination provisions, including in the event the parties do not reach an agreement upon development
plan for conducting the clinical trials. Upon termination of the CHA Agreement, the license granted thereunder will terminate
and all rights included therein will revert to the Company, and the Company will be free to enter into agreements with any other
third parties for the granting of a license in or outside South Korea or to deal in any other manner with such rights as it shall
see fit at its sole discretion.
Chart
Industries Agreement
In
November 2018, the Company entered into a license agreement with a subsidiary of Chart Industries, Inc. (“Chart”),
regarding the Company’s thawing device for cell-based therapies. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Chart obtained
the exclusive rights to manufacture and market the thawing device in all territories worldwide, excluding Greater China, and the
Company is entitled to receive royalties from sales of the product and supply of an agreed upon number of thawing devices. Royalties
shall commence on the date of Chart’s first commercial sale of the thawing device. As of June 30, 2020, commercial sale
of the thawing device by Chart has not yet begun.
F- 13
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S.
Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles
(“U.S. GAAP”) applied on consistent basis.
a. Use
of estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates,
judgments, and assumptions that are reasonable based upon information available at the time they are made. These estimates, judgments
and assumptions can affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
b. Functional
currency
Most
of Pluristem Therapeutics’ costs and assets are denominated in United States dollars (“dollar”). The Company’s
management believes that the dollar is the primary currency of the economic environment in which the Company operates. Thus, the
dollar is the Company’s functional and reporting currency. Accordingly, non-dollar denominated transactions and balances
have been re-measured into the functional currency in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830,
“Foreign Currency Matters”. All transaction gains and losses from the re-measured monetary balance sheet items are
reflected in the statements of income as financial income or expenses, as appropriate.
c. Principles
of consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pluristem Therapeutics and the Subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions
and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
d. Cash
and cash equivalents
Cash
equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash with maturities of three months or less
at the date acquired.
e. Short-term
bank deposit
Bank
deposits with original maturities of more than three months but less than one year are presented as part of short-term investments.
Deposits are presented at their cost which approximates market values including accrued interest. Interest on deposits is recorded
as financial income.
f. Restricted
cash and short-term bank deposits
Short-term
restricted bank deposits and restricted cash used to secure derivative and hedging transactions and the Company’s credit
line. The restricted cash and short-term bank deposits are presented at cost which approximates market values including accrued
interest.
g. Long-term
restricted bank deposits
Long-term
restricted bank deposits with maturities of more than one year used to secure operating lease agreement are presented at cost
which approximates market values including accrued interest.
h. Investment
in marketable securities
The
Company accounts for its investments in marketable securities in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity
Securities”. The Company determines the classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates
such designations as of each balance sheet date. The Company classifies all of its marketable securities as available-for-sale.
Available-for-sale marketable securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gain and loss reported at “accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss)” in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.
F- 14
PLURISTEM
THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S.
Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
Realized
gain and loss on sales of marketable securities are included in the Company’s “Financial income, net” and are derived
using the specific identification basis for determining the cost of marketable securities sold. The amortized cost of available
for sale debt marketable securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discount to maturity. Such amortization,
together with coupon interest on available for sale marketable securities, is included in the “Financial income, net”.
The
Company recognizes an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its available-for-sale marketable securities below
the cost basis is judged to be other than temporary.
The
Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time the investment
has been in a loss position, the extent to which the fair value has been less than the Company’s cost basis, the reason for the
decline in value, the potential recovery period and the Company’s intent to sell, including whether it is more likely than not
that the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of cost basis. ASC 320-10-35, “Investments - Debt
and Equity Securities”, requires other-than-temporary impairment for debt securities to be separated into (a) the amount
representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to all other factors (provided that the Company does not intend to
sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell it before recovery). For securities that
are deemed other-than-temporarily impaired, the amount of impairment is recognized in “financial income, net”, in the
statement of operations and is limited to the amount related to credit loss, while impairment related to other factors is recognized
in “other comprehensive income (loss)”.
During
the year ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized other-than-temporary impairment loss of $850 (see Note 3). During the years
ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment loss.
i. Revenue
Recognition
On July 1, 2017, the Company
adopted ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” using the modified retrospective method. Results for reporting
periods beginning after July 1, 2017 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue
to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under ASC 605.
Revenue Recognition from sales
of products:
Revenues are recognized when
control of the promised goods is transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects
to be entitled to in exchange for those goods.
The Company determines revenue
recognition through the following steps:
● identification of the contract with a customer;
● identification of the performance obligations in the
contract;
● determination of the transaction price;
● allocation of the transaction price to the performance
obligations in the contract; and
● recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies
a performance obligation.
F- 15
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
The Company’s contracts
with its customers are expected to include one type of product and thus have only one performance obligation, which is the transfer
of control of the product. The Company’s PLX cells have an alternative use and, as such, the performance obligation is considered
to be satisfied at a point in time where the customer obtains control over the product.
The Company’s contract
with Chart includes variable consideration for which the Company estimates the most likely amount that should be included in the
transaction price subject to constraints based on the specific facts and circumstances. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement,
the Company is entitled to receive royalties from sales of the product and supply of an agreed upon number of thawing devices.
Royalties shall commence on the date of Chart’s first commercial sale of the thawing device.
As of June 30, 2020, commercial
sales of the thawing device by Chart have not begun. Based on the Company’s assessment, it is not probable that a significant
reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, and therefore the Company is unable to recognize revenues
with respect to the Chart agreement before the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
j. Property and equipment
Property and
equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets, at the following annual rates:
%
Laboratory equipment
10-40
Computers and peripheral equipment
33
Office furniture and equipment
15
Leasehold improvements
The shorter of the expected useful life or the reasonable assumed term of the lease.
k. Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company’s
long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”, whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets
to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted cash flows expected
to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the
amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. During fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018,
no impairment losses have been identified.
l. Accounting for stock-based compensation
The Company
accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”).
ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of equity-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing
model. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The Company
accounts for employee’s share-based payment awards classified as equity awards (restricted stock (“RS”) or restricted
stock units (“RSUs”)) using the grant-date fair value method. The fair value of share-based payment transactions is
recognized as an expense over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates forfeitures based
on historical experience and anticipated future conditions. The Company recognized compensation cost for an award with service
conditions and goals achievement that has a graded vesting schedule using the accelerated method based on the multiple-option award
approach.
F- 16
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
The assumptions below are relevant
to RS and RSUs granted in 2020, 2019 and 2018:
In accordance with ASC 718,
RS and RSUs are measured at their fair value. All RS and RSUs to employees and directors granted in 2020, 2019 and 2018, were granted
for no consideration; therefore, their fair value was equal to the share price at the date of grant.
The fair
value of all RS and RSUs was determined based on the close trading price of the Company’s shares known at the grant date.
The weighted average grant date fair value of shares granted during 2020, 2019 and 2018, was $3.65, $8.70 and $14.00 per share,
respectively.
During fiscal
years 2020, 2019 and 2018, there were no options granted to employees or directors.
m. Research and Development expenses and royalty bearing
grants
Research
and development expenses, net of participations grants, are charged to the statement of operations as incurred. Pluristem receives
grants from the Israel Innovation Authority (“IIA”) in the Ministry of Economy and Industry for the purpose of partially
funding approved research and development projects. The grants are not to be repaid, but instead Pluristem is obliged to pay royalties
as a percentage of future sales if and when sales from the funded projects are generated. These grants are recognized as a deduction
from research and development costs at the time the Company is entitled to such grants on the basis of the research and development
costs incurred. Since the payment of royalties is not probable when the grants are received, the Company records a liability in
the amount of the estimated royalties for each individual contract, when the related revenues are recognized, as part of Cost of
revenues. For more information regarding such royalties commitments and regarding grants and participation received, see Note 8.
n. Non-royalty bearing grant
The Company
participates in European Union research and development consortiums under Horizon 2020. In August 2016, the CLI program consortium
was awarded a Euro 7,600 thousands (approximately $8,500) non-royalty bearing grant, of which, an amount of Euro 1,900 thousands
(approximately $2,100) is a direct grant allocated to the Company. In July 2017, the consortium amended the consortium agreement,
pursuant to which the original grant allocation was amended such that the Company received an additional direct grant of Euro 1,000
thousands (approximately $1,100). The additional direct grant was allocated to the Company from the total amount of the original
grant. In September 2017, the Company’s Phase III study of PLX-PAD cell therapy in the treatment of muscle injury following
surgery for hip fracture was awarded a Euro 7,400 thousands (approximately $8,300) grant, of which, an amount of Euro 2,550 thousands
(approximately $2,900) is a direct grant allocated to the Company. In October 2017, the “nTRACK”, a collaborative project
carried out by an international consortium led by LEITAT, was awarded a Euro 6,800 thousands (approximately $7,600) non-royalty
bearing grant, of which, an amount of Euro 500 thousands (approximately $560) is a direct grant allocated to the Company.
In May 2020, the Company was
selected as a member of the CRISPR-IL consortium, a group funded by the IIA. CRISPR-IL brings together the leading experts in life
science and computer science from academia, medicine, and industry, to develop artificial intelligence (AI) based end-to-end genome-editing
solutions. CRISPR-IL is funded by the IIA with a total budget of approximately $10,000, of which, an amount of approximately $480
is a direct grant allocated to the Company, for a period of 18 months, with a potential for extension of an additional 18 months
and additional budget from the IIA.
F- 17
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
The non-royalty
bearing grants for funding the projects are recognized at the time the Company is entitled to each such grant on the basis of the
related costs incurred and recorded as a deduction from research and development expenses.
o. Loss per share
Basic and diluted net loss
per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year. All outstanding
stock options and unvested RSUs have been excluded from the calculation of the diluted loss per common share because all such
securities are anti-dilutive for each of the periods presented. The total weighted average number of shares related to the outstanding
options, warrants and RSU’s excluded from the calculations of diluted net earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect
was 3,708,807, 4,942,491 and 1,900,905 for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
p. Income taxes
The Company
accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). This Topic prescribes
the use of the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liability account balances are determined based on 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.
The Company provides a valuation
allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to their estimated realizable value. ASC 740 establishes a single model
to address accounting for uncertain tax positions. ASC 740 clarified the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum
recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.
q. Concentration of credit risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents,
restricted cash, short-term deposits, long-term deposits and restricted deposits.
The majority of the Company’s
cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term and long-term deposits are mainly invested in dollar instruments of
major banks in Israel and in the United States. Deposits in the United States may be in excess of insured limits and are not insured
in other jurisdictions. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and therefore bear minimal risk. The Company invests
its surplus cash in cash deposits in financial institutions and has established guidelines, approved by the Company’s Investment
Committee, relating to diversification and maturities to maintain safety and liquidity of the investments. The Company utilizes
options and forward contracts to protect against the risk of overall changes in exchange rates. The derivative instruments hedge
a portion of the Company’s non-dollar currency exposure. Counterparties to the Company’s derivative instruments are
all major financial institutions.
r. Severance pay
A majority
of the Company’s agreements with employees in Israel are subject to Section 14 of the Israeli Severance Pay Law, 1963 (“Severance
Pay Law”). The Company’s contributions for severance pay have replaced its severance obligation. Upon contribution
of the full amount of the employee’s monthly salary for each year of employment, no additional calculations are conducted
between the parties regarding the matter of severance pay and no additional payments are made by the Company to the employee. Further,
the related obligation and amounts deposited on behalf of the employee for such obligation are not stated on the balance sheet,
as the Company is legally released from the obligation to employees once the deposit amounts have been paid.
F- 18
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
For some
employees, which their agreement is not subject to Section 14 of the Severance Pay Law, the Subsidiary’s liability for severance
pay is calculated pursuant to Israeli Severance Pay Law, based on the most recent salary of the employees multiplied by the number
of years of employment, as of the balance sheet date. Employees are entitled to one month’s salary for each year of employment
or a portion thereof. The Company’s liability for all of its employees is fully provided by monthly deposits with insurance
policies and by an accrual. The value of these policies is recorded as an asset in the Company’s balance sheet. The deposited funds
include profits or losses accumulated up to the balance sheet date. The deposited funds may be withdrawn only upon the fulfillment
of the obligation pursuant to the Severance Pay Law or labor agreements. The value of the deposited funds is based on the cash
surrendered value of these policies, and includes immaterial profits or losses.
Severance expenses for the years
ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $604, $632 and $822, respectively.
s. Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying
amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term and restricted
bank deposits, accounts receivable and other current assets, trade payable and other accounts payable and accrued liabilities,
approximate fair value because of their generally short term maturities.
The Company
measures its investments in marketable securities and derivative instruments at fair value under ASC 820. Fair value is an exit
price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants.
As such,
fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing
an asset or a liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes
the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
Level
1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level
2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level
3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
The fair
value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when
measuring fair value. The Company categorized each of its fair value measurements in one of these three levels of hierarchy (see
Note 4).
t. Derivative financial instruments
The Company
accounts for derivatives and hedging based on ASC 815, “Derivatives and hedging”, as amended and related interpretations.
ASC 815 requires the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative meets the definition
of a hedge and is so designated, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either
be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings (for fair value
hedge transactions) or recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings (for cash
flow hedge transactions).
If a derivative
does not meet the definition of a hedge, the changes in the fair value are included in earnings. Cash flows related to such hedges
are classified as operating activities. The Company enters into option contracts in order to limit the exposure to exchange rate
fluctuation associated with expenses mainly incurred in New Israeli Shekels (“NIS”). Since the derivative instruments
that the Company holds do not meet the definition of hedging instruments under ASC 815, any gain or loss derived from such instruments
is recognized immediately as “financial income, net”.
F- 19
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES (CONT.)
The Company
measured the fair value of the contracts in accordance with ASC 820. Foreign currency derivative contracts are classified within
Level 2 as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and market observable data of similar instruments. As of June 30, 2020,
the fair value of the options contracts was approximately $67 and is presented in “other current assets” (see Note
4). The net gains (losses) recognized in “Financial income, net” during the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018,
were $13, $(105) and $(264), respectively.
u. Comprehensive loss:
The Company accounts for comprehensive
income (loss) in accordance with ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income”. Comprehensive income generally represents all changes
in stockholders’ equity during the period except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to, stockholders’.
The Company determined that its items of other comprehensive income (loss) relate to unrealized gains and losses on available for
sale marketable securities.
v. Reclassifications:
Certain financial statement
data for prior years have been reclassified to conform to current year financial statement presentation.
w. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement
Accounting
Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02 - “Leases” (“Topic 842”) and ASU No. 2018-11, “Targeted
Improvements - Leases” (Topic 842):
In February 2016 and July 2018, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for
both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying
leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase
by the lessee. This classification will determine whether a lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or
on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and
a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of
12 months or less will be accounted for in a manner similar to the accounting treatment requirements under existing guidance for
operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent
to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. Topic 842 supersedes the previous leases
standard, ASC 840, “Leases”. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018,
or July 1, 2019 for the Company, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The provisions of
ASU 2016-02 are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach.
The Company adopted the
new standard as of July 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Consequently, prior period balances and
disclosures have not been restated. The Company has elected to utilize the available package of practical expedients
permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard which does not require it to reassess the prior conclusions
about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The adoption of Topic 842 resulted in the
elimination of deferred participation payments of $240 and $381 in current and long-term liabilities in the Company’s
consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Additionally, the Company included in its balance sheet, at adoption, operating
right-of-use assets, short-term operating lease liabilities and long-term operating lease liabilities of $1,631, $964 and
$1,261, respectively. The standard had no material impact on the Company’s net loss or its cash flows. For additional
information regarding the Company’s accounting for leases, please refer to Note 7.
F- 20
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES (CONT.)
ASU
No. 2018-07 - “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (Topic 718) (“ASU No. 2018-07”):
In June 2018, the FASB issued
ASU No. 2018-07. The ASU expands the scope of ASU No. 2018-07 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and
services from nonemployees. An entity should apply ASU No. 2018-07 to nonemployee awards except with respect to option pricing
models and the attribution of cost (that is, the period of time over which share-based payment awards vest and the pattern of cost
recognition over that period). The amendments specify that ASU No. 2018-07 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which
a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment
awards. ASU No. 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, or July 1, 2019 for the Company, and interim
periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new standard as of July 1, 2019, and the
new standard had no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU
No. 2017-12 - “Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU No.
2017-12”):
In August 2017, the FASB issued
ASU No. 2017-12, which is intended to simplify and amend the application of hedge accounting to more clearly portray the economics
of an entity’s risk management strategies in its financial statements. The ASU will make more financial and nonfinancial
hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, reduce complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk and ease certain
documentation and assessment requirements of hedge effectiveness. It also changes how companies assess effectiveness of the hedge
and amends the presentation and disclosure requirements relating to hedging activities.
ASU 2017-12 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, or July 1, 2019, for the Company. The Company adopted the new standard as of July
1, 2019 and the standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
x. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
ASU
No. 2018-18 - “Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808) - Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606”
(“ASU No. 2018-18”):
In November 2018, the FASB
issued ASU No. 2018-18, which clarifies the interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606 by (1) clarifying that certain transactions
between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for under Topic 606, (2) adding unit-of-account guidance in
Topic 808 to align with the guidance in Topic 606, and (3) clarifying presentation guidance for transactions with a collaborative
arrangement participant that are not accounted for under Topic 606. ASU 2018-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2019, or July 1, 2020 for the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the ASU on its consolidated
financial statements.
ASU No.
2016-13 -, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)
In September 2016, the FASB
issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”
(“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments.
For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities will be required to use
a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for
losses. The guidance also requires increased disclosures.
F- 21
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES (CONT.)
For the Company, the amendments
in the update were originally effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those
fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU No.
2019-10 -, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842)
In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10 which delayed
the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for smaller reporting companies (as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”)) and other non-SEC reporting entities to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, or July 1, 2023 for
the Company, including interim periods within those fiscal periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating
the impact of adopting the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3:- MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The Company has invested in highly-rated
securities. When evaluating the investments for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company has reviewed factors such as the length
of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto,
and the Company’s intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the investment before
recovery of the investment’s amortized cost basis.
The Company recognized other-than-temporary
impairment loss on outstanding securities during the year ended June 30, 2018 of $850. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary
impairment loss on outstanding securities during the year ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
During the year ended June 30, 2018, the Company sold marketable
securities for aggregate net proceeds (including redemptions) of approximately $21,890, representing a net gain of $8,440. The
proceeds from the sale of such marketable securities are included in “Financial income, net”, for the year ended June
30, 2018.
NOTE 4:- OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
June 30,
2020
2019
Accounts receivable from the Horizon 2020 grants
$ 1,071
$ 991
Prepaid expenses
445
532
Accounts receivable from the IIA
142
179
Value Added Tax (VAT) receivables
336
125
Accounts receivable from the Ministry of Economy and Industry
35
73
Derivatives not designated as hedge instruments
67
21
Other receivables
26
53
Total
$ 2,122
$ 1,974
F- 22
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 5:- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT,
NET
June 30,
2020
2019
Cost:
Laboratory equipment
$ 6,514
$ 6,435
Computers and peripheral equipment
1,322
1,274
Office furniture and equipment
681
681
Leasehold improvements
8,661
8,614
Total Cost
17,178
17,004
Accumulated depreciation:
Laboratory equipment
5,955
5,634
Computers and peripheral equipment
1,221
1,147
Office furniture and equipment
646
600
Leasehold improvements
6,840
5,785
Total accumulated depreciation
14,662
13,166
Property and equipment, net
$ 2,516
$ 3,838
Depreciation expenses amounted to $1,570, $1,962 and
$2,018, for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
During the fiscal years ended
June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded a reduction of $ 74 and $9, respectively, to the cost accumulated depreciation of
fully depreciated equipment no longer in use.
NOTE 6:- OTHER ACCOUNTS
PAYABLE
June 30,
2020
2019
Accrued vacation
928
974
Deferred income from the nTRACK Horizon 2020 grant
126
-
Accrued payroll
489
486
Payroll institutions
438
433
Other payables
-
240
Total
$ 1,981
$ 2,133
F- 23
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 7:- LEASES
The right-of-use asset and
lease liability are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, discounted using the interest rate implicit
in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate based on the information
available at the date of adoption in determining the present value of the lease payments. The Company’s incremental borrowing
rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on similar terms and payments and in economic environments where the leased
asset is located.
The Company has various operating leases for office
space and vehicles that expire through 2023. Below is a summary of our operating right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities
as of June 30, 2020:
June 30,
2020
Operating right-of-use assets
$ 1,259
Operating lease liabilities, current
1,020
Operating lease liabilities long-term
565
Total operating lease liabilities
$ 1,585
The operating lease right-of-use assets are presented
in long term assets net after elimination of deferred participation payments from Matam High-Tech and Business Park of $240 and
$381 in current and long-term liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, respectively.
Minimum lease payments for the Company’s right-of-use
(“ROU”) assets over the remaining lease periods as of June 30, 2020 are as follows:
June 30,
2020
2021
1,123
2022
563
2023
20
Total undiscounted lease payments
$ 1,706
Less: Interest
121
Present value of lease liabilities
$ 1,585
The components of lease expense and supplemental cash
flow information related to leases for the year ended June 30, 2020 were as follows:
Year ended June 30,
2020
Components of lease expense
Operating lease cost
$ 1,167
Sublease income
$ 51
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
$ 1,152
Supplemental non-cash information related to lease liabilities arising from obtaining ROU assets
$ 83
F- 24
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 7:- LEASES (CONT.)
As of June 30, 2020, the weighted average
remaining lease term is 1.7 years, and the weighted average discount rate is 10 percent. The discount rate was determined based
on the estimated collateralized borrowing rate of the Company, adjusted to the specific lease term and location of each lease.
As of June 30, 2020, the aggregate minimum
lease commitments under the active operating lease agreements are $ 1,706.
As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate minimum
lease commitments under the active operating lease agreements are $2,641.
NOTE 8:- COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENCIES
a. An amount of $555 of cash and deposits was pledged by the
Subsidiary to secure certain derivatives and hedging transactions, a credit line and bank guarantees as of June 30, 2020.
b. Under the Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research
and Development, 1984, (the “Research Law”), research and development programs that meet specified criteria and are
approved by the IIA are eligible for grants of up to 50% of the project’s expenditures, as determined by the research committee,
in exchange for the payment of royalties from the sale of products developed under the program. Regulations under the Research
Law generally provide for the payment of royalties to the IIA of 3% on sales of products and services derived from a technology
developed using these grants until 100% of the dollar-linked grant is repaid. The Company’s obligation to pay these royalties
is contingent on its actual sale of such products and services. In the absence of such sales, no payment is required. Outstanding
balance of the grants will be subject to interest at a rate equal to the 12 month LIBOR applicable to dollar deposits that is
published on the first business day of each calendar year. Following the full repayment of the grant, there is no further liability
for royalties.
Through June 30, 2020, total
grants obtained aggregated to approximately $27,685 and total royalties paid and accrued amounted to $169. As of June 30, 2020,
the Company’s liability in respect to royalties to the IIA amounted to $27,516, not including LIBOR interest as described
above.
c. The Company has been awarded a marketing grant under the
“Smart Money” program of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry. The program’s aim is to assist companies
to extend their activities in international markets. The goal market that was chosen was Japan. The Israeli government granted
the Company budget resources that are intended to be used to advance the Company’s product candidate towards marketing in
Japan and for regulatory activities there. As part of the program, the Company will repay royalties of 5% from the Company’s
income in Japan during five years, starting the year in which the Company will not be entitled to reimbursement of expenses under
the program and will be spread for a period of up to 5 years or until the amount of the grant is fully paid.
As of June 30, 2020, total
grants obtained under this Smart Money program amounted to approximately $112. As of June 30, 2020, the Company’s contingent
liability with respect to royalties for this “Smart Money” program was $112 and no royalties were paid or accrued.
F- 25
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 8:- COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENCIES (CONT.)
d. The Company was awarded an additional Smart Money grant
of approximately $229 from Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry to facilitate certain marketing and business development
activities with respect to its advanced cell therapy products in the Chinese market, including Hong Kong. The Israeli government
granted the Company budget resources that are intended to be used to advance the Company’s product candidate towards marketing
in the China-Hong Kong markets. The Company will also receive close support from Israel’s trade representatives stationed
in China, including Hong Kong, along with experts appointed by the Smart Money program. As part of the program, the Company will
repay royalties of 5% from the Company’s revenues in the region for a five year period, beginning the year in which the
Company will not be entitled to reimbursement of expenses under the program and will be spread for a period of up to 5 years or
until the amount of the grant is fully paid.
As of June 30, 2020, the aggregate
amount of grant obtained from this Smart Money program was approximately $129. As of June 30, 2020, the Company’s contingent
liability with respect to royalties for this “Smart Money” program is $129 and no royalties were paid or accrued.
e. In September 2017, the Company
signed an agreement with the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) to conduct a Phase I/II trial of PLX-PAD cell
therapy for the treatment of Steroid-Refractory Chronic Graft-Versus-Host-Disease (“ cGVHD ”).
As part of the agreement
with the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital), the Company will pay royalties of 1% from its net sales of the PLX-PAD
product relating to cGVHD , with a maximum aggregate royalty amount of approximately $250.
f. In July 2018, the Company was awarded a marketing grant
of approximately $52 under the “Shalav” program of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry. The grant is intended
to facilitate certain marketing and business development activities with respect to the Company’s advanced cell therapy
products in the U.S. market. As part of the program, the Company will repay royalties of 3%, but only with respect to the Company’s
revenues in the U.S. market in excess of $250 of its revenues in fiscal year 2018, upon the earlier of the five year period beginning
the year in which the Company will not be entitled to reimbursement of expenses under the program and/or until the amount of the
grant, which is linked to the Consumer Price Index, is fully paid.
As of June 30, 2020, total
grants obtained under the “Shalav” program amounted to approximately $49. As of June 30, 2020, the Company’s
contingent liability with respect to royalties for the “Shalav” program was $49 and no royalties were paid or accrued.
F- 26
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 9:- STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The Company’s authorized
common stock consists of 60,000,000 shares with a par value of $0.00001 per share. All shares have equal voting rights and are
entitled to one vote per share in all matters to be voted upon by stockholders. The shares have no pre-emptive, subscription, conversion
or redemption rights and may be issued only as fully paid and non-assessable shares. Holders of the common stock are entitled to
equal ratable rights to dividends and distributions with respect to the common stock, as may be declared by the Board of Directors
out of funds legally available. The Company’s authorized preferred stock consists of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
par value $0.00001 per share, with series, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as may be designated from time to time
by the Company’s Board of Directors. No shares of preferred stock have been issued.
a. Reverse stock split:
In July 2019, the Board of Directors
approved a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the Company’s (a) authorized shares of common stock; (b) issued and outstanding
shares of common stock and (c) authorized shares of preferred stock. The reverse split became effective on July 25, 2019. The reverse
stock split will not have any effect on the stated par value of the common stock. All shares of common stock, options, warrants
and securities convertible or exercisable into shares of common stock, as well as loss per share, have been adjusted to give retroactive
effect to this reverse stock split for all periods presented.
b. In the year ended June 30, 2018, a total of 828,703 warrants from a January 2017 offering were
exercised by investors at an exercise price of $14.00 per share, resulting in the issuance of 82,871 shares of common stock for
net proceeds of approximately $1,160.
c. In July 2017, pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, declared effective by the
SEC on June 23, 2017, the Company entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “ATM Agreement”) with FBR
Capital Markets & Co., MLV & Co. LLC and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (collectively, the “Agents”), which provides
that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations in the ATM Agreement, the Company may elect, from time to time,
to offer and sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $80,000 through the Agents acting as sales
agent. During the year ended June 30, 2018, the Company sold 359,941 shares of common stock under the ATM Agreement at an average
price of $14.30 per share for aggregate proceeds of approximately $4,985, net of issuance expenses of $174. During the year ended
June 30, 2019, the Company sold 170,600 shares of common stock under the ATM Agreement at an average price of $12.30 per share
for aggregate proceeds of approximately $1,952, net of issuance expenses of $148.
On February 4, 2019, the Company
notified the Agents of the termination of the ATM Agreement.
d. On October 31, 2017, the Company completed a public offering in Israel, pursuant to the Company’s
existing shelf registration statement on Form S-3 in the United States and a shelf registration statement filed in Israel, pursuant
to which the Company raised aggregate gross proceeds of $15,051 through the sale of 900,000 shares of the Company’s common
stock at a purchase price of NIS 59 (approximately $16.70) per share. The net proceeds, after deducting fees and expenses related
to the offering, were approximately $13,646.
F- 27
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 9:- STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONT.)
e. Pursuant to a shelf registration on Form S-3 declared effective by the SEC on June 23, 2017, on
February 6, 2019, the Company entered into the Open Market Sale Agreement SM (the “Sales Agreement”) with
Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”) which provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations in the
sales agreement, the Company may elect, from time to time, to offer and sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering
price of up to $50,000 through Jefferies acting as sales agent. During the year ended June 30, 2019, the Company sold 236,800 shares
of common stock under the Sales Agreement at an average price of $9.70 per share for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $2,051,
net of issuance expenses of $255.
During the year ended June 30,
2020, the Company sold 8,060,950 shares of common stock under the Sales Agreement at an average price of $5.81 per share for aggregate
net proceeds of approximately $43,262, net of issuance expenses of $3,573.
On June 30, 2020, the shelf registration
statement on Form S-3 declared effective by the SEC on June 23, 2017expired , and as a result thereof, the Sales Agreement was
terminated.
f. On April 8, 2019, the Company sold, pursuant to an underwriting agreement relating to a firm commitment
public offering (the “Public Offering”), an aggregate of 2,857,143 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase
2,857,143 shares of common stock, inclusive of the underwriter’s over-allotment option which was exercised in full, for aggregate
gross proceeds of $20,000.
The warrants issued in the Public
Offering are exercisable for a period of five years from issuance and have an exercise price of $7.00 per share. In addition, on
April 8, 2019, the Company sold, pursuant to a subscription agreement with a certain investor in a registered direct offering (the
“Registered Direct Offering”), 142,857 shares of common stock, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,000. The net proceeds
from the Public Offering and the Registered Direct Offering, after deducting underwriting commissions and discounts and other expenses
related to the offerings, were $19,464.
As of June 30, 2020, 2,470,465
warrants to purchase share of our common stock are outstanding.
g. In the year ended June 30, 2020, a total of 386,678 warrants to purchase shares from the April
2019 offering were exercised by investors at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, resulting in the issuance of 386,678 shares
of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $2,707.
h. On May 5, 2020, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with two institutional
investors (the “Investors”) pursuant to which the Company sold, in a registered public offering directly to the Investors,
1,587,302 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $14,901.
i. Stock options, RS and RSUs to employees, directors and consultants:
The Company adopted, after
receiving stockholder approval, the 2005 Stock Option Plan in 2005 (the “2005 Plan”). Under the 2005 Plan, stock options,
RS and RSUs were granted to the Company’s officers, directors, employees and consultants. The 2005 Plan expired on December
31, 2018. The Company adopted, after receiving stockholder approval, the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan in 2016 (the “2016 Plan”).
Under the 2016 Plan, stock options, RS and RSUs may be granted to the Company’s officers, directors, employees and consultants
or the officers, directors, employees and consultants of our Subsidiaries. In addition, at the Company’s annual meeting of
its stockholders, held on June 13, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2019 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2019
Plan”).
F- 28
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 9:- STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONT.)
Under the 2019 Plan, stock
options, RS and RSUs may be granted to the Company’s officers, directors, employees and consultants or the officers, directors,
employees and consultants of the Subsidiary.
As of June 30, 2020, the number
of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2016 Plan amounted to 595,694 for calendar year 2020, of which 584,144
are available for future grant during calendar year 2020 under the 2016 Plan. As of June 30, 2020, the number of shares of common
stock authorized for issuance under the 2019 Plan amounted to 4,672,243, all of which are available for future grant under the
2019 Plan.
(2)
Options to non-employees:
A summary of the stock options to
non-employee consultants under the 2005 Plan and 2016 Plan is as follows:
Year ended June 30, 2020
Number
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms
(in years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Price
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period
89,580
$ -
Stock options granted
1,050
$ -
Stock options exercised
(15,884 )
$ -
Stock options forfeited
(19,875 )
$ -
Stock options outstanding at end of the period
54,871
$ -
7.89
$ 485
Stock options exercisable at the end of the period
48,621
$ -
7.81
$ 430
Stock options vested and expected to vest at the end of the period
54,871
$ -
7.89
$ 485
Compensation
expenses related to stock options granted to consultants were recorded as follows:
Year ended June 30,
2020
2019
2018
Research and development expenses
$ (35 )
$ 117
$ 107
General and administrative expenses
64
167
61
$ 29
$ 284
$ 168
F- 29
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 9:- STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONT.)
(3)
RS and RSUs to employees and directors:
The following
table summarizes the activity related to unvested RS and RSUs granted to employees and directors under the 2005 Plan and 2016 Plan
for the year ended June 30, 2020:
Number
Unvested at the beginning of period
795,633
Granted
19,500
Forfeited
(101,256 )
Vested
(298,683 )
Unvested at the end of the period
415,194
Expected to vest after June 30, 2020
402,491
Compensation
expenses related to RS and RSUs granted to employees and directors were recorded as follows:
Year ended June 30,
2020
2019
2018
Research and development expenses
$ 578
$ 1,401
$ 1,273
General and administrative expenses
1,786
3,003
4,577
$ 2,364
$ 4,404
$ 5,850
Unamortized compensation expenses
related to RS and RSUs granted to employees and directors to be recognized over an average time of approximately 2.75 years are
approximately $1,194.
(4)
RS and RSUs to consultants:
The following
table summarizes the activity related to unvested RS and RSUs granted to consultants for the year ended June 30, 2020:
Number
Unvested at the beginning of period
30,107
Granted
42,000
Forfeited
(6,785 )
Vested
(59,072 )
Unvested at the end of the period
6,250
F- 30
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE
9:- STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONT.)
Compensation
expenses related to RS and RSUs granted to consultants were recorded as follows:
Year ended June 30,
2020
2019
2018
Research and development expenses
$ 14
$ 48
$ 43
General and administrative expenses
155
410
487
$ 169
$ 458
$ 530
j. Summary of warrants and options:
Warrants
/ Options
Exercise Price per Share
Options and Warrants for Common Stock
Options and Warrants Exercisable for Common Stock
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms
(in years)
Warrants:
$ 7.00
2,470,465
2,470,465
3.77
$ 14.00
762,028
762,028
2.06
Total warrants
3,232,493
3,232,493
Options:
$ 0.00
54,870
48,621
7.62
Total options
54,870
48,621
Total warrants and options
3,287,363
3,281,114
This summary does not include 421,444 RS and
RSUs that are not vested as of June 30, 2020.
NOTE 10:- OTHER INCOME
In December 2017, the Subsidiary
was awarded approximately $43 (NIS 150 thousand) by the Israeli Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services related to
its “Equal Employment” program which aims to reward and honor Israeli employers who demonstrate and promote gender
equality in employment.
F- 31
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 11:- FINANCIAL
INCOME, NET
Year ended June 30,
2020
2019
2018
Foreign currency translation differences, net
$ 155
$ (26 )
$ 52
Bank and broker commissions
(32 )
(27 )
(62 )
Interest income on deposits
384
385
276
Interest expenses due to implementation of new accounting standards “Leases” (Topic 842)
(196 )
-
-
Gain related to marketable securities, net
-
-
8,478
Other than temporary impairment loss
-
-
(850 )
Gain (loss) from derivatives and fair value hedge derivatives
13
(105 )
(264 )
Other financial expense
-
(2 )
(25 )
$ 324
$ 225
$ 7,605
NOTE 12:- TAXES ON INCOME
A. Tax rates applicable to the Company:
1. Pluristem Therapeutics:
The U.S.
federal tax rate applicable to Pluristem Therapeutics is the corporate federal tax rate of 21%, which is the result of the Tax
Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). Such corporate tax rate excludes state tax and local tax, if any, which
rates depend on the state and city in which Pluristem Therapeutics conducts its business.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax
Act was signed into law in the United States, lowering the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January
1, 2018.
The Tax Act provided for a
one-time transition tax on certain foreign earnings for the tax year 2017, and taxation of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”)
earned by foreign subsidiaries beginning after December 31, 2017. The GILTI tax imposes a tax on foreign income in excess of a
deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The Tax Act also makes certain changes to the depreciation rules and
implements new limits on the deductibility of certain executive compensation paid by Pluristem Therapeutics. Finally, while the
Tax Act removes the 20 year limitation on net operating losses generated after December 31, 2017, all losses generated after December
31, 2017 can only be used to offset 80% of net income in the year they will be utilized.
F- 32
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 12:- TAXES ON INCOME
(CONT.)
This
re-measurement was fully offset by a valuation allowance, resulting in no impact to the Company’s income tax expense for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. As a result, the Company’s financial results reflect in the income tax effects of the
Tax Act, for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete.
There was no one-time transition
tax for the Company under the Tax Act, nor will there be GILTI tax due for the current year, since the Subsidiary had losses for
every year to date.
In January 2018, Pluristem
Therapeutics registered as an Israeli resident with the Israel Tax Authority (the “ITA”) and the Israeli Value Added
Tax Authorities. As a result, as of such date, Pluristem Therapeutics is classified as a dual resident for tax purposes, as a resident
in both Israel and the United States.
In June 2018, Pluristem Therapeutics
and the Subsidiary submitted an election notice to the ITA to file a consolidated tax return in Israel commencing with the 2018
tax year.
2. The Subsidiary:
Taxable income of Israeli companies
is subject to tax at the rate of 23% in 2020, 2019 and 2018.
The Subsidiary is filing its
tax reports in dollars based on specific regulations of the ITA which allow, in specific circumstances, filing tax reports in dollars
(“Dollar Regulations”). Under the Dollar Regulations, the Subsidiary calculates its tax liability in dollars according
to certain orders. The tax liability, as calculated in dollars, is translated into NIS according to the exchange rate as of June
30 of each year.
The Subsidiary has not received
final tax assessments since its incorporation, however the assessments of the Subsidiary are deemed final through 2014.
The Law
for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (the “Law”):
The Subsidiary
has programs which meet the criteria of a “Beneficiary Enterprise”, in accordance with the Law, under the Alternative
Benefit Track starting with 2007 as the election year (the “2007 Program”) and 2012 as an election year to the expansion
of its “Beneficiary Enterprise” program (the “2012 Program”).
Under the
2012 Program, the Subsidiary, which was located in the “Other National Priority Zone” with respect to the year 2012,
would be tax exempt in the first two years of the benefit period and subject to tax at the reduced rate of 10%-25% for a period
of five to eight years for the remaining benefit period (dependent on the level of foreign investments).
In respect
of expansion programs pursuant to Amendment No. 60 to the Law, the duration of the benefit period has been amended, such that it
starts at the later of the election year and the first year the Company earns taxable income provided that 12 years have not passed
since the beginning of the election year and for companies in National Priority Zone A - 14 years have not passed since the beginning
of the election year.
F- 33
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 12:- TAXES
ON INCOME (CONT.)
The benefit
period for the Subsidiary’s 2007 Program expired in 2018 (12 years since the beginning of the election year– 2007)
and the benefit period for the Subsidiary’s 2012 Program is expected to expire in 2023 (12 years since the beginning of the
election year - 2012).
If a dividend
is distributed out of tax exempt profits, as detailed above, the Subsidiary will become liable for taxes at the rate applicable
to its profits from the Beneficiary Enterprise in the year in which the income was earned (tax at the rate of 10-25%, dependent
on the level of foreign investments) and to a withholding tax rate of 15% (or lower, under an applicable tax treaty).
Accelerated
depreciation:
The Subsidiary
is eligible for deduction of accelerated depreciation on buildings, machinery and equipment used by the “Beneficiary Enterprise”
at a rate of 200% (or 400% for buildings but not more than 20% depreciation per year) from the first year of the assets operation.
Conditions
for the entitlement to the benefits:
The above
mentioned benefits are conditional upon the fulfillment of the conditions stipulated by the Law, regulations promulgated thereunder,
and the Ruling with respect to the beneficiary enterprise. Non-compliance with the conditions may cancel all or part of the benefits
and refund of the amount of the benefits, including interest. The management believes that the Subsidiary is meeting the aforementioned
conditions.
Amendments
to the Law:
In December
2010, the “Knesset” (Israeli Parliament) passed the Law for Economic Policy for 2011 and 2012 (Amended Legislation),
2011, which prescribes, among others, amendments in the Law ( “Amendment No. 68”). Amendment No. 68 became effective
as of January 1, 2011. According to Amendment No. 68, the benefit tracks in the Law were modified and a flat tax rate became applicable
to a company for all preferred income under its status as a preferred company with a preferred enterprise.
On August
5, 2013, the Knesset issued the Law for Changing National Priorities (Legislative Amendments for Achieving Budget Targets for 2013
and 2014), 2013 which consists of Amendment No. 71 to the Law ( “Amendment No. 71”). According to Amendment No. 71,
the tax rate on preferred income form a preferred enterprise in 2014 and thereafter will be 16% (in development area A it will
be 9%).
Amendment
No. 71 also prescribes that any dividends distributed to individuals or foreign residents from the preferred enterprise’s
earnings as above will be subject to tax at a rate of 20%.
The Subsidiary
did not apply Amendment No. 71 with respect to the preferred enterprise status, but may choose to apply Amendment No. 71 in the
future.
F- 34
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 12:- TAXES
ON INCOME (CONT.)
Innovation
Box Regime “Technological Preferred Enterprise”:
In December
2016, the Knesset approved amendments to the Law that introduce an innovation box regime (the “Innovation Box Regime”)
for intellectual property (IP)-based companies, enhance tax incentives for certain industrial companies and reduce the standard
corporate tax rate and certain withholding rates starting in 2017.
The Innovation
Box Regime was tailored by the Israeli government to a post-base erosion and profit shifting world, encouraging multinationals
to consolidate IP ownership and profits in Israel along with existing Israeli research and development (“R&D”)
functions. Tax benefits created to achieve this goal include a reduced corporate income tax rate of 6% on IP-based income and on
capital gains from future sale of IP.
The 6% rate
would apply to qualifying Israeli companies that are part of a group with global consolidated revenue of over NIS 10 billion (approximately
$2.9 billion). Other qualifying companies with global consolidated revenue below NIS 10 billion, would be subject to a 12% tax
rate. However, if the Israeli company is located in Jerusalem or in certain northern or southern parts of Israel, the tax rate
is further reduced to 7.5%. Additionally, withholding tax on dividends for foreign investors would be subject to a reduced rate
of 4% for all qualifying companies (unless further reduced by a treaty).
Entering
the regime is not conditioned on making additional investments in Israel, and a company could qualify if it invested at least 7%
of the last three years’ revenue in R&D (or incurred at least NIS 75 million in R&D expenses per year) and met one
of the following three conditions:
1. At least 20% of its employees are R&D employees engaged
in R&D (or employs, in total, more than 200 R&D employees);
2. Venture capital investments in the aggregate of NIS 8 million
were previously made in the company; or
3. Average annual growth over three years of 25% in sales
or employees.
Companies
not meeting the above conditions may still be considered as a qualified company at the discretion of the IIA. Companies wishing
to exit from the regime in the future will not be subject to claw back of tax benefits. The Knesset also approved a stability clause
in order to encourage multinationals to invest in Israel. Accordingly, companies will be able to confirm the applicability of tax
incentives for a 10-year period under a pre-ruling process. Further, in line with the new Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development Nexus Approach, the Israeli Finance Minister will promulgate regulations to ensure companies are benefiting from
the regime to the extent qualifying research and development expenditures are incurred. The regulations were set to be finalized
by March 31, 2017, with new amendments to the Law coming into effect after the regulations have been finalized.
Taxable income
which is not produced as part of “Preferred Enterprise” income will be taxed at the regular tax rate (23% in 2020).
As of June
30, 2020, the Company’s management believes that the Company meets the conditions mentioned above to be considered as a Technological
Preferred Enterprise.
F- 35
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 12:- TAXES
ON INCOME (CONT.)
3. Pluristem GmbH:
The tax rate applicable to the
German Subsidiary is the corporate tax rate of 15%, which is derived from the German Corporation Tax Act and Solidarity surcharge
of 5.5% from the 15% corporate tax rate. This corporate tax rate excludes trade tax, which rate depends on the municipality in
which the German Subsidiary conducts its business. Trade tax is calculated on the basis of the trade income, to which the tax rate
of 3.5% is applied. The measured amount is then multiplied by the applicable rate of assessment, the registered office of the German
Subsidiary is in Potsdam, and in Potsdam, the applicable rate of assessment is 455%.
B. Carryforward losses for tax purposes
As of June
30, 2020, Pluristem Therapeutics had a U.S. federal net operating loss carryforward for income tax purposes in the amount of approximately
$34,836. Net operating loss carryforward arising in taxable years , can be carried forward
and offset against taxable income for 20 years and expiring between 2023 and 2038.
Utilization
of U.S. net operating losses may be subject to substantial annual limitations due to the “change in ownership” provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar state provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating
losses before utilization.
In January 2018, Pluristem
Therapeutics registered as an Israeli resident with the ITA and the Israeli Value Added Tax Authorities. As of June 30, 2020, Pluristem
Therapeutics and the Subsidiary consolidated accumulated losses, for tax purposes, are approximately $51,888, which may be carried
forward and offset against taxable business income and business capital gain in the future for an indefinite period.
The Subsidiary
has accumulated losses, for tax purposes, as of June 30, 2020, in the amount of approximately $129,286, which may be carried forward
and offset against taxable business income and business capital gain in the future for an indefinite period.
The German
Subsidiary has accumulated losses, for tax purposes, as of June 30, 2020, in the amount of approximately $151, which may be carried
forward and offset against taxable business income and business capital gain in the future for an indefinite period.
F- 36
PLURISTEM THERAPEUTICS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Dollars in thousands (except share and per share amounts)
NOTE 12:- TAXES
ON INCOME (CONT.)
Deferred
income taxes:
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets
are as follows:
June 30,
2020
2019
Deferred tax assets:
U.S. net operating loss carryforward
$ 7,316
$ 7,316
Israeli net operating loss and research and development expenses carryforward
35,168
40,866
Consolidated net operating loss carryforward
11,934
-
German subsidiary net operating loss carryforward
48
-
Allowances and reserves
271
283
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
54,737
48,465
Valuation allowance
(54,737 )
(48,465 )
Net deferred tax asset
$ -
$ -
As of June
30, 2020 and 2019, the Company has provided full valuation allowances in respect of deferred tax assets resulting from tax loss
carryforward and other temporary differences, since it has a history of operating losses and current uncertainty concerning its
ability to realize these deferred tax assets in the future.
The Company
accounts for its income tax uncertainties in accordance with ASC 740 which clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income
taxes recognized in a Company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for
the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
As of June
30, 2020 and 2019, there were no unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate.
Reconciliation
of the theoretical tax expense (benefit) to the actual tax expense (benefit):
In 2020,
2019 and 2018, the main reconciling item of the statutory tax rate of the Company (21% to 35% in 2020, 2019 and 2018) to the effective
tax rate (0%) is tax loss carryforwards, stock-based compensation and other deferred tax assets for which a full valuation allowance
was provided.
NOTE 13:- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
a. Pursuant to a shelf registration on Form S-3 declared effective
by the SEC on July 23, 2020, in July 2020 the Company entered into a new Open Market Sale Agreement SM (“New ATM
Agreement”) with Jefferies, which provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations in the New
ATM Agreement, the Company may elect, from time to time, to offer and sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering
price of up to $75,000 through Jefferies acting as sales agent. As of September 5, 2020, no shares had been sold pursuant to the
New ATM Agreement.
b. Subsequent to year-end,
warrants to purchase shares of common stock were exercised by investors at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, resulting in
the issuance of 35,000 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $245.
c.
Subsequent to year-end, the Board of Directors approved (i) a grant of
1,000,000 RSUs to each of Mr. Yanay, and Mr. Aberman of which 500,000 shares vest over a term of 4 years from the date of the grant
and 500,000 shares shall vest pursuant to certain performance metrics, (ii) a grant of 100,000 RSUs to Mrs. Franco-Yehuda, which
vest over a term of 4 years from the date of grant; and (iii) 20,000 RSUs to each of the Company’s non-executive directors,
which vest over a term of 4 years from the date of the grant.
F- 37
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We conducted an evaluation under the supervision
of our CEO and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO (our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively),
regarding the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange
Act) as of June 30, 2020. Based on the aforementioned evaluation, management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures
were effective as of June 30, 2020.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial
Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing
and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting has been 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 generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our internal control over financial reporting
includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect
transactions and dispositions of our assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and directors; and provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that
could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal
control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective
can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions,
or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting on June 30, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set
forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 2013 framework, or COSO, in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework . Based on that assessment under those criteria, management has determined that, as of June 30, 2020, our internal
control over financial reporting was effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal
control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during
the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
47
Item 9B. Other Information.
Executive Employment Agreements
Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement of Yaky Yanay
On
September 10, 2020, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Yanay, our CEO and
President, which supersedes his existing employment agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, we have agreed to pay Mr. Yanay a
monthly salary of 80,000 NIS, increasing to 99,000 NIS commencing on January 1, 2021. Pursuant to the agreement, we have also
agreed to provide Mr. Yanay with a company car, cellular phone reimbursement and reimbursement for certain other
expenses. In the event of termination of Mr. Yanay’s employment, he will be entitled to a payment equal to a
month’s compensation for each twelve-month period of employment or otherwise providing services to the Company, and an
additional adjustment fee that equals the monthly salary amount multiplied by 6, plus the number of years the employment
agreement remains in force from September 12, 2018, but in any event no more than a 9 months’ adjustment period in the
aggregate, as well as a notice period of 6 months. Mr. Yanay is also entitled
to an acceleration of the vesting of any unvested awards in the following circumstances: (1) if we terminate his employment, he
will be entitled to acceleration of 100% of any unvested award and (2) if he resigns, he will be entitled to acceleration of 50%
of any unvested awards .
Mr. Yanay will also
be entitled to a target bonus of up to seven times his monthly salary, subject to achievement of milestones and performance targets
that will be set by our Compensation Committee or by the Board. In addition, he will be eligible for a bonus equal to 1.5% of
amounts received by us from strategic deals or up to the equivalent of three times his monthly salary at the discretion of the
Board for extraordinary performance or achievements.
In the event of a
change in control of the Company, Mr. Yanay will be eligible for the immediate acceleration of his unvested awards, and, in the
event of a change of control of the Company and up to 12 months thereafter, in the event of a material adverse change to Mr. Yanay’s
employment terms as a result of such change of control, or if Mr. Yanay’s employment agreement is terminated as a result
of such change in control , a notice period of 6 months, as well as the adjustment fee that equals his monthly salary amount multiplied
by 6, plus the number of years the employment agreement remains in force from September 12, 2018, but in any event no more than
a 9 months’ adjustment period in the aggregate. In
addition, Mr. Yanay will be entitled to receive equity awards as awarded by our Board at its sole discretion.
Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement of Chen Franco-Yehuda
On
September 10, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Franco-Yehuda, our CFO, Secretary and
Treasurer, which supersedes the existing employment agreement with Ms. Franco-Yehuda. Pursuant to the agreement, we have
agreed to pay Ms. Franco-Yehuda a monthly salary of 42,000 NIS, increasing to 65,000 NIS commencing on January 1, 2021.
Pursuant to the agreement, we have also agreed to provide Ms. Franco-Yehuda with a company car, or a fixed amount of NIS
4,000, cellular phone reimbursement and reimbursement for certain other expenses. In the event of termination of Mrs.
Franco-Yehuda’s employment, she is entitled to a severance payment pursuant to Section 14 of the Israeli Severance Pay
Law, and in addition, she will be entitled to receive an adjustment fee that equals her monthly salary amount multiplied by
three, plus the number of years the employment agreement remains in force from June 30, 2020, but in any event no more than a
6 months’ adjustment period in the aggregate. Mrs. Franco-Yehuda is
also entitled to an acceleration of the vesting of any unvested awards in the following circumstances: (1) if we terminate her
employment, she will be entitled to acceleration of 100% of any unvested award and (2) if she resigns, she will be entitled to
acceleration of 50% of any unvested awards.
Mrs. Franco-Yehuda will also be entitled
to a target bonus of up to five and a half times her monthly salary, subject to milestones and performance targets that will be
set by our Compensation Committee. In addition, she will be eligible for a bonus equal to 0.5% of amounts received by us from strategic
deals or up to the equivalent of three times her salary at the discretion of the Board for extraordinary performance or achievements.
48
In the event of a change in control of the Company, Mrs. Franco-Yehuda
will be eligible for the immediate acceleration of her unvested awards, and, in the event of a change of control of the Company
and up to 12 months thereafter, in the event of a material adverse change to Mrs. Franco-Yehuda’s employment terms
as a result of such change of control, or if Mrs. Franco-Yehuda is terminated as a result of such change in control, a notice
period of 3 months, as well as the adjustment fee that equals her monthly salary amount multiplied by three, plus the number of
years the employment agreement remains in force from June 30, 2020, but in any event no more than a six months’ adjustment
period in the aggregate. In addition, Mrs. Franco-Yehuda will be entitled to receive equity awards as awarded by our Board at its
sole discretion.
Amended
and Restated Consulting Agreement with Rose Hitech Ltd.
On September 10, 2020,
the Company entered into an amended and restated consulting agreement with Rose Hitech Ltd., pursuant to which we compensate Mr.
Aberman, our Executive Chairman, and which supersedes the existing consulting agreement with Rose Hitech Ltd. Pursuant to the agreement,
we have agreed to pay Mr. Aberman, or an entity he controls, a monthly fee of 149,500 NIS, decreasing to 142,250 NIS commencing
on January 1, 2021 and effective through the earlier of December 31, 2021 or the filing of a BLA. Upon the expiration of the consulting
agreement, we intend to enter into a new consulting agreement with Mr. Aberman or an entity which he controls. In addition, we
have agreed to pay a special bonus of 1.5% of the sums actually received by us from strategic deals. Pursuant to the agreement,
we have also agreed to provide Mr. Aberman with a monthly car expenses reimbursement, cellular phone and reimbursement for certain
other expenses. The agreement may be terminated by us or Mr. Aberman with ninety days’ prior notice. While the agreement
will be terminated on the earlier of December 31, 2021 or upon the filing of a BLA, we have agreed to pay Mr. Aberman an adjustment
fee as provided above, but only during the period between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, or in the event of a change of
control equal to nine months of consulting fees; provided, however that such adjustment fees shall be paid in two installments
as follows: (i) 38,250 NIS on January 1, 2021, and 1,307,250 NIS on December 31, 2021. Mr. Aberman will also be subject to standard
confidentiality, intellectual property assignment and non-compete provisions.
In
addition, Mr. Aberman will be entitled to receive equity awards as awarded by our Board at its sole discretion. Any awards issued
to Mr. Aberman will be entitled to acceleration subject to the following terms: (i) in the case of our termination of the agreement,
100% of any unvested award, (ii) in the case of the termination of the agreement by Mr. Aberman, 50% of any unvested award, and
(iii) in the event of a change of control transaction (as defined in the agreement), 100% of any unvested awards.
In the event of a change in control of the Company, and up to
12 months thereafter, in the event of a material adverse change to Mr. Aberman’s consulting terms as a result of such change
of control, or if the consulting agreement is terminated as a result of such change in control, an adjustment fee that equals his
monthly salary amount multiplied by nine, and a notice period of 90 days.
49
Equity Grants
Our Board approved a grant of 1,000,000
RSUs to Mr. Yanay and 1,000,000 RSUs to Mr. Aberman. For each of Messrs. Yanay and Aberman, 500,000 RSUs vest over four years as
follows: 12.5% shall vest on the 6 month anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining shares vest in 14 equal installments
every 3 months the thereafter. The remaining 500,000 RSUs vest in full upon milestone achievement of increasing market capitalization
of our Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market to $550 million within no more than 3 years from the date of grant.
Our Board also approved a grant of 100,000
RSUs to Mrs. Franco-Yehuda. Such RSUs vest over four years as follows: 12.5% shall vest on the 6 month anniversary of the date
of grant and the remaining shares vest in 14 equal installments every 3 months thereafter.
Director Grants and Bonus
On September 10, 2020,
we agreed to issue a grant of 20,000 RSUs to each of our non-executive directors. Each such RSU vests over four years as follows:
12.5% shall vest on the 6 month anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining shares vest in 14 equal installments every 3
months thereafter.
Amended and Restated Bylaws
On September 10, 2020, the Board approved
Amended and Restated Bylaws, or the Bylaws. The Bylaws were revised as follows: (i) Article I, Section 2 of the Bylaws provides
that a holder of a majority of the issued and outstanding equity securities of the Company may call a special meeting of stockholders,
(ii) Article II, Section 2 clarifies that each director shall serve his or her term until his or her successor is duly elected
or until his or her office has been declared vacant in the manner provided in Bylaws, (iii) Article II, Section 6 has been revised
to remove the ability of a Vice President to call a meeting of the Board, and (iv) Article VI, Section 7 includes a forum selection
clause that limits certain types of lawsuits that may be brought against the Company to Federal courts located in the State of
Nevada.
50
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Our directors and executive officers, their
ages, positions currently held, and duration of such, are as follows:
Name
Position Held With Company
Age
Date First Elected or Appointed
Zami Aberman
Executive Chairman
66
June 23, 2019
Yaky Yanay
President
Director
Chief Executive Officer
49
February 4, 2014
February 5, 2015
June 23, 2019
Chen Franco-Yehuda
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
37
March 14, 2019
Doron Shorrer
Director
67
October 2, 2003
Isaac Braun
Director
67
July 6, 2005
Mark Germain
Director
70
May 17, 2007
Moria Kwiat
Director
41
May 15, 2012
Business Experience
The following is a brief account of the
education and business experience of each director and executive officer during at least the past five years, indicating each person’s
principal occupation during the period, and the name and principal business of the organization by which they were employed.
Zami Aberman
Mr. Aberman joined the Company in September
2005 and has served as our Executive Chairman since June 2019, as our Co-Chief Executive Officer from March 2017 until June 2019,
as our CEO from November 2005 until March 2017, and as President of the Company from September 2005 until February 2014. He changed
the Company’s strategy towards cellular therapeutics. Mr. Aberman’s vision to use the maternal section of the Placenta
(Decidua) as a source for cell therapy, combined with the Company’s 3D culturing technology, led to the development of our
products. Since November 2005, Mr. Aberman has served as a director of the Company, and since April 2006, as Chairman of the Board,
or the Board. Since October 2015, he has served as a Director of The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine. He has 25 years of experience
in marketing and management in the high technology industry. Mr. Aberman has held the CEO and Chairman positions of various companies
located in Israel, the United States, Europe, Japan and Korea.
51
Mr. Aberman has operated within high-tech
global companies in the fields of automatic optical inspection, network security, video over IP, software, chip design and robotics.
He serves as the chairman of Rose Hitech Ltd., a private investment company. He previously served as the chairman of VLScom Ltd.,
a private company specializing in video compression for HDTV and video over IP and as a director of Ori Software Ltd., a company
involved in data management. Prior to holding those positions, Mr. Aberman served as the President and CEO of Elbit Vision System
Ltd. (EVSNF.OB), a company engaged in automatic optical inspection. Before joining the Company, Mr. Aberman served as President
and CEO of Netect Ltd., a company specializing in the field of internet security software and was the co-founder, President and
CEO of Associative Computing Ltd., which developed an associative parallel processor for real-time video processing. He also served
as Chairman of Display Inspection Systems Inc., specializing in laser based inspection machines and as President and CEO of Robomatix
Technologies Ltd.
In 1992, Mr. Aberman was awarded the Rothschild
Prize for excellence in his field from the President of the State of Israel. Mr. Aberman holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
from Ben Gurion University in Israel.
We believe that Mr. Aberman’s qualifications
to sit on our Board include his unique multidisciplinary innovative approach, years of experience in the financial markets in Israel
and globally, as well as his experience in serving as the CEO of publicly traded entities.
Yaky Yanay
Mr. Yanay became a director of the Company
in February 2015. He has served as our President from February 2014 and as our CEO from June 2019, previously serving as Co-CEO
from March 2017. Mr. Yanay has served in variety of executive positions in Pluristem since 2006 including as our Chief Financial
Officer from November 2006 until February 2014 and from February 2015 until March 2017. He also served as our Chief Operating Officer
from February 2014 until March 2017. From November 2006 to February 2014, he served as our Secretary and served as our Executive
Vice President from March 2013 until February 2014. From 2015 to 2018, Mr. Yanay served as the Co-Chairman of Israel Advanced Technology
Industries (IATI), the largest umbrella organization representing Israel’s high tech and life science industries and since
August 2012 has continually served as a Director of IATI, representing Israel’s life sciences industry. Prior to joining
the Company, Mr. Yanay founded and served as Chairman of “The Israeli Life Science Forum” and also served as the CFO
of Elbit Vision Systems Ltd., a public company. In addition, from July 2010 to April 2018, he served on the board of directors
of Elbit Vision Systems Ltd. Prior to these positions, Mr. Yanay served as manager of audit groups of the technology sector at
Ernst & Young Israel.
Mr. Yanay holds a bachelor’s degree
with honors in business administration and accounting from the College of Management Academic Studies of Rishon LeZion and is a
Certified Public Accountant in Israel.
We believe that Mr. Yanay’s qualifications
to sit on our Board include his years of experience in the medical technology industry, his vast skill and expertise in accounting
and economics, as well as his knowledge and familiarity with corporate finance.
52
Doron Shorrer
Mr. Shorrer became a director of the Company
in October 2003. Mr. Shorrer was one of the Company’s founders and served as its first Chairman until 2006. Since 1998, Mr.
Shorrer has served as the Chairman and CEO of Shorrer International Ltd., an investment and financial consulting company. Mr. Shorrer
also serves as a director at each of Sigma Mutual Funds Ltd., Food Save Ltd. and G.D.M. Investments Ltd.
Mr. Shorrer has served as a director of
Provident Fund for employees of the Israel Electric Company Ltd. and between 1999 and 2004 he was Chairman of the board of directors
of Phoenix Insurance Company, one of the largest insurance companies in Israel, and of Mivtachim Pension Funds Group, the largest
pension fund in Israel. Prior to serving in these positions, Mr. Shorrer held senior positions that included Arbitrator at the
Claims Resolution Tribunal for Dormant Accounts in Switzerland; Economic and Financial Advisor, Commissioner of Insurance and Capital
Markets for the State of Israel; Member of the board of directors of “Nechasim” of the State of Israel; Member Committee
for the Examination of Structural Changes in the Capital Market (The Brodet Committee); General Director of the Ministry of Transport;
founder and managing partner of an accounting firm with offices in Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv and Haifa; Member of the Lecture Staff of
the Hebrew University Business Administration School; Chairman of Amal School Chain; Chairman of a Public Committee for Telecommunications;
and Economic Consultant to the Ministry of Energy. In addition, Mr. Shorrer served as a director of Hebrew University employees
and Massad Bank from the International Bank group from 2009 to 2018.
Among his many areas of expertise, Mr. Shorrer
formulates, implements and administers business planning in the private and institutional sector, in addition to consulting on
economic, accounting and taxation issues to a diverse audience ranging from private concerns to government ministries.
Mr. Shorrer holds a B.A. in Economics and
Accounting and an M.B.A. in Business Administration (specialization in finance and banking) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
and is a Certified Public Accountant in Israel.
We believe that Mr. Shorrer’s qualifications
to sit on our Board include his years of experience in the high-tech industry, his vast skill and expertise in accounting and economics,
as well as his knowledge and familiarity with corporate finance.
Isaac Braun
Mr. Braun became a director of the Company
in July 2005. Mr. Braun is a business veteran with entrepreneurial, industrial and manufacturing experience. He has co-founded
and served as a board member of several high-tech start-ups in the areas of e-commerce, security, messaging, search engines and
biotechnology. Mr. Braun is involved with advising private companies in the areas of capital raising and business development.
We believe that Mr. Braun’s qualifications to sit on our
Board include his years of experience in the high-tech industry, as well as his knowledge and familiarity with corporate finance.
Mark Germain
Mr. Germain became a director of the Company
in May 2007. Between May 2007 and February 2009, Mr. Germain served as Co-Chairman of our Board. Mr. Germain has been a merchant
banker serving primarily the biotech and life sciences industries for over five years. He has been involved as a founder, director,
chairman of the board of, and/or investor in, over twenty companies in the biotech field and assisted many of them in arranging
corporate partnerships, acquiring technology, entering into mergers and acquisitions, and executing financings and going public
transactions. He graduated from New York University School of Law in 1975, Order of the Coif, and was a partner in a New York law
firm practicing corporate and securities law before leaving in 1986. Since then, and until he entered the biotech field in 1991,
he served in senior executive capacities, including as president of a public company that was sold in 1991. In addition to being
a director of the Company, Mr. Germain is a Managing Director at The ÆNTIB Group, a boutique merchant bank. From June 2018
through September 2019, Mr. Germain also served as Vice Chairman of the board of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a company based
in Israel engaging in a Phase III clinical trials for a universal flu vaccine, and, since September 2019 has served as the chairman
of the board of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
53
Mr. Germain also serves or served as a
director of the following companies that were reporting companies in the past: ChromaDex Inc., Stem Cell Innovations, Inc., Omnimmune
Corp. and Collexis Holdings, Inc. He is also a co-founder and director of a number of private companies in and outside the biotech
field.
We believe that Mr. Germain’s qualifications
to sit on our Board include his years of experience in the biotech industry, his experience serving as a director of public companies,
as well as his knowledge and familiarity with corporate finance.
Moria Kwiat
Dr. Kwiat became a director of the Company
in May 2012. Dr. Kwiat is an analyst at aMoon, a leading Israeli life sciences venture fund. Previously she was a consultant and
analyst at Frost & Sullivan, producing equity research for public companies in the healthcare domain. Dr. Kwiat has a broad
academic background and scientific experience in inter-disciplinary fields, with specific expertise in the interface between the
biology and materials fields. She is the co-author of multiple scientific papers. Dr. Kwiat holds a Post-Doctoral degree in nanotechnology
and material sciences, a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Biotechnology, from Tel Aviv University.
We believe that Dr. Kwiat’s qualifications
to sit on our Board include her knowledge and experience as a scientist and a researcher in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Chen Franco-Yehuda
Mrs. Franco-Yehuda was appointed as our
CFO, effective as of March 17, 2019. Prior to being appointed as our Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, Mrs. Franco-Yehuda served
as the Company’s Head of Accounting and Financial Reporting since July 2016 and, prior to that, the Company’s Controller
since May 2013. Before joining the Company, from October 2008 to April 2013, Mrs. Franco-Yehuda served as a manager of audit groups
relating to public and private companies in various industries at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and also as a lecturer of accounting
classes at the Open University of Israel from 2009 to 2014.
Mrs. Franco-Yehuda holds a bachelor’s
degree in economics and accounting from Haifa University, and is a certified public accountant in Israel.
There are no family relationships between
any of the directors or officers named above.
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
Until June 30, 2020 the members of our Audit
Committee were Doron Shorrer, Nachum Rosman and Israel Ben-Yoram. As a result of the voting outcome from the 2020 Annual Meeting,
on June 30, 2020, each of Messrs. Ben-Yoram and Rosman resigned as members of the Board effective immediately. Messrs. Ben-Yoram’s
and Rosman’s resignations as members of the Board also constituted their resignations as members of the Audit Committee.
Effective July 1, 2020, the Board appointed Ms. Kwiat and Mr. Braun to serve on the Audit Committee and determined that Mr. Doron
Shorrer is an Audit Committee financial expert. Doron Shorrer is the Chairman of the Audit Committee, and our Board has determined
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 our website at www.pluristem.com. The information
on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. The primary responsibilities of our Audit Committee include:
● Appointing, compensating and retaining our registered
independent public accounting firm;
54
● Overseeing the work performed by any outside accounting
firm;
● Assisting the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities
by reviewing: (i) the financial report provided by us to the SEC, our stockholders or to the general public, and (ii) our internal
financial and accounting controls; and
● Recommending, establishing and monitoring procedures
designed to improve the quality and reliability of the disclosure of our financial condition and results of operations.
Our Audit Committee held seven meetings
from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 (fiscal year 2020).
Compensation Committee
Until June 30, 2020 the members of our Compensation
Committee were Doron Shorrer, Nachum Rosman and Israel Ben-Yoram. As a result of the voting outcome from the 2020 Annual Meeting,
on June 30, 2020, Messrs. Israel Ben-Yoram and Rosman resigned as members of the Board, effective immediately. Messrs. Ben-Yoram’s
and Rosman’s resignations as members of the Board also constituted their resignations as members of the Compensation Committee.
Effective July 1, 2020, the Board appointed Mr. Braun to serve on the Compensation Committee. 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 our website at www.pluristem.com. The
information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. The primary responsibilities of our Compensation
Committee include:
● Reviewing and recommending to our Board of the annual
base compensation, the annual incentive bonus, equity compensation, employment agreements and any other benefits 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; and
● Annually reviewing and making recommendations to our
Board with respect to the compensation policy for such other officers as directed by our Board.
Our Compensation Committee held nine meetings
during fiscal year 2020. The Compensation Committee did not receive advice from or retain any consultants during fiscal year 2020.
Nominating Committee
Until June 30, 2020 the members of our Nominating
Committee were Mark Germain, Doron Shorrer and Nachum Rosman. As a result of the voting outcome from the 2020 Annual Meeting, on
June 30, 2020, Mr. Rosman resigned as member of the Board, effective immediately. Nachum Rosman’s resignations as members
of the Board also constituted his resignations as member of the Nominating Committee. Mr. Germain is the Chairman of the Nominating
Committee. 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.pluristem.com. The primary responsibilities of our Nominating Committee
include:
● Overseeing the composition and size of the Board, developing
qualification criteria for Board members 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.
55
Director Nominations
The Nominating Committee is responsible
for developing and approving criteria, with Board approval, for candidates for Board membership. The Nominating Committee is responsible
for overseeing the composition and size of the Board, developing qualification criteria for Board members and actively seeking,
interviewing and screening individuals qualified to become Board members for recommendation to the Board and for recommending the
composition of the Board for each of the Company’s annual meetings. The Board as a whole is responsible for nominating individuals
for election to the Board by the stockholders and for filling vacancies on the Board that may occur between annual meetings of
the stockholders.
Nominees for director will be selected on
the basis of their integrity, business acumen, knowledge of our business and industry, age, experience, diligence, conflicts of
interest and the ability to act in the interests of all stockholders. No particular criteria will be a prerequisite or will be
assigned a specific weight, nor does the Company have a diversity policy. The Company believes that the backgrounds and qualifications
of its directors, considered as a group, should provide a composite mix of experience, knowledge and abilities that will allow
the Board to fulfill its responsibilities.
We have never received communications from
stockholders recommending individuals to any of our independent directors. Therefore we do not yet have a policy with regard to
the consideration of any director candidates recommended by stockholders. In fiscal year 2020, we did not pay a fee
to any third party to identify or evaluate, or assist in identifying or evaluating, potential nominees for our Board. We
have not received any recommendations from stockholders for Board nominees. All of the nominees for election at the Meeting are
current members of our Board.
Code of Ethics
Our Board has adopted a Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics that applies to, among other persons, members of our Board, our officers including our CEO (being our principal
executive officer) and our CFO (being our principal financial and accounting officer) and our employees.
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
is posted on our Internet website at www.pluristem.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this
Annual Report. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendment to, or waiver from,
a provision of our Code of Conduct by posting such information on the website address specified above.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section
16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock,
to file reports regarding ownership of, and transactions in, our securities with the SEC and to provide us with copies of those
filings.
We
have reviewed all forms provided to us or filed with the SEC. Based on that review and on written information given to us by our
executive officers and directors, we believe that all Section 16(a) filings during the past fiscal year were filed on a timely
basis and that all directors, executive officers and 10% beneficial owners have fully complied with such requirements during the
past fiscal year, except as follows:
●
A Form 3, filed on June 29, 2020, was filed late by Clover Wolf
Capital – Limited Partnership, which did not involve a transaction; and
●
Two reports on Form 4, filed on June 29, 2020 and July 7, 2020, were filed late by Clover Wolf Capital – Limited Partnership, resulting in 11 transactions and 4 transactions, respectively, not being reported on a timely basis.
56
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
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 make recommendations to the Board regarding
the compensation of our CEO, Executive Chairman and CFO. Our named executive officers for fiscal year 2020 are those three individuals
listed in the 2020 “ Summary Compensation Table ” below. Other information concerning the structure, roles
and responsibilities of our Compensation Committee is set forth in “ Board Meetings and Committees—Compensation Committee ”
section of this Annual Report.
At our 2019 shareholders meeting, we provided
our shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on our then named executive officers’ compensation. Over 70%
of the votes cast on this “2019 say-on-pay vote” were voted in favor of the proposal. We have considered the 2019 say-on-pay
vote and we believe that the support from our shareholders for the 2019 say-on-pay vote proposal indicates that our shareholders
are supportive of our approach to executive compensation. At our 2019 shareholders meeting, our shareholders voted in favor of
the proposal to hold say-on-pay votes every two years. We will continue to consider the outcome of our say-on-pay votes when making
compensation decisions regarding our named executive officers.
A discussion of the policies and decisions
that shape our executive compensation program, including the specific objectives and elements, is set forth below.
Executive Compensation Objectives and Philosophy
The objective of our executive compensation
program is to attract, retain and motivate talented executives who are critical for our continued growth and success and to align
the interests of these executives with those of our shareholders. To this end, our compensation programs for executive officers
are designed to achieve 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 by recognizing the contributions each executive makes to our success and
the tenure of each team member as a factor in achieving such success;
● focus executive behavior on achievement of our corporate objectives and strategy;
● build a mechanism of “pay for performance”; and
● align the interests of management and shareholders 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 our long-term performance and executing our business
strategy, and to strongly align named executive officers’ interests with those of shareholders. As such, from time to time, the
Compensation Committee, and/or the Board, may engage external consultants to provide the Company with data that the Compensation
Committee and/or Board may deem to be appropriate in determining the compensation of our executive officers, and the compensation,
if any, paid to the members of the Board.
57
With respect to equity compensation, the
Compensation Committee makes awards to executives under our equity compensation plans as approved by the Board. Executive compensation
is paid or granted based on such matters as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, including our financial and operating
performance, the alignment of the interests of the executive officers and our shareholders, the performance of our common stock
and our ability to attract and retain qualified individuals.
Elements of Executive Officer Compensation
Our executive officer compensation program
is comprised of: (i) base salary or monthly compensation; (ii) performance based bonuses; (iii) long-term equity incentive compensation
in the form of RSU grants; and (iv) benefits and perquisites.
In establishing overall executive compensation
levels and making specific compensation decisions for our executive officers in fiscal year 2020, 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. In that regard, our Compensation Committee decided to provide our Executive Chairman, Mr. Aberman, and
our CEO, Mr. Yanay, with base salaries, RSU awards, acceleration of such awards under certain circumstances, and performance based
bonuses in their respective employment and/or consulting agreement, as opposed to certain terms contained in our CFO’s employment
agreement, as amended, and compensation package, based on their respective positions, seniority and scope of responsibilities.
Generally, our Compensation Committee reviews
and, as appropriate, approves compensation arrangements for our named executive officers, from time to time but not less than once
a year. The Compensation Committee also takes into consideration our CEO recommendations for the compensation of our CFO. Our CEO
generally presents these recommendations at the time of our Compensation Committee’s review of executive compensation arrangements.
On September 10, 2020, our Board, upon recommendation
from our Compensation Committee, approved new compensation arrangements for our CEO, CFO and Executive Chairman as well as our
non-executive directors. In that regard, the Compensation Committee recently engaged Deloitte Israel to review the Company’s
existing compensation structure for its executive officers and non-executive directors. Such review included a benchmark analysis that
evaluated the compensation that we pay our CEO, CFO, Executive Chairman and non-executive directors in comparison to our peer group.
When evaluating the appropriateness of our compensation peer group, the Compensation Committee seeks to construct
and approve a peer group of companies in similar industries of similar size to that of our Company. As a result, the Company has
revised its compensation structure for its executive officers, Executive Chairman and non-executive directors as further described
herein, which shall impact such compensation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
Base Salary
The Compensation Committee performs a review
of base salaries / monthly compensation for our named executive officers from time to time as appropriate. In determining salaries,
the Compensation Committee members also take into consideration their understanding of the compensation practices of comparable
companies (based on size and stage of development), especially in Israel, where our named executive officers reside; independent
third party market data such as compensation surveys to industry, including information relating to peer companies; individual
experience and performance adjusted to reflect individual roles; 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 executive officers, and our
Compensation Committee considers the factors as a whole when considering such compensation. In addition, our Compensation Committee
may, from time to time, use 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 may also change the base salary / monthly compensation of an executive officer at other times due to
market conditions. We believe that a competitive base salary / 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.
58
Base salaries and/or monthly compensation
are established in part based on the individual experience, skills and expected contributions of our executives and our executives’
performance during the prior year. 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.
On June 30, 2019, the
Board, upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved, as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce expenses, the
reduction of the annual salary of our CEO and the annual compensation paid to our Executive Chairman, each by 25% from their current
levels until the earlier of closing market capitalization on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaching $170 million; or (2) June 30, 2020.
On February 6, 2020, the Board, upon the
recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved the increase of our CFO’s salary from NIS 36,000 per month to NIS
42,000 per month effective February 1, 2020.
On March 26, 2020, the Board, upon the recommendation
of our Compensation Committee, approved the reduction of the annual salary of the CEO, the annual compensation paid to the Executive
Chairman, and the annual salary of the CFO each by 50% from their annual salaries as provided in their respective employment and
consulting agreements with the Company, until such time as the Company obtains better clarity on the global impact of COVID-19,
or the COVID-19 Executive Compensation Reductions.
On May 7 ,2020, the Board approved, effective
May 1, 2020, the partial reinstatement of the annual salary, paid monthly, to our CEO, the annual compensation, paid monthly, to
our Executive Chairman, and the annual salary, paid monthly, of our CFO each up to 85% from their annual salaries, paid on a monthly
basis, as provided in their respective employment and consulting agreements with the Company, or the Partial Salary Reinstatement.
The Board also determined that effective on June 1, 2020, such annual fees, salaries and compensation, paid monthly, shall be reinstated
at 100%, or the Full Salary Reinstatement.
On September 10, 2020, at the recommendation
of our Compensation Committee, our Board approved, effective as of January 1, 2021, on the one hand, an increase to the base salary
of our CEO and CFO such that the respective salaries will increase to 99,000 NIS and 65,000NIS, and on the other hand, a decrease
to the monthly consulting fee of our Executive Chairman to 142,250 NIS per month starting January 1, 2021 and effective through
the earlier of December 31, 2021 or the filing of a BLA. Upon the expiration of the consulting
agreement, we intend to enter into a new consulting agreement with Mr. Aberman or an entity which he controls. As a result
of these changes, we entered into new employment and service agreements, as the case may be, with of each of our CEO, CFO and Executive
Chairman. In this Annual Report, we refer to such base salary amendments as the 2021 Base Salary Adjustments.
In addition, Mr. Aberman and Mr. Yanay are
no longer eligible for annual director fees.
59
Performance Based Bonus
Given the nature of our business, the determination
of incentives for our executives is generally tied to success in promoting our Company’s development. We are continually seeking
non-dilutive sources of funding. In addition, a key component of our strategy is to develop and manufacture cell therapy products
for the treatment of multiple disorders through collaboration with other companies and entering into licensing agreements with
such companies, such as our agreement with CHA. Therefore, in order to reward our Executive Chairman and CEO, each of Mr. Yanay
and Mr. Aberman will be entitled to a bonus equal to 1.5% of amounts received by us from non-dilutive funding received, among other
things, from corporate partnering and strategic deals.
On September 10, 2020, our Board, upon recommendation by our
Compensation Committee, approved a bonus for Mrs. Franco-Yehuda of 0.5% of amounts received by us from strategic deals or up to
the equivalent of three times her monthly salary at the discretion of the Board. Mr. Yanay will also be eligible for a special
bonus of up to three times his salary, payable at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. In addition, our Board
approved a target bonus to our CEO, Mr. Yanay, equal to up to seven times his monthly salary and to our CFO, Mrs. Franco-Yehuda,
of up to five and a half times her monthly salary, subject to milestones and performance targets that will be set by our Compensation
Committee. The Board approved the changes to the performance based bonuses of our CEO and CFO in order to support our business
strategy and to promote extraordinary performance and achievement.
On May 7, 2020, the Board, upon the recommendation of our Compensation
Committee, approved a one-time bonus to our CFO of NIS 50,000, or approximately $14,000 for her extraordinary efforts relating
to the EIB Agreement.
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
Long-term incentive compensation allows
the executive officers 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 shareholders. 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. We do not have a formula relating to, and did not conduct
any analysis of, the level of awards that is competitive within the biotechnology industry and Israeli based companies. 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. Awards are made on a discretionary basis and not pursuant to specific criteria set out in advance.
RSU awards provide our executive officers
with the right to purchase shares of our common stock at a par value of $0.00001, subject to continued employment with our Company.
In recent years, we granted our executive officers RSU awards.
We chose to grant RSU awards and not options
because RSU awards, once vested, always have an immediate financial value to the holder thereof, unlike options where the exercise
price might be below the current market price of the shares and therefore not have any intrinsic value to the holder thereof. Our
Executive Chairman, CEO and CFO are entitled to acceleration of the vesting of their awards in the following circumstances: (1)
if we terminate their employment, they will be entitled to acceleration of 100% of any unvested award and (2) if they resign, they
will be entitled to acceleration of 50% of any unvested award. In addition, our Executive Chairman, CEO and CFO are entitled to
an acceleration of 100% of any unvested RSUs in the event of a change in control as defined in their consulting or employment agreement.
All grants are approved, upon receipt of recommendation by our Compensation Committee, by our Board.
60
Benefits and Perquisites
Generally, benefits available to Mr. Yanay
and Mrs. Franco-Yehuda 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 our named executive officers with a phone and
a Company car, or reimbursement for car or phone expenses, which are customary benefits in Israel to managers and officers. Our
Executive Chairman and CEO are also entitled to receive, once a year, a fixed sum equal to the amount of the monthly compensation
to such Executive Chairman and CEO. Subsequent to our fiscal year 2020, following the 2021 Base Salary Adjustments, this fixed
sum payment will no longer be paid to our Executive Chairman or CEO.
While
the agreement will be terminated on the earlier of December 31, 2021 or upon the filing of a BLA, we have agreed to pay Mr. Aberman
an adjustment fee as provided above, but only during the period between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, or in the event
of a change of control equal to nine months of consulting fees; provided, however that such adjustment fees shall be paid in two
installments as follows: (i) 38,250 NIS on January 1, 2021, and 1,307,250 NIS on December 31, 2021.
Mr.
Yanay is entitled to a severance payment that equals a month’s compensation for each twelve-month period of employment or
otherwise providing services to the Company, and an additional adjustment fee that equals the monthly salary amount multiplied
by 6, plus the number of years the employment agreement remains in force from September 12, 2018, but in any event no more than
9 years in the aggregate.
In
conjunction with the 2021 Base Salary Adjustments, the employment agreement of our CFO was amended to also provide for an adjustment
fee that equals her monthly salary amount multiplied by three, plus the number of years the employment agreement remained in force
from June 30, 2020, but in any event no more than six months of adjustment fees in the aggregate.
Mrs. Chen Franco-Yehuda is also entitled
to severance pay upon termination of employment for any reason, including retirement, based on 8.333% of her monthly base salary,
according to section 14 of the Severance Pay Law, 1963.
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.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the particulars
of compensation paid to our named executive officers for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. We do not currently have
any other executive officers.
Name and Principal Position
Fiscal Year
Salary
($) (1)
Stock-based Awards
($)(2)
All
Other Compensation
($)(3)
Total
($)
Zami Aberman
2020
439,704 (5)
-
61,540
501,244
Executive Chairman
2019 (4)
551,137 (5)
478,500
66,857
1,096,494
Yaky Yanay
2020
320,911 (7)
-
29,466
350,377
CEO
2019 (6)
396,632 (7)
461,100
29,253
886,985
Chen Franco-Yehuda
2020
179,229
-
28,461
207,690
CFO
2019 (8)
78,889
112,329
13,599
204,817
(1) Salary payments which were in NIS, were translated into
US$ at the then current exchange rate for each payment. The salaries of Mr. Yanay and Mrs. Franco-Yehuda are comprised of base
salaries and additional payments and provisions such as welfare benefits, paid time-off, life and disability insurance and other
customary or mandatory social benefits to employees in Israel.
61
(2) The fair value recognized for the stock-based awards was
determined as of the grant date in accordance with ASC 718. Assumptions used in the calculations for these amounts are included
in Note 2(l) to our consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2020 included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
(3) Represents cost to us in connection with car or car expenses
reimbursement and mobile phone expenses. The Company also pays our CEO and Executive Chairman the tax associated with this benefit,
which is grossed up and included in the “all other compensation” column for Mr. Aberman. Mr. Yanay’s gross up
is part of the amount in the Salary column in the table above. For our CFO “all other compensation” includes a onetime
bonus of NIS 50,000, or approximately $14,000.
(4) Mr. Aberman ceased to serve as our Co-CEO and commenced
to serve solely in his capacity as Executive Chairman on June 24, 2019. The compensation reflects amounts received during the
entire fiscal year.
(5) Includes $18,486 and $23,068 paid to Mr. Aberman as compensation
for services as a director in fiscal year 2020 and 2019 respectively.
(6) Mr. Yanay ceased to serve as our Co-CEO and commenced to
serve as the sole CEO on June 24, 2019. The compensation reflects amounts received during the entire fiscal year.
(7) Includes $18,400 and $23,582 paid to Mr. Yanay as compensation
for services as a director in fiscal year 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(8) Mrs. Franco-Yehuda was appointed as our CFO on March 14,
2019. The compensation reflects amounts received during the entire fiscal year.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020,
we had the following written agreements and other arrangements concerning compensation with our named executive officers:
(a) Mr. Aberman is engaged with us as a consultant and currently receives a monthly consulting fee of 149,500 NIS (approximately
$43,000 per month). In addition, Mr. Aberman is entitled once a year to receive an additional amount that equals the monthly consulting
fee. All amounts above are paid plus value added tax. Mr. Aberman is also entitled to a performance based bonus of one and a half
percent (1.5%) from amounts received by us from non-diluting funding and strategic deals. Mr. Aberman is entitled to car expenses
reimbursement. In addition, Mr. Aberman received annual director fees of $20,000 (set at a rate of 4.25 NIS per U.S. dollar). On
June 30, 2019, our Board, upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved the reduction of the annual compensation
paid to Mr. Aberman, and his annual fees paid to him as a director, by 25% from his current levels until the earlier of closing
market capitalization on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaching $170 million; or (2) June 30, 2020. On March 26, 2020, the Board, upon
the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved the COVID-19 Executive Compensation Reduction. On May 7, 2020, the Board
approved, effective May 1, 2020, the Partial Salary Reinstatement. In addition, effective June 1, 2020, the Full Salary Reinstatement
took effect.
62
(b) Mr. Yanay received a monthly salary of 80,000 NIS, approximately $23,000 per month. In addition, Mr. Yanay was entitled once
a year to receive an additional amount that equals his monthly salary. Mr. Yanay is provided with a cellular phone and a Company
car pursuant to the terms of his agreement. Furthermore, Mr. Yanay was entitled to a performance based bonus of one percent (1.5%)
from amounts received by us from non-diluting funding and strategic deals. Mr. Yanay received annual director fees of $20,000 (set
at a rate of 4.25 NIS per U.S. dollar). On June 30, 2019, our Board, upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved
the reduction of the annual salary of Mr. Yanay, and the annual fees paid to him as a director, by 25% from his current levels
until the earlier of closing market capitalization on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaching $170 million; or (2) June 30, 2020. On
March 26 ,2020, the Board, upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved the COVID-19 Executive Compensation
Reduction. On May 7, 2020, the Board approved, effective May 1, 2020, the Partial Salary Reinstatement. In addition, effective
June 1, 2020, the Full Salary Reinstatement took effect.
(c) Mrs. Franco-Yehuda’s monthly salary was 42,000 NIS. Mrs. Franco-Yehuda receives car and cellular phone expense reimbursements
pursuant to the terms of her agreement. On March 26, 2020, the Board, upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved
the COVID-19 Executive Compensation Reduction. On May 7, 2020, the Board approved, effective May 1, 2020, the Partial Salary Reinstatement.
In addition, effective June 1, 2020, the Full Salary Reinstatement took effect.
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 executive officers to compensate such officers in the event of termination
of employment (as a result of resignation, retirement, change-in-control) or a change of responsibilities following a change-in-control,
except for the following: (i) in the event of termination of Mr. Aberman’s Consulting Agreement, he will be entitled to receive
an adjustment fee that equals the monthly consulting fees multiplied by nine; (ii) in the event of termination of Mr. Yanay employment,
he is entitled to a severance payment, under Israeli law, that equals a month’s compensation for each twelve-month period
of employment or otherwise providing services to the Company, and an additional adjustment fee that equals the monthly base salary
multiplied by six, plus the number of years the employment agreement is in force from September 12, 2018, but in any event no more
than nine months in the aggregate; and (iii) in the event of termination of Mrs. Franco-Yehuda’s employment, she is entitled
to a severance payment, under Israeli law, that equals a month’s compensation for each twelve-month period of employment
or otherwise providing services to the Company, and in addition, effective as September 10, 2020, she will be entitled to receive
an adjustment fee that equals her monthly salary amount multiplied by three, plus the number of years the employment agreement
remains in force from June 30, 2020, but in any event no more than six years in the aggregate.
In addition, Mr. Aberman and Mr. Yanay are
entitled to acceleration of the vesting of their stock options and restricted stock in the following circumstances: (1) if we terminate
their employment, they will be entitled to acceleration of 100% of any unvested awards and (2) if they resign, they will be entitled
to acceleration of 50% of any unvested award. In addition, Mr. Aberman, Mr. Yanay and Mrs. Franco-Yehuda are also entitled to acceleration
of 100% of any unvested award in case of our change in control as defined in their respective consulting and employment agreements.
Effective September 10, 2020, Mrs. Franco-Yehuda is also entitled to an acceleration of the vesting of any unvested awards in the
following circumstances: (1) if we terminate her employment, she will be entitled to acceleration of 100% of any unvested award
and (2) if she resigns, she will be entitled to acceleration of 50% of any unvested awards.
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The following table
displays the value of what our CEO, Executive Chairman and CFO would have received from us had their employment been terminated,
or a change in control of us happened on June 30, 2020.
Officer
Salary
Accelerated Vesting of RSUs (1)
Total
Zami Aberman
Terminated due to officer resignation
$ 388,200
$ 364,650 (2)
$ 752,850
Terminated due to discharge of officer
$ 388,200
$ 729,300 (3)
$ 1,117,500
Change in control
-
$ 729,300 (4)
$ 729,300
Yaky Yanay
Terminated due to officer resignation
$ 421,708
$ 362,440 (2)
$ 784,148
Terminated due to discharge of officer
$ 421,708
$ 724,880 (3)
$ 1,146,588
Change in control
-
$ 724,880 (4)
$ 724,880
Chen Franco Yehuda
Terminated due to officer resignation
$ 36,378
-
$ 36,378
Terminated due to discharge of officer
$ 36,378
-
$ 36,378
Change in control
-
$ 77,129 (4)
$ 77,129 (4)
(1) Value shown represents the difference between the closing
market price of our shares of common stock on June 30, 2020 of $8.84 per share and the applicable exercise price of each grant.
(2) 50% of all unvested RSUs issued under the applicable equity
incentive plans vest upon a termination without cause under the terms of those plans.
(3) All unvested RSUs issued under the applicable equity incentive
plans vest upon a termination due to discharge.
(4) All unvested RSUs issued under the applicable equity incentive
plans vest upon a change in control under the terms of those plans.
Pension, Retirement or Similar Benefit Plans
We have no arrangements or plans, except
for those we are obligated to maintain pursuant to the Israeli law, under which we provide pension, retirement or similar benefits
for directors or executive officers. Our directors and executive officers may receive stock options, RSUs or restricted shares
at the discretion of our Board in the future.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
There were no grants of plan-based equity
awards made to our named executive officers during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.
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Outstanding Equity Awards
at the End of Fiscal Year 2020
The following table presents the outstanding
equity awards held as of June 30, 2020 by our named executive officers:
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Stock Awards
Name
Number of shares that have not vested (#)
Market value of shares that have not vested ($)
Zami Aberman
50,000 (1)
$ 442,000
32,500 (2)
$ 287,300
Yaky Yanay
50,000 (1)
$ 442,000
32,000 (3)
$ 282,880
Chen Franco-Yehuda
625 (4)
$ 5,525
1,850 (5)
$ 16,354
6,250 (6)
$ 55,250
(1) 50,000 RSUs vest in 4 equal installments of 12,500 on September 22, 2020 and every 3 months thereafter.
(2) 32,500 RSUs vest as follows:
a. 7,500 RSUs vest in 2 equal installments of 3,750 on September 19, 2020 and 3 months thereafter, and
b. 25,000 RSUs vest in 8 equal installments of 3,125 on March 19, 2021 and every 3 months thereafter.
(3) 32,500 RSUs vest as follows:
a. 7,000 RSUs vest in 2 equal installments of 3,500 on September 19, 2020 and 3 months thereafter, and
b. 25,000 RSUs vest in 8 equal installments of 3,125 on March 19, 2021 and every 3 months thereafter.
(4) 625 RSUs vest as follows:
a. 625 RSUs vest on June 14, 2021.
(5) 1,850 RSUs vest as follows:
a. 250 RSUs vest in 2 equal installments of 125 on September 19, 2020 and 3 months thereafter,
b. 1,000 RSUs vest in 8 equal installments of 125 on March 19, 2021 and every 3 months thereafter, and
c. 600 RSUs vest on December 19, 2022.
(6) 6,250 RSUs vest as follows:
a. 2,250 RSUs vest in 3 equal installments of 750 on September 28, 2020 and every 3 months thereafter, and
b. 4,000 RSUs vest as follows: 12.5% vest on June 28, 2021 and the remaining shares vest in 8 equal installments every 3 months
thereafter.
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Option Exercises and Stock
Vested Table
The following table presents the named executive
officers’ RSUs that vested during fiscal year 2020.
Stock Awards
Name
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)
Value Realized on Vesting ($)
Zami Aberman
65,000
255,888
Yaky Yanay
64,000
251,120
Chen Yehuda-Franco
5,175
25,738
Long-Term Incentive Plans-Awards in Last Fiscal Year
We have no long-term incentive plans, other
than the 2016 Equity Compensation Plan, or the 2016 Plan, and the 2019 Equity Compensation Plan, or the 2019 Plan, described in
Item 12 below.
Compensation of Directors
The following table provides information
regarding compensation earned by, awarded or paid to each person for serving as a director who is not an executive officer during
fiscal year 2020:
Name
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
($)
Stock-based Awards
($) (1)
Total
($)
Mark Germain
17,291
-
17,291
Nachum Rosman (2)
21,998
-
21,998
Doron Shorrer
22,479
-
22,479
Hava Meretzki (3)
19,233
-
19,233
Isaac Braun
20,630
-
20,630
Israel Ben-Yoram (2)
21,723
-
21,723
Moria Kwiat
20,105
-
20,105
(1) The fair value recognized for the stock-based awards was
determined as of the grant date in accordance with ASC 718. Assumptions used in the calculations for these amounts are included
in Note 2(l) to our consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2020 included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
(2) Effective as of June 29, 2020, and the result of the 2020
Annual Meeting, this director was not reappointed to serve on the Board.
(3) Ms. Meretzki was not re-nominated as a director nominee,
and therefore, effective as of June 29, 2020, Ms. Meretzki ceased to serve on the Board.
66
We reimburse our directors for expenses incurred in connection
with attending board meetings according to a written and Board approved policy. We provided the following compensation for directors:
annual cash compensation of $15,000; meeting participation fees of $935 per in-person meeting; and for meeting participation by
telephone, $435 per meeting. The Board has determined that the dollar rate would be not less than 4.25 NIS per dollar. On September
10, 2020, our Board, upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved the change of their current compensation components
to an annual fee of $35,000 and we will no longer pay additional payments based on meeting participation. In addition, members
of our Board of Director committees shall be compensated as follows (i) the Chairman of our Audit Committee shall receive an additional
annual fee of $10,000 and, in the event of an annual equity grant issued to directors, or an Annual Director Grant, an additional
10% of equity securities in addition to such grant, and each other member of the Audit Committee shall receive an additional annual
fee of $3,000 and, in the event of an Annual Director Grant, an additional 3% of equity securities in addition to such grant; (ii)
the Chairman of our Compensation Committee shall receive an additional annual fee of $4,000 and, in the event of an Annual Director
Grant, an additional 4% of equity securities in addition to such grant, and each other member of the Compensation Committee shall
receive an additional annual fee of $2,000 and, in the event of an Annual Director Grant, an additional 2% of equity securities
in addition to such grant; and (iii) the Chairman of our Nominating Committee shall receive an additional annual fee of $4,000
and, in the event of an Annual Director Grant, an additional 4% of equity securities in addition to such grant, and each other
member of the Nominating Committee shall receive an additional annual fee of $2,000 and, in the event of an Annual Director Grant,
an additional 2% of equity securities in addition to such grant.
On June 30, 2019, our Board, upon the recommendation
of our Compensation Committee, approved the reduction of the annual fees paid to each of our directors by 25% from their current
levels until the earlier of closing market capitalization on the Nasdaq Capital Market reaching $170 million; or (2) June 30, 2020.
On March 26 ,2020, the Board, upon the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, approved the reduction of the annual fee paid
to each director by an additional 25%, such that their annual fee was cut by 50%, until such time as the Company obtains better
clarity on the global impact of COVID-19. On May 7, 2020, the Board approved, effective May 1, 2020, a partial reinstatement of
the annual fee, paid monthly, to each non-executive director of the Company to 85% of such fee. In addition, effective June 1,
2020, the aforementioned compensation reductions no longer applied to the monthly fee of each director and their prior fees reverted
back to their prior levels. The non-executive directors, as a group, were also entitled to two and a half percent (2.5%) in cash
based on amounts received by us from non-diluting funding and strategic deals, as previously determined by the Board and/or the
Compensation Committee; effective September 10, 2020, the non-executive directors are no longer entitled to any such bonuses, however
in exceptional circumstances members of the Board may receive bonuses of up to $75,000 per year for extraordinary performance,
as well as discretionary bonuses in special circumstances as the Board or the Compensation Committee may decide. During fiscal
year 2020, we paid a total of $143,459 in cash to directors as compensation. This amount does not include compensation to Mr. Aberman
and Mr. Yanay in their capacity as directors, which is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal year 2020 above.
As of June 30, 2020, we have outstanding
grants to our non-executive directors aggregating 492,576 restricted shares and RSUs of which 365,861 were exercisable or vested,
as the case may be, as follows:
Name
Total of Options, restricted shares and RSUs Granted
Total of restricted shares and RSUs exercisable and vested
Mark Germain
80,646
51,179
Nachum Rosman (1)
83,596
51,812
Doron Shorrer
87,596
76,036
Hava Meretzki (2)
58,621
50,691
Isaac Braun
58,621
50,691
Israel Ben-Yoram (1)
87,746
58,545
Moria Kwiat
35,750
26,907
Total
492,576
365,861
(1) Effective as of June 29, 2020, and the result of the 2020
Annual Meeting, this director was not reappointed to serve on the Board.
(2) Ms. Meretzki was not re-nominated as a director nominee,
and therefore, effective as of June 29, 2020, Ms. Meretzki ceased to serve on the Board.
For all directors, the vesting of directors’
stock options, RSUs and restricted stock accelerates in the following circumstances: (1) if the director is not re-nominated to
serve on the Board or the director is not re-elected by stockholders at a special or annual meeting, this will result in the acceleration
of 100% of any unvested award and (2) the voluntary resignation of a director will result in the acceleration of 50% of any unvested
award. In addition, a change in control will result in the acceleration of 100% of any unvested award of our directors.
As a result of the voting outcome from the
2020 Annual Meeting, on June 30, 2020, unvested awards held by Messrs. Ben-Yoram and Rosman were accelerated on July 1, 2020 and
resulted in the vesting of 11,221 RSUs for Mr. Ben Yoram and 11,560 RSUs for Mr. Rosman.
Other than as described above, we have no
present formal plan for compensating our directors for their service in their capacity as directors. Directors are entitled to
reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of our
Board as per policy approved by our Compensation Committee. The Board may award special remuneration to any director undertaking
any special services on our behalf other than services ordinarily required of a director.
Other than indicated above, no director
received and/or accrued any compensation for his or her services as a director, including committee participation and/or special
assignments during fiscal year 2020.
67
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management and Related Stockholders Matters.
The following table sets forth certain
information, to the best knowledge and belief of the Company, as of September 4, 2020 (unless provided herein otherwise), with
respect to holdings of our common stock by (1) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the total
number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of such date; (2) each of our directors; (3) each of our named executive officers;
and (4) all of our directors and our executive officers as a group.
Unless otherwise
indicated, the address of each person listed below is c/o Pluristem Therapeutics Inc., MATAM Advanced Technology Park, Building
No. 5, Haifa, Israel, 3508409.
Name of Beneficial Owner
Beneficial Number of Shares(1)
Percentage
Directors and Named Executive Officers
Zami Aberman
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
446,005 (2)
1.7 %
Yaky Yanay
CEO, President and Director
373,098 (2)
1.5 %
Chen Franco-Yehuda
9,866
*
CFO
Isaac Braun
Director
61,845 (3)
*
Mark Germain
Director
52,781
*
Moria Kwiat
Director
33,606 (4)
*
Doron Shorrer
Director
80,516 (5)
*
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (7 persons)
1,269,686 (6)
5.0 %
5% Stockholders
Clover Wolf Capital – Limited Partnership
3,729,737 (7)
14.6 %
* = less than 1%
(1) Based on 25,554,668 shares of common stock issued and outstanding
as of September 4, 2020. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that the beneficial owners of the common stock listed above,
based on information furnished by such owners, have sole investment and voting power with respect to such shares, subject to community
property laws where applicable. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes
voting or investment power with respect to securities.
68
Shares of common stock subject to options, warrants or right
to purchase or through the conversion of a security currently exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible within
60 days, are reflected in the table above and are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of the
person holding such option or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any
other person.
(2) Includes a warrant to acquire up to 7,143 shares.
(3) Includes a warrant to acquire up to 5,000 shares.
(4) Includes a warrant to acquire up to 2,857 shares.
(5) Includes a warrant to acquire up to 1,429 shares.
(6) Includes warrants to acquire up to 30,715 shares.
(7) Based solely on information contained in Form 4 filed with
the SEC on August 3, 2020, and data provided by the holder. Clover Wolf Ltd. is the General Partner of Clover Wolf Capital –
Limited Partnership. Adi Wolf is the Managing Member and Chief Executive Officer of Clover Wolf Capital – Limited Partnership
and also the Chief Executive Officer of Clover Wolf Ltd. All investment decisions are made by Adi Wolf, and thus the power to
vote or direct the votes of these shares of Common Stock, as well as the power to dispose or direct the disposition of such shares
of Common Stock is held by Adi Wolf through Clover Wolf Capital – Limited Partnership and Clover Wolf Ltd. The address of
Clover Wolf Capital – Limited Partnership is 24 Bodenhimer Street, Tel Aviv, Israel 6200838.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
At our annual meeting of our stockholders
held on May 31, 2016, our stockholders approved the 2016 Plan. Under the 2016 Plan, options, restricted stock and RSUs may be granted
to our officers, directors, employees and consultants or the officers, directors, employees and consultants of our subsidiary.
Under the 2016 Plan, the plan administrator is authorized to grant awards to acquire shares of Common Stock, shares of restricted
stock and RSUs, in each calendar year, in a number not exceeding two and three-quarters percent (2.75%) of the number of shares
of our Common Stock issued and outstanding on a fully diluted basis on the immediately preceding December 31.
In addition, at our annual meeting of
our stockholders held on June 13, 2019, our stockholders approved the 2019 Plan. Under the 2019 Plan, options, restricted stock
and RSUs may be granted to our officers, directors, employees and consultants or the officers, directors, employees and consultants
of our subsidiary. Under the 2019 Plan, the plan administrator is authorized to grant options to acquire shares of common stock,
shares of Restricted Stock and RSUs in a number not exceeding 16% of the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the grant of such awards on a fully diluted basis.
The following table summarizes certain
information regarding our equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2020:
Plan Category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (2016 Plan and 2019 Plan)
Equity compensation plan approved by security holders
54,871
$ 0
5,256,387
69
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
and Director Independence.
Except for the arrangements described in
Item 11 no director, executive officer, principal shareholder holding at least 5% of our common shares, or any family member thereof,
had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction, or proposed transaction, during fiscal year 2020, in which the
amount involved in the transaction exceeded or exceeds $120,000.
The Board has determined that Doron Shorrer,
Isaac Braun, Moria Kwiat and Mark Germain are “independent” directors, as defined by the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq
rules and regulations.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The fees for services provided by Kost Forer
Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, to the Company in the last two fiscal years were as follows:
Twelve months ended on June 30,
2020
Twelve months ended on June 30,
2019
Audit Fees
$ 110,041
$ 172,014
Audit-Related Fees
None
None
Tax Fees
$ 27,072
$ 19,831
All Other Fees
None
$ 26,231
Total Fees
$ 137,113
$ 218,076
Audit Fees . These fees were comprised
of (i) professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements for our Annual Report
on Form 10-K and internal control over financial reporting, (ii) the review of our quarterly consolidated financial statements
for our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, (iii) audit services provided in connection with other regulatory or statutory fillings
and (iv) fees related to the offering we closed in April 2019 and with respect to the Sales Agreement.
Tax Fees. These fees relate to our tax compliance and
tax advisory projects.
All Other Fees . These fees were comprised of fees related
to assistance in preparation of IIA as well as other grant applications.
SEC rules require that before Kost Forer
Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, is 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.
The Audit Committee has considered the nature
and amount of fees billed by Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, and believes that the provision
of services for activities unrelated to the audit is compatible with maintaining Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer’s independence.
70
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits.
3.1
Composite Copy of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation as amended on July 2, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our registration statement on Form S-3 filed on July 16, 2020).
3.2
Composite Copy (marked) of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation as amended on July 2, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our registration statement on Form S-3 filed on July 16, 2020).
3.3*
Amended and Restated By-laws
as amended on September 10, 2020.
3.4*
Amended and Restated By-laws as
amended on September 10, 2020 (marked).
4.1
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated January 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our current report on Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2017).
4.2
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated April 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our current report on Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2019).
4.3*
Description of Securities.
10.1
Summary of Lease Agreement dated January 22, 2003, by and between Pluristem Ltd. and MTM – Scientific Industries Center Haifa Ltd., as supplemented on December 11, 2005, June 12, 2007 and July 19, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed September 12, 2011).
10.2
Summary of Supplement to the Lease Agreement by and between Pluristem Ltd. and MTM – Scientific Industries Center Haifa Ltd dated July 31, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 11, 2013).
10.3
Summary of Supplement to the Lease Agreement by and between Pluristem Ltd. and MTM – Scientific Industries Center Haifa Ltd dated December 31, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 11, 2013).
10.4
Summary of Supplement to the Lease Agreement by and between Pluristem Ltd. and MTM – Scientific Industries Center Haifa Ltd dated February 3, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2015).
10.5
Assignment Agreement dated May 15, 2007 between Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. and each of Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd., Shai Meretzki, Dr. Shoshana Merchav (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our current report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2007).
10.6
Assignment Agreement dated May 15, 2007 between Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. and Yeda Research and Development Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our current report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2007).
10.7
Exclusive License and Commercialization Agreement dated June 26, 2013, between Pluristem Ltd. and CHA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 11, 2013).
10.8*
Summary of Directors’ Ongoing Compensation. +
71
10.9
2016 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 4, 2016). +
10.10
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2016 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 7, 2016). +
10.11
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2016 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 7, 2016). +
10.12
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Israeli directors and officers) under the 2016 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 7, 2016). +
10.13
2019 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 25, 2019). +
10.14
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2019 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 12, 2019). +
10.15
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the 2019 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 12, 2019). +
10.16
Form
of Restricted Stock Agreement (Israeli directors and officers) under the 2019 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.21 of our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 12, 2019). +
10.17*
Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement between Pluristem Ltd. and Rose High Tech Ltd. dated September 10, 2020. +
10.18*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Pluristem Ltd. and Yaky Yanay dated September 10, 2020. +
10.19*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Pluristem Ltd. and Chen Franco-Yehuda dated September 10, 2020. +
10.20*^
Finance Contract between the European Investment Bank, as Lender, and Pluristem GmBH, as borrower, and Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. and Pluristem Ltd., as Original Guarantors, dated April 29, 2020.
10.21
Open Market Sales Agreement, dated July 16, 2020, between the Company and Jefferies LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of our registration statement on Form S-3 filed on July 16, 2020).
21.1*
List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
72
23.1*
Consent of Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, A member of Ernst & Young Global.
31.1*
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of Yaky Yanay.
31.2*
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of Chen Franco-Yehuda.
32.1**
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Yaky Yanay.
32.2**
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Chen Franco-Yehuda.
101 *
The following materials from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, (iv) the Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail.
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
+ Management contract or compensation plan.
^ Certain identified information in the exhibit has been
excluded from the exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to Pluristem if publicly
disclosed.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
73
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.
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.
By:
/s/ Yaky Yanay
Yaky Yanay, Chief Executive Officer and President
Dated: September 10, 2020
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.
By:
/s/ Yaky Yanay
Yaky Yanay, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Dated: September 10, 2020
By:
/s/ Chen Franco-Yehuda
Chen Franco-Yehuda, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Dated: September 10, 2020
By:
/s/ Zami Aberman
Zami Aberman, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dated: September 10, 2020
By:
/s/ Isaac Braun
Isaac Braun, Director
Dated: September 10, 2020
By:
/s/ Mark Germain
Mark Germain, Director
Dated: September 10, 2020
By:
/s/ Moria Kwiat
Moria Kwiat, Director
Dated: September 10, 2020
By:
/s/ Doron Shorrer
Doron Shorrer, Director
Dated: September 10, 2020
74
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