UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2024
☐
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: 001-36268
TNF
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
22-2983783
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
Number)
1185
Avenue of the Americas , Suite 249
New
York , NY
10036
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (856) 848-8698
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of Each Class:
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Shares
of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
TNF
The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer, “smaller
reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated
filer
☐
Non-accelerated
filer
☒
Smaller
reporting company
☒
Emerging
growth company
☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The
aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2024, based on
a closing price of $1.84, was $ 3.788 million.
As
of April 4, 2025, the registrant had 10,132,619 shares of its Common Stock, par value $ 0.001 per share, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None .
EXPLANATORY
NOTE
On
July 22, 2024, the Company changed its name from MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to TNF Pharmaceuticals, Inc. by filing a certificate of amendment
to its certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware. In addition, effective before the open of market trading
on July 24, 2024, the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”) ceased trading under the
ticker symbol “MYMD” and began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “TNFA.”
At
the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on July 31, 2023, the stockholders approved a plan to merge the Company with
and into a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary, MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MyMD Delaware”), with
MyMD Delaware being the surviving corporation, for the purpose of changing the Company’s state of incorporation from New Jersey
to Delaware (the “Reincorporation”). The Reincorporation was effected as of March 4, 2024. In connection with the Reincorporation
to Delaware, the par value of the Company’s Common Stock and preferred stock was changed to $0.001 per share.
MyMD
Delaware is deemed to be the successor issuer of MyMD New Jersey under Rule 12g-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The
Reincorporation did not result in any change in the Company’s name, business, management, fiscal year, accounting, location of
the principal executive offices, assets or liabilities. Holders of shares of the Company’s Common
Stock did not have to exchange their existing MyMD New Jersey stock certificates for MyMD Delaware stock certificates.
As
of the Effective Date of the Reincorporation, the rights of the Company’s stockholders are governed by the Delaware General Corporation
Law, the MyMD Delaware Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of MyMD Delaware.
On
February 14, 2024, the Company effected a 1-for-30 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”). Simultaneously with
the Reverse Stock Split, the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock authorized for issuance was reduced from
500,000,000 shares to 16,666,666 shares, and our authorized capital stock was reduced from 550,000,000 shares to 66,666,666 shares.
The Reverse Stock Split reduced the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, including shares held by the
Company as treasury shares. All share amounts have been retroactively adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split, unless stated
otherwise.
On
July 25, 2024, the Company increased the number of authorized shares of the Company’s Common Stock from 16,666,666 to 250,000,000
and made a corresponding change to the number of authorized shares of the Company’s capital stock by filing a Certificate of Amendment
to its Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Share Increase”). The Share
Increase was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the Company’s special meeting of stockholders held on July 24, 2024.
See
Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART I
Item
1.
Business
5
Item
1A.
Risk Factors
29
Item
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
59
Item
1C.
Cybersecurity
59
Item
2.
Properties
59
Item
3.
Legal Proceedings
59
Item
4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
59
PART II
Item
5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
60
Item
6.
Reserved
60
Item
7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
60
Item
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
76
Item
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
76
Item
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
76
Item
9A.
Controls and Procedures
76
Item
9B.
Other Information
77
Item
9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
77
PART III
Item
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
78
Item
11.
Executive Compensation
84
Item
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
97
Item
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
100
Item
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
102
PART IV
Item
15.
Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules
103
Item
16.
Form 10-K Summary
103
2
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) and the documents we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(which we refer to herein as the “SEC”) that are incorporated by reference herein contain “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “anticipates,” “assumes,” “believes,”
“can,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “future,”
“guides,” “intends,” “is confident that,”, “may,” “plans,” “seeks,”
“projects,” “targets,” and “would” or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms
or comparable terminology. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance or condition and involve known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievement
to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
Examples
of forward-looking statements in this Annual Report and our other SEC filings include, but are not limited to, our expectations regarding
our business strategy, business prospects, operating results, operating expenses, working capital, liquidity and capital expenditure
requirements. These statements are based on our management’s expectations, beliefs and assumptions concerning future events affecting
us, which in turn are based on currently available information and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual outcomes and results to differ materially. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated
by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth under “Risk Factors”
in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which discussions are incorporated herein by reference.
These
risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
●
fluctuation
and volatility in the market price of our Common Stock due to market and industry factors, as well as general economic, political
and market conditions;
●
the
impact of dilution on our stockholders;
●
the impact of our ability to meet the continued listing requirements of
the Nasdaq Capital Market;
●
the
availability of and our ability to continue to obtain sufficient funding to conduct planned research and development efforts and
realize potential profits;
●
our
ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates, including Isomyosamine (formerly named MYMD-1), Supera-CBD and other future product candidates;
●
the
impact of the complexity of the regulatory landscape on our ability to seek and obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates,
both within and outside of the U.S.;
●
the
required investment of substantial time, resources and effort for successful clinical development and marketization of our product
candidates;
●
challenges
we may face with maintaining regulatory approval, if achieved;
●
the
potential impact of changes in the legal and regulatory landscape, both within and outside of the U.S.;
●
the
impact of potential future public health emergencies on the administration, funding and policies of regulatory authorities,
both within and outside of the U.S.;
●
our
dependence on third parties to conduct pre-clinical and clinical trials and manufacture our product candidates;
3
●
the
impact of potential future public health emergencies on our results of operations, business plan and
the global economy;
●
challenges
we may face with respect to our product candidates achieving market acceptance by providers, patients, patient advocacy groups, third
party payors and the general medical community;
●
the
impact of pricing, insurance coverage and reimbursement status of our product candidates;
●
emerging
competition and rapidly advancing technology in our industry;
●
our
ability to obtain, maintain and protect our trade secrets or other proprietary rights, operate without infringing upon the proprietary
rights of others and prevent others from infringing on its proprietary rights;
●
our
ability to maintain adequate cyber security and information systems;
●
our
ability to achieve the expected benefits and costs of the transactions related to the acquisition of Supera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(“Supera”);
●
our
ability to effectively execute and deliver our plans related to commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy;
●
challenges
we may face in identifying, acquiring and operating new business opportunities;
●
our
ability to retain and attract senior management and other key employees;
●
our
ability to quickly and effectively respond to new technological developments;
●
changes
in political, economic or regulatory conditions generally and in the markets in which we operate;
●
changes
in the market acceptance of our products and services;
●
our
compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations applicable to our business and drug product candidates;
●
risks
of mergers and acquisitions including the time and cost of implementing transactions and the potential failure to achieve expected
gains, revenue growth or expense savings;
●
other
risks, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report.
We
operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for us to predict
all those risks, nor can we assess the impact of all of those risks on our business or the extent to which any factor may cause actual
results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC are based on assumptions management believes are reasonable. However, due to the uncertainties
associated with forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Further, forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date they are made, and unless required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to
publicly update any of them in light of new information, future events, or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking
statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements
contained throughout this Annual Report and the documents we have filed with the SEC.
4
PART
I
Item
1. Business.
TNF
is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to extending healthy lifespan. TNF is focused on developing and commercializing
two therapeutic platforms based on well-defined therapeutic targets, Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD:
●
Isomyosamine is a clinical stage small
molecule that regulates the immunometabolic system to treat autoimmune disease, including (but not limited to) sarcopenia, frailty, adverse
effects of drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The first indication for which
Isomyosamine is being developed is to treat age-related frailty and sarcopenia. Isomyosamine works by regulating the release of numerous
pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, interleukin 6 (“IL-6”) and interleukin 17 (“IL-17”) .
●
Supera-CBD
is a synthetic analog of CBD being developed to treat various conditions, including, but not limited to, epilepsy, pain and anxiety/depression,
through its effects on the CB2 receptor, opioid receptors and monoamine oxidase enzyme (“MAO”) type B.
The
rights to Supera-CBD TM were previously owned by Supera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Supera”) and were acquired by MyMD
Florida (as defined below) immediately prior to the closing of the Merger (as defined below) that occurred in 2021.
TNF
Background and Corporate History
TNF
was organized under the laws of the State of Florida in November 2014 for the purpose of developing and commercializing certain
technology and patent rights relating to Isomyosamine that were developed and/or held by the company’s founder, Jonnie R.
Williams, Sr. The Company’s sole initial stockholder was The Starwood Trust, a trust for which Mr. Williams is the
settlor/grantor. During the period from November 2014 through November 2016, TNF was primarily focused on drug discovery and
establishing its patent position through SRQ Patent Holdings, an entity affiliated with Mr. Williams. In November 2016, SRQ Patent
Holdings assigned to the Company all the patent rights and other intellectual property relating to Isomyosamine pursuant to an
agreement under which the Company granted to SRQ Patent Holdings a royalty based on product sales and other revenue arising from the
assigned intellectual property (as further described below).
During
the period 2016 through October of 2020, the Company’s principal business activities consisted of the execution and completion
of in vitro assays, in vivo pre-clinical animal studies, and genotoxicity and toxicology studies relating to Isomyosamine (as
further described below). On June 25, 2019, the Company commenced a Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers for pharmacokinetics and tolerability
studies, and in December of 2019, the Company filed an IND for Isomyosamine for treatment of Hashimoto thyroiditis. The Phase 1 trial was completed
on January 30, 2020, after which the Company commenced preparation of a Phase 2 clinical trial for Isomyosamine. The Company has also commenced
a Phase 2 clinical trial for patients with sarcopenia, with dosing that began in the first quarter of 2022. The last patient visit took
place on June 6, 2023.
Additionally, the Company together with h Charles River Laboratories has conducted a study titled “A 13 Week
Electroencephalogram Safety Study of MYMD-1 by Oral Gavage Administration in Beagle Dog.” Analysis and reporting were completed
in December 2024 and the results have been favorably received by the FDA.
2021
Merger and Corporate Transactions
On
April 16, 2021, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated November 11, 2020 (as subsequently amended, the
“Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, previously known as Akers Biosciences, Inc., XYZ Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and MyMD Pharmaceuticals (Florida), Inc., a Florida corporation previously known
as MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“MyMD Florida”), Merger Sub was merged with and into MyMD Florida, with MyMD Florida continuing
after the merger as the surviving entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). The Merger consideration
included potential milestone payments to the pre-Merger MyMD Florida stockholders (the “Milestone Payments”) payable in shares
of the Company’s Common Stock upon the achievement of certain market capitalization milestone events during the 36-month period
immediately following the closing of the Merger (the “Milestone Period”). On April 16, 2024, the Milestone Period expired and accordingly, the pre-Merger
MyMD Florida stockholders are no longer entitled to any potential Milestone Payments pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
On
November 11, 2020, in connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, MyMD Florida entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with
Supera, pursuant to which, MyMD Florida agreed to acquire from Supera substantially all of the assets (including all rights to
Supera-CBD) and certain obligations of Supera in consideration of the issuance of an aggregate of 13,096,640 shares of MyMD Florida
Common Stock to Supera. As partial consideration for such an assignment, Supera granted to SRQ Patent Holdings II, LLC a royalty
with respect to product sales and other consideration arising from the assigned intellectual property.
The
Company previously owned, through its subsidiary Cystron Biotech, LLC (“Cystron”), an exclusive license from Premas
Biotech PVT Ltd. (“Premas”) with respect to Premas’ vaccine platform for the development of a vaccine against
COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections. On April 16, 2021, pursuant to a Contribution and Assignment Agreement, dated March 18,
2021 (the “Contribution Agreement”) by and among the Company, Cystron, Oravax Medical, Inc. (“Oravax”) and,
for the limited purpose set forth therein, Premas, the Company caused Cystron to contribute substantially all of the assets
associated with its business of developing and manufacturing Cystron’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate to Oravax (the “Contribution Transaction”). Oravax is
pursuing the development of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The Company’s interest in Oravax consists of 13% of Oravax’s
outstanding shares of capital stock and the rights to a 2.5% royalty on all future net sales. The Company has evaluated several
options with respect to its interest in Oravax, including a potential distribution of Oravax shares to the Company’s
stockholders. This would make Oravax a publicly held company. In addition, TNF currently has the right to designate a member of the
board of directors of Oravax, pursuant to which Mr. Joshua Silverman, our Chairman of the Board, has been designated to serve as a
director of Oravax.
5
Reincorporation and Name Change
On
July 22, 2024, the Company changed its name from MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to TNF Pharmaceuticals, Inc. by filing a certificate of amendment
to its certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware. In addition, effective before the open of market trading
on July 24, 2024, the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”) ceased trading under the
ticker symbol “MYMD” and began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “TNFA.”
At
the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on July 31, 2023, the stockholders approved a plan to merge the Company with
and into a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary, MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MyMD Delaware”), with
MyMD Delaware being the surviving corporation, for the purpose of changing the Company’s state of incorporation from New Jersey
to Delaware (the “Reincorporation”). The Reincorporation was effected as of March 4, 2024. In connection with the Reincorporation
to Delaware, the par value of the Company’s Common Stock and preferred stock was changed to $0.001 per share.
MyMD
Delaware is deemed to be the successor issuer of MyMD New Jersey under Rule 12g-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The
Reincorporation did not result in any change in the Company’s name, business, management, fiscal year, accounting, location of
the principal executive offices, assets or liabilities. Holders of shares of the Company’s Common
Stock did not have to exchange their existing MyMD New Jersey stock certificates for MyMD Delaware stock certificates.
As
of the Effective Date of the Reincorporation, the rights of the Company’s stockholders are governed by the Delaware General Corporation
Law, the MyMD Delaware Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of MyMD Delaware.
Drug
Development
TNF is developing two platform drugs targeting numerous disease indications. Below is TNF’s development pipeline:
6
Strategy
TNF’s
strategy is to focus on extending healthy life span through the development and commercialization of novel drug platforms based on well-defined
therapeutic targets. Below are TNF’s key clinical strategies:
●
Completed
a 28-day Phase 2 clinical trial in sarcopenia (i.e., age-related muscle loss) in the second quarter of 2023, which showed safety and tolerability of Isomyosamine at clinically effective
doses;
●
Initiated a 90-day Phase 2 clinical trial in sarcopenia to evaluate improvement
in clinical outcomes in older sarcopenic patients who have sustained a hip or femur fracture;
●
Advance Isomyosamine into Phase 2 clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis
and deleterious effects of drugs (GLP-1 agonists) used in patients with Type II diabetes to assist in weight loss;
●
Execute
on IND-enabling studies of Supera-CBD to enable submission of an IND for a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers followed
by Phase 2 clinical trials in epilepsy, addiction and anxiety disorders;
●
Identify
and validate additional novel targets and utilize translational platforms to develop a pipeline of product candidates for aging and
other autoimmune disease;
●
Maintain
broad commercial rights to TNF’s product candidates; and
●
Continue
to strengthen and expand TNF’s intellectual property portfolio.
ISOMYOSAMINE
Overview
Isomyosamine is a clinical stage
drug that targets the immune system by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α. Cytokines are a broad
category of molecules involved in immune system coordination(“Immunometabolic regulation”). By affecting the initial triggers
that drive autoimmunity, Isomyosamine targets the underlying cause of these diseases rather than just their symptoms. TNF has completed
a 28-day Phase 2 clinical trial for sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) that showed safety and tolerability at clinically meaningful
doses, without dose-limiting side effects or immunosuppression. TNF has initiated a Phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate clinical outcome
improvements in sarcopenic patients who have sustained a hip or femur fracture. TNF has an active IND with the Endocrinology Division
at the FDA for other autoimmune diseases. Studies have been completed on the mechanisms of action and efficacy of Isomyosamine in several
pre-clinical models of autoimmune diseases (i.e., experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (“EAE”) that models multiple sclerosis
and autoimmune thyroiditis), and these studies have been published in peer reviewed journals. TNF plans to pursue these indications.
Isomyosamine : A TNF- a
inhibitor without immunosuppressive liability
Inflammation, activated through
the release of TNF-α and other cytokines, is the body’s normal physiological defense against infections and pathogens, and
under normal circumstances such inflammation quickly resolves once the intruder is neutralized. However, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory
cytokines, including TNF-α, can lead to prolonged, chronic inflammation, which is closely linked to autoimmune diseases (such as
multiple sclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis) and aging (i.e., inflamm-aging) as well as cardiovascular disease and cancers, all
of which may result in reduced health span (the period of life spent in good health).
The goal of Isomyosamine is to
target immune cells that overproduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, without preventing normal immune cell function.
TNF-α is a cytokine that is released by immune cells that plays a key role in acute and chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases
and aging.
Isomyosamine is a novel small
molecule orally available “immunometabolic” regulator that has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo activity to
regulate the release of multiple cytokines from immune cells, including TNF-α. Isomyosamine is being developed to treat chronic
inflammatory diseases, with the initial priority of complications of sarcopenia and frailty, which together affect more than 1,000,000
patients in the US.
7
Isomyosamine
Regulates Multiple Cytokines
TNF
conducted an in vitro study to demonstrate that Isomyosamine regulates a broad range of cytokines, including TNF-α, interferon gamma
(INFγ) and interleukins, including interleukin 2 (“IL-2”) and IL-17A. By blocking these cytokines that have been shown
to play key roles in the development and maintenance of autoimmune diseases, Isomyosamine treats the causes—and not just the symptoms—of
this class of illnesses.
Figure
1. Isomyosamine modulates the release of a broad spectrum of cytokines.
8
An
additional in vitro study demonstrates that Isomyosamine has broad cytokine inhibiting activity including inhibition of TNF-α,
IL-16 and IL-17a. The study also suggested Isomyosamine has limited toxicity, even at high doses, and none up to 2,000 micromoles.
In
an in vivo study (NOD.H2 mouse model), Isomyosamine decreased serum levels of TNF-α and INFγ.
Figure
2. Isomyosamine decreases the serum levels TNF-α and IFN-g in NOD.H-2h4 mice. NOD.H-2h4 mice were treated with either regular water or
iodinated water (500 mg/l of sodium iodide), and each group was treated or not treated with Isomyosamine (185 mg/l). Cytokines were measured
at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment using a multiplex magnetic bead array. (A and B) Isomyosamine significantly decreased serum
TNF-α levels in the regular water group and tended to decrease it in the iodinated water group. (C and D) Isomyosamine showed a modest
effect on serum IFN-g in the iodinated water group. The results are from three independent experiments. Statistical comparisons were made
by longitudinal data analysis with generalized estimating equations.
9
Isomyosamine
Targets Autoimmune Diseases
Isomyosamine
is designed to regulate the immunometabolic system and intended for development as a potential treatment for certain autoimmune diseases,
including (but not limited to) multiple sclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and/or inflammatory bowel disease. Isomyosamine is also
being developed to treat age-related illnesses such as frailty and sarcopenia. Autoimmune diseases are a broad category of diseases that
result from an overactive immune response, where immunometabolic system dysregulation is believed to play an important role. A healthy
immune system defends the body against disease and infection. If the immune system malfunctions, it can mistakenly attack healthy cells,
tissues, and organs. In response to an often-unknown trigger, the immune system starts producing antibodies that attack the body’s
own cells instead of fighting infections.
TNF-α,
produced primarily by specific white blood cells, belongs to a category of proteins called cytokines that act as chemical messengers
throughout the body to regulate many aspects of the immune system. Other key cytokines include IL-6, IL-17A, interleukin 10 (“IL-10”)
and Interferon gamma (“INFγ”). Cytokines are essential to mounting an inflammatory response. However, chronic or excessive
production of cytokines has been implicated in a number of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
A
number of drugs target the immunometabolic system to treat autoimmune diseases, including DMF (approved for the treatment of multiple
sclerosis) and Rapamycin (being studied in aging, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases). Additional therapies for autoimmune
diseases include anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressive agents including drugs that non-selectively inhibit or block TNF-α
(generally referred to as “TNF-α blocking drugs”). Currently available TNF-α blocking drugs must be injected
or infused to work. In some instances, the efficacy of a given dosage of TNF-α blockers declines with repeated administration,
and side effects can also be a concern. These non-selective TNF-α blockers can cause serious bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
Isomyosamine is a selective, oral TNF-α inhibitor that might provide a safer alternative to existing products on the market. The global
market for TNF-α blockers was estimated at $41.6 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $45.5 billion by 2027.
An
in vitro study involving human blood cells analyzed the cytokine inhibitory effects of Isomyosamine together with leading approved TNF-α
blockers (monoclonal antibodies).
Figure
3. Comparison of inhibitory effect of Isomyosamine with other TNF-α blockers. Isomyosamine exhibits a dose-dependent reduction in release of
several cytokine more effectively than Humira, Enbrel and Remicade.
We
believe Isomyosamine is distinguishable from currently marketed TNF-α blockers because it selectively blocks TNF-α production related
to adaptive immunity (involved in autoimmunity) but spares the role of this cytokine in innate immunity (which plays a primary protective
role in fighting off invading organisms). Because of the crucial role that TNF-α plays in front line protection by the innate immune
system (e.g., from bacterial, fungal, and viral infections), the indiscriminate blockade of TNF-α by TNF-α blocking agents
can cause serious and even fatal infections, which is one of the primary limiting factors in the use of this class of drugs. Based on
our belief regarding the selectivity of Isomyosamine in blocking TNF-α, therefore, we intend to explore the extent to which Isomyosamine may
be a safer alternative to treat infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions, as well as its potential to ameliorate immune mediated
depression in such illnesses.
10
Pre-Clinical
Study of Isomyosamine in Multiple Sclerosis Study (EAE Mouse Model)
Multiple
sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which T cells lead an attack on oligodendrocytes and neurons. Multiple sclerosis is the leading
neurological cause of disability in adults aged 30–50, and approximately one million people in the United States are affected with
this debilitating disease. T cells are one of the major components of the adaptive immune system. Their roles include directly killing
infected host cells, activating other immune cells, producing cytokines and regulating the immune response. When naïve, undifferentiated
T cells become activated, they differentiate and acquire effector functions that can be delineated by the cytokines they secrete.
Preliminary
in vivo studies of the therapeutic efficacy of Isomyosamine in the animal model for multiple sclerosis, known as EAE, indicate that
Isomyosamine modulates autoreactive T cell activation in a dose-dependent manner, suppresses T cell activation and ameliorates the course of
EAE. Further EAE mouse studies suggest that Isomyosamine suppresses the influx of CD4+ T cells into the brain.
Figure
4. Effects of Isomyosamine on the influx of T cells into the CNS early in EAE. To assess the effects of Isomyosamine on the infiltration of T cells
into the CNS, mice were immunized and treated with either vehicle control or 25 mg/mouse/day Isomyosamine. Ten to 14 days later, mice were
perfused and brains collected for analysis. Infiltration was determined by flow cytometry. Analysis of Th1 and Th17 subsets are shown;
data compiled from 2 to 3 experiments, n > 3/group per experiment). Student’s t-test was conducted for statistics.
Isomyosamine
In Vivo Study of Autoimmune Thyroiditis (NODH.2 Mouse Model)
Thyroiditis
or Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid gland. It has been shown that
tobacco smoking has a protective effect against Hashimoto thyroiditis as tobacco smokers have a lower prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies
than non-smokers.
TNF
conducted an in vivo study of autoimmune thyroiditis in a spontaneous thyroiditis (NODH.2) mouse model. We believe the results
of this study show Isomyosamine’s ability to suppress TNF-α production by CD-4+ T cells in a dose dependent manner. Additionally,
the study reported that Isomyosamine statistically decreases the incidence and severity (p <0.001) of thyroiditis in this mouse model. Pre-clinical
studies have demonstrated that Isomyosamine ameliorated autoimmune thyroiditis in the thyroiditis mouse model.
11
Figure
5. Isomyosamine decreases the incidence and severity of autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD.H-2h4 mice, as assessed by H&E histopathology. At
8 weeks old, 58 NOD.H-2h4 mice were divided into regular water and iodinated water groups. In the regular water group, 10 mice (7 M,
3 F) drank water that contained Isomyosamine (185 mg/l), and 16 mice (10 M, 6 F) drank water without it. In the iodinated water group, the
water was supplemented with 500 mg/l of sodium iodide and contained (16 mice: 10 M, 6 F) or did not contain (16 mice: 10 M, 6 F) Isomyosamine
(185 mg/l). After 12 weeks of treatment, thyroids were removed and divided in half. (A and B) Thyroiditis severity and incidence assessed
by histopathology in the regular water group. (C) A representative thyroid from a mouse in the regular water group, showing a severity
score of 2. (D) A representative thyroid from a mouse in the regular water group treated with Isomyosamine, showing thyroid follicle preservation
and an overall normal glandular size (severity score of 0). (E and F) Thyroiditis incidence and severity scores assessed by histopathology
in the iodinated water group. (G) A representative thyroid from a mouse in the iodine group, showing marked lymphocytic infiltration,
follicular enlargement, and architectural disruption (severity score of 4). (H) A representative thyroid from a mouse in the iodine plus
Isomyosamine group (severity score of 2). Results represent the summary of 10 independent experiments, each analyzing 4 to 6 mice, for a total
of 58 mice.
Isomyosamine
Targets Inflamm-Aging and Related Disorders
Aging
is associated with a loss of tight regulation of the immune system. This leads to increased inflammatory activity in the body, including
increased circulating levels of TNF-α. Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of aging, referred to as inflamm-aging. Inflamm-aging
and chronic inflammation are closely linked to a number of disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular
diseases, and cancers. TNF-α is a multifunctional pro-inflammatory cytokine which may play a part in the pathogenesis of certain
age-related disorders such as atherosclerosis. A multi-year pre-clinical, proof of concept in vivo study in aging and longevity
confirmed our belief regarding Isomyosamine’s potential therapeutic effect on inflamm-aging and other age-related disorders, which
we intend to explore further in clinical trials, pending our submission, and the corresponding acceptance, of the requisite regulatory
and other relevant submissions.
Isomyosamine
Commercialization Targets
Isomyosamine
is being developed to address serious and debilitating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including sarcopenia, frailty resulting
from aging process, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2020, there were approximately 54 million
U.S. residents over 65 years of age, representing 16% of the U.S. population. This figure is expected to increase to nearly 22% by the
year 2040. 1 The Arthritis Foundation estimates that approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. have RA. 2
Supera-CBD
Supera-CBD
is a synthetic small molecule that is an analog of naturally grown CBD derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Supera-CBD is being developed
to treat conditions with which CBD is often anecdotally associated but for which no natural or synthetic CBD-containing drugs have been
approved by the FDA, such as pain, anxiety/depression and seizures from epilepsy. While naturally grown CBD is a constituent of Cannabis
sativa, Supera-CBD is a synthetic analog of CBD, thus eliminating potential complications associated with the psychoactive effects of
Tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), which is also a constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant. Studies have suggested that CBD may
have broad therapeutic properties, including the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
1
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2020 Profile of Older Americans. May 2021 Page 3.
2
The Arthritis Foundation. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and More.
12
Overview
General
Pharmacology and Therapeutic Profile
CBD
inhibits a number of important receptors, including the CB2 receptor and opioid receptors, and can also inhibit MAO enzymes. In the immune
system, one of the important functions of the CB2 receptor is in the regulation of cytokine release from immune cells. Antagonists targeting
the CB2 receptor have been proposed for the treatment or management of a range of painful conditions as well as for treating several
neurological diseases. The Company conducted an in vitro binding assay study to analyze the CB2 inhibition of Supera-CBD together
with that of CBD derived from naturally grown plants.
Opioid
receptors are widely expressed in the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and digestive tract. TNF conducted an in vitro binding
analysis of Supera-CBD with the three types of opioid receptors. The profile suggests that Supera-CBD could possibly play a role in treating
opioid addiction.
13
MAOs
are enzymes involved in the catabolism, or digestion, of certain neurotransmitters. TNF conducted an in vitro MAO inhibition study.
In this study, Supera-CBD and commercial CBD were analyzed against positive and negative controls. In this study, Supera-CBD far exceeded
CBD in dose-dependent inhibition of MAOs, particularly MAO-B. Drugs that inhibit MAOs have been commercially used for decades to treat
depression, and more recent studies have suggested MAO-B inhibiting drugs might have a role to play in treating cognitive decline in
aging.
Supera-CBD
Early-Stage Plans for Development and Potential Commercialization Targets
Supera-CBD
is in early-stage development for pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. There are currently a number of over-the-counter CBD products
marketed with unapproved therapeutic claims relating to these conditions, among other conditions. While there are a substantial
number of such products on the market that have not been subject to regulatory enforcement action, the FDA has consistently
reiterated, in guidance and warning letters against a number of the companies marketing such CBD products for such uses, that CBD
products may not be lawfully marketed for therapeutic uses in the United States without first-obtaining FDA approval via the NDA
process. CBD product sales in the US reportedly reached $5.3 billion in 2021, 15% growth over 2020 sales, and are projected to reach
$16 billion by 2026. 3 TNF believes that if Supera-CBD is approved by the FDA, it may have competitive advantages over
currently marketed CBD products that have not been approved by FDA as drug products, as approved drugs must undergo rigorous
premarket study and generate results sufficient to support a finding that they are safe and effective for their intended use(s) and
remain subject to ongoing FDA post market regulation, which provides additional assurances relating to quality, consistency and
safety.
Currently,
there is one FDA-approved drug with plant-derived CBD as an active ingredient. FDA subsequently approved three other cannabinoid-containing
drugs, two of which utilize synthetic cannabinoids analogous or similar to THC as the active ingredient and the other, a combination
of synthetic CBD and THC. Epidiolex is being commercialized by GW Pharmaceuticals, plc (“GWPH”) to treat seizures associated
with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients two years of age and older. The reported revenues from Epidiolex in fiscal
year 2019 were approximately $296 million. The Company believes that, by utilizing synthetic, rather than naturally derived, CBD in Supera-CBD
may mitigate a number of obstacles generally associated with growing and processing an active drug ingredient produced from naturally
grown plant extracts.
On
March 2, 2023, we announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has conducted a scientific review and determined that
it would not Supera-CBD a controlled substance or listed chemical under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and its governing regulations.
We believe that this decision will expedite future research involving Supera-CBD by relieving us or our research partners from having
to comply with regulations relating to controlled substances.
3
Benzinga: US Hemp CBD Market To Hit $5.3B In Sales In 2021.
14
Sales
and Marketing
TNF
does not currently have sales and marketing infrastructure to support the launch of its products. TNF intends to build such capabilities
in North America prior to launch the commercial Isomyosamine, if successfully developed and granted the requisite FDA approval. Outside of
North America, TNF may rely on licensing, co-sale and co-promotion agreements with strategic partners for commercialization of its products.
If TNF builds a commercial infrastructure to support marketing in North America, such commercial infrastructure could be expected to
include a targeted sales force supported by sales management, internal sales support, an internal marketing group and distribution support.
To develop the appropriate commercial infrastructure internally, TNF would have to invest financial and management resources, some of
which would have to be deployed prior to any confirmation that Isomyosamine or Supera-CBD will be approved, which cannot be guaranteed.
Competition
The
biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid evolution of technologies, fierce competition and vigorous
defense of intellectual property. Any product candidates that TNF successfully develops and commercializes will have to compete with
existing and future new therapies. While TNF believes that its drug candidates, development experience and scientific knowledge may provide
it with certain competitive advantages, TNF faces potential competition from many different sources, including major pharmaceutical,
specialty pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, governmental agencies, and public and private research institutions.
Existing
therapies for autoimmune diseases include anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressive agents, including drugs that seek to selectively
inhibit or block TNF-α (generally referred to as “TNF-α blocking drugs”). TNF-α blocking drugs are large
molecules that are generally injected or infused. In some instances, the period of efficacy of a given dosage of TNF-α blockers
can decline with repeated administration and side effects can be a concern. Leading TNF-α blocking drugs include Etanercept (Enbrel),
Infliximab (Remicade), and Adalimumab (Humira). The total TNF-α market collectively represented approximately $41 billion in global
sales in 2022. 4 All of these existing TNF-α blocking drugs require injection, whereas Isomyosamine is being developed to be
orally bioavailable. Our management believes patients and providers would view the fact that Isomyosamine can be administered orally as a significant
advantage.
Unlike
currently marketed TNF-α blockers, Isomyosamine is designed to selectively block TNF-α production related to adaptive immunity
(involved in autoimmunity) but to spare the role of this cytokine in innate immunity (which plays the primary initial role in fighting
off invading organisms). Because of the crucial role that TNF-α plays in front line protection by the innate immune system from
bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, the indiscriminate blockade of TNF-α by TNF-α blocking agents can cause serious
and even fatal infections, which is the primary limiting factor in the use of this class of drugs. TNF thus believes that, if Isomyosamine
is approved for marketing, the potential selectivity of Isomyosamine in blocking TNF-α might make it a preferrable alternative to some
existing treatments for infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions, as well as simultaneously resulting in amelioration of immune
mediated depression in such illnesses if it is also approved for such indication.
4
https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/tnf-alpha-inhibitor-global-market-report
15
Intellectual
Property
TNF’s
policy is to develop and maintain TNF’s proprietary position by, among other methods, filing or in-licensing U.S. and foreign patents
and applications related to TNF’s drug candidates and methods of treatment that are material to the development and implementation
of TNF’s business. TNF also relies on trademarks, know-how, confidentiality agreements and invention assignment agreements to develop
and maintain TNF’s proprietary position.
TNF’s
patent portfolio includes protection for TNF’s lead product candidates, Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD. Currently, there are multiple patent
families relating to (i) age reversal and treatments of age-related disorders including sarcopenia; (ii) reduction of TNF-α levels
and treatments of autoimmune disorders; (iii) addiction treatments; and (iv) methods of increasing hair growth. As of the date of this
document, TNF has 18 issued U.S. patents, one pending U.S. patent application, 69 issued foreign patents, and 5 foreign patent applications
pending in such jurisdictions as Canada, China, Israel, and Japan which, if issued, are expected
to expire between 2036 and 2041.
The
term of individual patents depends upon the legal term of the patents in the countries in which they are obtained. In most countries
in which TNF files, the patent term is 20 years from the date of filing of the first non-provisional application in which priority is
claimed. In the U.S. patent term may be lengthened by patent term adjustment, which compensates a patentee for administrative delays
by the USPTO in granting a patent or may be shortened if a patent is terminally disclaimed over an earlier-filed patent. In the U.S.,
the term of a patent that covers an FDA-approved drug may also be eligible for a patent term extension of up to five years under the
Hatch-Waxman Act, which is designed to compensate for the patent term lost during the FDA regulatory review process. The length of the
patent term extension involves a complex calculation based on the length of time it takes for regulatory review. A patent term extension
under the Hatch-Waxman Act cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval
and only one patent applicable to an approved drug may be extended. Moreover, a patent can only be extended once, and thus, if a single
patent is applicable to multiple products, it can only be extended based on one product. Similar provisions are available in Europe and
certain other foreign jurisdictions to extend the term of a patent that covers an approved drug.
TNF’s
commercial success depends in part on its ability to obtain and maintain proprietary protection for TNF’s product candidates, as
well as novel discoveries, core technologies, and know-how, as well as its ability to operate without infringing on the proprietary rights
of others and to prevent others from infringing its proprietary rights.
Assignment
and Royalty Agreements
TNF
is a party to two Amended and Restated Confirmatory Patent Assignment and Royalty Agreements, both dated November 11, 2020, with SRQ
Patent Holdings and SRQ Patent Holdings II, under which TNF (or its successor) will be obligated to pay to SRQ Patent Holdings or SRQ
Patent Holdings II (or its designees) certain royalties on product sales or other revenue received on products that incorporate or are
covered by the intellectual property that was assigned to TNF. The royalty is equal to 8% of the net sales price on product sales and,
without duplication, 8% of milestone revenue or sublicense compensation. SRQ Patent Holdings and SRQ Patent Holdings II are affiliates
of Mr. Williams.
Government
Regulation
Government
authorities in the U.S. at the federal, state, and local level and in other countries regulate, among other things, the research, development,
testing, manufacture, quality control, approval, labeling, packaging, storage, record-keeping, promotion, advertising, distribution,
post-approval monitoring and reporting, marketing and export and import of drugs and biological products. Generally, before a new drug
can be marketed, considerable data demonstrating its quality, safety, and efficacy in connection with the target indication(s) for use
must be obtained, organized into a format specific for each regulatory authority, submitted for review and approved by the regulatory
authority.
FDA
Approval Process
In
the U.S., pharmaceutical products are subject to extensive regulation under the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”) and the FDA’s implementing regulations
and other federal and state statutes and regulations governing, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture,
storage, recordkeeping, approval, labeling, promotion and marketing, distribution, post-approval monitoring and reporting, sampling and
import and export of pharmaceutical products. Failure to comply with applicable U.S. requirements may subject a company to a variety
enforcement actions and/or administrative or judicial sanctions, including, but not limited to clinical holds, FDA refusal to approve
NDA submissions and/or revocation or limitation of existing NDAs for approved products, warning or untitled letters, product recalls,
product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, fines, civil penalties and criminal prosecution.
16
Pharmaceutical
product development for a new drug product or certain changes to an approved product in the U.S. typically requires pre-clinical laboratory
and animal tests, the submission to the FDA of an IND, which must become effective before clinical testing on human subjects may commence,
and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and effectiveness of the drug for each indication for which
FDA approval is sought. Satisfaction of FDA pre-market approval requirements are inherently uncertain, expensive, and it typically takes
many years to generate sufficient data to apply for approval, even when such approval is not ultimately granted, and the actual time
required may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity and novelty of the product or disease.
Pre-clinical
tests include laboratory evaluation of product chemistry, formulation and toxicity, as well as animal trials to assess the characteristics
and potential safety and efficacy of the product. The conduct of the pre-clinical tests must comply with federal regulations and requirements,
including good laboratory practices. The results of pre-clinical testing are submitted to the FDA as part of an IND along with other
information, including information about product chemistry, manufacturing and controls, and a proposed clinical trial protocol. Long-term
pre-clinical tests, such as animal tests of reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity, may continue after the IND is submitted. A 30-day
waiting period after the submission of each IND is required prior to the commencement of clinical testing in humans. If the FDA has neither
commented on nor questioned the IND within this 30-day period, the clinical trial proposed in the IND may begin. Clinical trials involve
the administration of the new investigational drug to healthy volunteers or patients under the supervision of a qualified investigator.
Clinical trials must be conducted: (i) in compliance with federal regulations; (ii) in compliance with Good Clinical Practices (“GCP”), an international standard
meant to protect the rights and health of patients and to define the roles of clinical trial sponsors, administrators and monitors; and
(iii) under protocols detailing the objectives of the trial, the parameters to be used in monitoring safety and the effectiveness criteria
to be evaluated. Each protocol involving testing on U.S. patients and subsequent protocol amendments must be submitted to the FDA as
part of the IND.
The
FDA may order the temporary, or permanent, discontinuation of a clinical trial at any time, or impose other sanctions, if it believes
that the clinical trial either is not being conducted in accordance with FDA requirements or presents an unacceptable risk to the clinical
trial patients. The study protocol and informed consent information for patients in clinical trials must also be submitted to an IRB
and ethics committee for approval. The IRB will also monitor the clinical trial until it is completed. An IRB may also require the clinical
trial at the site to be halted, either temporarily or permanently, for failure to comply with the IRB’s requirements, or may impose
other conditions. Additionally, some clinical trials are overseen by an independent group of qualified experts organized by the clinical
trial sponsor, known as a data safety monitoring board or committee. This group provides authorization for whether a trial may move forward
at designated checkpoints based on access to certain data from the trial.
Clinical
trials to support NDAs for marketing approval are typically conducted in three sequential phases, but the phases may overlap. In Phase
1, the initial introduction of the drug into healthy human subjects or patients, the drug is tested to assess metabolism, pharmacokinetics,
pharmacological actions, side effects associated with increasing doses, and, if possible, early evidence of effectiveness. Phase 2 usually
involves trials in a limited patient population to determine the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication, dosage tolerance
and optimum dosage, and to identify common adverse effects and safety risks. If a drug demonstrates evidence of effectiveness and an
acceptable safety profile in Phase 2 evaluations, Phase 3 trials are undertaken to obtain the additional information about clinical efficacy
and safety in a larger number of patients, typically at geographically dispersed clinical trial sites, to permit the FDA to evaluate
the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and to provide adequate information for the labeling of the drug. In most cases the
FDA requires two adequate and well-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy of the drug. A single Phase 3 trial
may be sufficient in rare instances, including (1) where the trial is a large multicenter trial demonstrating internal consistency and
a statistically very persuasive finding of a clinically meaningful effect on mortality, irreversible morbidity or prevention of a disease
with a potentially serious outcome and confirmation of the result in a second trial would be practically or ethically impossible or (2)
when in conjunction with other confirmatory evidence.
The
manufacturer of an investigational drug in a Phase 2 or 3 clinical trial for a serious or life-threatening disease is required to make
available, such as by posting on its website, its policy on evaluating and responding to requests for expanded access.
After
completion of the required clinical testing, an NDA is prepared and submitted to the FDA. FDA approval of the NDA is required before
marketing of the product may begin in the U.S. The NDA must include the results of all pre-clinical, clinical and other testing and a
compilation of data relating to the product’s pharmacology, chemistry, manufacture and controls.
17
The cost of preparing and submitting an NDA is substantial. The submission
of most NDAs is additionally subject to a substantial application user fee, currently exceeding $4.3 million for fiscal year 2025 and
$4 million for fiscal year 2024 (for applications containing clinical data), which increased from $3.2 million for fiscal year 2023. Fee
waivers or reductions are available in certain circumstances, including a waiver of the application fee for the first application filed
by a small business. Additionally, no user fees are assessed on NDAs for products designated as orphan drugs, unless the product also
includes a non-orphan indication. The applicant under an approved NDA is also subject to annual program fees, currently $416,734 for fiscal
year 2024 for each prescription product and $403,889 for fiscal year 2025. for each prescription product. The FDA adjusts the user fees
on an annual basis, and the fees typically increase annually.
The
FDA reviews each submitted NDA before it determines whether to file it and may request additional information. The FDA must make a decision
on whether to file an NDA within 60 days of receipt, and such decision could include a refusal to file by the FDA. Once the submission
is filed, the FDA begins an in-depth review of the NDA. The FDA has agreed to certain performance goals in the review of NDAs. Most applications
for standard review drug products are reviewed within ten to twelve months; most applications for priority review drugs are reviewed
in six to eight months. Priority review can be applied to drugs that the FDA determines may offer significant improvement in safety or
effectiveness compared to marketed products or where no adequate therapy exists. The review process for both standard and priority review
may be extended by the FDA for three additional months to consider certain late-submitted information, or information intended to clarify
information already provided in the submission. The FDA does not always meet its goal dates for standard and priority NDAs, and the review
process can be extended by FDA requests for additional information or clarification.
The
FDA may also refer applications for novel drug products, or drug products that present difficult questions of safety or efficacy, to
an outside advisory committee—typically a panel that includes clinicians and other experts—for review, evaluation and a recommendation
as to whether the application should be approved and under what conditions, if any. The FDA is not bound by the recommendation of an
advisory committee, but it generally follows such recommendations.
Before
approving an NDA, the FDA will conduct a pre-approval inspection of the manufacturing facilities for the new product to determine whether
they comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (“cGMP”) requirements. The FDA will not approve the product unless it determines that the manufacturing processes and facilities
are in compliance with cGMP requirements and are adequate to assure consistent production of the product within required specifications.
The FDA also typically inspects clinical trial sites to ensure compliance with GCP requirements and the integrity of the data supporting
safety and efficacy.
After
the FDA evaluates the NDA and the manufacturing facilities, it issues either an approval letter or a complete response letter (“CRL”).
A CRL generally outlines the deficiencies in the submission, which may be minor and more technical, or major and more substantive and,
in the latter case may require substantial additional testing or data to be eligible for substantive review by FDA upon resubmission,
such as additional clinical data, additional pivotal clinical trial(s), and/or other significant and time-consuming requirements related
to clinical trials, pre-clinical studies or manufacturing. If a CRL is issued, the applicant may resubmit the NDA addressing all of the
deficiencies identified in the letter, withdraw the application, engage in formal dispute resolution or request an opportunity for a
hearing. The FDA has committed to reviewing resubmissions in two to six months depending on the type of information included. Even if
such data and information are submitted, the FDA may decide that the NDA does not satisfy the criteria for approval.
If
the deficiencies identified in the CRL are addressed to FDA’s satisfaction in a resubmission of the NDA (and FDA does not identify
any other issues that need to be corrected prior to approval or that, otherwise, cause the agency to determine that approval is not appropriate
at the given time), the FDA will issue an approval letter. An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing of the drug with specific
prescribing information for specific indications. In addition, under the Pediatric Research Equity Act of 2003 (“PREA”),
as amended and reauthorized, certain NDAs or supplements to an NDA must contain data that are adequate to assess the safety and effectiveness
of the drug for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations, and to support dosing and administration for each pediatric
subpopulation for which the product is safe and effective. The FDA may, on its own initiative or at the request of the applicant, grant
deferrals for submission of some or all pediatric data until after approval of the product for use in adults, or full or partial waivers
from the pediatric data requirements.
As
a condition of NDA approval, the FDA may also require a REMS, to help ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risks
to patients. A REMS can include medication guides, communication plans for healthcare professionals, and elements to assure safe use
(“ETASU”). ETASU can include, but are not limited to, special training or certification for prescribing or dispensing, dispensing
only under certain circumstances, special monitoring, and the use of patient registries. The requirement for a REMS can materially affect
the potential market and profitability of the drug. Moreover, product approval may require substantial post-approval testing and surveillance
to monitor the drug’s safety or efficacy. Once granted, product approvals may be withdrawn if compliance with regulatory standards
is not maintained or problems are identified following initial marketing.
Changes
to some of the conditions established in an approved application, including changes in indications, labeling, or manufacturing processes
or facilities, require submission and FDA approval of an NDA supplement or, in some case, a new NDA, before the change can be implemented.
An NDA supplement for a new indication typically requires clinical data similar to that in the original application, and the FDA uses
the same procedures and actions in reviewing NDA supplements as it does in reviewing NDAs.
18
Disclosure
of Clinical Trial Information
Sponsors
of clinical trials of FDA regulated products, including drugs, are required to register and disclose certain clinical trial information
to the U.S. public by publishing such information on clinicaltrials.gov. Information related to the product, patient population, phase
of investigation, study sites and investigators, and other aspects of the clinical trial is then made public as part of the registration.
Sponsors are also obligated to discuss the results of their clinical trials after completion. Disclosure of the results of these trials
can be delayed in certain circumstances for up to two years after the date of completion of the trial. Competitors may use this publicly
available information to gain knowledge regarding the progress of development programs.
Expedited
Development and Review Programs
The
FDA is authorized to designate certain products for expedited review if they are intended to address an unmet medical need in the treatment
of a serious or life-threatening disease or condition. These programs are fast track designation, breakthrough therapy designation, and
priority review designation. TNF has not applied for expedited approval under any of these pathways to date but intends to explore the
extent to which any of its current or future product candidates may be eligible for one or more such pathways. There is no guarantee
that FDA will grant any of TNF’s products candidates the expedited designation(s) for which it is submitted, if any, or that TNF
will secure any of the applicable benefits associated with any of any expedited designations that may be granted to its current or future
product candidates, if applicable.
Fast-Track
Designation
Fast
track designation may be granted for a product that is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition for which
pre-clinical or clinical data demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs for the condition. The sponsor of an investigational
drug product may request that the FDA designate the drug candidate for a specific indication as a fast-track drug concurrent with, or
after, the submission of the IND for the drug candidate. The FDA must determine if the drug candidate qualifies for fast-track designation
within 60 days of receipt of the sponsor’s request. For fast-track products, sponsors may have greater interactions with the FDA
and the FDA may initiate review of sections of a fast-track product’s NDA before the application is complete. This rolling review
is available if the FDA determines, after preliminary evaluation of clinical data submitted by the sponsor, that a fast-track product
may be effective. The sponsor must also provide, and the FDA must approve, a schedule for the submission of the remaining information
and the sponsor must pay applicable user fees. At the time of NDA filing, the FDA will determine whether to grant priority review designation.
Additionally, fast track designation may be withdrawn if the FDA believes that the designation is no longer supported by data emerging
in the clinical trial process.
19
Breakthrough
Therapy Designation
In
2012, Congress enacted the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, or FDASIA. This law established a new regulatory scheme
allowing for expedited review of products designated as “breakthrough therapies.” A product may be designated as a breakthrough
therapy if it is intended, either alone or in combination with one or more other drugs, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease
or condition and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the product may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies
on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development. The FDA
may take certain actions with respect to breakthrough therapies, including holding meetings with the sponsor throughout the development
process; providing timely advice to the product sponsor regarding development and approval; involving more senior staff in the review
process; assigning a cross-disciplinary project lead for the review team; and taking other steps to design the clinical trials in an
efficient manner.
Priority
Review Designation
The
FDA may designate a product for priority review if it is a drug that treats a serious condition and, if approved, would provide a significant
improvement in safety or effectiveness. The FDA determines, on a case- by-case basis, whether the proposed drug represents a significant
improvement when compared with other available therapies. Significant improvement may be illustrated by evidence of increased effectiveness
in the treatment of a condition, elimination or substantial reduction of a treatment-limiting drug reaction, documented enhancement of
patient compliance that may lead to improvement in serious outcomes, and evidence of safety and effectiveness in a new subpopulation.
A priority designation is intended to direct overall attention and resources to the evaluation of such applications, and to shorten the
FDA’s goal for taking action on a marketing application from ten months to six months.
Accelerated
Approval
Accelerated
approval may be granted for a product that is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition and that generally provides a
meaningful therapeutic advantage to patients over existing treatments. A product eligible for accelerated approval may be approved on
the basis of either a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, or on a clinical endpoint that can be
measured earlier than irreversible morbidity or mortality, that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or
mortality or other clinical benefit, taking into account the severity, rarity or prevalence of the condition and the availability or
lack of alternative treatments. The accelerated approval pathway is most often used in settings in which the course of a disease is long,
and an extended period of time is required to measure the intended clinical benefit of a product, even if the effect on the surrogate
or intermediate clinical endpoint occurs rapidly. The accelerated approval pathway is contingent on a sponsor’s agreement to conduct
additional post-approval confirmatory studies to verify and describe the product’s clinical benefit. These confirmatory trials
must be completed with due diligence and, in some cases, the FDA may require that the trial be designed, initiated, and/or fully enrolled
prior to approval. Failure to conduct required post-approval studies, or to confirm a clinical benefit during post-marketing studies,
would allow the FDA to withdraw the product from the market on an expedited basis. All promotional materials for product candidates approved
under accelerated regulations are subject to prior review by the FDA.
20
Post-marketing
Requirements
Following
approval of a new product, the manufacturer and the approved product are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA. Drug manufacturers’
and/or sponsors’ post-marketing FDA obligations, include, among other things, monitoring and record-keeping activities, reporting
of adverse experiences, complying with promotion and advertising requirements, which include restrictions on promoting products for unapproved
uses or patient populations (known as “off-label use”) and limitations on industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities,
and a number of other specific requirements for prescription-drug advertising. Although physicians may prescribe legally available products
for off-label uses, manufacturers may not market or promote their approved drug products for off-label uses. Product approvals may be
withdrawn for non-compliance with regulatory standards or if problems occur following initial marketing. Newly discovered or developed
safety or effectiveness data may require changes to a product’s approved labeling, including the addition of new warnings and contraindications,
and may also require the implementation of other risk management measures, including a REMS, or the conduct of post-marketing studies
to assess a newly discovered safety issue.
FDA
regulations require that drug products be manufactured in registered drug-manufacturing facilities and in accordance with cGMP regulations.
The Company currently relies on third parties to produce clinical quantities of its drug candidates under development in accordance with applicable
GCPs and Good Laboratory Practices (“GLPs”), and expects to continue to rely, on third parties to produce clinical and commercial quantities of the Company’s products
that are approved for marketing in the United States, if any, in accordance with cGMP regulations. These manufacturers must comply with
cGMP regulations that require, among other things, quality control and quality assurance, the maintenance of records and documentation
and the obligation to investigate and correct any deviations from cGMP. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money
and effort in the area of production and quality control to maintain cGMP compliance. The discovery of violative conditions, including
failure to conform to cGMP regulations, could result in a wide range of enforcement actions against the manufacturer, including, but
not limited to, recalls, warning letters, “dear doctor” letters, civil lawsuits, fines, and criminal prosecution. And the
discovery of previously unknown safety or efficacy problems with a product after approval may result in restrictions on, revocation of,
or the addition of conditions to the product’s approval, among other potential adverse actions.
In
addition to the requirements applicable to approved drug products, sponsors may also be subject to enforcement action in connection with
any promotion of any investigational new drug. A sponsor or investigator, or any person acting on behalf of a sponsor or investigator,
may not represent in a promotional context that an investigational new drug is safe or effective for the purposes for which it is under
investigation or otherwise promote or market the product.
Other
Regulatory Matters
Manufacturing,
sales, promotion and other activities following product approval are also subject to regulation by numerous regulatory authorities in
the U.S. in addition to the FDA, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, other divisions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Consumer
Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the Environmental Protection
Agency and state and local governments and governmental agencies.
Other
Healthcare Laws
Healthcare
providers, physicians, and third-party payors will play a primary role in the recommendation and prescription of any products for which
TNF may obtain marketing approval. TNF’s current and future arrangements with third-party payors, healthcare providers and physicians
may expose TNF to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations that may constrain the business or financial
arrangements and relationships through which TNF markets, sells and distributes any drugs for which the Company obtains marketing approval.
In the U.S., these laws include, without limitation, state and federal anti-kickback, false claims, physician transparency, and patient
data privacy and security laws and regulations, including but not limited to those described below. The Company’s business operations,
including its research, marketing, and activities relating to the reporting of wholesale or estimated retail prices for TNF’s products,
the reporting of prices used to calculate Medicaid rebate information and other information affecting federal, state, and third-party
reimbursement for TNF’s products, and the sale and marketing of TNF’s product and any future product candidates, are subject
to scrutiny under these laws.
21
●
The
AKS, makes it illegal for any person, including a prescription drug manufacturer (or a party acting on its behalf), to knowingly
and willfully solicit, receive, offer or pay any remuneration, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, that
is intended to induce or reward referrals, including the purchase, recommendation, order or prescription of a particular drug, for
which payment may be made under a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare or Medicaid. Violations of this law are punishable
by imprisonment, criminal fines, administrative civil money penalties and exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs.
In addition, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it.
●
The
federal civil and criminal false claims laws, including the federal False Claims Act (“FCA”), which can be enforced through civil whistleblower or qui tam actions,
which impose penalties against individuals or entities (including manufacturers) for, among other things, knowingly presenting, or
causing to be presented false or fraudulent claims for payment by a federal healthcare program or making a false statement or record
material to payment of a false claim or avoiding, decreasing or concealing an obligation to pay money to the federal government.
The government may deem manufacturers to have “caused” the submission of false or fraudulent claims by, for example,
providing inaccurate billing or coding information to customers or promoting a product off-label. Claims that include items or services
resulting from a violation of the AKS are false or fraudulent claims for purposes of the FCA.
●
The
federal anti-inducement law, which prohibits, among other things, the offering or giving of remuneration, which includes, without
limitation, any transfer of items or services for free or for less than fair market value (with limited exceptions), to a Medicare
or Medicaid beneficiary that the person knows or should know is likely to influence the beneficiary’s selection of a particular
supplier of items or services reimbursable by a federal or state governmental program.
●
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”)
imposes criminal and civil liability for knowingly and willfully executing a scheme, or attempting to execute a scheme, to defraud
any healthcare benefit program, including private payors, or falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any
materially false statements in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services. Similar to
the AKS, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the healthcare fraud statute implemented under HIPAA or specific
intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation.
●
HIPAA,
as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”), and their respective
implementing regulations, imposes, among other things, specified requirements on covered entities and their business associates relating
to the privacy and security of individually identifiable health information including mandatory contractual terms and required implementation
of technical safeguards of such information. HITECH also created new tiers of civil monetary penalties, amended HIPAA to make civil
and criminal penalties directly applicable to business associates, and gave state attorneys general new authority to file civil actions
for damages or injunctions in federal courts to enforce the federal HIPAA laws and seek attorneys’ fees and costs associated
with pursuing federal civil actions.
●
The
federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act of 2021 (“PPSA”), enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), imposed new annual reporting requirements for certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics,
and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, for
certain payments and “transfers of value” provided to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists,
podiatrists and chiropractors) and teaching hospitals, as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their
immediate family members. Effective January 1, 2022, these reporting obligations extend to include transfers of value made during
the previous year to certain non-physician providers such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
●
Analogous
state and foreign fraud and abuse laws and regulations, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws, which may be broader in
scope and apply regardless of payor. These laws are enforced by various state agencies and through private actions. Some state laws
require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant
federal government compliance guidance, require drug manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers
of value to physicians and other healthcare providers, and restrict marketing practices or require disclosure of marketing expenditures.
In addition, certain state and local laws require the registration of pharmaceutical sales representatives.
State
and foreign laws also govern the privacy and security of health information in some circumstances. These data privacy and security laws
may differ from each other in significant ways and often are not pre-empted by HIPAA, which may complicate compliance efforts. Furthermore,
most states in the United States have enacted laws regulating the confidentiality and security of medical information and increased public
focus on privacy may result in amendments or changes to these laws in ways that may have an impact on TNF’s business activities
related to the collection and use of health-related information.
22
The
increased attention on privacy in the United States may also impact TNF’s business activities for the processing of personal
information not otherwise governed by HIPAA. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) imposes significant
privacy and cybersecurity requirements related to the handling of all types of personal information, with heightened requirements on
sensitive personal information, such as health information. The GDPR imposes significant limitations on the use of this personal
information and grants individuals in the EU certain rights associated with the collection and use of personal information. In the
U.S., California enacted the CCPA, which creates new individual privacy rights for California consumers (generally defined as any
resident of California, including employees and other business relations) and places increased privacy and security obligations on
entities handling personal information of consumers or households. The CCPA also greatly extends the obligations of entities that
process personal information to include information not traditionally viewed as personal information and regulated by laws, such as
Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, unique identifiers for individuals, and information in online cookies and other online
technologies. A majority of other states have already proposed or enacted laws similar to the CCPA, each differing in scope of the
personal information covered and the rights of individuals. Furthermore, the CCPA has already been amended with the passage of
California’s Proposition 24 (the California Privacy Rights Act, “CPRA”), which adds additional rights and
obligations. While the CCPA and CPRA currently provide relatively broad exclusions for protected health information regulated by
HIPAA and clinical trials and a limited exception for consumer and business to business information, some of the proposed and
enacted laws in other states may not contain the same exceptions. Furthermore, there have been a number of competing proposals for
federal laws, some of which propose to not preempt other state laws. The uncertainty surrounding new proposed and changes to
existing privacy laws may lead to operational challenges for TNF to comply with multiple, potentially conflicting, privacy and
cybersecurity laws related to the collection and use of personal information in each jurisdiction.
Various
state and federal laws and regulations also require entities to implement “reasonable” or “adequate” security
measures to protect personal information but generally do not provide any specific sets of security measures that would be considered
compliant to avoid liability. Instead, different regulators have adopted inconsistent and evolving standards based on the regulator’s
view of what is appropriate given the nature and scope of the personal information and the processing performed, resulting in unclear
obligations. This may result in potential liability if a regulator finds that TNF’s security practices do not meet or exceed the
types of security measures that the regulator believes to be adequate or reasonable under the circumstances.
The
scope and enforcement of each of these laws is uncertain and subject to rapid change in the current environment of healthcare reform,
especially considering the lack of applicable precedent and regulations. Federal and state enforcement bodies have continued to increase
their scrutiny of interactions between healthcare companies and healthcare providers, which has led to investigations, prosecutions,
convictions and settlements in the healthcare industry. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that TNF’s business
practices do not comply with current or future statutes, regulations or case law involving applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare
laws and regulations. If TNF’s operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other related governmental regulations
that may apply to it, TNF may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment, disgorgement,
exclusion of drugs from government funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, reputational harm, additional oversight
and reporting obligations if TNF becomes subject to a corporate integrity agreement or similar settlement to resolve allegations of non-compliance
with these laws and the curtailment or restructuring of TNF’s operations. If any of the physicians or other healthcare providers
or entities with whom TNF expects to do business is found to be not in compliance with applicable laws, they may be subject to similar
actions, penalties and sanctions. Ensuring business arrangements comply with applicable healthcare laws, as well as responding to possible
investigations by government authorities, can be time- and resource-consuming and can divert a company’s attention from its business.
Current
and Future Healthcare Reform Legislation
On
March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (P.L. 111-148) (the “ACA”)
and on March 30, 2010, he signed the “Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act” (P.L. 111-152), collectively commonly
referred to as the “Healthcare Reform Law.” The Healthcare Reform Law included a number of new rules regarding health insurance,
the provision of healthcare, conditions to reimbursement for healthcare services provided to Medicare and Medicaid patients, and other
healthcare policy reforms. Through the law-making process, substantial changes have been and continue to be made to the current system
for paying for healthcare in the U.S., including changes made to extend medical benefits to certain Americans who lacked insurance coverage
and to contain or reduce healthcare costs (such as by reducing or conditioning reimbursement amounts for healthcare services and drugs,
and imposing additional taxes, fees, and rebate obligations on pharmaceutical and medical device companies). This legislation was one
of the most comprehensive and significant reforms ever experienced by the U.S. in the healthcare industry and has significantly changed
the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers. This legislation has impacted the scope of healthcare insurance
and incentives for consumers and insurance companies, among others. Additionally, the Healthcare Reform Law’s provisions were designed
to encourage providers to find cost savings in their clinical operations. Pharmaceuticals represent a significant portion of the cost
of providing care. This environment has caused changes in the purchasing habits of consumers and providers and resulted in specific attention
to the pricing negotiation, product selection and utilization review surrounding pharmaceuticals. This attention may result in our product
candidates, to the extent approved for commercialization in the future, being chosen less frequently or the pricing being substantially
lowered. At this stage, it is difficult to estimate the full extent of the direct or indirect impact of the Healthcare Reform Law on
us.
These
structural changes could entail further modifications to the existing system of private payors and government programs (such as Medicare,
Medicaid, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program), creation of government-sponsored healthcare insurance sources, or
some combination of both, as well as other changes. Restructuring the coverage of medical care in the U.S. could impact the reimbursement
for prescribed drugs and pharmaceuticals, including any products that we may commercialize or promote in the future. If reimbursement
for the products we may commercialize or promote in the future is substantially reduced or otherwise adversely affected in the future,
or rebate obligations associated with them are substantially increased, it could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business,
financial condition or results of operations.
Extending
medical benefits to those who currently lack coverage will likely result in substantial costs to the U.S. federal government, which may
force significant additional changes to the healthcare system in the U.S. Much of the funding for expanded healthcare coverage may be
sought through cost savings. While some of these savings may come from realizing greater efficiencies in delivering care, improving the
effectiveness of preventive care and enhancing the overall quality of care, much of the cost savings may come from reducing the cost
of care and increased enforcement activities. Cost of care could be reduced further by decreasing the level of reimbursement for medical
services or products or by restricting coverage (and, thereby, utilization) of medical services or products. In either case, a reduction
in the utilization of, or reimbursement for any product we may commercialize or promote in the future, could have a material adverse
effect on our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations.
23
Several
states and private entities initially mounted legal challenges to the Healthcare Reform Law, in particular, the ACA, and they continue
to litigate various aspects of the legislation. In June 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court generally upheld the provisions of the ACA at
issue as constitutional. However, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the legislation improperly required the states to expand their Medicaid
programs to cover more individuals. As a result, states have a choice as to whether they will expand the number of individuals covered
by their respective state Medicaid programs. Some states have not expanded their Medicaid programs and have chosen to develop other cost-saving
and coverage measures to provide care to currently uninsured individuals. Many of these efforts to date have included the institution
of Medicaid-managed care programs. The manner in which these cost-saving and coverage measures are implemented could have a material
adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations.
Further,
the healthcare regulatory environment has seen significant changes in recent years and is still in flux. Legislative initiatives to modify,
limit, replace, or repeal the ACA and judicial challenges have continued. We cannot predict the impact on our business of future legislative
and legal challenges to the ACA or other aspects of the Healthcare Reform Law or other changes to the current laws and regulations. The
financial impact of U.S. healthcare reform legislation over the next few years will depend on a number of factors, including the policies
reflected in implementing regulations and guidance and changes in sales volumes for therapeutics affected by the legislation. From time
to time, legislation is drafted, introduced and passed in the U.S. Congress that could significantly change the statutory provisions
governing coverage, reimbursement, and marketing of pharmaceutical products. In addition, third-party payor coverage and reimbursement
policies are often revised or interpreted in ways that may significantly affect our business and our products.
During
the first administration, President Trump supported the repeal of all or portions of the ACA. President Trump also issued an executive
order in which he stated that it is his administration’s policy to seek the prompt repeal of the ACA and in which he directed executive
departments and federal agencies to waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay the implementation of the provisions of the ACA to
the maximum extent permitted by law. Congress has enacted legislation that repeals certain portions of the ACA, including but not limited
to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in December 2017, which included a provision that eliminates the penalty under the ACA’s individual
mandate, effective January 1, 2019, as well as the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, passed in February 2018, which, among other things,
repealed the Independent Payment Advisory Board (which was established by the ACA and was intended to reduce the rate of growth in Medicare
spending).
Additionally,
in December 2018, a district court in Texas held that the individual mandate is unconstitutional and that the rest of the ACA is, therefore,
invalid. On appeal, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the holding on the individual mandate but remanded the case back to the
lower court to reassess whether and how such holding affects the validity of the rest of the ACA. The Fifth Circuit’s decision
on the individual mandate was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. On June 17, 2021, the Supreme Court held that the plaintiffs (comprised
of the state of Texas, as well as numerous other states and certain individuals) did not have standing to challenge the constitutionality
of the ACA’s individual mandate and, accordingly, vacated the Fifth Circuit’s decision and instructed the district court
to dismiss the case. As a result, the ACA will remain in-effect in its current form for the foreseeable future; however, we cannot predict
what additional challenges may arise in the future, the outcome thereof, or the impact any such actions may have on our business.
The
Biden administration also introduced various measures in 2021 focusing on healthcare and drug pricing, in particular. For example,
on January 28, 2021, former President Biden issued an executive order that initiated a special enrollment period for purposes of
obtaining health insurance coverage through the ACA marketplace, which began on February 15, 2021, and remained open through August
15, 2021. The executive order also instructed certain governmental agencies to review and reconsider their existing policies and
rules that limit access to healthcare, including among others, reexamining Medicaid demonstration projects and waiver programs that
include work requirements and policies that create unnecessary barriers to obtaining access to health insurance coverage through
Medicaid or the ACA. On the legislative front, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law on March 11, 2021, which, in
relevant part, eliminates the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap, currently set at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer
price, for single source drugs and innovator multiple source drugs, beginning January 1, 2024. And, in July 2021, the Biden
administration released an executive order entitled, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” with multiple
provisions aimed at prescription drugs. In response, on September 9, 2021, HHS released a “Comprehensive Plan for Addressing
High Drug Prices” that outlines principles for drug pricing reform and sets out a variety of potential legislative policies
that Congress could pursue as well as potential administrative actions HHS can take to advance these principles. And, on August 16,
2022, former President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which aims to lower prescription drug pricing by,
among other things, allowing Medicare to negotiate prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D and
Part B after the drugs have been on the market for a certain number of years and requiring on drug manufacturers to pay rebates if
they increase drug prices “faster than inflation.” Additional legislative and regulatory changes
could be made to governmental health programs that could significantly impact pharmaceutical companies and the success of our
product candidates. At the state level, legislatures have increasingly passed legislation and implemented regulations designed to
control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions
on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage
importation from other countries and bulk purchasing.
There
is uncertainty as to what healthcare programs and regulations may be implemented or changed at the federal and/or state level in the
United States or the effect of any future legislation or regulation. Furthermore, we cannot assess the impact that President
Trump’s second term will have on healthcare programs and regulations or the pharmaceutical industry in general. However, it is
possible that such initiatives could have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain approval and/or successfully commercialize
products in the United States in the future. For example, any changes that reduce, or impede the ability to obtain, reimbursement
for our product candidates approved for commercialization in the United States, if any, or any other drug products we may
commercialize in the future or that reduce medical procedure volumes could adversely affect our operations and/or future business
plans.
24
Packaging
and Distribution in the United States
If
TNF’s product candidates that are approved for commercialization in the United States, if any, are made available to authorized
users of the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration, additional laws and requirements may apply. In relevant
part, products must meet applicable child-resistant packaging requirements under the U.S. Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Manufacturing,
sales, promotion and other activities also are potentially subject to federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws.
The
distribution of pharmaceutical products is subject to additional requirements and regulations, including extensive record-keeping, licensing,
storage and security requirements intended to prevent the unauthorized sale of pharmaceutical products.
The
failure to comply with any of these laws or regulatory requirements subjects firms to possible legal or regulatory action. Depending
on the circumstances, failure to meet applicable regulatory requirements can result in criminal prosecution, fines or other penalties,
injunctions, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, requests for recall, seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production,
denial or withdrawal of product approvals, or refusal to allow a firm to enter into supply contracts, including government contracts.
Any action against TNF for violation of these laws, even if TNF is successful in defending against it, could cause TNF to incur significant
legal expenses and divert TNF’s management’s attention from the operation of its business. Prohibitions or restrictions on
sales or withdrawal of future products marketed by TNF could materially affect its business in an adverse way.
Changes
in regulations, statutes or the interpretation of existing regulations could impact TNF’s business in the future by requiring,
for example: (i) changes to TNF’s manufacturing arrangements; (ii) additions or modifications to product labeling; (iii) the recall
or discontinuation of TNF’s products; or (iv) additional record-keeping requirements. If any such changes were to be implemented, they
could adversely affect the operation of TNF’s business.
Reimbursement
Sales
of any of TNF’s product candidates that are approved for marketing in the United States or any other products TNF may commercialize
in the future, as applicable, will depend, in part, on the extent to which TNF’s products, if approved, will be covered by third-party
payors, such as government health programs, commercial insurers, and managed healthcare organizations, as well as the level of reimbursement
that those third-party payors provide for TNF’s products. Patients and providers are unlikely to use TNF’s products unless
coverage is provided and reimbursement is adequate to cover a significant portion of the cost of TNF’s products. In the U.S., no
uniform policy of coverage and reimbursement for drugs or biological products exists, and one payor’s determination to provide
coverage and adequate reimbursement for a product does not assure that other payors will make a similar determination. Accordingly, decisions
regarding the extent of coverage and amount of reimbursement to be provided for any of TNF’s product candidates, if approved, will
be made on a payor-by-payor basis. As a result, the coverage determination process may be a time-consuming and costly process that will
require TNF to provide scientific and clinical support for the use of TNF’s products to each payor separately, with no assurance
that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be obtained.
The
Medicaid Drug Rebate Program requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to enter into and have in effect a national rebate agreement with
the Secretary of the HHS as a condition for states to receive federal matching funds for the manufacturer’s outpatient drugs furnished
to Medicaid patients. The ACA made several changes to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, including increasing pharmaceutical manufacturers’
rebate liability by raising the minimum basic Medicaid rebate on most branded prescription drugs and adding a new rebate calculation
for “line extensions” (i.e., new formulations, such as extended release formulations) of solid oral dosage forms of branded
products, creating a new method by which rebates owed by pharmaceutical manufacturers are calculated for drugs that are inhaled, infused,
instilled, implanted or injected, as well as potentially impacting their rebate liability by modifying the statutory definition of average
manufacturer’s price (“AMP”). The ACA also expanded the universe of Medicaid utilization subject to drug rebates by
requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to pay rebates on Medicaid managed care utilization and by enlarging the population potentially
eligible for Medicaid drug benefits. Pricing and rebate programs must also comply with the Medicaid rebate requirements of the U.S. Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
The
Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (“MMA”) established the Medicare Part D program to provide
a voluntary prescription drug benefit to Medicare beneficiaries. Under Part D, Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in prescription drug
plans offered by private entities that provide coverage of outpatient prescription drugs. Unlike Medicare Part A and B, Part D coverage
is not standardized. While all Medicare drug plans must give at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare, Part D prescription
drug plan sponsors are not required to pay for all covered Part D drugs, and each drug plan can develop its own drug formulary that identifies
which drugs it will cover and at what tier or level. However, Part D prescription drug formularies must include drugs within each therapeutic
category and class of covered Part D drugs, though not necessarily all the drugs in each category or class. Any formulary used by a Part
D prescription drug plan must be developed and reviewed by a pharmacy and therapeutic committee. Government payment for some of the costs
of prescription drugs may increase demand for products for which TNF receives marketing approval. However, any negotiated prices for
TNF’s products covered by a Part D prescription drug plan likely will be lower than the prices TNF might otherwise obtain. Moreover,
while the MMA applies only to drug benefits for Medicare beneficiaries, private payors often follow Medicare coverage policy and payment
limitations in setting their own payment rates. Any reduction in payment that results from the MMA may result in a similar reduction
in payments from non-governmental payors.
25
For
a drug product to receive federal reimbursement under the Medicaid or Medicare Part B programs or to be sold directly to U.S. government
agencies, the manufacturer must extend discounts to entities eligible to participate in the 340B drug pricing program. The required 340B
discount on a given product is calculated based on the AMP and Medicaid rebate amounts reported by the manufacturer. As of 2010, the
ACA expanded the types of entities eligible to receive discounted 340B pricing, although, under the current state of the law, with the
exception of children’s hospitals, these newly eligible entities will not be eligible to receive discounted 340B pricing on orphan
drugs. In addition, as 340B drug pricing is determined based on AMP and Medicaid rebate data, the revisions to the Medicaid rebate formula
and AMP definition described above could cause the required 340B discount to increase. The 340B program imposes ceilings on prices that
drug manufacturers can charge for medications sold to certain health care facilities. It is unclear how this decision could affect covered
hospitals who might purchase TNF’s products in the future and affect the rates TNF may charge such facilities for its approved
products. In addition, legislation may be introduced that, if passed, would further expand the 340B program to additional covered entities
or would require participating manufacturers to agree to provide 340B discounted pricing on drugs used in an inpatient setting.
As
noted above, the marketability of any products for which TNF receives regulatory approval for commercial sale may suffer if the government
and other third-party payors fail to provide adequate coverage and reimbursement. An increasing emphasis on cost containment measures
in the U.S. has increased and TNF expects it will continue to increase the pressure on pharmaceutical pricing. Coverage policies and
third-party reimbursement rates may change at any time. Even if favorable coverage and reimbursement status is attained for one or more
products for which TNF receives regulatory approval, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented in the
future.
These
laws, and future state and federal healthcare reform measures may be adopted in the future, any of which may result in additional reductions
in Medicare and other healthcare funding and otherwise affect the prices TNF may obtain for any of its product candidates for which TNF
may obtain regulatory approval or the frequency with which any such product candidate is prescribed or used.
In
addition, in most foreign countries, the proposed pricing for a drug must be approved before it may be lawfully marketed. The requirements
governing drug pricing and reimbursement vary widely from country to country. For example, the EU provides options for its Member States
to restrict the range of medicinal products for which their national health insurance systems provide reimbursement and to control the
prices of medicinal products for human use. Reference pricing used by various EU Member States and parallel distribution, or arbitrage
between low-priced and high-priced Member States, can further reduce prices. A Member State may approve a specific price for the medicinal
product or it may instead adopt a system of direct or indirect controls on the profitability of the company placing the medicinal product
on the market. In some countries, TNF may be required to conduct a clinical study or other studies that compare the cost-effectiveness
of any of TNF’s product candidates to other available therapies in order to obtain or maintain reimbursement or pricing approval.
There can be no assurance that any country that has price controls or reimbursement limitations for pharmaceutical products will allow
favorable reimbursement and pricing arrangements for any of TNF’s products. Historically, products launched in the EU do not follow
price structures of the U.S. and, generally, prices tend to be significantly lower. Publication of discounts by third-party payors or
authorities may lead to further pressure on the prices or reimbursement levels within the country of publication and other countries.
Employees
As
of December 31, 2024, TNF had two full-time employees and no part-time employees. TNF has not experienced any work stoppages. None of
TNF’s employees are represented by a labor union or covered by collective bargaining agreements, and TNF considers its relationship
with its employees to be good.
Clinical Studies
In October 2020 we completed several
in vitro studies from human primary cell-based BioMap systems at Eurofins contrasting Isomyosamine with Humira, Enbrel and Remicade.
In
November 2022, the company published data from the Phase 1 dosing study for Isomyosamine as a treatment for aging. There was a statistically
significant decrease in TNF-α levels (p-value <0.05) found in one Isomyosamine treated cohort, but no change in the levels in subjects
given placebo.
TNF is preparing a Phase 2 study protocol, “Double blind placebo-controlled
parallel group study of safety and efficacy of Isomyosamine in treating sarcopenia after hip or femoral fracture in gerontological population”
for submission to the FDA. This study will expand upon the prior 28-day dosing study and will evaluate functional improvements in subjects
after Isomyosamine dosing of up to 90 days.
A
phase II study for rheumatoid arthritis, “A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter Phase II proof-of-concept
study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, biological activity, and pharmacokinetics of MYMD-1™ added to methotrexate in patients
with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis” IND application was reviewed and approved by the FDA to begin clinical trials
on August 9, 2023.
In
October 2020 we completed several in vitro studies from human primary cell-based BioMap systems at Eurofins contrasting Isomyosamine
with Humira, Enbrel and Remicade.
26
IND
for Autoimmune Diseases
Animal
Studies
●
10-month
Dog Study – completed on December 20, 2021: A 39-Week Toxicity and Toxicokinetic Study of Isomyosamine by Oral Gavage in Beagle Dogs.
●
6-month
Rat Study – completed on December 17, 2021: A 26-Week Toxicity and Toxicokinetic Study of Isomyosamine by Oral Gavage in Rats.
●
5-Day
Mouse Study – Completed May 2020 with results pending: A Preliminary Introductory Traumatic Optic Neuropathy (TON) in a Mouse
study
●
Studies
produced guidance on dosing levels and overall safety in human studies.
●
TNF
in collaboration with Charles River Laboratories completed “A 90-Day Oral Gavage Electroencephalogram Safety Study of A Test
Item In The Beagle Dog”. Dosing began on December 19, 2023, and ended around March 20, 2024. All animals completed the study
and there was no treatment related adverse events reported. A final study report was provided to FDA in December 2024.
●
Bascom
Palmer in collaboration with TNF completed a study “TNF in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy (TON) in a Rat Pilot Study Vehicle versus
TNFalpha”. The crush injury raised levels of TNF-α. After being dosed with Isomyosamine, TNF-α levels were brought down
in crush injury compared to controls, but the decrease did not meet statistical significance (p=0.095). Likely cause of the result
not reaching p<0.05 may be attributed to rebound (e.g. TNF-α levels would have gone up when Isomyosamine stopped; daily dosing
may need to me adjusted. The initial data was promising and will guide a longer study in the future.
Publications
A
scientific journal article on Isomyosamine was published in The Journals of Gerontology in August 2022. This manuscript supports our continued
efforts to conduct a second Phase 2 Trial for Rheumatoid Arthritis, which was approved for clinical trials in August 2023, and additional
autoimmune diseases that we may pursue. Additionally, “MYMD-1 Improves Health Span and Prolongs Life Span in Old Mice: A Noninferiority
Study to Rapamycin” by Johns Hopkins Medical School. This journal article details a 12-month mouse trial studying aging and longevity
with Isomyosamine. We also completed several in vitro studies from human primary cell-based BioMap systems at Eurofins contrasting Isomyosamine versus
Rapamycin further supporting our transition to Rheumatoid Arthritis.
In
November 2022, TNF published “A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Single Ascending, and Multiple Dose Phase 1 Study
to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Oral Dose Isomyosamine Capsules in Healthy Adult Subjects” Authors:
Jenna Brager, Chris Chapman, Leonard Dunn, and Adam Kaplin in Drug Research. This became available in print on February 28, 2023. This
journal article details the results from the Phase 1 clinical trial.
An abstract was accepted for presentation at the British Society of Immunology, Liverpool, UK in December 2022. “Pharmacology and
clinical profile of MYMD-1 ® , an oral, selective, next-generation, TNF- α inhibitor that crosses the
blood brain barrier” authored by Jenna Brager, Ronald Christopher, Adam Kaplin, and Chris Chapman.
In 2023, an abstract was accepted for presentation at the Society of Toxicology to be presented in March 2023, entitled, “A
Naturally Occurring Novel Therapeutic and Oral Selective Inhibitor of TNFa, MYMD-1, Significantly Reduced the Inflammation
and Disease Severity in Murine Model of Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis” authored by Chris Chapman and Sonia Edaye.
TNF
with its partner Frontage Laboratories plans to submit an abstract to the 39 th Japanese Society for the Study of Xenobiotics
(JSSX) and 26 th North American Meeting of International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics (ISSX) in Honolulu, Hawaii; September
15-18, 2024. Identification of the Major Circulating Norcotinine and Elucidation of the Mechanism of Clearance of MYMD-1 in Humans. Role
of Aldehyde Oxidase and CYP2A6.
On December 7, 2024, TNF presented
at The Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia, & Wasting Disorders (SCWD) 17 th International Conference in Washington, D.C. The title
of the presentation was, “Isomyosamine for the Treatment of Sarcopenia in Elderly Population.”
All
publications and abstracts support the continued development of Isomyosamine ® across various indications.
IND
for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
●
On
February 18, 2022, we submitted an Annual Report to the FDA for the previously opened Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis IND. Another
Annual Report was submitted to the FDA on November 22. 2023.
●
In
April 2021, the FDA gave clearance for a Phase 1 dosing study in normal healthy volunteers; Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval
was obtained on April 4, 2021. The clinical trial was conducted by The Clinical Research of West Florida Phase 1 unit with a closeout
visit taking place on November 22, 2021.
●
Analyses
of laboratory parameters, vital sign, ECG, and physical findings did not reveal any clinically relevant effect of Isomyosamine. In one
dose group, there was a decrease in TNF-α levels found in Isomyosamine treated subjects, but no change in the levels in subjects
given placebo. In one dose group, there was a decrease in TNF-α levels found in Isomyosamine treated subjects, but no change in the
levels in subjects given placebo.
●
The
data from the Phase 1 clinical trial was submitted to the FDA on September 14, 2021 as part of the Annual IND update for Hashimoto’s
Thyroiditis IND. The FDA responded by providing guidance on moving forward with Phase 2 clinical trials.
●
This
data was also included in a new commercial IND to the FDA on September 22, 2021.
The
Company completed CYP in vitro studies which concluded that clinical drug-drug interactions are not expected with Isomyosamine. CYP induction
is the most commonly studied form of induction in drug metabolism and is required by regulatory authorities.
We
had Isomyosamine synthesized in August 2021 to [14C] Isomyosamine radiolabeled product for Mass Balance, Pharmacokinetic, and Metabolism. Analysis
of the rat study results demonstrated that Isomyosamine was metabolized extensively throughout the tissues, crosses the blood brain barrier,
was cleared in the urine and feces, and there were no nitrosated metabolite biological samples detected.
Metabolite Identification
and Quantitation of Isomyosamine in Rat, Dog, and Human Plasma Samples: Metabolites in Safety Testing (MIST) was completed in October 2022.
Isomyosamine was extensively metabolized and was detected at low levels (<5%) in human plasma.
27
In
November 2022, the Company published data from the Phase 1 dosing study for Isomyosamine as a treatment for aging.
On
August 5, 2021, our lead product candidate Isomyosamine was shown to suppress cytokines, which are the major cause of death in COVID-19
patients, in a human cell study. TNF may also seek additional FDA guidance on depression in MS patients under an Orphan Drug Designation
(ODD).
On October 3, 2023, Charles River
Laboratories provided a final report titled, “A Dose Range-Finding Embryo-fetal Development Study of MYMD-1 by Oral (Gavage) in
Rats.” The results of this study found that there were no drug-related fetal malformations or variations at any of the evaluated
doses.
We have an active IND to start
a Phase 2 study for the indication Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
In
manufacturing, we will continue to provide GMP Isomyosamine capsules for Phase 2 clinical trials. We plan to continue analytical analysis to
provide GMP product other that capsules for long-term human trials.
We
have received domestic patent protection for Isomyosamine, including its use in methods of extending lifespan and treating arthritis, autoimmune
diseases, and inflammatory and age-related disorders including sarcopenia. We will continue to prosecute patents to protect intellectual
property for Isomyosamine in the United States and abroad. Patent Issued March 26, 2024: US Application 17/851,862: Method of Treating Diseases
of the Visual System.
Supera-CBD
Product Candidate
Data
from Eurofins studies involving human primary cell-based BioMap system demonstrated that Supera-CBD delivers an extremely potent therapeutic
benefit of 8,000 times that of plant-derived CBD at activating CB2 receptors, permitting its delivery at a very low non-toxic dose.
On
August 10, 2021, the Company was awarded U.S. Patent 11,085,047 B2, titled “Synthetic Cannabinoid Compounds for Treatment of Substance
Addiction and Other Disorders,” covering the Super-CBD product candidate and its pharmaceutical formulations. During 2021 and 2022
corresponding foreign patents were awarded in Australia, Canada, Europe, Israel, and South Korea, and patents are pending in China and
Japan.
Johns
Hopkins Medicine researchers presented Supera-CBD data at the 3 rd Annual Neuroimmunology Drug Development Summit on April
26, 2021.
The
Company presented data referencing Super-CBD at the 4 th Annual International Cannabinoid Summit on September 9, 2021.
On
March 2, 2023, we announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has conducted a scientific review and determined
that it would not list Supera-CBD as a controlled substance or listed chemical under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and its
governing regulations. We believe that this decision will expedite future research involving Supera-CBD by relieving us or our
research partners from having to comply with regulations relating to controlled substances.
We
plan to continue our preclinical program starting genotoxicity studies in Europe. Those studies include:
●
Metabolic
profiling and Ames test (initiation December 21, 2021; completion January 20, 2022); and
●
Micronucleus
test (initiation December 21, 2021; completion February 20, 2022).
28
In
manufacturing, we expect to continue providing GMP Supera-CBD materials for the preclinical toxicity programs. We plan to continue analytical
analysis to provide GMP materials for long term toxicity and Human trials.
An
example of our continued efforts include:
●
the JHM Research, which is conducting a study with Isomyosamine and L/R-Supera-CBD
for Depression and Anxiety;
●
Forced
Swim Test;
●
Tail
suspension;
●
Elevated
Plus Maze and Fear Conditioning;
●
Dose
response study;
●
Supera-CBD
open field and Y maze study; and
●
Isomyosamine
LPS induced depression.
Management
Plans for 2025
TNFA
plans to launch a Phase 2b clinical trial of isomyosamine’s efficacy in sarcopenia early in the first quarter of 2025. The study
will further explore the drug’s efficacy in sarcopenia/frailty following statistically significant positive results from an earlier
Phase 2 clinical study.
On
October 19 2024, the Company announced that it has entered into a collaborative agreement with Renova Health for a planned trial of its
TNF-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor drug Isomyosamine as a treatment for GLP-1-induced sarcopenia and frailty. The fully funded study is
expected to evaluate TNF-α levels in patients receiving GLP-1 agonist Wegovy or Ozempic who show signals for increased inflammation
associated with sarcopenia.
Available
information
Our
website address is www.tnfpharma.com . We do not intend our website address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate by
reference the contents of the website into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The SEC maintains an Internet website ( www.sec.gov )
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Item
1A. Risk Factors.
An
investment in our Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should consider
carefully the risks described below, together with other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other information and
documents we file with the SEC. Our business, financial condition and operating results can be affected by a number of factors, whether
currently known or unknown, including but not limited to those described below, any one or more of which could, directly, or indirectly,
cause our actual financial condition and operating results to vary materially from past, or from anticipated future, financial condition
and operating results. Any of these factors, in whole or in part, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition,
operating results and stock price.
The
following discussion of risk factors contains forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be important to understanding other
statements in this Form 10-K. The following information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and
related notes thereto and with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Risk
Factor Summary
Below
is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our Common Stock speculative or risky. This summary does not address
all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can
be found below under the heading “Risk Factors” and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC before making investment decisions regarding our Common Stock.
Risks
Related to our Business
●
Our
financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis; we must raise additional capital to fund our operations in order
to continue as a going concern.
●
The
market price of our Common Stock may be subject to significant fluctuations and volatility, and the stockholders of the Company may
be unable to resell their shares at a profit and may incur losses.
●
We
may issue additional equity securities in the future, which may result in dilution to existing investors.
●
The
concentration of the capital stock ownership with insiders of the Company will likely limit the ability of our stockholders to influence
corporate matters.
●
We
may not be able to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights, which could harm our competitive position.
●
An
active trading market for our Common Stock may not be sustained.
●
Our
business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security
or those of third-party providers.
29
Risks
Related to our Product Development and Regulatory Approval
●
If
we are unable to develop, obtain regulatory approval for and commercialize Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD, or other future product candidates,
or if we experience significant delays in doing so, our business will be materially harmed.
●
Success
in pre-clinical studies and earlier clinical trials for our product candidates may not be indicative of the results that may be obtained
in later clinical trials, including our Phase 2 clinical trial for Isomyosamine, which may delay or prevent obtaining regulatory approval.
●
Even
if we complete the necessary pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, we cannot predict when, or if, we will obtain regulatory approval
to commercialize a product candidate and the approval may be for a narrower indication than we seek.
●
Potential future public
health crises could have a material adverse impact the execution of our planned clinical trials.
●
Any
product candidate for which we obtain marketing approval will be subject to extensive post-marketing regulatory requirements and
could be subject to post-marketing restrictions or withdrawal from the market, and we may be subject to penalties if we fail to comply
with regulatory requirements or if it experiences unanticipated problems with our product candidates, when and if any of them are
approved.
●
Our
development program for Supera-CBD, a synthetic analog of CBD, is uncertain and may not yield commercial results and is subject to
significant regulatory risks.
Risks
Related to Commercialization and Manufacturing
●
The
commercial success of our product candidates, including Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD, will depend upon their degree of market acceptance
by providers, patients, patient advocacy groups, third-party payors, and the general medical community.
●
The
pricing, insurance coverage, and reimbursement status of newly approved products is uncertain. Failure to obtain or maintain adequate
coverage and reimbursement for our product candidates, if approved, could limit our ability to market those products and decrease
our ability to generate product revenue.
●
If
third parties on which we depend to conduct our planned pre-clinical studies or clinical trials, do not perform as contractually
required, fail to satisfy regulatory or legal requirements or miss expected deadlines, our development program could be delayed with
adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
●
We
face significant competition in an environment of rapid pharmacological change and it is possible that our competitors may achieve
regulatory approval before us or develop therapies that are more advanced or effective than ours, which may harm our business, financial
condition and our ability to successfully market or commercialize Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD and our other product candidates.
●
The
manufacture of drugs is complex, and our third-party manufacturers may encounter difficulties in production. If any of our third-party
manufacturers encounter such difficulties, our ability to provide supply of Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD or our other product candidates for
clinical trials, our ability to obtain marketing approval, or our ability to provide supply of our product candidates for patients,
if approved, could be delayed or stopped.
Risks
Related to Government Regulation
●
Enacted
and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost for us to commercialize and obtain marketing approval of our product
candidates and may affect the prices we may set.
●
The
FDA’s ability to review and approve new products may be hindered by a variety of factors, including budget and funding levels,
ability to hire and retain key personnel, statutory, regulatory and policy changes and global health concerns.
●
Our
operations and relationships with future customers, providers and third-party payors will be subject to applicable anti-kickback,
fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations, which could expose us to penalties including criminal sanctions, civil
penalties, contractual damages, reputational harm and diminished profits and future earnings.
Risks
Related to Our Intellectual Property
●
Our
success depends in part on our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property. It is difficult and costly to protect
our proprietary rights and technology, and we may not be able to ensure their adequate protection.
●
Our
potential strategy of obtaining rights to key technologies through in-licenses may not be successful.
●
Changes
in patent law in the U.S. and in non-U.S. jurisdictions could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability
to protect our product candidates.
Risks
Related to Our Preferred Stock
●
Our
Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) and Series F-1 Convertible Preferred Stock
(“Series F-1 Preferred Stock”) provides for the payment of dividends in cash or in shares of our Common Stock. If we pay
such dividends in shares of Common Stock, it may result in dilution to existing investors.
●
Holders
of our Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series
G Preferred Stock”) are entitled to certain payments under the Certificate of Designation that may be paid in cash or
in shares of Common Stock depending on the circumstances. If we make these payments in cash, it may require the expenditure of a
substantial portion of our cash resources. If we make these payments in Common Stock, it may result in substantial dilution to the
holders of our Common Stock.
●
The
certificate of designation for the Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock, Series G Preferred Stock and the warrants
issued concurrently therewith contain anti-dilution provisions that may result in the reduction of the conversion price of the
Series F Preferred Stock or the exercise price of such warrants in the future. These features may result in an indeterminate number
of shares of Common Stock being issued upon conversion of the Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock, Series G Preferred Stock or exercise of the warrants.
In
addition, we face other business, financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties set forth under “Risk Factors”
in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
30
Risks
Related to our Business
Our
financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis; we must raise additional capital to fund our operations in order to
continue as a going concern.
In
its report dated April 1, 2024, Morison Cogen LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, expressed substantial doubt about
our ability to continue as a going concern as we have suffered recurring losses from operations and have insufficient liquidity to fund
our future operations. If we are unable to improve our liquidity position, we may not be able to continue as a going concern. The accompanying
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result if we are unable to continue as a going concern and,
therefore, be required to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities other than in the normal course of business which could cause
investors to suffer the loss of all or a substantial portion of their investment. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $8.5
million of cash and marketable securities. In order to have sufficient cash to fund our operations in the future, we will need to raise
additional equity or debt capital and cannot provide any assurance that we will be successful in doing so. If are unable to raise sufficient
capital to fund our operations, we may need to delay, reduce or eliminate certain research and development programs or other operations,
sell some or all of our assets or merge with another entity.
We
expect that we will need to raise additional funding before we can expect to become profitable from any potential future sales of our
product candidates. This additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. Failure to obtain this necessary capital
when needed may force us to delay, limit or terminate our product development efforts or other operations.
We
will require substantial future capital in order to complete planned and future pre-clinical and clinical development for Isomyosamine and
Supera-CBD and potentially commercialize these product candidates. We expect increased spending levels in connection with our clinical
trials of our product candidates. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur
significant expenses related to commercial launch, product sales, medical affairs, regulatory, marketing, manufacturing and distribution.
Furthermore, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial
additional funding in connection with our continuing operations before any commercial revenue may occur.
Any
additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-backed securities may dilute our stockholders’ ownership percentages
and could also result in a decrease in the market value of our equity securities.
The
terms of any securities issued by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors, and may include preferences,
superior voting rights and the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have a further dilutive effect on the holders
of any of our securities then outstanding.
In
addition, we may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting
fees, securities law compliance fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash
expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which may adversely impact our financial
condition.
Additional
capital might not be available when we need it and our actual cash requirements might be greater than anticipated. If we require additional
capital at a time when investment in its industry or in the marketplace in general is limited, we might not be able to raise funding
on favorable terms, if at all. If we are not able to obtain financing when needed or on terms favorable to us, we may need to delay,
reduce or eliminate certain research and development programs or other operations, sell some or all of our assets or merge with another
entity.
The
market price of our Common Stock has been and may continue to be subject to significant fluctuations and volatility, and the stockholders
of the Company may be unable to resell their shares at a profit and may incur losses.
The
market price of our Common Stock has been and could continue to be subject to significant fluctuation following. Market prices for securities
of life sciences and biopharmaceutical companies in particular have historically been volatile and have shown extreme price and volume
fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Broad market and industry
factors, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions or interest rate changes, may seriously affect
the market price of our Common Stock, regardless of the actual operating performance of the combined company. Some of the factors that
may cause the market price of our Common Stock to fluctuate include:
●
the
announcement of new products, new developments, services or technological innovations by us or our competitors;
●
actual
or anticipated quarterly increases or decreases in revenue, gross margin or earnings, and changes in our business, operations or
prospects;
●
announcements
relating to strategic relationships, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, joint ventures, capital commitments, or
other events by the us or our competitors;
●
conditions
or trends in the life sciences and biopharmaceutical industries;
●
changes
in the economic performance or market valuations of other life sciences and biopharmaceutical companies;
●
general
market conditions or domestic or international macroeconomic and geopolitical factors unrelated to our performance or financial condition;
●
sale
of our Common Stock by stockholders, including executives and directors;
●
volatility
and limitations in trading volumes of our Common Stock;
●
volatility
in the market prices and trading volumes of the life sciences and biopharmaceutical stocks;
●
our
ability to finance our business;
●
ability
to secure resources and the necessary personnel to pursue our plans;
●
failure
to meet external expectations or management guidance;
●
changes
in our capital structure or dividend policy, future issuances of securities, sales or distributions of large blocks of Common Stock
by stockholders;
●
our
cash position;
●
announcements
and events surrounding financing efforts, including debt and equity securities;
●
analyst
research reports, recommendations and changes in recommendations, price targets, and withdrawals of coverage;
●
departures
and additions of key personnel;
●
disputes
and litigation related to intellectual properties, proprietary rights, and contractual obligations;
●
investigations
by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors;
●
changes
in applicable laws, rules, regulations, or accounting practices and other dynamics; and
●
other
events or factors, many of which may be out of our control.
In
the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market prices of particular companies’ securities, securities
class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. Litigation of this type, if instituted against us, could result
in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources of the Company. Any adverse determination in any such
litigation or any amounts paid to settle any such actual or threatened litigation could require that we make significant payments.
Moreover,
pandemics, inflation, war and other macroeconomic and geopolitical factors have resulted in significant financial market volatility and
uncertainty in recent years. A continuation or worsening of the levels of market disruption and volatility seen in the recent past could
have an adverse effect on our ability to access capital, on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and on the market
price of our Common Stock.
31
We
have a history of operating losses, and we may not achieve or sustain profitability. We anticipate that we will continue to incur losses
for the foreseeable future. If we fail to obtain additional funding to conduct our planned research and development efforts, we could
be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or commercial development efforts.
We
are a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. Pharmaceutical product development is a highly speculative
undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. Our operations to date have been limited primarily to business planning, raising
capital and conducting research and development activities for our product candidates. We have never generated any revenue from product
sales. We have not obtained regulatory approvals for any of our product candidates and we have funded our operations to date through
proceeds from private placements of Common Stock and a line of credit from an affiliate of TNF’s founder.
We
have incurred net losses in each year since our inception. We incurred net losses attributable to shareholders of $27,161,219 and $8,218,163
for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $129,080,851.
Substantially all our operating losses have resulted from costs incurred in connection with our research and development programs and
from general and administrative costs associated with our operations. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating
losses over the next several years and for the foreseeable future as we intend to continue to conduct research and development, clinical
testing, regulatory compliance activities, manufacturing activities, and, if any of our product candidates is approved, sales and marketing
activities that, together with anticipated general and administrative expenses, will likely result in the company incurring significant
losses for the foreseeable future. Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had and will continue to have an adverse
effect on our shareholders’ equity and working capital.
Our
limited operating history may make it difficult to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.
TNF’s
predecessor, MyMD Florida, was formed in late 2014. Our operations to date have been limited primarily to business planning, raising
capital and conducting research and development activities for our product candidates. We have not yet demonstrated the ability to complete
clinical trials of our product candidates, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture a commercial-scale product or conduct sales and marketing
activities necessary for successful commercialization. Consequently, predictions about our future success or viability are speculative
and no assurances can be given about our future performance.
The
concentration of the capital stock ownership with insiders of the Company will likely limit the ability of our stockholders to influence
corporate matters.
As
of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the executive officers, directors, five percent or greater stockholders, and the
respective affiliated entities of the Company, in the aggregate, beneficially owned more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding
Common Stock. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, had, and continue to have, control over matters that require
approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. Corporate
actions might be taken even if other stockholders oppose them. This concentration of ownership might also have the effect of
delaying or preventing a corporate transaction that other stockholders may view as beneficial.
32
Certain
stockholders could attempt to influence changes within the Company, which could adversely affect our operations, financial condition
and the value of our Common Stock.
Our
stockholders may from time to time seek to acquire a controlling stake in the Company, engage in proxy solicitations, advance stockholder
proposals or otherwise attempt to effect changes. Campaigns by stockholders to effect changes at publicly traded companies are sometimes
led by investors seeking to increase short-term stockholder value through actions such as financial restructuring, increased debt, special
dividends, stock repurchases or sales of assets or the entire company. Responding to proxy contests and other actions by activist stockholders
can be costly and time-consuming and could disrupt our operations and divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management.
These actions could adversely affect our operations, financial condition, and the value of our Common Stock.
Our
largest stockholder maintains the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval.
As
of April 4, 2025, our largest stockholder, PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (“Pharmacyte”) beneficially owns approximately 88.64% of the
issued and outstanding Common Stock of the Company. As a result, if Pharmacyte may be able to significantly influence all matters submitted
to the Company’s stockholders for approval, as well as the Company’s management and affairs. For example, Pharmacyte could
significantly influence the election of directors or the approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of
the Company’s assets. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of the Company on terms that other
We
must attract and retain highly skilled employees to succeed.
To
succeed, we must recruit, retain, manage and motivate qualified clinical, scientific, technical and management personnel, and we face
significant competition for experienced personnel. If we do not succeed in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, particularly
at the management level, it could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan, harm our results of operations and increase
our capabilities to successfully commercialize Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD and our other product candidates. The competition for qualified personnel
in the biotechnology field is intense and as a result, we may be unable to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel necessary
for the development of our business or to recruit suitable replacement personnel.
Many
of the other biotechnology companies that we compete against for qualified personnel have greater financial and other resources, different
risk profiles and a longer history in the industry than we do. They also may provide more diverse opportunities and better chances for
career advancement. Some of these characteristics may be more appealing to high-quality candidates than what we have to offer. If we
are unable to continue to attract and retain high-quality personnel, the rate and success at which we can discover and develop product
candidates and our business will be limited.
We
operate in a highly competitive industry.
We
face, and will continue to face, intense competition from large pharmaceutical companies, specialty pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies as well as academic and research institutions pursuing research and development of technologies, drugs or other therapies that
would compete with our products or product candidates. The pharmaceutical market is highly competitive, subject to rapid technological
change and significantly affected by existing rival drugs and medical procedures, new product introductions and the market activities
of other participants. Our competitors may develop products more rapidly or more effectively than us. If our competitors are more successful
in commercializing their products than us, their success could adversely affect our competitive position and harm our business prospects
and may also lead to the diversion of funding away from us and towards other companies.
If
we fail to comply with environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur
costs that could harm our business.
We
are subject to numerous environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, including those governing laboratory procedures and the
handling, use, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Our operations will involve the use of hazardous materials,
including chemicals and biological materials. Our operations also may produce hazardous waste products. We generally anticipate contracting
with third parties for the disposal of these materials and wastes. We will not be able to eliminate the risk of contamination or injury
from these materials. In the event of contamination or injury resulting from any use by us of hazardous materials, we could be held liable
for any resulting damages, and any liability could exceed our resources. We also could incur significant costs associated with civil
or criminal fines and penalties for failure to comply with such laws and regulations.
Although
we maintain workers’ compensation insurance to cover us for costs and expenses, we may incur due to injuries to our employees resulting
from the use of hazardous materials, this insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential liabilities.
In
addition, we may incur substantial costs in order to comply with current or future environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations.
These current or future laws and regulations may impair our research, development or production efforts. Our failure to comply with these
laws and regulations also may result in substantial fines, penalties or other sanctions.
33
Our
business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security or
those of third-party providers.
In
the ordinary course of our business, we and our third-party providers rely on electronic communications and information system to conduct
our operations. We and our third-party providers have been, and may continue to be, targeted by parties using fraudulent e-mails and
other communications in attempts to misappropriate bank accounting information, passwords, or other personal information or to introduce
viruses or other malware to our information systems. On July 20, 2023, we experienced a cybersecurity incident. A third-party
forensic technology company’s investigation confirmed that we were a victim of wire fraud due to a compromised electronic mail
account. As of the date of this filing, we have identified losses totaling $78,198 related to this incident, net of amounts recovered.
Following the incident, we have taken measures to enhance our electronic mail security and have modified our internal procedures to ensure
the authenticity of payment instructions and we continue to evaluate additional measures for improving cybersecurity. Despite these prophylactic
measures, the risk of such cyber-attacks against us or our third-party providers and business partners remains a serious issue. Cybersecurity
incidents are pervasive, and the risks of cybercrime are complex and continue to evolve. Although we are making significant efforts to
maintain the security and integrity of our information systems and are exploring various measures to manage the risk of a security breach
or disruption, there can be no assurance that our security efforts and measures will be effective or that attempted security breaches
or disruptions would not be successful or damaging.
In
addition, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, research data, our proprietary business information and
that of our suppliers, technical information about our products, clinical trial plans and employee records. Similarly, our third-party
providers possess certain of our sensitive data and confidential information. The secure maintenance of this information is critical
to our operations and business strategy. Despite the implementation of security measures, our internal computer systems, and those of
third parties on which we rely, are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, malware, ransomware, cyber fraud, natural disasters,
terrorism, war, telecommunication and electrical failures, cyberattacks or cyberintrusions over the Internet, attachments to emails,
persons inside our organization, or persons with access to systems inside our organization. The risk of a security breach or disruption,
particularly through cyberattacks or cyberintrusions, including by computer hackers, foreign governments, and cyber terrorists, has generally
increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. Any such
breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, encrypted, lost or stolen.
Any such access, inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information or other loss of information, including our data
being breached at third-party providers, could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or financial loss under laws that protect
the privacy of personal information, disruption of our operations or our product development programs and damage to our reputation, which
could adversely affect our business.
Risks
Related to our Product Development and Regulatory Approval
With
regard to our Supera-CBD product candidate, we must conduct pre-clinical testing and prepare and submit an IND to the FDA. With regard
to both our Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD product candidates, we must conduct all phases of clinical studies, which will likely take several
years and substantial expenses to complete, before we can submit an application for marketing approval to the FDA, and we may be required
to complete additional post-market or “Phase 4” studies after application or approval. There is no guarantee that we will
complete such clinical development in a timely manner or at all or that we will obtain or maintain regulatory approval for either product
candidate.
Potential
Risks
●
FDA
– IND review is conducted and feedback is delivered within 30 days of receipt of the initial application. At the time, changes
to the study protocol may be requested in order to proceed with the proposed Phase 2 clinical trial.
●
Institutional
Review Board (IRB) – If the FDA requests changes to the protocol included in the initial application, an amendment must be
submitted to the IRB for an additional review. This review may include changes to the protocol, informed consent form, surveys, and
other assessments planned over the course of the clinical trial.
●
COVID-19
– Clinical sites must follow specific COVID-19 guidelines. Clinical trial activity must adhere to those guidelines which may
change over the course of the study. For example, the protocol may need to be revised to accommodate for in-home visits (if necessary)
to maximize patient and research staff safety.
●
Site
Initiation Visit (SIV) – Site initiation visits are scheduled around principal investigator (PI) availability. Due to changing
clinic schedules, SIVs may need to be rescheduled to accommodate various PI demands.
●
Central
Lab – Central labs are responsible for creating all the kits (supplies) required for patient visits. Kits are created to execute
all aspects of screening through study completion. Kits are developed based on specifications from core labs and third-party vendors
(as applicable). All shipping and storing requirements need to be clearly articulated and lab manuals provided to make the kits.
The central lab is also responsible for building a database to store all the lab results.
●
Electronic
Database – The overall database used for the study must be built around the schedule of assessments planned for each patient
over the course of the clinical trial. This includes every assessment and data element collected. The complexity of the Phase 2 trial
also requires development and testing of drug randomization across treatment groups to ensure blinding is maintained. Thorough user-acceptability
testing (UAT) is required and is time-intensive.
●
CoreRx
– To maintain adequate blinding across treatment groups, new labels were created and applied to the active drug and placebo
bottles. Logistics and manufacturing need to work together to ensure capsules were not only filled appropriately, but also labelled
correctly to ensure the electronic database and randomization schemes maintain alignment over the course of the study.
34
Clinical
drug development is a lengthy, expensive, and inherently uncertain process, and we may experience delays in completing, or ultimately
be unable to complete, the development and commercialization of our product candidates.
The
FDA must approve any new drug products before they can be marketed in the United States, and such approval is contingent upon the collection
of sufficient safety- and efficacy-data from preclinical and clinical studies. We must complete preclinical development and conduct extensive
clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our product candidates for their respective targeted indications. With regard
to Supera-CBD, we are still in the pre-clinical stage, and we are in relatively early clinical stages with regard to certain indications
for which Isomyosamine is being developed and in pre-clinical stages for others. Clinical trials are expensive, difficult to design and implement,
and can take many years to complete, and their outcomes are inherently uncertain. Failure can occur at any time during the clinical trial
process. Nonclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses, and many companies have believed
their product candidates performed satisfactorily in nonclinical studies and clinical trials and, nonetheless, were denied marketing
approval for such candidates due to insufficient safety or efficacy data and/or other clinical-study deficiencies. It is impossible to
predict whether we will be able to prove that either or both of our product candidates are safe and effective for any of the indications
for which they are, respectively, being developed and, accordingly, when they will be approved for commercialization in the United States
for any given indication, if ever.
After
completing the requisite preclinical testing, IND submission, internal review board (“IRB”) review, and any other applicable
early-development obligations, sponsors must conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the product
candidates. We have completed such early-stage preclinical testing and IND-submission for some, but not all, indications for which Isomyosamine
is being developed and are currently working towards completion of such pre-IND activities for Supera-CBD. Even if the results of our
pre-clinical testing and clinical trials are favorable, we expect our product candidates to remain in clinical development for several
years before they may be considered for regulatory approval, and clinical development of either or both candidates for one or more targeted
indications may take significantly longer to complete and may never be successful. Failures in connection with one or more clinical trials
can occur at any stage of testing.
Events
that may prevent successful or timely completion of clinical development include:
●
delays
in reaching a consensus with regulatory authorities on trial design;
●
delays
in reaching agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organization (“CRO”) and clinical trial
sites;
●
delays
in opening clinical trial sites or obtaining required IRB or independent ethics committee approval at each clinical trial site;
●
actual
or perceived lack of effectiveness of any product candidate during clinical trials;
●
discovery
of serious or unexpected toxicities or side effects experienced by trial participants or other safety issues, such as drug interactions,
including those which cause confounding changes to the levels of other concomitant medications;
●
slower
than expected rates of subject recruitment and enrollment rates in clinical trials;
●
difficulty
in retaining subjects for the entire duration of applicable clinical studies (as study subjects may withdraw at any time due to adverse
side effects from the therapy, insufficient efficacy, fatigue with the clinical trial process or for any other reason;
●
delays
or inability in manufacturing or obtaining sufficient quantities of materials for use in clinical trials due to regulatory and manufacturing
constraints;
●
inadequacy
of or changes in its manufacturing process or product candidate formulation;
●
delays
in obtaining regulatory authorization s, such as INDs and any others that must be obtained, maintained, and/or satisfied to commence
a clinical trial, the imposition of “clinical holds” or delays requiring suspension or termination of a trial by a regulatory
agency, such as the FDA, before or after a trial is commenced;
●
changes
in applicable regulatory policies and regulation, including changes to requirements imposed on the extent, nature or timing of studies;
●
delays
or failure in reaching agreement on acceptable terms in clinical trial contracts or protocols with prospective clinical trial sites;
●
uncertainty
regarding proper dosing;
●
delay
or failure to supply products for use in clinical trials which conforms to regulatory specification , or otherwise do not comply with required manufacturing obligations, such as cGMPs;
●
unfavorable
results from ongoing pre-clinical studies and clinical trials;
●
failure
of its CROs, or other third-party contractors to comply with all contractual requirements or to perform their services in a timely
or acceptable manner;
●
Our
failure, or the failure of any individuals, entities, or organizations involved in one or more aspects of our clinical development
activities, to comply with all applicable FDA or other regulatory requirements relating to the conduct of clinical trials;
●
scheduling
conflicts with participating clinicians and clinical institutions;
●
failure
to design appropriate clinical trial protocols;
●
regulatory
concerns and additional difficulties associated with cannabinoid products, generally;
●
insufficient
data to support regulatory approval;
●
inability
or unwillingness of medical investigators to follow its clinical protocols; or
●
difficulty
in maintaining contact with patients during or after treatment, which may result in incomplete data.
If
the result of any of the clinical trials for any of our current or future therapeutic candidates do not produce sufficiently
favorable results or are found to have been conducted in violation of the FDA’s or other regulatory body’s standards
governing such studies, our ability to request and obtain regulatory approval for the therapeutic candidate may be adversely
impacted, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition or results of
operations.
35
If
we are unable to develop, obtain regulatory approval for and commercialize Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD or other future product candidates, or
if we experience significant delays in doing so, our business will be materially harmed.
We
have invested a substantial amount of effort and financial resources in Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD. We plan to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials
for treatment of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, aging and multiple sclerosis with Isomyosamine and IND-enabling pre-clinical studies of Supera-CBD
to enable submission of an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application for a Phase 1 in healthy volunteers followed by clinical
trials in epilepsy, addiction and anxiety disorders. In order to conduct human clinical trials, we are required obtain approval from
Institutional Review Boards (“IRBs”) or Ethics committees. IRBs are independent committee organizations that operate in compliance
with U.S. federal regulations (including but not limited to 21 C.F.R. Parts 50 and 56, and 45 C.F.R. Part 46) in order to help protect
the rights of research subjects under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”).
IRBs provide expertise in examining research for its ethical implications, including research involving vulnerable populations, such
as pediatrics, critically ill, and cognitively impaired participants. There is no guarantee that an IRB will approve our current product
candidates for human clinical trials. Without IRB approval, the Company would not be able to perform clinical research on humans and
our products would not be able to move through the regulatory approval process.
Our
ability to generate product revenue will depend heavily on the successful development and eventual commercialization of Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD
and our other product candidates, which may never occur. We currently generate no revenue from sales of any product and we may never
be able to develop or commercialize a marketable product.
Each
of our programs and product candidates will require further clinical and/or pre-clinical development, regulatory approval in multiple
jurisdictions, obtaining pre-clinical, clinical and commercial manufacturing supply, capacity and expertise, building of a commercial
organization, substantial investment and significant marketing efforts before we generate any revenue from product sales. Isomyosamine and
Supera-CBD and our other product candidates must be authorized for marketing by the FDA and certain other foreign regulatory agencies
before we may commercialize any of our product candidates.
The
success of our product candidates depends on multiple factors, including:
●
successful
completion of pre-clinical studies, including those compliant with Good Laboratory Practices (“GLP”) or GLP toxicology
studies, biodistribution studies and minimum effective dose studies in animals, and successful enrollment and completion of clinical
trials compliant with current Good Clinical Practices (“GCPs”);
●
effective
INDs and Clinical Trial Authorizations (“CTAs”) that allow commencement of our planned clinical trials or future clinical
trials for our product candidates in relevant territories;
●
approval
from IRBs or Ethics committees to conduct human clinical trials;
●
establishing
and maintaining relationships with contract research organizations (“CROs”), and clinical sites for the clinical development
of our product candidates;
●
successful
clearance of products arriving from foreign countries, needed to perform clinical trials, through U.S. customs;
●
maintenance
of arrangements with third-party contract manufacturing organizations (“CMOs”) for key materials used in our manufacturing
processes and to establish backup sources for clinical and large-scale commercial supply;
●
positive
results from our clinical programs that are supportive of safety and efficacy and provide an acceptable risk-benefit profile for
our product candidates in the intended patient populations;
●
receipt
of regulatory approvals from applicable regulatory authorities, including those necessary for pricing and reimbursement of our product
candidates;
●
establishment
and maintenance of patent and trade secret protection and regulatory exclusivity for our product candidates;
●
commercial
launch of our product candidates, if and when approved, whether alone or in collaboration with others;
●
acceptance
of our product candidates, if and when approved, by patients, patient advocacy groups, third-party payors and the general medical
community;
●
our
effective competition against other therapies available in the market;
●
establishment
and maintenance of adequate reimbursement from third-party payors for our product candidates;
●
our
ability to acquire or in-license additional product candidates;
●
prosecution,
maintenance, enforcement and defense of intellectual property rights and claims;
●
maintenance
of a continued acceptable safety profile of our product candidates following approval, including meeting any post-marketing commitments
or requirements imposed by or agreed to with applicable regulatory authorities; or
●
political
factors surrounding the approval process, such as government shutdowns, political instability or global pandemics.
If
we do not succeed in one or more of these factors in a timely manner or at all, we could experience significant delays or an inability
to successfully commercialize our product candidates, which would materially harm our business. If we do not receive regulatory approvals
for our product candidates, we may not be able to continue our operations.
36
We
may not have the resources to conduct clinical protocols sufficient to yield data suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals
and our inability to do so in the future could have an adverse effect on marketing our products effectively.
In
order for our products targeted for use by hospital laboratory professionals and healthcare providers to be widely adopted, we would
have to conduct clinical protocols that are designed to yield data suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals. These studies
are often time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive to execute. We have previously and not had the resources to effectively implement
such clinical programs within our clinical development activities and may not be able to do so in the future. In addition, if a protocol
is initiated, the results of such protocol may ultimately not support the anticipated positioning and benefit proposition for the product.
Either of these scenarios could hinder our ability to market our products, and revenue may decline.
Success
in pre-clinical studies and earlier clinical trials for our product candidates may not be indicative of the results that may be obtained
in later clinical trials, including our Phase 2 clinical trial for Isomyosamine, which may delay or prevent obtaining regulatory approval.
Clinical
development is expensive and can take many years to complete, and its outcome is inherently uncertain. Failure can occur at any time
during the clinical trial process. Success in pre-clinical studies and early clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later-stage
clinical trials, and successful results from early or small clinical trials may not be replicated or show as favorable an outcome in
later-stage or larger clinical trials, even if successful. We will be required to demonstrate through adequate and well-controlled clinical
trials that our product candidates are safe and effective for their intended uses before we can seek regulatory approvals for their commercial
sale. The conduct of Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials, and the submission of a New Drug Application (“NDA”) is a complicated process.
We have not previously conducted any clinical trials, and have limited experience in preparing, submitting and supporting regulatory
filings. Consequently, we may be unable to successfully and efficiently execute and complete necessary clinical trials and other requirements
in a way that leads to NDA submission and approval of any product candidate we are developing.
Many
companies in the pharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in late-stage clinical trials after achieving positive results
in early-stage development, and there is a high failure rate for product candidates proceeding through clinical trials. In addition,
different methodologies, assumptions and applications we utilize to assess particular safety or efficacy parameters may yield different
statistical results. Even if we believe the data collected from clinical trials of our product candidates are promising, this data may
not be sufficient to support approval by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities. Pre-clinical and clinical data can be interpreted
in different ways. Accordingly, the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities could interpret this data in different ways from us or our
partners, which could delay, limit or prevent regulatory approval. If our study data do not consistently or sufficiently demonstrate
the safety or efficacy of any of our product candidates, including Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD, to the satisfaction of the FDA or foreign regulatory
authorities, then the regulatory approvals for such product candidates could be significantly delayed as we work to meet approval requirements,
or, if we are not able to meet these requirements, such approvals could be withheld or withdrawn.
Even
if we complete the necessary pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, we cannot predict when, or if, we will obtain regulatory approval
to commercialize a product candidate and the approval may be for a narrower indication than we seek.
Prior
to commercialization in the United States, Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD and our other product candidates must be approved by the FDA pursuant to
an NDA for their respective target indication(s). The process of obtaining marketing approvals, both in the U.S. and abroad, is expensive
and takes many years, if approval is obtained at all, and can vary substantially based upon a variety of factors, including the type,
complexity and novelty of the product candidates involved. Failure to obtain marketing approval for a product candidate will prevent
us from commercializing the product candidate. We have not received approval to market Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD or any of our other product
candidates from regulatory authorities in any jurisdiction. We have limited experience in submitting and supporting the applications
necessary to gain marketing approvals, and, in the event regulatory authorities indicate that we may submit such applications, we may
be unable to do so as quickly and efficiently as desired. Securing marketing approval requires the submission of extensive pre-clinical
and clinical data and supporting information to regulatory authorities for each therapeutic indication to establish the product candidate’s
safety and efficacy. Securing marketing approval also requires the submission of information about the product manufacturing process
to, and inspection of manufacturing facilities by the regulatory authorities. Our product candidates may not be effective, may be only
moderately effective or may prove to have undesirable or unintended side effects, toxicities or other characteristics that may preclude
our obtaining marketing approval or prevent or limit commercial use. Regulatory authorities have substantial discretion in the approval
process and may refuse to accept or file any application or may decide that our data is insufficient for approval and require additional
pre-clinical, clinical or other studies. In addition, varying interpretations of the data obtained from pre-clinical and clinical testing
could delay, limit or prevent marketing approval of a product candidate.
37
Approval
of Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD or our other product candidates may be delayed or refused for many reasons, including:
●
the
FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with the design or implementation of our clinical trials;
●
we
may be unable to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, that our product candidates
are safe and effective for any of their proposed indications;
●
the
populations studied in clinical trials may not be sufficiently broad or representative to assure efficacy and safety in the populations
for which we seek approval;
●
the
results of clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical significance required by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory
authorities for approval;
●
we
may be unable to demonstrate that our product candidates’ clinical and other benefits outweigh their safety risks;
●
the
data collected from clinical trials of our product candidates may not be sufficient to support the submission of an NDA or other
comparable submission in foreign jurisdictions or to obtain regulatory approval in the U.S. or elsewhere;
●
the
facilities of third-party manufacturers with which we contract or procure certain service or raw materials, may not be adequate to
support approval of our product candidates; and
●
the
approval policies or regulations of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may significantly change in a manner rendering
our clinical data insufficient for approval.
Even
if our product candidates meet their pre-specified safety and efficacy endpoints in clinical trials, the regulatory authorities may not
complete their review processes in a timely manner and may not consider such clinical trial results sufficient to grant, or we may
not be able to obtain regulatory approval. Additional delays may result if an FDA Advisory Committee or other regulatory authority recommends
non-approval or restrictions on approval. In addition, we may experience delays or rejections based upon additional government regulation
from future legislation or administrative action, or changes in regulatory authority policy during the period of product development,
clinical trials and the review process.
Regulatory
authorities also may approve a product candidate for more limited indications than requested or they may impose significant limitations
in the form of narrow indications, warnings, contraindications or Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (“REMS”). These
regulatory authorities may also grant approval subject to the performance of costly post-marketing clinical trials. In addition, regulatory
authorities may not approve the labeling claims that are necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of our product candidates.
Any of the foregoing scenarios could materially harm the commercial prospects for our product candidates and adversely affect our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
38
Any
product candidate for which we obtain marketing approval will be subject to extensive post-marketing regulatory requirements and could
be subject to post-marketing restrictions or withdrawal from the market, and we may be subject to penalties if we fail to comply with
regulatory requirements or if it experiences unanticipated problems with our product candidates, when and if any of them are approved.
Our
product candidates and the activities associated with their development and potential commercialization, including their testing, manufacturing,
recordkeeping, labeling, storage, approval, advertising, promotion, sale and distribution, are subject to comprehensive regulation by
the FDA and other U.S. and international regulatory authorities. These requirements include submissions of safety and other post-marketing
information and reports, registration and listing requirements, requirements relating to manufacturing, including cGMPs, quality control, quality assurance and corresponding maintenance of records and documents, including
periodic inspections by the FDA and other regulatory authorities and requirements regarding the distribution of samples to providers
and recordkeeping. In addition, manufacturers of drug products and their facilities are subject to continual review and periodic, unannounced
inspections by the FDA and other regulatory authorities for compliance with cGMPs.
The
FDA may also impose requirements for costly post-marketing studies or clinical trials and surveillance to monitor the safety or efficacy
of any approved product.
In
addition, later discovery of previously unknown adverse events or other problems with our product candidates, manufacturers or manufacturing
processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may yield various results, including:
●
restrictions
on such product candidates, manufacturers or manufacturing processes;
●
restrictions
on the labeling or marketing of a product;
●
restrictions
on product distribution or use;
●
requirements
to conduct post-marketing studies or clinical trials;
●
warning
or untitled letters;
●
withdrawal
of any approved product from the market;
●
refusal
to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications that we submit;
●
recall
of product candidates;
●
fines,
restitution or disgorgement of profits or revenues;
●
suspension
or withdrawal of marketing approvals;
●
refusal
to permit the import or export of our product candidates;
●
product
seizure; or
●
injunctions
or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.
39
The
FDA also closely regulates the post-approval marketing and promotion of drugs to ensure that they are marketed in a manner consistent
with the provisions of the approved labeling. The FDA imposes stringent restrictions on manufacturers’ communications regarding
use of their products. For example, under applicable FDA marketing regulations, prescription drug promotions must be consistent with
and not contrary to approved labeling, present a “fair balance” between the product’s risks and benefits, be truthful
and not false or misleading, and be sufficiently substantiated with appropriate documentary evidence, among numerous other requirements.
If we promote our products that are approved for marketing in the United States, if any, in a manner inconsistent with FDA-approved labeling
or otherwise not in compliance with FDA regulations, we may be subject to enforcement action. Violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”) relating to the promotion of prescription drugs may lead to investigation or prosecution by
the DOJ or other applicable agencies and could give rise to ancillary violations of federal and state healthcare fraud and abuse laws,
as well as state consumer protection laws and similar laws in international jurisdictions. Additionally, our marketing activities relating
to any products we may commercialize in the United States in the future may also be subject to enforcement by the FTC and/or state attorneys
general, and we may face consumer class-action liability if our marketing practices are actually or allegedly misleading or deceptive.
In
addition to the requirements applicable to approved drug products, we may also be subject to enforcement action in connection with any
promotion of an investigational new drug. A sponsor or investigator, or any person acting on behalf of a sponsor or investigator, may
not represent in a promotional context that an investigational new drug is safe or effective for the purposes for which it is under investigation
or otherwise promote the therapeutic candidate. Sponsors must strike the often-difficult balance of communicating sufficient information
about its product candidates to inform investors and engaging in valid scientific exchanges with the medical community without crossing
the often-difficult-to-ascertain line into “promotion,” which is not defined by regulation but is generally interpreted broadly
by FDA. Accordingly, if FDA finds any of our communications regarding Isomyosamine or Supera-CBD to be promotional, we may be subject to a
wide range of enforcement actions, and our candidates’ prospects for regulatory approval may be adversely affected.
The
occurrence of any event or penalty described above could give rise to material reputational harm to our business and our current, and
any future, product candidates we may develop and may inhibit our ability to commercialize our product candidates and generate revenue
and could require us to expend significant time and resources in response. The FDA’s and other regulatory authorities’ policies
may change, and additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent, limit or delay regulatory approval of our product
candidates. If we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or
if we are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, we may lose any marketing approval that we have obtained, and we may not achieve
or sustain profitability.
Our
failure to obtain regulatory approval in international jurisdictions would prevent us from marketing our product candidates outside the
U.S.
To
market and sell Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD or our other product candidates in other jurisdictions, we must obtain separate marketing approvals
and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedure varies among countries and can involve additional
testing. The time and data required to obtain approval may differ substantially from that required to obtain FDA approval. The regulatory
approval process outside the U.S. generally includes all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. In addition, in many countries
outside the U.S., we must secure product reimbursement approvals before regulatory authorities will approve the product for sale in that
country. Failure to obtain foreign regulatory approvals or non-compliance with foreign regulatory requirements could result in significant
delays, difficulties and costs for us and could delay or prevent the introduction of our product candidates in certain countries.
If
we fail to comply with the regulatory requirements in international markets and receive applicable marketing approvals, our target market
will be reduced and our ability to realize the full market potential of our product candidates will be harmed and our business will be
adversely affected. We may not obtain foreign regulatory approvals on a timely basis, if at all. Our failure to obtain approval of any
of our product candidates by regulatory authorities in another country may significantly diminish the commercial prospects of that product
candidate and our business prospects could decline.
Our
development program for Supera-CBD, a synthetic analog of CBD, is in its infancy and subject to substantial uncertainty and may not yield
commercial results and is subject to significant regulatory risks.
We
are only in the pre-clinical stage of development for Supera-CBD, which is essentially the earliest stage of a candidate’s development
process and must be followed by regulatory submissions (such as, an IND application and FDA’s acceptance thereof), IRB approval,
as well as the complex, onerous clinical-trial process (which must be conducted in accordance with FDA’s IND regulations), and
ultimately, NDA submission, the approval of which is not guaranteed. There can be no assurance that our development program for Supera-CBD,
a synthetic analog of CBD, will be successful, or that any research and development and product testing efforts will result in commercially
saleable products, or that the market will accept or respond positively to products based on Supera-CBD.
Further, the success of our prospective Supera-CBD candidate, if any, is subject to a number of constantly-evolving
state and federal laws, regulations, and enforcement policies pertaining to the use of CBD.
40
Federal
Regulation of CBD . The market for cannabinoids is heavily regulated. Synthetic cannabinoids may be viewed as qualifying as controlled
substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) and may be subject to a high degree of regulation including, among
other things, certain registration, licensing, manufacturing, security, record keeping, reporting, import, export, inspection by DEA
clinical and non-clinical studies, insurance and other requirements administered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and/or
the FDA.
State
Regulation of CBD. Individual states and local jurisdictions have also established controlled substance laws and regulations, which
may differ from U.S. federal law. States have also developed CBD-specific laws and regulations that govern a wide range of CBD-related
activities, from cultivation to processing to marketing. There is substantial variation among states’ CBD laws, and we will have
to devote substantial time, expenses, and resources toward compliance, and such laws are also subject to ongoing evolution and, thus,
must be actively monitored. We or our business partners may be required to obtain separate state or country registrations, permits or
licenses in order to be able to develop produce, sell, store and transport cannabinoids.
Compliance
is Complex and Costly . Complying with laws and regulations relating to cannabinoids is evolving, complex and expensive, and may divert
management’s attention and resources from other aspects of our business. Failure to maintain compliance with such laws and regulations
may result in regulatory action that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The DEA, FDA or state agencies may seek civil penalties, refuse to renew necessary registrations, or initiate proceedings to revoke those
registrations. In certain circumstances, violations could lead to criminal proceedings. Additionally, to the extent we are able to successfully commercialize any of our currently contemplated CBD products,
including Supera-CBD, the presence of CBD as an active or inactive ingredient may give rise to heightened regulatory scrutiny and greater
risk of consumer litigation, either of which could further restrict the permissible scope of our marketing claims about such products
or our ability to sell them in the U.S. at all.
Clinical
trials . Because synthetic CBD products may be regulated as controlled substances in the U.S., to conduct clinical trials in the U.S.,
each of our research sites must submit a research protocol to the DEA and obtain and maintain a DEA researcher registration that will
allow those sites to handle and dispense products based on Supera-CBD and to obtain product from our manufacturer. If the DEA delays
or denies the grant of a research registration to one or more research sites, the clinical trial could be significantly delayed, and
we could lose clinical trial sites.
Negative
public perception of cannabis-related businesses, misconceptions about the nature of our business or Supera-MD, and regulatory uncertainties
relating to the legality of cannabinoids could each have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results
of operations.
We
believe the cannabinoid industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the safety, efficacy, quality, and legality of
cannabinoids, whether naturally derived or synthetic. Consumer perception of cannabinoid products can be significantly influenced by
scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, media attention, and other publicity regarding the consumption
of CBD products. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention,
or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the CBD market or Supera-CBD, in particular. Our dependence upon consumer
perceptions with regard to Supera-CBD, particularly once it is approved for commercialization, if ever, means that adverse scientific
research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention, or other publicity relating to cannabinoid products,
generally, or any particular cannabinoid products or derivatives, in particular, regardless of merit or accuracy, could have a material
adverse effect on our business, the development of, or ultimate commercial demand for (if applicable), Supera-CBD. Such adverse publicity
or other negative media attention could arise even if the adverse effects reportedly associated with such products resulted from consumers’
failure to consume such products appropriately or as directed. Any adverse publicity or other similar occurrences affecting consumer
perception may have a material adverse impact on our reputation, perception of Supera-CBD, and our ability to obtain the necessary regulatory
approvals for Supera-CBD and its prospective commercial viability.
Risks
Related to Commercialization and Manufacturing
The
commercial success of our product candidates, including Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD, will depend upon their degree of market acceptance by
providers, patients, patient advocacy groups, third-party payors and the general medical community.
Even
with the requisite approvals from the FDA and other regulatory authorities internationally, the commercial success of our product candidates
will depend, in part, on the acceptance of providers, patients and third-party payors of our product candidates, as medically necessary,
cost-effective and safe. Any product that we commercialize may not gain acceptance by providers, patients, patient advocacy groups, third-party
payors and the general medical community. If these products do not achieve an adequate level of acceptance, we may not generate significant
product revenue and may not become profitable. The degree of market acceptance of Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD and our other product candidates,
if approved for commercial sale, will depend on several factors, including:
●
the
efficacy, durability and safety of such product candidates as demonstrated in clinical trials;
●
the
potential and perceived advantages of product candidates over alternative treatments;
●
the
cost of treatment relative to alternative treatments;
●
the
clinical indications for which the product candidate is approved by the FDA or the European Commission;
●
the
willingness of providers to prescribe new therapies;
●
the
willingness of the target patient population to try new therapies;
●
the
prevalence and severity of any side effects;
●
product
labeling or product insert requirements of the FDA or other regulatory authorities, including any limitations or warnings contained
in a product’s approved labeling;
●
the
strength of marketing and distribution support;
●
the
timing of market introduction of competitive products;
●
the
quality of our relationships with patient advocacy groups;
●
publicity
concerning our product candidates or competing products and treatments; and
●
sufficient
third-party payor coverage and adequate reimbursement.
Even
if a potential product displays a favorable efficacy and safety profile in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, market acceptance
of the product will not be fully known until after it is launched.
41
The
pricing, insurance coverage and reimbursement status of newly approved products is uncertain. Failure to obtain or maintain adequate
coverage and reimbursement for our product candidates, if approved, could limit our ability to market those products and decrease our
ability to generate product revenue.
If
we are unable to establish or sustain coverage and adequate reimbursement for our product candidates from third-party payors, the adoption
of those product candidates and sales revenue will be adversely affected, which, in turn, could adversely affect the ability to market
or sell those product candidates, if approved.
We
expect that coverage and reimbursement by third-party payors will be essential for most patients to be able to afford these treatments.
Accordingly, sales of Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD and our other product candidates will depend substantially, both domestically and internationally,
on the extent to which the costs of our product candidates will be paid by health maintenance, managed care, pharmacy benefit and similar
healthcare management organizations, or will be reimbursed by government authorities, private health coverage insurers and other third-party
payors. Even if coverage is provided, the approved reimbursement amount may not be high enough to allow us to establish or maintain pricing
sufficient to realize a sufficient return on our investment.
There
is significant uncertainty related to the insurance coverage and reimbursement of newly approved products. In the U.S., third-party
payors, including private and governmental payors, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs, play an important role in determining
the extent to which new drugs will be covered and reimbursed. The Medicare program covers certain individuals aged 65 or older,
disabled or suffering from end-stage renal disease. The Medicaid program, which varies from state to state, covers certain
individuals and families who have limited financial means. The Medicare and Medicaid programs increasingly are used as models for
how third-party private payors and other governmental payors develop their coverage and reimbursement policies for drugs. One
payor’s determination to provide coverage for a drug product, however, does not assure that other payors will also provide
coverage for the drug product. Further, a payor’s decision to provide coverage for a drug product does not imply that an
adequate reimbursement rate will be approved.
In
addition to government and private payors, professional organizations such as the American Medical Association (“AMA”), can
influence decisions about coverage and reimbursement for new products by determining standards for care. In addition, many private payors
contract with commercial vendors who sell software that provide guidelines that attempt to limit utilization of, and therefore reimbursement
for, certain products deemed to provide limited benefit to existing alternatives. Such organizations may set guidelines that limit reimbursement
or utilization of our product candidates. Even if favorable coverage and reimbursement status is attained for one or more product candidates
for which our collaborators receive regulatory approval, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented
in the future.
Outside
the U.S., international operations are generally subject to extensive governmental price controls and other market regulations, and we
believe the increasing emphasis on cost-containment initiatives in Europe, Canada and other countries has and will continue to put pressure
on the pricing and usage of therapeutics such as our product candidates. In many countries, particularly the countries of the European
Union, the prices of medical products are subject to varying price control mechanisms as part of national health systems. In these countries,
pricing negotiations with governmental authorities can take considerable time after the receipt of marketing approval for a product.
To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some countries, we may be required to conduct a clinical trial that compares the cost-effectiveness
of our product candidate to other available therapies. In general, the prices of products under such systems are substantially lower
than in the U.S. Other countries allow companies to fix their own prices for products but monitor and control company profits. Additional
foreign price controls or other changes in pricing regulation could restrict the amount that we are able to charge for our product candidates.
Accordingly, in markets outside the U.S., the reimbursement for our product candidates may be reduced compared with the U.S. and may
be insufficient to generate commercially reasonable revenues and profits.
Moreover,
increasing efforts by governmental and third-party payors, in the U.S. and internationally, to cap or reduce healthcare costs may cause
such organizations to limit both coverage and level of reimbursement for new products approved and, as a result, they may not cover or
provide adequate payment for our product candidates. We expect to experience pricing pressures in connection with the sale of any of
our product candidates due to the trend toward managed healthcare, the increasing influence of certain third-party payors, such as health
maintenance organizations, and additional legislative changes. The downward pressure on healthcare costs in general, particularly prescription
drugs and surgical procedures and other treatments, has become very intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected
to the entry of new products into the healthcare market. Recently there have been instances in which third-party payors have refused
to reimburse treatments for patients for whom the treatment is indicated in the FDA-approved product labeling. Even if we are successful
in obtaining FDA approvals to commercialize our product candidates, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to secure reimbursement
for all patients for whom treatment with our product candidates is indicated.
42
If
third parties on which we depend to conduct our planned pre-clinical studies or clinical trials, do not perform as contractually required,
fail to satisfy regulatory or legal requirements or miss expected deadlines, our development program could be delayed with adverse effects
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We
rely on third party CROs, CMOs, consultants and others to design, conduct, supervise and monitor key activities relating to, discovery,
manufacturing, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates, and we intend to do the same for future activities
relating to existing and future programs. Because we rely on third parties and do not have the ability to conduct all required testing,
discovery, manufacturing, preclinical studies or clinical trials independently, we have less control over the timing, quality and other
aspects of discovery, manufacturing, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials than we would if we conducted them on our own. These investigators,
CROs, CMOs and consultants are not our employees, and we have limited control over the amount of time and resources that they dedicate
to our programs. These third parties may have contractual relationships with other entities, some of which may be our competitors, which
may draw time and resources from our programs. The third parties we contract with might not be diligent or timely in conducting our discovery,
manufacturing, pre-clinical studies or clinical trials, resulting in discovery, manufacturing, pre-clinical studies or clinical trials
being delayed or unsuccessful, in whole or in part.
If
we cannot contract with acceptable third parties on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or if these third parties do not carry
out their contractual duties, satisfy legal and regulatory requirements for the conduct of pre-clinical studies or clinical trials or
meet expected deadlines, our clinical development programs could be delayed and otherwise adversely affected. In all events, we are responsible
for ensuring that each of our pre-clinical studies and clinical trials is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan
and protocols for the trial, as well as in accordance with GLP, GCPs and other applicable laws, regulations and standards. Our reliance
on third parties that we do not control does not relieve us of these responsibilities and requirements. The FDA and other regulatory
authorities enforce GCPs through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, principal investigators and trial sites. If we or any of these
third parties fails to comply with applicable GCPs, the clinical data generated in its clinical trials may be deemed unreliable and the
FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may require us to perform additional clinical trials before approving its marketing
applications. We cannot assure that upon inspection by a given regulatory authority, such regulatory authority will determine that any
of our clinical trials have complied with GCPs. In addition, our clinical trials must be conducted with product produced in accordance
with cGMPs. Our failure to comply with these regulations may require us to repeat clinical trials, which could delay or prevent the receipt
of regulatory approvals. Any such event could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
We
face significant competition in an environment of rapid pharmacological change and it is possible that our competitors may achieve regulatory
approval before us or develop therapies that are more advanced or effective than ours, which may harm our business, financial condition
and our ability to successfully market or commercialize Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD and our other product candidates.
The
biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapidly changing technologies, competition and a strong emphasis on
intellectual property. We are aware of several companies focused on developing immunometabolic treatments in various indications as well
as several companies addressing other treatments for anti-aging, anxiety and depression. We may also face competition from large and
specialty pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic research institutions, government agencies and public and private research
institutions that conduct research, seek patent protection, and establish collaborative arrangements for research, development, manufacturing
and commercialization.
Several
companies are focused on developing treatments for immunometabolic dysregulation in treatment of autoimmune disorders.
Many
of our potential competitors, alone or with their strategic partners, may have substantially greater financial, technical and other resources
than we do, such as larger research and development, clinical, marketing and manufacturing organizations. Mergers and acquisitions in
the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of competitors.
Our commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if competitors develop and commercialize products that are safer, more effective,
have fewer or less severe side effects, are more convenient or are less expensive than any product candidates that we may develop. Competitors
also may obtain FDA or other regulatory approval for their products more rapidly than we may obtain approval for our products, which
could result in our competitors establishing a strong market position before we are able to enter the market, if ever. Additionally,
new or advanced technologies developed by our competitors may render our current or future product candidates uneconomical or obsolete,
and we may not be successful in marketing our product candidates against competitors.
43
The
manufacture of drugs is complex, and our third-party manufacturers may encounter difficulties in production. If any of our third-party
manufacturers encounter such difficulties, our ability to provide supply of Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD or our other product candidates for clinical
trials, our ability to obtain marketing approval, or our ability to provide supply of our product candidates for patients, if approved,
could be delayed or stopped.
We
intend to establish manufacturing relationships with a limited number of suppliers to manufacture raw materials, the drug substance and
finished product of any product candidate for which we are responsible for pre-clinical or clinical development. Each supplier may require
licenses to manufacture such components if such processes are not owned by the supplier or in the public domain. As part of any marketing
approval, a manufacturer and its processes are required to be qualified by the FDA prior to regulatory approval. If supply from the approved
vendor is interrupted, there could be a significant disruption in commercial supply. An alternative vendor would need to be qualified
through an NDA supplement which could result in further delay. The FDA or other regulatory agencies outside of the U.S. may also require
additional studies if a new supplier is relied upon for commercial production. Switching vendors may involve substantial costs and is
likely to result in a delay in our desired clinical and commercial timelines.
The
process of manufacturing drugs is complex, highly regulated and subject to multiple risks. Manufacturing drugs is highly susceptible
to product loss due to contamination, equipment failure, improper installation or operation of equipment, vendor or operator error, inconsistency
in yields, variability in product characteristics and difficulties in scaling the production process. Even minor deviations from normal
manufacturing processes could result in reduced production yields, product defects and other supply disruptions. If microbial, viral
or other contaminations are discovered at the facilities of our manufacturers, such facilities may need to be closed for an extended
period of time to investigate and remedy the contamination, which could delay clinical trials and adversely harm our business. Moreover,
if the FDA determines that our CMOs are not in compliance with FDA laws and regulations, including those governing cGMPs, the FDA may
deny NDA approval until the deficiencies are corrected or we replace the manufacturer in our NDA with a manufacturer that is in compliance.
In addition, approved products and the facilities at which they are manufactured are required to maintain ongoing compliance with extensive
FDA requirements and the requirements of other similar agencies, including ensuring that quality control and manufacturing procedures
conform to cGMP requirements. As such, our CMOs are subject to continual review and periodic inspections to assess compliance with cGMPs.
Furthermore, although we do not have day-to-day control over the operations of our CMOs, we are responsible for ensuring compliance with
applicable laws and regulations, including cGMPs.
In
addition, there are risks associated with large scale manufacturing for clinical trials or commercial scale including, among others,
cost overruns, potential problems with process scale-up, process reproducibility, stability issues, compliance with good manufacturing
practices, lot consistency, and timely availability of raw materials. Even if our collaborators obtain regulatory approval for any of
our product candidates, there is no assurance that manufacturers will be able to manufacture the approved product to specifications acceptable
to the FDA or other regulatory authorities, to produce it in sufficient quantities to meet the requirements for the potential launch
of the product or to meet potential future demand. If our manufacturers are unable to produce sufficient quantities for clinical trials
or for commercialization, commercialization efforts would be impaired, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
Risks
Related to Government Regulation
We
could be adversely affected if healthcare reform measures substantially change the market for medical care or healthcare coverage in
the U.S.
On
March 23, 2010, former President Obama signed the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (P.L. 111-148) (the
“ACA”) and on March 30, 2010, he signed the “Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act” (P.L. 111-152),
collectively commonly referred to as the “Healthcare Reform Law.” The Healthcare Reform Law included a number of new
rules regarding health insurance, the provision of healthcare, conditions to reimbursement for healthcare services provided to
Medicare and Medicaid patients, and other healthcare policy reforms. Through the law-making process, substantial changes have been
and continue to be made to the current system for paying for healthcare in the U.S., including changes made to extend medical
benefits to certain Americans who lacked insurance coverage and to contain or reduce healthcare costs (such as by reducing or
conditioning reimbursement amounts for healthcare services and drugs, and imposing additional taxes, fees, and rebate obligations on
pharmaceutical and medical device companies). This legislation was one of the most comprehensive and significant reforms ever
experienced by the U.S. in the healthcare industry and has significantly changed the way healthcare is financed by both governmental
and private insurers. This legislation has impacted the scope of healthcare insurance and incentives for consumers and insurance
companies, among others. Additionally, the Healthcare Reform Law’s provisions were designed to encourage providers to find
cost savings in their clinical operations. Pharmaceuticals represent a significant portion of the cost of providing care. This
environment has caused changes in the purchasing habits of consumers and providers and resulted in specific attention to the pricing
negotiation, product selection and utilization review surrounding pharmaceuticals. This attention may result in products we may
commercialize or promote in the future being chosen less frequently or the pricing being substantially lowered. At this stage, it is
difficult to estimate the full extent of the direct or indirect impact of the Healthcare Reform Law on us.
44
These
structural changes could entail further modifications to the existing system of private payors and government programs (such as Medicare,
Medicaid, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program), creation of government-sponsored healthcare insurance sources, or
some combination of both, as well as other changes. Restructuring the coverage of medical care in the U.S. could impact the reimbursement
for prescribed drugs and pharmaceuticals, including any products that we may commercialize or promote in the future. If reimbursement for any product we may commercialize or promote is substantially reduced or
otherwise adversely affected in the future, or rebate obligations associated with them are substantially increased, it could have a material
adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations.
Extending
medical benefits to those who currently lack coverage will likely result in substantial costs to the U.S. federal government, which may
force significant additional changes to the healthcare system in the U.S. Much of the funding for expanded healthcare coverage may be
sought through cost savings. While some of these savings may come from realizing greater efficiencies in delivering care, improving the
effectiveness of preventive care and enhancing the overall quality of care, much of the cost savings may come from reducing the cost
of care and increased enforcement activities. Cost of care could be reduced further by decreasing the level of reimbursement for medical
services or products (including any product we may commercialize or promote in the future), or by restricting coverage (and, thereby,
utilization) of medical services or products. In either case, a reduction in the utilization of, or reimbursement for any product which
we receive marketing approval in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition or
results of operations.
Several
states and private entities initially mounted legal challenges to the Healthcare Reform Law, in particular, the ACA, and they continue
to litigate various aspects of the legislation. In June 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court generally upheld the provisions of the ACA at
issue as constitutional. However, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the legislation improperly required the states to expand their Medicaid
programs to cover more individuals. As a result, states have a choice as to whether they will expand the number of individuals covered
by their respective state Medicaid programs. Some states have not expanded their Medicaid programs and have chosen to develop other cost-saving
and coverage measures to provide care to currently uninsured individuals. Many of these efforts to date have included the institution
of Medicaid-managed care programs. The manner in which these cost-saving and coverage measures are implemented could have a material
adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations.
Further,
the healthcare regulatory environment has seen significant changes in recent years and is still in flux. Legislative initiatives to modify,
limit, replace, or repeal the ACA and judicial challenges have continued. We cannot predict the impact on our business of future legislative
and legal challenges to the ACA or other aspects of the Healthcare Reform Law or other changes to the current laws and regulations. The
financial impact of U.S. healthcare reform legislation over the next few years will depend on a number of factors, including the policies
reflected in implementing regulations and guidance and changes in sales volumes for therapeutics affected by the legislation. From time
to time, legislation is drafted, introduced and passed in the U.S. Congress that could significantly change the statutory provisions
governing coverage, reimbursement, and marketing of pharmaceutical products. In addition, third-party payor coverage and reimbursement
policies are often revised or interpreted in ways that may significantly affect our business and our products.
During
his first administration, President Trump supported the repeal of all or portions of the ACA. President Trump also issued an executive
order in which he stated that it is his administration’s policy to seek the prompt repeal of the ACA and in which he directed executive
departments and federal agencies to waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay the implementation of the provisions of the ACA to
the maximum extent permitted by law. Congress has enacted legislation that repeals certain portions of the ACA, including but not limited
to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in December 2017, which included a provision that eliminates the penalty under the ACA’s individual
mandate, effective January 1, 2019, as well as the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, passed in February 2018, which, among other things,
repealed the Independent Payment Advisory Board (which was established by the ACA and was intended to reduce the rate of growth in Medicare
spending).
Additionally,
in December 2018, a district court in Texas held that the individual mandate is unconstitutional and that the rest of the ACA is, therefore,
invalid. On appeal, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the holding on the individual mandate but remanded the case back to the
lower court to reassess whether and how such holding affects the validity of the rest of the ACA. The Fifth Circuit’s decision
on the individual mandate was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. On June 17, 2021, the Supreme Court held that the plaintiffs (comprised
of the state of Texas, as well as numerous other states and certain individuals) did not have standing to challenge the constitutionality
of the ACA’s individual mandate and, accordingly, vacated the Fifth Circuit’s decision and instructed the district court
to dismiss the case. As a result, the ACA will remain in-effect in its current form for the foreseeable future; however, we cannot predict
what additional challenges may arise in the future, the outcome thereof, or the impact any such actions may have on our business.
45
The
Biden administration also introduced various measures in 2021 focusing on healthcare and drug pricing, in particular. For example,
on January 28, 2021, former President Biden issued an executive order that initiated a special enrollment period for purposes of
obtaining health insurance coverage through the ACA marketplace, which began on February 15, 2021, and remained open through August
15, 2021. The executive order also instructed certain governmental agencies to review and reconsider their existing policies and
rules that limit access to healthcare, including among others, reexamining Medicaid demonstration projects and waiver programs that
include work requirements and policies that create unnecessary barriers to obtaining access to health insurance coverage through
Medicaid or the ACA.
On
the legislative front, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law on March 11, 2021, which, in relevant part,
eliminates the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap, currently set at 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price, for single
source drugs and innovator multiple source drugs, beginning January 1, 2024. And, in July 2021, the Biden administration released an
executive order entitled, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” with multiple provisions aimed at
prescription drugs. In response, on September 9, 2021, HHS released a “Comprehensive Plan for Addressing High Drug
Prices” that outlines principles for drug pricing reform and sets out a variety of potential legislative policies that
Congress could pursue as well as potential administrative actions HHS can take to advance these principles. And, in August 2022, the
Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) was signed into law, which will, among other things, allow U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (“HHS”) to negotiate the selling price of certain drugs and biologics that the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (“CMS”) reimburses under Medicare Part B and Part D, although only high-expenditure single-source
drugs that have been approved for at least 7 years (11 years for biologics) can be selected by CMS for negotiation, with the
negotiated price taking effect two years after the selection year. The negotiated prices, which will first become effective in 2026,
will be capped at a statutory ceiling price. Beginning in October 2023, the IRA also began penalizing drug manufacturers that
increase prices of Medicare Part B and Part D drugs at a rate greater than the rate of inflation. The IRA permits the Secretary of
HHS to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. Manufacturers that fail
to comply with the IRA may be subject to various penalties, including civil monetary penalties. The IRA also extends enhanced
subsidies for individuals purchasing health insurance coverage in ACA marketplaces through plan year 2025. Additionally, in December, 2023, the Biden Administration announced further related initiatives under the IRA to
lower prescription costs and increase competition with help from HHS, the DOJ, and the FTC.
There
is uncertainty as to what healthcare programs and regulations may be implemented or changed at the federal and/or state level in the
U.S. or the effect of any future legislation or regulation. Furthermore, we cannot asses the impact that President Trump’s second term will have on healthcare programs and regulations or the pharmaceutical industry in general. However, it is possible that such initiatives could have an adverse effect on our
ability to obtain approval and/or successfully commercialize products in the U.S. in the future, as applicable.
We
are subject to inspection and market surveillance by the FDA to determine compliance with regulatory requirements. If the FDA finds that
we have failed to comply, the agency can institute a wide variety of enforcement actions which may materially affect our business operations.
We
are subject to inspection and market surveillance by the FDA to determine compliance with regulatory requirements. If the FDA finds that
we have failed to comply with one or more applicable requirements the agency can institute a wide variety of enforcement actions, ranging
from a public warning letter to more severe sanctions such as:
●
fines,
injunctions and civil penalties;
●
recall,
detention or seizure of our products;
●
the
issuance of public notices or warnings;
●
operating
restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of production;
●
withdrawing
approval of a marketing application; and
●
criminal
prosecution.
Our
failure to comply with applicable requirements could lead to an enforcement action that may have an adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations.
The
FDA’s ability to review and approve new products may be hindered by a variety of factors, including budget and funding levels,
ability to hire and retain key personnel, statutory, regulatory and policy changes and global health concerns.
The
ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding
levels, statutory, regulatory and policy changes, the FDA’s ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of
user fees, and other events that may otherwise affect the FDA’s ability to perform routine functions. In addition, government funding
of other government agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid
and unpredictable. Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new drugs to be reviewed and/or approved
by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, over the last several years, including for
35 days beginning on December 22, 2018, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the
FDA, have had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities.
The
ability of the FDA and other government agencies to properly administer their functions is highly dependent on the levels of government
funding and the ability to fill key leadership appointments, among various factors. Delays in filling or replacing key positions could
significantly impact the ability of the FDA and other agencies to fulfill their functions and could greatly impact healthcare and the
pharmaceutical industry. Recently, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued a memo that instructed agencies, including the FDA, to
implement reductions in the workforce. If such reductions result in staffing cuts at the FDA, there may be delays in the review and approval
of drug candidates, which may delay our ability to market any current or future drug candidates.
46
Our
operations and relationships with future customers, providers and third-party payors will be subject to applicable anti-kickback, fraud
and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations, which could expose us to penalties including criminal sanctions, civil penalties,
contractual damages, reputational harm and diminished profits and future earnings.
Healthcare
providers and third-party payors will play a primary role in the recommendation and prescription of any product candidates for which
we obtain marketing approval. Our future arrangements with providers, third-party payors and customers will subject us to broadly applicable
fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations that may constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships
through which we market, sell and distribute any product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval.
Restrictions
under applicable U.S. federal and state healthcare laws and regulations include the following:
●
the
federal Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”) prohibits, among other things, persons and entities from knowingly and willfully
soliciting, offering, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward either
the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service, for which payment may be made
under federal healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. A person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the
AKS or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation;
●
federal
false claims laws, including the federal False Claims Act, imposes criminal and civil penalties, including through civil whistleblower
or qui tam actions, against individuals or entities for knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, to the federal government,
claims for payment that are false or fraudulent or making a false statement to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money
to the federal government. In addition, the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation
of the AKS constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the civil False Claims Act;
●
HIPAA
imposes criminal and civil liability for, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing or attempting to execute a scheme
to defraud any healthcare benefit program or making false statements relating to healthcare matters. Similar to the AKS, a person
or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation;
●
the
federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act of 2010 (“PPSA”) requires applicable manufacturers of covered drugs, devices,
biologics, and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance
Program, with specific exceptions, to report payments and other transfers of value provided during the previous year to physicians,
as defined by such law, certain other healthcare providers starting in 2022 (for payments made in 2021), and teaching hospitals,
as well as certain ownership and investment interests held by such physicians and their immediate family, which includes annual data
collection and reporting obligations;
●
analogous
state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws, may apply to sales or marketing arrangements
and claims involving healthcare items or services reimbursed by non-governmental third-party payors, including private insurers;
and
●
some
state laws require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and
the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government and may require drug manufacturers to report information related
to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures.
Efforts
to ensure that our business arrangements with third parties will comply with applicable healthcare laws and regulations will involve
substantial costs. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business practices may not comply with current
or future statutes, regulations or case law involving applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare laws and regulations. If our operations
are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other governmental regulations that may apply to us, we may be subject to significant
civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment, exclusion of product candidates from government-funded healthcare
programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, disgorgement, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings,
and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. If any of the physicians or other healthcare providers or entities with whom
we expect to do business is found to be not in compliance with applicable laws, they may be subject to criminal, civil or administrative
sanctions, including exclusions from government-funded healthcare programs.
47
Our
internal computer systems, or those of its third-party vendors, collaborators, or other contractors may be subject to various federal
and state confidentiality and privacy laws in the United States and abroad and could sustain system failures, security breaches, or other
disruptions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Numerous
international, national, federal, provincial and state laws, including state privacy laws (such as the California Consumer Privacy Act),
state security breach notification and information security laws, and federal and state consumer protection laws govern the collection,
use, and disclosure of personal information. In addition, most healthcare providers who may, in the future, prescribe and dispense our
products in the United States and research institutions in the United States with whom we may collaborate in the future are “covered
entities” subject to privacy and security requirements under HIPAA. Among other things, HITECH makes HIPAA’s privacy and
security standards directly applicable to business associates, independent contractors, or agents of covered entities that receive or
obtain protected health information in connection with providing a service on behalf of a covered entity. HITECH also created four new
tiers of civil monetary penalties, amended HIPAA to make civil and criminal penalties directly applicable to business associates, and
gave state attorneys general new authority to file civil actions for damages or injunctions in federal courts to enforce the federal
HIPAA laws and seek attorneys’ fees and costs associated with pursuing federal civil actions. We, or the covered entities we engage
with, could be subject to a wide range of penalties and sanctions under HIPAA, including criminal penalties if the individually identifiable
health information maintained by a covered entity is disclosed in a manner that is not authorized or permitted by HIPAA. Failure to comply
with applicable HIPAA requirements or other current and future privacy laws and regulations could result in governmental enforcement
actions (including the imposition of significant penalties), criminal and civil liability, and/or adverse publicity that negatively affects
our business.
Moreover,
we rely on our internal and third-party provided information technology systems and applications to support our operations and to maintain
and process company information including personal information, confidential business information and proprietary information. If these
information technology systems are subject to cybersecurity attacks, or are otherwise compromised, due to cyberattacks, human error or
malfeasance, system errors or otherwise, it may adversely impact our business, disrupt our operations, or lead to the loss, theft, destruction,
corruption, or compromise of our information or that of our collaborators, study subjects, or other third-party contractors, as applicable.
Such information technology or security events could also lead to legal liability, regulatory investigations or enforcement actions,
loss of business, negative media coverage, and reputational damage. While we seek to protect our information technology systems from
these types of incidents, the healthcare sector continues to see a high frequency of cyberattacks and increasingly sophisticated threat
actors, and our systems and the information maintained within those systems remain potentially vulnerable to data security incidents.
On July 20, 2023, we experienced a cybersecurity incident. A third-party forensic technology company’s investigation confirmed that
we were a victim of wire fraud due to a compromised electronic mail account. As of the date of this filing, we have identified losses
totaling $78,198 related to this incident, net of amounts recovered. Following the incident, we have taken measures to enhance our electronic
mail security and have modified our internal procedures to ensure the authenticity of payment instructions and we continue to evaluate
additional measures for improving cybersecurity. Despite these prophylactic measures, the risk of such cyber-attacks against us or our
third-party providers and business partners remains a serious issue. Cybersecurity incidents are pervasive, and the risks of cybercrime
are complex and continue to evolve.
Any
of the above-described cyber or other security-related incidents may trigger notification obligations to affected individuals and government
agencies, legal claims or proceedings, and liability under foreign, federal, provincial and state laws that protect the privacy and security
of personal information. Our proprietary and confidential information may also be accessed. Any one of these events could cause our business
to be materially harmed and our results of operations may be adversely impacted. Finally, as cyber threats continue to evolve, and privacy
and cybersecurity laws and regulations continue to develop, we may need to invest additional resources to implement new compliance measures,
strengthen our information security posture, or respond to cyber threats and incidents.
Risks
Related to Our Intellectual Property
Our
success largely depends on our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property. It is difficult and costly to protect
our proprietary rights and technology, and we may not be able to ensure their adequate protection.
Our
commercial success will depend in large part on obtaining and maintaining patent, trademark, trade secret and other intellectual property
protection of our proprietary technologies and product candidates, which include Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD and the other product candidates
we have in development, their respective components, formulations, combination therapies, methods used to manufacture them and methods
of treatment, as well as successfully defending our patents and other intellectual property rights against third-party challenges. Our
ability to stop unauthorized third parties from making, using, selling, offering to sell, importing or otherwise commercializing our
product candidates is dependent upon the extent to which we have rights under valid and enforceable patents or trade secrets that cover
these activities. If we are unable to secure and maintain patent protection for any product or technology we develop, or if the scope
of the patent protection secured is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products and technology similar
or identical to ours, and our ability to commercialize any product candidates we may develop may be adversely affected.
48
The
patenting process is expensive and time-consuming, and we may not be able to file and prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications
at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. In addition, we may not pursue or obtain patent protection in all relevant markets. It is
also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of our research and development activities before it is too late to obtain
patent protection. Moreover, in some circumstances, we may not have the right to control the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent
applications, or to maintain the patents, covering technology that we may license from or license to third parties and may be reliant
on our licensors or licensees to do so. Our pending and future patent applications may not result in issued patents. Even if patent applications
we license or own currently or in the future issue as patents, they may not issue in a form that will provide us with adequate protection,
prevent competitors or other third parties from competing with us, or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage. Any patents
that we hold or in-license may be challenged, narrowed, circumvented or invalidated by third parties. Consequently, we do not know whether
any of our platform advances and product candidates will be protectable or remain protected by valid and enforceable patents. In addition,
our existing patents and any future patents we obtain may not provide an adequate scope of protection or otherwise may not be enforceable
to prevent others from using our technology or from developing competing products and technologies.
We
may not be able to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights, which could harm our competitive position.
Our
success and future revenue growth will depend, in part, on our ability to protect our intellectual property. We will primarily rely on
patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods, to protect our proprietary
technologies or processes. It is possible that competitors or other unauthorized third parties may obtain, copy, use or disclose proprietary
technologies and processes, despite efforts by us to protect our proprietary technologies and processes. While we hold rights in several
patents, there can be no assurances that any additional patents will be issued, or additional rights will be granted, to us. Even if
new patents are issued, the claims allowed may not be sufficiently broad to adequately protect our technology and processes. Our competitors
may also be able to develop similar technology independently or design around the patents to which we have rights.
Currently,
TNF has 18 issued U.S. patents, 69 issued foreign patents, one pending U.S. patent applications, and five foreign patent applications
pending in such jurisdictions as Canada, China, Israel, and Japan, which if issued are expected to expire between 2036 and 2041. Although
we expect to obtain additional patents and in-licenses in the future, there is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully obtain
such patents or in-licenses in a timely manner or at all. Further, any of our rights to existing patents, and any future patents issued
to us, may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. As such, any rights granted under these patents may not provide us with meaningful
protection. Even if foreign patents are granted, effective enforcement in foreign countries may not be available. If our patents or rights
to patents do not adequately protect our technology or processes, competitors may be able to offer products similar to our products.
Our
potential strategy of obtaining rights to key technologies through in-licenses may not be successful.
The
future growth of our business may depend in part on our ability to in-license or otherwise acquire the rights to additional product candidates
and technologies. We cannot assure that we will be able to in-license or acquire the rights to any product candidates or technologies
from third parties on acceptable terms or at all.
For
example, our agreements with certain of our third-party research partners provide that improvements developed in the course of our relationship
with a given partner may be owned solely by either us or our third-party research partner, or jointly between us and the third party.
If we determine that exclusive rights to such improvements owned solely by a research partner or other third party with whom we collaborate
are necessary to commercialize our drug candidates or maintain our competitive advantage, we may need to obtain an exclusive license
from such third party in order to use the improvements and continue developing, manufacturing or marketing our drug candidates. We may
not be able to obtain such a license on an exclusive basis, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, which could prevent us from
commercializing our drug candidates or allow our competitors or others the opportunity to access technology that is important to our
business. We also may need the cooperation of any co-owners of our intellectual property in order to enforce such intellectual property
against third parties, and such cooperation may not be provided to us.
In
addition, the in-licensing and acquisition of these technologies is a highly competitive area, and a number of more established companies
are also pursuing strategies to license or acquire product candidates or technologies that we may consider attractive. These established
companies may have a competitive advantage over us due to their size, cash resources and greater clinical development and commercialization
capabilities. In addition, companies that perceive us to be a competitor may be unwilling to license rights to us. Furthermore, we may
be unable to identify suitable product candidates or technologies within our area of focus. If we are unable to successfully obtain rights
to suitable product candidates or technologies, our business and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
49
If
we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed.
In
addition to patent protection, we rely upon know-how and trade secret protection, as well as non-disclosure agreements and invention
assignment agreements with our employees, consultants and third parties, to protect our confidential and proprietary information, especially
where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable.
It
is our policy to require our employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers and other advisors to execute
confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships with us. These agreements provide that all
confidential information concerning our business or financial affairs developed or made known to the individual or entity during the
course of the party’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties, except in certain specified
circumstances. In the case of employees, the agreements provide that all inventions conceived by the individual, and that are related
to our current or planned business or research and development or made during normal working hours, on our premises or using our equipment
or proprietary information (or as otherwise permitted by applicable law), are our exclusive property. In the case of consultants and
other third parties, the agreements provide that all inventions conceived in connection with the services provided are our exclusive
property. However, we cannot guarantee that we have entered into such agreements with each party that may have or have had access to
our trade secrets or proprietary technology and processes. We have also adopted policies and conduct training that provides guidance
on our expectations, and our advice for best practices in protecting our trade secrets. Despite these efforts, any of these parties
may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate
remedies for such breaches.
In
addition to contractual measures, we try to protect the confidential nature of our proprietary information through other appropriate
precautions, such as physical and technological security measures. However, trade secrets and know-how can be difficult to protect. These
measures may not, for example, in the case of misappropriation of a trade secret by an employee or third party with authorized access,
provide adequate protection for our proprietary information. Our security measures may not prevent an employee or consultant from misappropriating
our trade secrets and providing them to a competitor, and any recourse we might take against this type of misconduct may not provide
an adequate remedy to protect our interests fully. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret
can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, trade secrets may be independently developed
by others in a manner that could prevent us from receiving legal recourse. If any of our confidential or proprietary information, such
as our trade secrets, were to be disclosed or misappropriated, such as through a data breach, or if any of that information was independently
developed by a competitor, our competitive position could be harmed. Additionally, certain trade secret and proprietary information may
be required to be disclosed in submissions to regulatory authorities. If such authorities do not maintain the confidential basis of such
information or disclose it as part of the basis of regulatory approval, our competitive position could be adversely affected.
We
may be subject to claims that our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their former employers.
As
is common in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, we employ individuals who were previously employed at other biotechnology
or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although we have no knowledge of any claims against
us, we may be subject to claims that these employees or we have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary
information of their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. Even if we are successful in defending
against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management. To date, none of our employees
have been subject to such claims.
Third-party
claims of intellectual property infringement may prevent, delay or otherwise interfere with our product discovery and development efforts.
Our
commercial success depends in part on our ability to develop, manufacture, market and sell our product candidates and use our proprietary
technologies without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property or other proprietary rights of third
parties. There is a substantial amount of litigation involving patents and other intellectual property rights in the biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries, as well as administrative proceedings for challenging patents, including interference, derivation, inter partes
review, post grant review, and reexamination proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) or
oppositions and other comparable proceedings in foreign jurisdictions. We may be exposed to, or threatened with, future litigation by
third parties having patent or other intellectual property rights alleging that our product candidates and/or proprietary technologies
infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate their intellectual property rights. Numerous U.S. and foreign issued patents and pending
patent applications that are owned by third parties exist in the fields in which we are developing our product candidates. As the biotechnology
and pharmaceutical industries expand and more patents are issued, the risk increases that our product candidates may give rise to claims
of infringement of the patent rights of others. Moreover, it is not always clear to industry participants, including us, which patents
cover various types of drugs, products or their methods of use or manufacture. Thus, because of the large number of patents issued and
patent applications filed in our field, third parties may allege they have patent rights encompassing our product candidates, technologies
or methods.
50
If
a third party claims that we infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate its intellectual property rights, we may face a number of
issues, including, but not limited to:
●
infringement
and other intellectual property claims that, regardless of merit, may be expensive and time-consuming to litigate and may divert
our management’s attention from our core business;
●
substantial
damages for infringement, which we may have to pay if a court decides that the product candidate or technology at issue infringes
on or violates the third party’s rights, and, if the court finds that the infringement was willful, we could be ordered to
pay treble damages plus the patent owner’s attorneys’ fees;
●
a
court prohibiting us from developing, manufacturing, marketing, selling or importing our product candidates, or from using our proprietary
technologies, unless the third-party licenses its product rights or proprietary technology to us, which it is not required to do
in the U.S. and certain other countries, on commercially reasonable terms or at all;
●
if
a license is available from a third party, we may have to pay substantial royalties, upfront fees and other amounts, and/or grant
cross-licenses to intellectual property rights for our product candidates;
●
the
requirement that we redesign our product candidates or processes so they do not infringe, which may not be possible or may require
substantial monetary expenditures and time; and
●
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.
Some
of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially
greater resources. In addition, any uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our operations or could otherwise have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Third
parties may assert that we are employing their proprietary technology without authorization, including by enforcing its patents against
us by filing a patent infringement lawsuit against us. In this regard, patents issued in the U.S. by law enjoy a presumption of validity
that can be rebutted only with evidence that is “clear and convincing,” a heightened standard of proof.
We
may not have identified all patents, published applications or published literature that affect our business by blocking our ability
to commercialize our products, by preventing the patentability of one or more aspects of our products to us or our licensors, or by covering
the same or similar technologies that may affect our ability to market our products. For example, we (or the licensor of a product to
us) may not have conducted a patent clearance search sufficient to identify potentially obstructing third party patent rights. Moreover,
patent applications in the United States are maintained in confidence for up to 18 months after their filing. In some cases, however,
patent applications remain confidential in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), for the entire time prior
to issuance as a U.S. patent. Patent applications filed in countries outside of the United States are not typically published until at
least 18 months from their first filing date. Similarly, publication of discoveries in scientific or patent literature often lags
behind actual discoveries. We cannot be certain that we or our licensors were the first to invent, or the first to file, patent applications
covering our products. We also may not know if our competitors filed patent applications for technology covered by our pending applications
or if we were the first to invent the technology that is the subject of our patent applications. Competitors may have filed patent applications
or received patents and may obtain additional patents and proprietary rights that block or compete with our patents.
Therefore,
there may be third-party patents of which we are currently unaware with claims to materials, formulations, methods of manufacture or
methods for treatment related to the use or manufacture of our product candidates. Because patent applications can take many years to
issue, there may be currently pending patent applications that may later result in issued patents that our product candidates may infringe.
In addition, third parties may obtain patents in the future and claim that use of our technologies infringes upon these patents.
If
any third-party patents were held by a court of competent jurisdiction to cover the manufacturing process of our product candidates,
or materials used in or formed during the manufacturing process, or any final product itself, the holders of those patents may be able
to block our ability to commercialize our product candidates unless we obtain a license under the applicable patents, or until those
patents were to expire or those patents are finally determined to be invalid or unenforceable. Similarly, if any third-party patent were
held by a court of competent jurisdiction to cover aspects of our formulations, processes for manufacture or methods of use, including
combination therapy or patient selection methods, the holders of that patent may be able to block our ability to develop and commercialize
a product candidate unless we obtain a license or until such patent expires or is finally determined to be invalid or unenforceable.
In either case, a license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, particularly if such patent is owned or controlled
by one of our primary competitors. If we are unable to obtain a necessary license for a third-party patent on commercially reasonable
terms, or at all, our ability to commercialize our product candidates may be impaired or delayed, which could significantly harm our
business. Even if we obtain a license, it may be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to the same technologies licensed
to us. In addition, if the breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents and patent applications is threatened, it could
dissuade companies from collaborating with us to license, develop or commercialize current or future product candidates.
Parties
making claims against us may seek and obtain injunctive or other equitable relief, which could effectively block our ability to further
develop and commercialize our product candidates. Defense of these claims, regardless of their merit, would involve substantial litigation
expense and would be a substantial diversion of employee time and resources from our business. In the event of a successful claim of
infringement against us, we may have to pay substantial damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees for willful infringement,
obtain one or more licenses from third parties, pay royalties or redesign our infringing products, which may be impossible or require
substantial time and monetary expenditure. We cannot predict whether any license of this nature would be available at all or whether
it would be available on commercially reasonable terms. Furthermore, even in the absence of litigation, we may need to obtain licenses
from third parties to advance our research or allow commercialization of our product candidates and we may fail to obtain any of these
licenses at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, if at all. In that event, we would be unable to further develop and commercialize
our product candidates, which could significantly harm our business.
51
We
may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time-consuming
and unsuccessful and could result in a finding that such patents are unenforceable or invalid.
Competitors
may infringe our patents or the patents of our licensors. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement
claims, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In addition, in an infringement proceeding, a court may decide that one or more of
our patents is not valid, is unenforceable or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that
our patents do not cover the technology in question.
In
patent litigation in the U.S., defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity and/or unenforceability are commonplace, and there are numerous
grounds upon which a third party can assert invalidity or unenforceability of a patent. Third parties may also raise similar claims before
administrative bodies in the U.S. or abroad, even outside the context of litigation. These types of mechanisms include re-examination,
post-grant review, inter partes review, interference proceedings, derivation proceedings, and equivalent proceedings in foreign jurisdictions
(e.g., opposition proceedings). These types of proceedings could result in revocation or amendment to our patents such that they no longer
cover our product candidates. The outcome for any particular patent following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is
unpredictable. With respect to the validity question, for example, we cannot be certain that there is no invalidating prior art, of which
we, our patent counsel and the patent examiner were unaware during prosecution. If a defendant were to prevail on a legal assertion of
invalidity and/or unenforceability, or if we are otherwise unable to adequately protect our rights, we would lose at least part, and
perhaps all, of the patent protection on our product candidates. Defense of these types of claims, regardless of their merit, would involve
substantial litigation expense and would be a substantial diversion of employee resources from our business.
Conversely,
we may choose to challenge the patentability of claims in a third party’s U.S. patent by requesting that the USPTO review the patent
claims in re-examination, post-grant review, inter partes review, interference proceedings, derivation proceedings, and equivalent proceedings
in foreign jurisdictions (e.g., opposition proceedings), or we may choose to challenge a third party’s patent in patent opposition
proceedings in the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (“CIPO”) the European Patent Office (“EPO”) or another
foreign patent office. Even if successful, the costs of these opposition proceedings could be substantial, and may consume our time or
other resources. If we fail to obtain a favorable result at the USPTO, CIPO, EPO or other patent office then we may be exposed to litigation
by a third party alleging that the patent may be infringed by our product candidates or proprietary technologies.
Furthermore,
because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some
of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation. In addition, there could be public
announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive
these results to be negative, that perception could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our Common Stock. Any of the foregoing
could have a material adverse effect on our business financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We
have limited foreign intellectual property rights and may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
We
currently have limited intellectual property rights outside the U.S. Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on product candidates
in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive, and our intellectual property rights in some countries outside
the U.S. can be less extensive than those in the U.S. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property
rights to the same extent as federal and state laws in the U.S. For example, patents covering therapeutic methods of treating humans
are not available in many foreign countries. Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions
in all countries outside the U.S., or from selling or importing products made using our inventions in and into the U.S. or other jurisdictions.
Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we do not have or have not obtained patent protection to develop their own
products and, further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patent protection but where enforcement
is not as strong as that in the U.S. These products may compete with our product candidates in jurisdictions where we do not have any
issued patents and our patent claims or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent them from competing.
52
Many
companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. The
legal and political systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents,
trade secrets and other intellectual property protection, particularly those relating to biopharmaceutical products, which could make
it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products against third parties in violation of
our proprietary rights generally. The initiation of proceedings by third parties to challenge the scope or validity of our patent rights
in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial cost and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business. Proceedings
to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other
aspects of our business, could be impossible or impractical due to sanctions or trade disputes between countries, could put our patents
at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and our patent applications at risk of not issuing and could provoke third parties
to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may
not be commercially meaningful. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate
to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license.
Obtaining
and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements
imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.
Periodic
maintenance fees on any issued patent are due to be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies in several stages over the lifetime
of the patent. The USPTO and various foreign patent agencies also require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment
and other provisions during the patent application process and following the issuance of a patent. While an inadvertent lapse can in
many cases be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable laws and rules, there are situations
in which noncompliance can result in irrevocable abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete
loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. Noncompliance events that could result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent
application include, but are not limited to, failure to respond to official actions within prescribed time limits, non-payment of fees
and failure to properly legalize and submit formal documents. Were a noncompliance event to occur, our competitors might be able to enter
the market, which would have a material adverse effect on our business financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Changes
in patent law in the U.S. and in non-U.S. jurisdictions could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability
to protect our product candidates.
As
is the case with other pharmaceutical companies, our success is heavily dependent on intellectual property, particularly patents. Obtaining
and enforcing patents in the pharmaceutical industry involves both technological and legal complexity, and is therefore costly, time-consuming
and inherently uncertain.
Past
or future patent reform legislation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications
and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents. For example, in March 2013, under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (“America
Invents Act”), the U.S. moved from a “first to invent” to a “first-inventor-to-file” patent system. Under
our “first-inventor-to-file” system, assuming the other requirements for patentability are met, the first inventor to file
a patent application generally will be entitled to a patent on the invention regardless of whether another inventor had made the invention
earlier. The America Invents Act includes a number of other significant changes to U.S. patent law, including provisions that affect
the way patent applications are prosecuted, redefine prior art and establish a new post-grant review system. The effects of these changes
continue to evolve as the USPTO continues to promulgate new regulations and procedures in connection with the America Invents Act and
many of the substantive changes to patent law, including the “first-inventor-to-file” provisions, only became effective in
March 2013. In addition, the courts have yet to address many of these provisions and the applicability of the act and new regulations
on the specific patents discussed in this filing have not been determined and would need to be reviewed. Moreover, the America Invents
Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the
enforcement or defense of our issued patents.
Recent
cases by the U.S. Supreme Court have held that certain methods of treatment or diagnosis are not patent-eligible. U.S. law regarding
patent-eligibility continues to evolve. While we do not believe that any of our patents will be found invalid based on these changes
to US patent law, we cannot predict how future decisions by the courts, the U.S. Congress or the USPTO may impact the value of our patents.
Any similar adverse changes in the patent laws of other jurisdictions could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
53
Patent
terms may be inadequate to protect our competitive position on our product candidates for an adequate amount of time.
Patents
have a limited lifespan. In the U.S., if all maintenance fees are timely paid, the natural expiration of a patent is generally 20 years
from its earliest U.S. non-provisional filing date. Various extensions may be available, but the life of a patent, and the protection
it affords, is limited. Even if patents covering our product candidates are obtained, once the patent life has expired, we may be open
to competition from competitive products, including generics. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory
review of new product candidates, patents protecting our product candidates might expire before or shortly after our or our partners
commercialize those candidates. As a result, our owned and licensed patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude
others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours.
If
we do not obtain patent term extension for any product candidates we may develop, our business may be materially harmed.
Depending
upon the timing, duration and specifics of any FDA marketing approval of any product candidates we may develop, one or more of our U.S.
patents may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, (the
“Hatch-Waxman Amendments”). The Hatch-Waxman Amendments permit a patent extension term of up to five years as compensation
for patent term lost during clinical trials and the FDA regulatory review process. A patent term extension cannot extend the remaining
term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, only one patent per product may be extended and only those
claims covering the approved drug, a method for using it, or a method for manufacturing it may be extended. U.S. and ex-U.S. law concerning
patent term extensions and foreign equivalents continue to evolve. Even if we were to seek a patent term extension, it may not be granted
because of, for example, the failure to exercise due diligence during the testing phase or regulatory review process, the failure to
apply within applicable deadlines, the failure to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents, or any other failure to satisfy applicable
requirements. Moreover, the applicable time period of extension or the scope of patent protection afforded could be less than we request.
If we are unable to obtain patent term extension or term of any such extension is less than we request, our competitors may obtain approval
of competing products following our patent expiration sooner than expected, and our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects could be materially harmed.
Risks
Related to Our Preferred Stock
Holders of our Series F Preferred
Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock are entitled to certain payments under the applicable Certificate of Designations
that may be paid in cash, in shares of Common Stock or in additional shares of Series G Preferred Stock depending on the circumstances.
If we make these payments in cash, it may require the expenditure of a substantial portion of our cash resources. If we make these payments
in Common Stock, it may result in substantial dilution to the holders of our Common Stock.
Under
the Series F Certificate of Designations and Series F-1 Certificate of Designations, we are required to redeem the shares of the shares
of the Series F Preferred Stock and Series F-1 Preferred Stock in equal monthly installments commencing July 1, 2023, and December 1,
2024, respectively. Such holders are also entitled to receive dividends, payable in arrears monthly, and dividends payable on installment
dates shall be paid as part of the applicable installment amount. Installment amounts are payable, at the Company’s election, in
shares of Common Stock or, subject to certain limitations, in cash. Installment amounts paid in cash must be paid in the amount of 105%
of the applicable payment amount due.
Our
ability to make payments due to the holders of our Series F Preferred Stock and Series F-1 Preferred Stock using shares of Common Stock
is subject to certain limitations set forth in the applicable Certificate of Designations. If we are unable to make installment payments
in shares of Common Stock, we may be forced to make such payments in cash. Additionally, the holders of the Series G Preferred Stock
are entitled to dividends of 10% per annum, compounded monthly, which are payable in arrears monthly, at the holder’s sole discretion,
in cash, or “in kind” in the form of additional Series G Preferred Stock, or a combination thereof. If we do not have sufficient
cash resources to make these payments, we may need to raise additional equity or debt capital, and we cannot provide any assurance that
we will be successful in doing so. If are unable to raise sufficient capital to meet our payment obligations, we may need to delay, reduce
or eliminate certain research and development programs or other operations, sell some or all of our assets or merge with another entity.
Our
ability to make payments due to the holders of our Series F Preferred Stock, Series G Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock using
cash is also limited by the amount of cash we have on hand at the time such payments are due as well as certain provisions of the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). Further, we intend to make the installment payments due to holders of Series F Preferred
Stock and Series F-1 Preferred Stock in the form of Common Stock to the extent allowed under the applicable Certificate of Designation
and applicable law in order to preserve our cash resources. The issuance of shares of Common Stock to the holders of our Series F Preferred
Stock and Series F-1 Preferred Stock with increase the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding and could result in substantial dilution
to the existing holders of our Common Stock.
54
The
Certificate of Designations for the Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock and the warrants
issued concurrently therewith contain anti-dilution provisions that may result in the reduction of the conversion price of the applicable
preferred stock or the exercise price of such warrants in the future. These features may increase the number of shares of Common Stock
being issuable upon conversion of the Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock or upon the exercise
of the warrants.
The
Series F Certificate of Designations, Series F-1 Certificate of Designations and Series G Certificate of Designations and the warrants
issued concurrently therewith, contain anti-dilution provisions, which provisions require the lowering of the applicable conversion price
or exercise, as then in effect, to the purchase price of equity or equity-linked securities issued in subsequent offerings. If in the
future, while any of our Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock, Series G Preferred Stock, Series F Warrants, Series F-1
Warrants or Series G Warrants are outstanding, we issue securities for a consideration per share of Common Stock (the “New Issuance
Price”) that is less than the applicable conversion price of our preferred stock or the exercise price of the Series F Warrants,
Series F-1 Warrants or Series G Warrants, as then in effect, we will be required, subject to certain limitations and adjustments as provided
in the applicable Certificate of Designations or the applicable warrants, to reduce the conversion price or the exercise price to be
equal to the New Issuance Price, which will result in a greater number of shares of Common Stock being issuable upon conversion or exercise,
as applicable, which in turn will increase the dilutive effect of such conversion or exercise on existing holders of our Common Stock.
It is possible that we will not have a sufficient number of shares available to satisfy the conversion of the Series F Preferred Stock,
Series F-1 Preferred Stock or Series G Preferred Stock or the exercise of the Series F Warrants, Series F-1 Warrants or Series G Warrants
if we enter into a future transaction that reduces the applicable conversion price or exercise price. If we do not have a sufficient
number of available shares for any such conversions or any such warrant exercises, we may need to seek stockholder approval to increase
the number of authorized shares of our Common Stock, which may not be possible and will be time-consuming and expensive. The potential
for such additional issuances may depress the price of our Common Stock regardless of our business performance and may make it difficult
for us to raise additional equity capital while any of our Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock, Series G Preferred Stock
or Series F Warrants, Series F-1 Warrants or Series G Warrants are outstanding.
Under
the February 2023 SPA, the Series F-1 Purchase Agreement and Series G Purchase Agreement we are subject to certain restrictive covenants
that may make it difficult to procure additional financing.
The
February 2023 SPA, pursuant to which we issued the Series F Preferred Stock, contains, among others, the following restrictive covenants:
(i) until all of the Series F Warrants are exercised, we agreed not to enter into any variable rate transactions; and (ii) until the
later of no shares of Series F Preferred Stock being outstanding and the maturity date of the Series F Preferred Stock, the opportunity
to participate in any subsequent securities offerings by us. The Series F-1 Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which we issued the Series
F-1 Preferred Stock, contains, among others, the following restrictive covenants: (i) until all of the Series F-1 Warrants are exercised,
we agreed not to enter into any variable rate transactions; and (ii) until the later of no shares of Series F-1 Preferred Stock being
outstanding and the maturity date, the opportunity to participate in any subsequent securities offerings by us. The Series G Purchase
Agreement, pursuant to which we issued the Series G Preferred Stock, contains, among others, the following restrictive covenants: (i)
until all of the Series G Warrants are exercised, we agreed not to enter into any variable rate transactions; and (ii) until the later
of no shares of Series G Preferred Stock being outstanding and the second anniversary of the Series G Closing Date, the opportunity to
participate in any subsequent securities offerings by us.
If
we require additional funding while these restrictive covenants remain in effect, we may be unable to effect a financing transaction
while remaining in compliance with the terms of the February 2023 SPA or Purchase Agreements, or we may be forced to seek a waiver from
the investors party to the February 2023 SPA and Purchase Agreements.
55
General
Risk Factors
Offers
or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock may cause the price of our Common Stock to decline.
Sales
of a significant number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market could harm the market prices of our Common Stock and make
it more difficult for us to raise funds through future offerings of Common Stock or other securities. Our stockholders and the
holders of our options and warrants may sell substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market. In addition, we may be
required to issue shares of Common Stock to the holders of our Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock or Series G
Preferred Stock upon conversion of such shares of our Series F Preferred Stock and the payment of the dividends thereunder in Common
Stock as a result of the full ratchet anti-dilution price protection in the Certificate of Designation if the effective Common Stock
purchase price in a subsequent offering is less than the then current conversion price, which in turn will
increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for sale. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Series F Preferred Stock—
The Certificate of Designations for the Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock and the warrants
issued concurrently therewith contain anti-dilution provisions that may result in the reduction of the conversion price of the applicable
preferred stock or the exercise price of such warrants in the future. These features may increase the number of shares of Common Stock
being issuable upon conversion of the Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock or upon the exercise
of the warrants.”
In
addition, the fact that our stockholders can sell substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, whether or not sales
have occurred or are occurring, could make it more difficult for us to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related
securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate, or at all.
An
active trading market for our Common Stock may not be sustained.
The
listing of our Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) does not assure that a meaningful, consistent and liquid
trading market exists. An active trading market for shares of our Common Stock may not be sustained. If an active market for our Common
Stock is not sustained, it may be difficult for investors to sell their shares either without depressing the market price for the shares
or at all.
We
are subject to various internal control reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We can provide no assurance that we will
at all times in the future be able to report that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective.
As
a public company, we are required to comply with Section 404 (“Section 404”) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley
Act”). In any given year, we cannot be certain as to the time of completion of our internal control evaluation, testing and remediation
actions or of their impact on our operations. Upon completion of this process, we may identify control deficiencies of varying degrees
of severity under applicable SEC and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (U.S.) rules and regulations. Our management, including
our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our internal controls and disclosure controls will
prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute,
assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there
are resource constraints and the benefit of controls must be relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control
systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, in our company
have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns
can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Further, controls can be circumvented by individual acts of some persons, by collusion
of two or more persons, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving our stated
goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, a control may be inadequate because of changes in conditions, such as growth
of the company or increased transaction volume, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because
of inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
56
In
addition, as a public company, we are required to report, among other things, control deficiencies that constitute material weaknesses
or changes in internal controls that, or that are reasonably likely to, materially affect internal controls over financial reporting.
A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such
that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual consolidated financial statements will not be prevented
or detected on a timely basis. If we fail to comply with the requirements of Section 404 or if we report a material weakness, we might
be subject to regulatory sanction and investors may lose confidence in our consolidated financial statements, which may be inaccurate
if we fail to remedy such material weakness.
We
incur increased costs and demands on management as a result of compliance with laws and regulations applicable to public companies, which
could harm our operating results.
As
a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company, including costs
associated with public company reporting requirements. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as rules implemented
by the SEC and Nasdaq, impose a number of requirements on public companies, including with respect to corporate governance practices.
Our management and other personnel need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance and disclosure obligations. Moreover,
compliance with these rules and regulations has increased our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs and has made some activities
more time-consuming and costly. It is also more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance.
If
we fail to comply with the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market, our common stock may be delisted and the price
of our common stock and our ability to access the capital markets could be negatively impacted.
Our
common stock is currently listed for trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market. We must satisfy Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements,
including, among other things, a minimum stockholders’ equity of $2.5 million and a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per
share or risk delisting, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. A delisting of our common stock from The Nasdaq
Capital Market could materially reduce the liquidity of our common stock and result in a corresponding material reduction in the price
of our common stock. In addition, delisting could harm our ability to raise capital through alternative financing sources on terms acceptable
to us, or at all, and may result in the potential loss of confidence by investors, suppliers, customers and employees and fewer business
development opportunities.
As
previously disclosed, on March 17, 2025, we received a written notice (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department
of the Nasdaq Stock Market indicating that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price for our Common Stock had closed below
the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum
Bid Price Requirement”). The letter also indicated that the Company will be provided with a compliance period until September 15, 2025
(the “Compliance Period”), in which to regain compliance pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A).
Effective
as of 4:05 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 14, 2024, we effected the Reverse Stock Split of our common stock at a ratio of one-for-thirty.
Simultaneously with the Reverse Stock Split, number of shares of our common stock authorized for issuance was reduced from 500,000,000
shares to 16,666,666 shares, and our authorized capital stock was reduced from 550,000,000 shares to 66,666,666 shares. Our common stock
continued to be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol TNF and began trading on a split-adjusted basis at market open on
February 15, 2024. On March 4, 2024, we were notified by Nasdaq that we had regained compliance with all Nasdaq listing requirements
and the matter was closed.
There
is no assurance that we will maintain compliance with such minimum listing requirements. If our common stock were delisted from Nasdaq,
trading of our common stock would most likely take place on an over-the-counter market established for unlisted securities, such as the
OTCQB or the Pink Market maintained by OTC Markets Group Inc. An investor would likely find it less convenient to sell, or to obtain
accurate quotations in seeking to buy, our common stock on an over-the-counter market, and many investors would likely not buy or sell
our common stock due to difficulty in accessing over-the-counter markets, policies preventing them from trading in securities not listed
on a national exchange or other reasons. In addition, as a delisted security, our common stock would be subject to SEC rules as a “penny
stock,” which impose additional disclosure requirements on broker-dealers. The regulations relating to penny stocks, coupled with
the typically higher cost per trade to the investor of penny stocks due to factors such as broker commissions generally representing
a higher percentage of the price of a penny stock than of a higher-priced stock, would further limit the ability of investors to trade
in our common stock. In addition, delisting could harm our ability to raise capital through alternative financing sources on terms acceptable
to us, or at all, and may result in the potential loss of confidence by investors, suppliers, customers and employees and fewer business
development opportunities. For these reasons and others, delisting would adversely affect the liquidity, trading volume and price of
our common stock, causing the value of an investment in us to decrease and having an adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations, including our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and to raise capital.
We
may issue additional equity securities in the future, which may result in dilution to existing investors.
To
the extent we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution. The combined
Company may, from time to time, sell additional equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner it determines.
If we sell additional equity securities, existing stockholders may be materially diluted. In addition, new investors could gain rights
superior to existing stockholders, such as liquidation and other preferences. In addition, the number of shares available for future
grant under our equity compensation plans may be increased in the future. In addition, the exercise or conversion of outstanding options
or warrants to purchase shares of capital stock may result in dilution to our stockholders upon any such exercise or conversion.
In addition, we may be required to issue an indeterminate number of shares
of Common Stock to the holders of our Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock, Series G Preferred Stock and related warrants
upon the conversion or exercise of either, as applicable. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Preferred Stock— Holders
of our Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock are entitled to certain payments under the applicable
Certificate of Designations that may be paid in cash, in shares of Common Stock or in additional shares of Series G Preferred Stock depending
on the circumstances. If we make these payments in cash, it may require the expenditure of a substantial portion of our cash resources.
If we make these payments in Common Stock, it may result in substantial dilution to the holders of our Common Stock..” and “Risk
Factors—Risks Related to Our Preferred Stock—The Certificate of Designations for the Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1
Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock and the warrants issued concurrently therewith contain anti-dilution provisions that may
result in the reduction of the conversion price of the applicable preferred stock or the exercise price of such warrants in the future.
These features may increase the number of shares of Common Stock being issuable upon conversion of the Series F Preferred Stock, Series
F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock or upon the exercise of the warrants.”
57
We
do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our Common Stock and, accordingly, stockholders must rely on stock appreciation for any return
on their investment.
We
have never declared or paid cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. So long as any
shares of Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock or Series G Preferred Stock are outstanding, as they are at this
time, we are not able to declare or pay any cash dividend or distribution on any of our capital stock (other than as required by the
respective Certificate of Designations) without the prior written consent of the Required Holders (as defined in the respective
Certificate of Designations). The declaration of dividends is further subject to the discretion of our board of directors and
limitations under applicable law, and will depend on various factors, including our operating results, financial condition, future
prospects and any other factors deemed relevant our board of directors. You should not rely on an investment in us if you require
dividend income from your investment in us. The success of your investment will likely depend entirely upon any future appreciation
of the market price of our Common Stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable. There is no guarantee that our Common Stock will
appreciate in value.
If
securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they publish negative evaluations, the price of our
Common Stock could decline.
The
trading market for our Common Stock relies in part on the availability of research and reports that third-party industry or financial
analysts publish about us. There are many large, publicly traded companies active in the life sciences and biopharmaceutical industries,
which may mean it will be less likely that we receive widespread analyst coverage. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do
cover the Company (if any) downgrades our stock, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage
of the Company, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline. Additionally, if securities
analysts publish negative evaluations of competitors in the life sciences and biopharmaceutical industries, the comparative effect could
cause our stock price to decline.
Anti-takeover
provisions of our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and Delaware law could make an acquisition of us, which may be beneficial
to our stockholders, more difficult and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove the current members of our board
and management.
Certain
provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change of
control that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which you might otherwise receive a premium for your shares.
Furthermore, these provisions could prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove members of our board of directors.
These provisions also could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for our securities, thereby depressing
the market price of our securities. Stockholders who wish to participate in these transactions may not have the opportunity to do so.
These provisions, among other things:
●
allow
the authorized number of directors to be changed only by resolution of our board of directors;
●
authorize
our board of directors to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock, the rights of which will be determined at the discretion
of the board of directors and that, if issued, could operate as a “poison pill” to dilute the stock ownership of a potential
hostile acquirer to prevent an acquisition that our board of directors does not approve;
●
establish
advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations to our board of directors or for stockholder proposals that can be acted
on at stockholder meetings; and
●
limit
who may call a stockholder meeting.
In
addition, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law that may, unless certain criteria
are met, prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of the voting rights on our common stock, from merging or
combining with us for a prescribed period of time.
We
have been subject to a number of securities litigations, and we may be subject to similar or other litigation in the future.
We
have been subject to a number of litigations as described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Note 8 to our consolidated
financial statements. In connection with certain of these litigations, we have entered into settlements of claims for significant monetary
damages. We may also be subject to judgements or enter into additional settlements of claims for significant monetary damages for the
securities litigations that we have yet to enter into settlement agreements. Defending against the current litigations is or can be time-consuming,
expensive and cause diversion of our management’s attention.
Companies
that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have frequently been the objects of securities class action litigation.
We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Class action and derivative lawsuits could result in substantial costs
to us and cause a diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which could materially harm our financial condition and
results of operations.
With
respect to any litigation, our insurance may not reimburse us, or may not be sufficient to reimburse us, for the expenses or losses we
may suffer in contesting and concluding such lawsuit. Substantial litigation costs, including the substantial self-insured retention
that we are required to satisfy before any insurance applies to a claim, unreimbursed legal fees or an adverse result in any litigation
may adversely impact our business, operating results or financial condition. We believe that our directors’ and officers’
liability insurance will cover our potential liability with respect to any securities class-action lawsuit; however, the insurer has
reserved its rights to contest the applicability of the insurance to such claims and the limits of the insurance may be insufficient
to cover any eventual liability.
58
Item
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not
applicable.
Item
1C. Cybersecurity.
We
operate as a pre revenue company in the biotechnology sector, which is subject to various cybersecurity risks that could adversely affect
our business, financial condition, and results of operations, including intellectual property theft; fraud; extortion; harm to employees;
violation of privacy laws and other litigation and legal risk; and reputational risk. We recognize the importance of assessing, identifying,
and managing material risks associated with cybersecurity threats. Both our executive management team and our board of directors are
involved in the assessment, identification, and management of such risks, including prevention, mitigation, detection, and remediation
of cybersecurity incidents. We do not engage outside assessors, consultants, auditors or other third parties in connection with our assessment,
identification and management of material risks associated with cybersecurity threats.
Our
executive management team, including our president and chief financial officer, are responsible for day-to-day assessment, identification
and management of material risks from cybersecurity threats, including the prevention, mitigation, detection, and remediation of cybersecurity
incidents. The executive management team monitors current events in order to remain aware of current cybersecurity threats and is informed
of cybersecurity incidents as they arise by our employees. Our president and chief financial officer are experienced business executives
and as such have experience with regard to assessing and managing such cybersecurity risks. Our executive management team reports information
about such cybersecurity risks to the board of directors.
Our
board of directors is responsible for oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats in conjunction with our executive management team . Our board of directors receives updates from our management team with
respect to risks from cybersecurity threats and are notified of any new significant cybersecurity threats or incidents as they arise .
Additionally, our board of directors considers risks from cybersecurity threats as part of its overall assessment of risk management,
including its general oversight of the Company’s business strategy, risk management policies, and financials.
To
date, no cybersecurity incident (or aggregation of incidents) or cybersecurity threat has materially affected our business strategy,
results of operations or financial condition, and we are not aware of any cybersecurity incidents that are reasonably likely to materially
affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. For further information regarding
the risks associated with cybersecurity incidents, see “Risk Factors—Our business and operations would suffer in the event
of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security or those of third-party providers” in Item 1A
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item
2. Properties.
The
Company utilities a shared office and service provider as its current corporate
headquarters located at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 249, New Yok, NY 10036. The Company’s monthly service fee is $136.
The
Company leased its former corporate headquarters at an office facility located at 855 North Wolfe Street, Suite 601, Baltimore, Maryland
20215 (the “Maryland Lease”). The Maryland Lease, as amended, had an initial twelve-month term beginning on May 1, 2024,
which term automatically renewed thereafter until termination by either party upon 60 days’ notice. The monthly rent of the Maryland
Lease is $2,700 and automatically increases 3% on each anniversary date beginning May 1, 2025. On February 26, 2025, the Company provided
notice of its intention not to renew the Maryland Lease, effective April 30, 2025.
We
believe our current facilities are sufficient and adequate for our current needs.
Item
3. Legal Proceedings.
From
time to time, we are a party to litigation and subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Future litigation may be
necessary to defend ourselves and our customers by determining the scope, enforceability, and validity of third-party proprietary rights
or to establish our proprietary rights. For a discussion of material legal proceedings affecting us as of December 31, 2024, please read
Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements under “Litigation and Settlements,” which information is incorporated herein
by reference.
Item
4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not
Applicable.
59
Part
II
Item
5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market
Information
Our
Common Stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AKER” on January 23, 2014. On April 19, 2021, the
symbol for our Common Stock changed to “MYMD.” On July 22, 2024, the symbol for our Common Stock changed to “TNF.”
Holders
As
of April 4, 2025, there were approximately 735 holders of record of our Common Stock.
Dividends
Except
as described herein, we have never paid any cash or other dividends to our stockholders and we do not plan to declare or pay any cash
or other dividends in the foreseeable future. On or around September 9, 2020, our Board declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase
right for each share of our Common Stock outstanding held by stockholders of record on September 21, 2020.
We currently intend to retain
earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Subject to the foregoing, the payment of cash dividends in
the future, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend on such factors as earning levels, contractual restrictions,
capital requirements, our overall financial condition and any other factors deemed relevant by the Board. In addition, so long as any shares of Series F Preferred Stock, Series
F-1 Preferred Stock or Series G Preferred Stock are outstanding, we are not able to declare or pay any cash dividend or distribution on
any of our capital stock (other than as required by the respective Certificate of Designations) without the prior written consent of the
Required Holders (as defined in the respective Certificate of Designations).
Unregistered
Sales of Securities
None.
Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
We
did not re-purchase any of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
Item
6. [Reserved]
Item
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The
information set forth below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements based on our current expectations,
assumptions, estimates and projections. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ
materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed in Item
1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, entitled “Business,” under “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A of
this Annual Report on Form 10-K, entitled “Risk Factors.” References in this discussion and analysis to “us,”
“we,” “our,” or “the Company” refer collectively to TNF Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Our
financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments
and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable based upon information available
to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the periods presented. Our financial statements would be affected to the extent there are material differences between
these estimates and actual results. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP
and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting
any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with
our financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
60
This
Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC” and such reports, collectively, the “Filings”) contain or may contain forward-looking statements and information
that are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, the Company’s management as well as estimates and assumptions
made by Company’s management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are
only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. When used in the Filings, the words “anticipate,” “believe,”
“estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” or the negative of these
terms and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or the Company’s management identify forward-looking statements. Such
statements reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions,
and other factors, including the risks relating to the Company’s business, industry, and the Company’s operations and results
of operations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect,
actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned.
Although
we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels
of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States,
we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.
Important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results and events anticipated or implied by such forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to:
●
fluctuation
and volatility in market price of our Common Stock due to market and industry factors, as well as general economic, political and
market conditions;
●
the
impact of dilution on our stockholders;
●
the
outcome of litigation or other proceedings we may become subject to in the future;
●
the impact of our ability to meet the continued listing requirements of
the Nasdaq Capital Market;
●
our
availability and ability to continue to obtain sufficient funding to conduct planned research and development efforts and realize
potential profits;
●
our
ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates, including Isomyosamine, Supera-CBD and other future product candidates;
●
the
impact of the complexity of the regulatory landscape on our ability to seek and obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates,
both within and outside of the U.S.;
●
the
required investment of substantial time, resources and effort for successful clinical development and marketization of our product
candidates;
●
challenges
we may face with maintaining regulatory approval, if achieved;
●
the
potential impact of changes in the legal and regulatory landscape, both within and outside of the U.S.;
●
the
potential future impact of pandemics on the administration, funding and policies of regulatory authorities, both within and outside
of the U.S.;
●
our
dependence on third parties to conduct pre-clinical and clinical trials and manufacture its product candidates;
●
the
impact of the future pandemics on our results of operations, business plan and the global economy;
●
challenges
we may face with respect to our product candidates achieving market acceptance by providers, patients, patient advocacy groups, third
party payors and the general medical community;
●
the
impact of pricing, insurance coverage and reimbursement status of our product candidates;
●
emerging
competition and rapidly advancing technology in our industry;
●
our
ability to obtain, maintain and protect our trade secrets or other proprietary rights, operate without infringing upon the proprietary
rights of others and prevent others from infringing on its proprietary rights;
●
our
ability to maintain adequate cyber security and information systems;
●
our
ability to achieve the expected benefits and costs of the transactions related to the acquisition of Supera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(“Supera”);
●
our
ability to effectively execute and deliver our plans related to commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy;
●
emerging
competition and rapidly advancing technology in our industry;
●
our
ability to obtain adequate financing in the future on reasonable terms, as and when we need it;
●
challenges
we may face in identifying, acquiring and operating new business opportunities;
●
our
ability to retain and attract senior management and other key employees;
●
our
ability to quickly and effectively respond to new technological developments;
●
changes
in political, economic or regulatory conditions generally and in the markets in which we operate; and
●
our
compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations applicable to our business.
61
Overview
TNF
is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to extending healthy lifespan. TNF is focused on developing and commercializing
two therapeutic platforms based on well-defined therapeutic targets, Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD:
●
Isomyosamine is a clinical
stage small molecule that regulates the immunometabolic system to treat autoimmune disease, including (but not limited to) sarcopenia,
frailty, adverse effects of drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The first
indication for which Isomyosamine is being developed is to treat age-related frailty and sarcopenia. Isomyosamine works by regulating
the release of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, interleukin 6 (“IL-6”) and interleukin 17 (“IL-17”)
●
Supera-CBD is a synthetic
analog of CBD being developed to treat various conditions, including, but not limited to, epilepsy, pain and anxiety/depression,
through its effects on the CB2 receptor, opioid receptors and monoamine oxidase enzyme (“MAO”) type B.
The rights
to Supera-CBDTM were previously owned by Supera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Supera”) and were acquired by MyMD Florida (as defined
below) immediately prior to the closing of the Merger (as defined below) that occurred in 2021.
Reduction
in Workforce
During
October 2023, the Company implemented a reduction in workforce, eliminating three of the Company’s ten employees. Separated employees
were granted a severance package equal to one-quarter of their annual salary.
On
June 7, 2023, the Company granted the three separated employees’ options to purchase an aggregate of 7,668 shares of Common Stock
with an exercise price of $47.10 per share. As consideration for a waiver and release in their separation agreements, the Company amended
the employees’ respective June 7, 2023 option agreements to accelerate vesting of the portion of optioned shares that otherwise
would have vested upon the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant. The options have an exercise period of twelve months
from the date of separation.
62
Going
Concern
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company’s cash on hand was $173,154 and marketable securities were $8,345,082. The Company has incurred
a net loss attributable to shareholders of $27,161,219 for the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024,
the Company had working capital of $2,710,626 and stockholders’ equity of $9,789,740 including an accumulated deficit of $129,138,286.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, cash flows used in operating activities were $8,976,347. The Company does not currently have
sufficient available liquidity to fund its operations for at least the next 12 months. Such factors raise substantial doubt about our
ability to sustain operations for at least one year from the issuance of the audited financial statements included in this Annual Report.
The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities.
In
response to these conditions and events, we are evaluating various financing strategies to obtain sufficient additional liquidity to
meet our operating and capital requirements for the next twelve months following the date of this Annual Report. The potential sources
of financing that we are evaluating include one or any combination of secured or unsecured debt, convertible debt and equity in both
public and private offerings. We also plan to finance near-term operations with our cash on hand, as well as by exploring additional
ways to raise capital. The sources of financing described above that could be available to us and the timing and probability of obtaining sufficient capital
depend, in part, on our further developing and commercializing our product candidates and on future capital market conditions. If our
current assumptions regarding the pace of such development are incorrect, or if there are any other changes or differences in our current
assumptions that negatively impact our financing strategy, we may have to reduce expenditures or significantly delay, scale back or discontinue
the development or commercialization of our product candidates.
There is no assurance
we will manage to raise additional capital or otherwise increase cash flows, if required. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Nasdaq
Deficiency
On
March 17, 2025, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq indicating that, based upon the closing
bid price of the Company’s Common Stock for the 30 consecutive business days between January 30, 2025, to March 14, 2025, the Company
did not meet the minimum bid price of $1.00 per share required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq
Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The letter also indicated that the Company will be provided with a compliance period of 180 calendar days, or
until September 15, 2025 (the “Compliance Period”), in which to regain compliance pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A).
In
order to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement, the Company’s Common Stock must maintain a minimum
closing bid price of $1.00 for at least ten consecutive business days during the Compliance Period. In the event the Company does not
regain compliance by the end of the Compliance Period, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar days to regain compliance.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be eligible for the additional 180 calendar day compliance period, if applicable, or
that the Nasdaq staff would grant the Company’s request for continued listing subsequent to any delisting notification. In the
event of such a notification, the Company may appeal the Nasdaq staff’s determination to delist its securities.
Financial
Operations Overview
We
will not generate revenue from product sales unless and until we successfully complete clinical development, obtain regulatory approval
for, and successfully commercialize our Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD product candidates. The lengthy process of securing marketing approvals
for new drugs requires the expenditure of substantial resources. Any significant delay or failure to obtain regulatory approvals would
materially adversely affect our product candidate’s development efforts and our business overall. In addition, if we obtain regulatory
approval for Isomyosamine and/or Supera-CBD, we expect to incur significant expenses related to developing our commercialization capability
to support product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution activities.
We
anticipate that our expenses will increase significantly as we:
●
advance
the development of our Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD;
●
initiate
and continue research and preclinical and clinical development of potential new product candidates;
●
maintain,
expand and protect our intellectual property as it pertains to Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD;
●
expand
our infrastructure and facilities to accommodate our growing employee base and ongoing development activities;
●
establish
agreements with contract research organizations, or CROs, and third-party contract manufacturing organizations, or CMOs, in connection
with our Supera-CBD preclinical studies, Isomyosamine ongoing and planned clinical trials, Supera-CBD clinical trials and the development
of our manufacturing capabilities for Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD;
●
develop
the large-scale manufacturing processes and capabilities for the commercialization of our Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD drug products;
●
seek
marketing approvals for our Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials and
●
establish
a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD should we obtain marketing approval
As
a result of these anticipated expenditures, we will need substantial additional funding to support our continuing operations and pursue
our growth strategy.
Components
of our Results of Operations
Revenue
We
have not generated any revenue from product sales and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the near future.
If our research and development efforts with Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD are successful, we may generate revenue from product sales or through
license agreements with third parties.
Operating
Expenses
Our
operating expenses are broken into several components, including research and development and general and administrative costs.
We
expect operating expenses to increase as we progress through the various clinical trials in the development of Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD.
63
Research
and Development
Our
research and development expenses primarily consist of costs associated with the development of Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD. These costs include,
but are not limited to:
●
Contractual
agreements with third parties including contract research organizations, preclinical activities and clinical trials;
●
Outside
consultants including fees and expenses;
●
Laboratory
supplies and equipment;
●
Regulatory
compliance; and
●
Patent
application and maintenance costs to protect our intellectual property.
None
of our two employees are principally involved in research and development activities for either Isomyosamine or Supera-CBD. Their salaries,
wages and benefits are captured as a component of research and development but not allocated to specific projects.
We
utilize third party contractors and consultants with expertise in specific research or development activities to perform work under the
supervision of our researchers. We believe this allows us to control costs and to progress through the development cycle and to utilize
our staff more efficiently.
It
is difficult to project with absolute accuracy the duration or final cost of the development of Isomyosamine and Super-CBD or if revenue will
be generated from the commercialization of these components. The process of achieving regulatory approval is very costly and time consuming.
A few of the many factors that contribute to costs of duration include:
●
Size
and scope of pre-clinical trials;
●
The
phases of clinical development and the stage of our product candidates in the cycle;
●
Per
subject trial costs;
●
The
number of sites required for the trials and the availability of appropriate sites to perform the trials;
●
The
time that is required to enroll the appropriate number of trial participants; and
●
The
time required to achieve the approval of regulatory agencies.
General
and Administrative
General
and administrative expenses primarily consist of salaries, wages and benefits for our employees in the executive, legal and accounting
functions and third-party costs for legal, accounting, insurance, investor relations, stock market and board expenses.
Although
treated as components of general and administrative expenses, we have chosen to disclose the following significant items separately:
Stock
Based Compensation
Stock
based compensation includes the fair market value, as determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, of stock options issued
to key staff and consultants.
64
Other
Income (Expense), net
Other
income (expense), net consists of interest and dividends earned on our cash, cash equivalents, and investments, gains on the sale marketable
securities, losses on equity investments, gains on the forgiveness of debt and an uninsured casualty loss.
Results
of Operations
Summary
of Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
We
are focused on developing and commercializing two therapeutic platforms based on well-defined therapeutic targets, Isomyosamine and Supera-CBD.
The following table summarized the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
For the Year Ended
December 31,
Percent
Description
2024
2023
Change
Operating Expenses
General and Administrative
$ 4,161,907
$ 5,442,886
(23.5 )
Research and Development
3,441,010
7,867,795
(56.3 )
Stock Based Compensation
1,057,271
3,049,537
(65.3 )
Series F Warrant Issuance Expenses
-
762,834
(100.0 )
Series F-1 Warrant Issuance Expenses
539,097
-
100.0
Series G Warrant Issuance Expenses
969,505
-
100.0
Total Operating Expenses
$ 10,168,790
$ 17,123,052
(40,6 )
Loss from Operations
(10,168,790 )
(17,123,052 )
40.6
Other Income (Expense), net
(13,190,146 )
13,123,102
(200.5 )
Net Loss
$ (23,359,334 )
$ (3,999,950 )
(484.0 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
3,801,885
4,218,213
(9.9 )
Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders
$ (27,161,219 )
$ (8,218,163 )
(230.5 )
Revenue
We
had no revenue from operations during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
65
Administrative
Expenses
The
table below summarizes our administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 as well as the percentage of change
year-over-year:
For the Years Ended
December 31,
Percent
Description
2024
2023
Change
Personnel Costs
$ 651,100
$ 1,410,950
(53.9 )
Professional Service Costs
1,249,297
1,043,247
19.8
Stock Market & Investor Relations Costs
798,583
901,079
(11.4 )
Other Administrative Costs
1,462,927
2,087,610
(29.9 )
Total Administrative Expense
$ 4,161,907
$ 5,442,886
(23.5 )
Personnel
costs decreased $759,850 during the year ended December 31, 2024. We reduced administrative staffing during the year ended December
31, 2023, from four full-time positions to two and renegotiated one staff members compensation during the year ended December 31,
2024. In addition, two research and development staff members had 20% of their salaries allocated to general administrative
expenses to recognize their areas of responsibility. One of these staff members separated during the year ended December 31, 2023, and
the other during the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we have two full-time administrative staff members.
Professional
services costs increased $206,050 during the year ended December 31, 2024. These costs include the consulting fees for our Interim
Chief Financial Officer and 20% of the consulting fees for our President and Chief Medical Officer. Other costs include legal,
accounting and audit, and specialized consulting services related to the initial and quarterly calculation of the fair market value
of the Series F Preferred Stock, Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock and their
components.
Stock
market and investor relations costs decreased $102,496 during the year ended December 31, 2024. These costs include the annual Nasdaq
listing fees, activities related to keeping the stockholder base informed through press releases, presentations and other communication
efforts, transfer agent fees, and the costs of annual stockholder meetings. The decrease is attributed to a reduction in consulting fees and stockholder meeting expenses.
Other
administrative expenses decreased $624,683 during the year ended December 31, 2024. These costs include Board expenses, business insurance,
corporate travel, and other general business expenses. The decrease is attributable to decreases in Board expenses, business insurance expenses, facility leasing expense,
and corporate travel expenses.
Research
and Development Expenses
The
table below summarizes our research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 as well as the percentage
of change year-over-year:
For the Year Ended
December 31,
Percent
Description
2024
2023
Change
Salaries and Wages
$ 705,914
$ 1,765,488
(60.0 )
Development Programs
2,387,664
5,593,041
(57.3 )
Professional Services
317,134
329,271
(3.7 )
Regulatory Expenses
390
21,574
(98.2 )
Other Research and Development Expenses
29,908
158,421
(81.1 )
Total Research and Development Expenses
$ 3,441,010
$ 7,867,795
(56.3 )
Salaries
and wages decreased $1,059,574 during the year ended December 31, 2024. We reduced administrative staffing during the year ended
December 31, 2023, from six full-time positions to four and the remaining full-time staff separated during the year ended December
31, 2024. Two research and development staff members had 20% of their salaries allocated to general administrative expenses to
recognize their areas of responsibility. One of these staff members separated during the year ended December 31, 2023, and the other
during the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we have no full-time research and development staff members.
Development
program costs include those associated with pre-clinical development, clinical trials and other material and development programs.
Costs decreased $3,205,377 during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, a result of the
completion of pre-clinical toxicology studies and the Phase 2 Sarcopenia clinical trial, the analysis of the Phase 2 Sarcopenia
study results, and the acquisition of base compounds for use in on-going studies. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we engaged
a new Contract Research Organization and began preparing materials for the Phase 2b Sarcopenia clinical trial.
Professional
services costs decreased $12,137 during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. These costs include the 80% of the consulting fees for our President and
Chief Medical Officer, other consulting services , and legal and patent related
fees associated with the protection of our intellectual property.
Regulatory
expenses decreased $21,184 during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Regulatory expenses include clinical research organizations (CRO)
and regulatory consulting fees associated with Phase 2 clinical study designs, protocol preparations and the maintenance of the investigator
brochures.
Other
research and development expenses decreased $128,513 during the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. These expenses include laboratory supplies,
training and travel while working with third-party trial sites. The decrease is attributable to specialized
freight costs for materials and travel in support of the studies and data analysis of the Phase 2 Sarcopenia trial results.
66
Stock-Based
Compensation
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, stock-based compensation totaled $1,057,271. These expenses include stock options issued to directors, staff,
and service providers. During the year ended December 31, 2023, stock-based compensation totaled $3,049,537 for stock options issued
to staff and service providers, restricted stock units and Common Stock warrants issued for services.
During the year ended December
31, 2024, we did not issue any new stock options or restricted stock units to staff or service providers.
Other
Income and Expense
The
table below summarizes our other income and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 as well as the percentage of change
year-over-year:
For
the Years Ended
December 31,
Percent
Description
2024
2023
Change
Interest and
Dividend Income
$ 351,809
$ 455,570
(22.8 )
Gain on Sale of
Marketable Securities
976
416
134.6
Gain on changes in fair
value of Marketable Securities
671
514
30.5
Gain/(Loss) on changes in fair
value of Derivative Liabilities
(388,000 )
3,088,800
(112.6 )
Gain/(Loss) on changes in fair
value of Warrant Liabilities
(4,410,000 )
9,756,000
(145.2 )
Loss on Issuance of Stock
(8,846,000 )
-
100.0
Uninsured
Casualty Gain/(Loss)
100,000
(178,198 )
(156.1 )
Total
Other Income/(Expense)
$ (13,169,544 )
$ 13,123,102
(200.5 )
Other
expenses, net of income, totaled $13.169,544 for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other income, net of expenses, totaled $13,123,102
for the year ended December 31, 2023.
During
the year ended December 31, 2024 interest and dividend income, the changes in fair value of our investments and realized gains from the
sale of investments are primarily the availability of funds available for investment and the fluctuation of interest rates due to market conditions.
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a loss of $388,000 related to the change in fair value of the derivative liabilities.
●
For the Series F Derivative
(as defined herein), we recorded a gain of $61,000 , We estimated the $0 fair value of the bifurcated embedded derivative at December
31, 2024 using a Monte Carlo simulation model, with the following inputs: the fair value of our common stock of $1.15 on the valuation
date, estimated equity volatility of 105.0%, estimated traded volume volatility of 320.0%, the time to maturity of 0.5 years, a discounted
market interest rate of 6.0%, dividend rate of 10.0%, a penalty dividend rate of 15.0%, and probability of default of 3.60%.
●
For the Series F-1 Derivative
(as defined herein), we recorded a loss of $449,000. We estimated the $1,303,000 fair value of the bifurcated embedded derivative
at December 31, 2024 using a Monte Carlo simulation model, with the following inputs: the fair value of our common stock of $1.15
on the valuation date, estimated equity volatility of 105.0%, estimated traded volume volatility of 320.0%, the time to maturity
of 0.5 years, a discounted market interest rate of 7.0%, dividend rate of 10.0%, a penalty dividend rate of 15.0%, and probability
of default of 3.60%.
During
the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a gain of $3,088,800 related to the change in fair value of the derivative liabilities.
We estimated the $61,000 fair value of the bifurcated embedded derivative at December 31, 2023 using a Monte Carlo simulation model,
with the following inputs: the fair value of our common stock of $0.26 ($7.80 post reverse split) on the valuation date, estimated equity
volatility of 140.0%, estimated traded volume volatility of 150.0%, the time to maturity of 0.5 year, a discounted market interest rate
of 6.40%, dividend rate of 10.0%, a penalty dividend rate of 15.0%, and probability of default of 3.90%.
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a loss of $4,410,000 related to the change in fair value of the warrant liabilities as
follows:
●
For the Series F Warrants
(as defined herein), we recorded a loss of $7,094,000, The fair value of the Series F warrants of approximately $7,194,000 was estimated
at March 31, 2024 utilizing the Black Scholes Model using the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield 0%; remaining
term of 3.90 years; equity volatility of 110.0%; and a risk-free interest rate of 4.31%.
●
For the Series F-1 Short-Term
Warrants (as defined herein), we recorded a gain of $646,000, The fair value of the Series F-1 Short-Term warrants of approximately
$2,660,000 was estimated at July 25, 2024 utilizing the Black Scholes Model using the following weighted average assumptions: dividend
yield 0%; remaining term of 1.33 years; equity volatility of 115.0%; and a risk-free interest rate of 4.70%.
●
For the Series F-1 Long-Term
Warrants (as defined herein), we recorded a gain of $322,000, The fair value of the Series F-1 Long-Term warrants of approximately
$34,305,000 was estimated at July 25, 2024 utilizing the Black Scholes Model using the following weighted average assumptions: dividend
yield 0%; remaining term of 4.83 years; equity volatility of 120.0%; and a risk-free interest rate of 4.10%.
●
For the Series G Short-Term
Warrants (as defined herein), we recorded a gain of $1,146,000, The fair value of the Series G Short-Term warrants of approximately
$4,713,000 was estimated at July 25, 2024 utilizing the Black Scholes Model using the following weighted average assumptions: dividend
yield 0%; remaining term of 1.33 years; equity volatility of 115.0%; and a risk-free interest rate of 4.70%.
●
For the Series G Long-Term
Warrants (as defined herein), we recorded a gain of $570,000, The fair value of the Series G Long-Term warrants of approximately
$7,630,000 was estimated at July 25, 2024 utilizing the Black Scholes Model using the following weighted average assumptions: dividend
yield 0%; remaining term of 4.83 years; equity volatility of 120.0%; and a risk-free interest rate of 4.10%.
During
the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a gain of $9,756,000 related to the change in fair value of the warrant liabilities. The
fair value of the Warrants of approximately $867,000 was estimated at December 31, 2023 utilizing the Black Scholes Model using the following
weighted average assumptions: dividend yield 0%; remaining term of 4.15 years; equity volatility of 120.0%; and a risk-free interest
rate of 3.91%.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a loss associated with the issuance of the Series F-1 Preferred
Stock totaling $3,737,000 and the Series G Preferred Stock totaling $5,109,000. The losses resulted from the fair market value of the
warrants issued exceeding the sum of the gross proceeds, discount and derivative derived from the placement of the preferred shares.
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, we identified a casualty loss of $178,198 related to wire fraud due to a compromised electronic mail
account. This incident occurred on May 17, 2023 and was discovered on July 20, 2023 when the vendor notified us of a delinquent invoice.
An investigation determined that the original invoice from the vendor, sent to our consultant on this project, was intercepted and resent
with altered wring instructions from a domain name that varied from the actual vendor’s domain by one character. We notified our
cyber insurance carrier on November 9, 2023. The Company recovered $100,000 of this loss from the insurance carrier on July 2, 2024.
Income
Taxes
As
of December 31, 2024, and 2023, we had U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $116.5 million and $113.1 million,
respectively. Approximately $47.1 million of the U.S. federal net operating loss generated in tax years beginning before January 1, 2018
expire beginning with the year ending December 31, 2025 through 2037. The remaining U.S. federal net operating loss of approximately
$69.4 million does not expire, however it is limited to 80% of each subsequent year’s net income. As of December 31, 2024, and
2023, we had U.S. state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $55.7 million and $45.2 million, respectively, some of which
expire beginning with the year ending December 31, 2025 through 2044.
Under
Section 382 of the Code, use of our net operating loss carryforwards is limited if we experience a cumulative change in ownership of
greater than 50% in a moving three-year period. We experienced an ownership change as a result of the Merger and therefore our ability
to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and certain credit carryforwards are limited. The limitation is determined by the fair
market value of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the ownership change, multiplied by the applicable federal rate. It
is expected that the Merger caused our net operating loss carryforwards to be limited. However, the limitation had no impact on our financial
statements since we recorded a full valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (See Note 7 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements).
67
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company’s cash on hand was $173,154 and
marketable securities were $8,345,082. The Company has incurred a net loss attributable to shareholders of $27,161,219 for the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024,
the Company had working capital of $2,710,626 and stockholders’ equity of $9,789,740 including an accumulated deficit of $129,138,286.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, cash flows used in operating activities were $8,976,347. Since inception, the Company has met
its liquidity requirements principally through the sale of its common and preferred stock in public and private placements; however, there
is no assurance that management will be able to obtain additional financing in the future.
As
of December 31, 2023, the Company’s cash on hand was $2,681,010 and marketable securities were $2,242,106. The Company has incurred
a net loss attributable to shareholders of $8,218,163 for the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had
working capital of $828,253 and stockholders’ equity of $12,369,572 including an accumulated deficit of $101,977,067. During the
year ended December 31, 2023, cash flows used in operating activities were $12,980,625.
Operating
Activities
Our
net cash used by operating activities during the year ended December 31,
2024, were $8,976,347, consisting primarily of a net loss of $23,359,334 a decrease in trade and other payables of $814,114 and a decrease
in deferred compensation payable of $100,538 offset by fair value adjustments for derivatives of $388,000, fair value adjustments for
warrants of $4,410,000, non-cash losses on the issuance of preferred stock of $8,846,000, non-cash share-based compensation of $1,057,271,
and non-cash compensation to a service provider of $600,000.
Our
net cash used by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2023, were $12,980,625, consisting primarily of a net loss of
$3,999,950 and fair value adjustments of $3,088,800 for derivatives and $9,756,000 for warrants related to offering of preferred stock offset
by non-cash share-based compensation of $3,049,537, an increase in trade and other payables of $1,042,997 and a decrease in prepaid expenses
of $327,439.
Investing
Activities
Our
net cash used in investing activities totaled $6,101,329 for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to cash provided by investing
activities totaling $1,845,726 during the year ended December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we purchased securities
totaling $12,851,809 and sold securities totaling $6,750,480. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we purchased securities totaling
$13,454,304 and sold securities totaling $15,300,000.
Financing
Activities
Net
cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31,
2024, was $12,569,820 which consisted of $14,000,000 for the net proceeds from the sale of preferred stock offset by $73,472 for the redemption
of preferred stock and dividends on preferred stock of $1,356,708. Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December
31, 2023, was $13,066,819 which consisted of 14,685,689 for the net proceeds from the sale of preferred stock offset by $89,635 for the
redemption of Preferred Stock, $1,452,145 for dividends and $77,090 for premiums related to such shares.
February
2023 Offering
On
February 21, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Series F Purchase Agreement”) with certain
accredited investors (the “Series F Investors”), pursuant to which it agreed to sell to the Investors (i) an aggregate of
15,000 shares of the Company’s newly-designated Series F convertible preferred stock with a stated value of $1,000 per share, initially
convertible into up to 6,651,885 shares (pre-split) of the Company’s Common Stock at an initial conversion price (the “Series
F Conversion Price”) of $2.255 per share (pre-split), subject to adjustment (the “Series F Preferred Shares”), and
(ii) warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 6,651,885 shares (pre-split) of the Company’s Common Stock, subject to adjustment
(the “Series F Warrants”) (collectively, the “February 2023 Offering”).
Following
the Reverse Stock Split, (i) the Series F Conversion Price was adjusted to $3.18 per share pursuant to the terms of the Series F
Certificate of Designations, which was subsequently amended and restated by the filing of the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Designations of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock, effective April 8, 2024 (as amended and restated, the “Series F
Certificate of Designations”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and (ii) the exercise price of the Series
F Warrants (the “Series F Exercise Price”) was adjusted to $3.18 per share. In connection with the Private Placements
(as defined herein), (i) the Series F Conversion Price was further adjusted to $1.816 per share pursuant to the full ratchet
anti-dilution provisions contained in the Series F Certificate of Designations and, (ii) the Series F Exercise Price was further
adjusted to $1.816 per share. As of December 31, 2024, in connection with the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of
the Series F-1 Preferred Shares (as defined herein), (i) the Series F Conversion Price was equal to $1.30 per share pursuant to
the full ratchet anti-dilution provisions contained in the Series F Certificate of Designations and, (ii) the Series F Exercise
Price was equal to $1.30 per share and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Series F warrants was
equal to 11,538,462 shares pursuant to the full ratchet anti-dilution provisions contained in the Series F
Warrants.
At
closing, we received net proceeds from the February 2023 Offering of approximately $14.1 million, after deducting various fees and expenses.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes.
As
of December 31, 2024, there were 4,211 Series F Preferred Shares outstanding and Series F Warrants outstanding to purchase up to 8,259,911
shares of Common Stock. As of December 31, 2024, Series F Conversion Price was equal to $1.30 and on March 4, 2025, the Series
F Conversion Price was adjusted to $0.364.
Series
F Convertible Preferred Stock
Prior
to the Series F Certificate of Amendment (as defined below), the Company was initially required to redeem the Series F Preferred Shares
in 12 equal monthly installments, commencing on July 1, 2023. The amortization payments due upon such redemption are payable, at the
Company’s election, in cash, or subject to certain limitations, in shares of Common Stock valued at the lower of (i) the Series
F Conversion Price then in effect and (ii) the greater of (A) 80% of the average of the three lowest closing prices of the Company’s
Series F Common Stock during the thirty trading day period immediately prior to the date the amortization payment is due or (B) a “Floor
Price” of $6.60 on a post-split basis (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations
or other similar events) or, in any case, such lower amount as permitted, from time to time, by the Nasdaq Stock Market.
68
On
April 5, 2024, the Company entered into an Omnibus Waiver and Amendment (the “Omnibus Agreement”) with the Required Holders
(as defined in the Series F Certificate of Designations). Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, the Required Holders agreed (i) to defer
payment of the monthly installment amounts due on March 1, 2024, and April 1, 2024 (the “Installments”), under Section 9(a)
of the Series F Certificate of Designations, until May 1, 2024, and (ii) to waive any breach or violation of the Series F Purchase Agreement,
the Series F Certificate of Designations, or the Series F Warrants resulting from missing the Installments. The Company may require holders
to convert their Series F Preferred Shares into shares of Common Stock if the closing price of the Common Stock exceeds $6.765 per share
(as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split) (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations
or other similar events) for 20 consecutive trading days and the daily dollar trading volume of the Common Stock exceeds $3,000,000 per
day during the same period and certain equity conditions described in the Series F Certificate of Designations are satisfied.
On
May 20, 2024, the Company entered into an Omnibus Waiver, Consent, Notice and Amendment (the “May 2024 Series F Agreement”)
with the Required Holders (as defined in the Series F Certificate of Designations). Pursuant to the May 2024 Series F Agreement, the
Required Holders agreed to (i) amend the Series F Purchase Agreement to amend certain terms relating to purchase rights thereunder, (ii)
waive certain rights under the Series F Purchase Agreement and Series F Certificate of Designations in respect of the issuance of the
Company’s Series F-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share and a stated value of $1,000 per share (“Series
F-1 Preferred Stock”), the Company’s Series G Convertible Preferred Stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share and a stated
value of $1,000 per share (“Series G Preferred Stock”), and entrance by the Company into the Purchase Agreements (as defined
herein), (iii) waive the requirement that the Company reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock as required
by the Series F Certificate of Designations, the Series F Purchase Agreement and Series F Warrants, until such time as the Company obtains
the Stockholder Approval (as defined herein), and (iv) consent to the issuance of the Series F-1 Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred
Stock as required pursuant to certain terms of the Series F Certificate of Designations, the Series F Purchase Agreement and the Series
F Warrants, as applicable. The Company and the Required Holders further agreed pursuant to the May 2024 Series F Agreement, to amend
the Series F Certificate of Designations by filing a Certificate of Amendment to the Series F Certificate of Designations (the “Series
F Certificate of Amendment”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Series F Certificate of Amendment amends
the Series F Certificate of Designations to (i) extend the maturity date to December 31, 2024, (ii) permit and modify certain procedures
related to the payment of installment amounts with respect to the Installment Dates (as defined in the Series F Certificate of Designations)
falling between (and including) July 1, 2024, and (and including) August 1, 2024, thereunder, and (iii) modify the schedule of Installment
Dates.
On
November 7, 2024, each holder of the Series F Preferred Shares agreed that payment by the Company of any Installment Amounts (as defined
in the Series F Certificate of Designations) that are accrued and are unredeemed, unconverted and/or otherwise unpaid as of November
7, 2024, will be deferred until December 1, 2024.
On
April 8, 2025, the Company entered into an Omnibus Amendment Agreement (“April 2025 Amendment Agreement”) with the Required Holders
(as defined in the Series F Certificate of Designations and Series F-1 Certificate of Designations), pursuant to which, the Required
Holders agreed to amend (i) the Series F-1 Certificate of Designations, as described below, by filing a Certificate of Amendment to the
Series F-1 Certificate of Designations with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “April 2025 Series F-1 Certificate
of Amendment”), (ii) the Series F Certificate of Designations, as described below, by filing a Certificate of Amendment to the
Series F Certificate of Designations with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “April 2025 Series F Certificate
of Amendment”), (iii) the Series F-1 Purchase Agreement, to amend the definition of “Excluded Securities” such that
the definition includes the issuance of common stock issued after the date of the Seres F-1 Purchase Agreement pursuant to an Approved
Stock Plan (as defined in the Series F-1 Purchase Agreement), which in the aggregate does not exceed more than 2% of the shares of common
stock issued and outstanding as of the date of such issuance (the “Excluded Securities Modification”), and (iv) to amend
the term of the Series F-1 Short-Term Warrants to be five years from the date of issuance. In addition, in consideration of the foregoing,
the Company agreed to reduce the size of the board of directors of the Company to no more than six directors, no later than the Company’s
2025 annual meeting of stockholders.
The
April 2025 Series F Certificate of Amendment amends the Series F Certificate of Designations to (A) (i) extend the maturity date to June
30, 2025, and (ii) modify the schedule of Installment Dates (as defined in the Series F Certificate of Designations), in each case, effective
as of December 31, 2024, and (B) subject to obtaining the approval of the Company’s stockholders, effective January 1, 2025, increase
the aggregate Stated Value of the Series F Preferred Stock outstanding to an amount equal to 110%
of the aggregate Stated Value of the Series F Preferred Stock outstanding. The April 2025 Series
F Certificate of Amendment was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, effective as of April 8, 2025.
The
holders of the Series F Preferred Shares are entitled to dividends of 10% per annum, compounded monthly, which is payable in cash or
shares of Common Stock at the Company’s option, in accordance with the terms of the Series F Certificate of Designations. Upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of a Triggering Event (as defined in the Series F Certificate of Designations), the Series
F Preferred Shares accrue dividends at the rate of 15% per annum. Upon conversion or redemption, the holders of the Series F Preferred
Shares are also entitled to receive a dividend make-whole payment. Except as required by applicable law, the holders of the Series F
Preferred Shares are entitled to vote with holders of the Common Stock on as as-converted basis, with the number of votes to which each
holder of Series F Preferred Shares is entitled to be calculated assuming a conversion price of $60.21 per share, which was the Minimum
Price (as defined in Rule 5635 of the Rule of the Nasdaq Stock Market) applicable immediately before the execution and delivery of the
Series F Purchase Agreement, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations as set forth in the Series F Certificate of Designations.
The Series F Certificate of Designations further provides that the holders of record of the Series F Preferred Shares, exclusively and
as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect one director of the Company one time on or before June 30, 2024. Effective as of April
8, 2024, the Company appointed Dr. Mitchell Glass to serve as a member of the Company’s board of directors, with Mr. Glass having
been elected to such position by the holders of the Series F Preferred Share.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company’s ability to settle conversions and make amortization and dividend make-whole payments using shares
of Common Stock is subject to certain limitations set forth in the Series F Certificate of Designations. Further, the Series F Certificate
of Designations contains a certain beneficial ownership limitation after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable
upon conversion of, or as part of any amortization payment or dividend make-whole payment under, the Series F Certificate of Designations
or Series F Warrants.
69
Series
F Common Stock Warrants
Pursuant
to the February 2023 Offering, the Company issued to investors the Series F Warrants to purchase 4,716,904 shares of Common Stock, with
an initial exercise price of $3.18 per share (subject to adjustment), for a period of five years from the date of issuance. The Series
F Exercise Price and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series F Warrants are subject to customary adjustments for stock
dividends, stock splits, reclassifications and the like, and subject to price-based adjustment, on a “full ratchet” basis,
in the event of any issuances of Common Stock, or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, at a price below
the then-applicable Series F Exercise Price (subject to certain exceptions). Upon any such price-based adjustment to the exercise price,
the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series F Warrants will be increased proportionately. As of December 31, 2024, the
Series F Exercise Price was equal to $1.30 per share and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Series
F Warrants was equal to 11,538,462 shares pursuant to the full ratchet anti-dilution provisions contained in the Series F
Warrants.
On
May 14, 2024, the Company entered into an Amendment (the “Series F Warrant Amendment”) with the Series F Investors in the
February 2023 Offering, effective as of March 31, 2024. The Series F Warrant Amendment modified certain terms of the Series F Warrants
relating to the rights of the holders of the Series F Warrants to provide that, in the event of a Fundamental Transaction (as defined
in the Series F Warrants) that is not within the Company’s control, including the Fundamental Transaction not being approved by
the Company’s Board of Directors, the holder of the Series F Warrant shall only be entitled to receive from the Company or any
successor entity the same type or form of consideration (and in the same proportion), at the Black Scholes Value of the unexercised portion
of such Series F Warrant, that is being offered and paid to the holders of the Company’s common stock in connection with the Fundamental
Transaction, whether that consideration be in the form of cash, stock or any combination thereof, or whether the holders of Common Stock
are given the choice to receive from among alternative forms of consideration in connection with the Fundamental Transaction; provided,
further, that if holders of Common Stock of the Company are not offered or paid any consideration in such Fundamental Transaction, such
holders of Common Stock will be deemed to have received common stock of the successor entity (which such successor entity may be the
Company following such Fundamental Transaction) in such Fundamental Transaction. The modification resulted in the reclassification of
the Series F Warrants to be considered equity classified as they were no longer in the scope of ASC 815. In accordance with ASC 815-40,
the Company remeasured the Series F Warrant liabilities at $7,961,000 fair value as of March 31, 2024, the effective date of the modification,
and recognized the $7,094,000 loss on the change in fair value and reclassified the $7,961,000 fair value of the Series F Warrants to
additional paid-in capital as of March 31, 2024.
Series
F-1 Private Placement
On
May 20, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Series F-1 Purchase Agreement”) with certain
accredited investors (the “Series F-1 Investors”) pursuant to which it agreed to sell to the Series F-1 Investors (i) an
aggregate of 5,050 shares of the Company’s newly-designated Series F-1 Preferred Stock, initially convertible into up to 2,780,839
shares of Common Stock at a conversion price (the “Series F-1 Conversion Price”) of $1.816 per share, (ii) short-term warrants
to acquire up to an aggregate of 2,780,839 shares of Common Stock (the “Series F-1 Short-Term Warrants”) at an exercise price
of $1.816 per share, and (iii) long-term warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 2,780,839 shares of Common Stock (the “Series
F-1 Long-Term Warrants,” and collectively with the Series F-1 Short-Term Warrants, the “Series F-1 Warrants”) at an
exercise price of $1.816 per share (collectively, the “Series F-1 Private Placement”). The closing of the Series F-1 Private
Placement occurred on May 23, 2024 (the “Series F-1 Closing Date”).
As of December 31, 2024, in
connection with the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Series F-1 Preferred Stock, (i) the Series F-1 Conversion
Price was equal to $1.30 per share pursuant to the full ratchet anti-dilution provisions contained in the Series F-1 Certificate of
Designations and, (ii) the exercise price of the Series F-1 Warrants was equal to $1.30 per share and the number of shares of Common
Stock issuable upon exercise of the Series F-1 Warrants was equal to 7,769,230 shares pursuant to the full ratchet anti-dilution
provisions contained in the Series F-1 Warrants.
70
We
received net proceeds from the Series F-1 Private Placement of approximately $5.0 million, after deducting various fees and expenses.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 4,747 shares of Series F-1 Preferred
Stock outstanding, Series F-1 Short-Term Warrants outstanding to purchase up to 3,884,615 shares of Common Stock and Series F-1 Long-Term
Warrants outstanding to purchase up to 3,884,615 shares of Common Stock. As of December 31, 2024, the Series F-1 Conversion Price was
equal to $1.30 and as of March 4, 2025, the Series F-1 Conversion Price was adjusted to $0.364.
Series
F-1 Preferred Stock
The
Series F-1 Preferred Stock became convertible upon issuance into Common Stock (the “Series F-1 Conversion Shares”) at the
election of the holder at any time at the initial conversion price of $1.816. The Series F-1 Conversion Price is subject to customary
adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits, reclassifications and the like, and subject to price-based adjustment in the event of
any issuances of Common Stock, or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, at a price below the then-applicable
Series F-1 Conversion Price (subject to certain exceptions).
The
Company is required to redeem the Series F-1 Preferred Stock in seven (7) equal monthly installments, commencing on December 1, 2024.
The amortization payments due upon such redemption are payable, at the Company’s election, in cash at 105% of the applicable Installment
Redemption Amount (as defined in the Series F-1 Certificate of Designations), or subject to certain limitations, in shares of Common
Stock valued at the lower of (i) the Series F-1 Conversion Price then in effect and (ii) the greater of (A) 80% of the average of the
three lowest closing prices of the Company’s Common Stock during the thirty consecutive trading day period ending and including
the trading day immediately prior to the date the amortization payment is due or (B) $0.364, which is 20% of the “Minimum Price”
(as defined in Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5635) on the date in which the Series F-1 Stockholder Approval (as defined herein) was obtained
or, in any case, such lower amount as permitted, from time to time, by the Nasdaq Capital Market, and, in each case, subject to adjustment
for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar events, which amortization amounts are subject
to certain adjustments as set forth in the Series F-1 Certificate of Designations (the “Series F-1 Floor Price”).
The
holders of the Series F-1 Preferred Stock are entitled to dividends of 10% per annum, compounded monthly, which are payable in arrears
monthly in cash or shares of Common Stock at the Company’s option, in accordance with the terms of the Series F-1 Certificate of
Designations. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Triggering Event (as defined in the Series F-1 Certificate of Designations),
the Series F-1 Preferred Stock will accrue dividends at the rate of 15% per annum. Upon conversion or redemption, the holders of the
Series F-1 Preferred Stock are also entitled to receive a dividend make-whole payment. The holders of the Series F-1 Preferred Stock
are entitled to vote with holders of the Common Stock on as as-converted basis, with the number of votes to which each holder of Series
F-1 Preferred Stock is entitled to be calculated assuming a conversion price of $2.253 per share, which was the Minimum Price (as defined
in Rule 5635 of the Rule of the Nasdaq Stock Market) applicable immediately before the execution and delivery of the Series F-1 Purchase
Agreement, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations as set forth in the Series F-1 Certificate of Designations.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company’s ability to settle conversions and make amortization and dividend make-whole payments using shares
of Common Stock is subject to certain limitations set forth in the Series F-1 Certificate of Designations. Further, the Series F-1 Certificate
of Designations contains a certain beneficial ownership limitation after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable
upon conversion of, or as part of any amortization payment or dividend make-whole payment under, the Series F-1 Certificate of Designations
or Series F-1 Warrants.
Series
F-1 Warrants
Pursuant
to the Series F-1 Private Placement, the Company issued to investors (i) the Series F-1 Long-Term Warrants to purchase 2,780,839 shares
of Common Stock, with an initial exercise price of $1.816 per share (subject to adjustment), for a period of five years from the date
of issuance and (ii) the Series F-1 Short-Term Warrants to purchase 2,780,839 shares of Common Stock, with an initial exercise price
of $1.816 per share (subject to adjustment), for a period of eighteen months from the date of issuance.
The
exercise price of the Series F-1 Warrants and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series F-1 Warrants are subject to customary
adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits, reclassifications and the like, and subject to price-based adjustment, on a “full
ratchet” basis, in the event of any issuances of Common Stock, or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for Common
Stock, at a price below the then-applicable exercise price (subject to certain exceptions). Upon any such price-based adjustment to the
exercise price, the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series F-1 Warrants will be increased proportionately. As of December
31, 2024, the Series F Exercise Price was adjusted to $1.30 per share and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Series F Warrants was adjusted proportionally to 7,769,230 shares pursuant to the full ratchet anti-dilution provisions contained in
the Series F Warrants.
On
August 16, 2024, the Company entered into (i) an Amendment (the “Series F-1 Long Term Warrant Amendment”) with the Series
F-1 Investors, effective as of June 30, 2024 relating to the Series F-1 Long Term Warrants, and (ii) an Amendment (the “Series
F-1 Short Term Warrant Amendment” and, together with the Series F-1 Long Term Warrant Amendment, the “Series F-1 Warrant
Amendments”) with the Series F-1 Investors, effective as of June 30, 2024 relating to the Series F-1 Short Term Warrants. The Series
F-1 Warrant Amendments modified certain terms of the Series F-1 Warrants relating to the rights of the holders of the Series F-1 Warrants
to provide that, in the event of a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Series F-1 Warrants) that is not within the Company’s
control, including the Fundamental Transaction not being approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, the holder of the Series
F-1 Warrant shall only be entitled to receive from the Company or any successor entity the same type or form of consideration (and in
the same proportion), at the Black Scholes Value of the unexercised portion of such Series F-1 Warrant, that is being offered and paid
to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock in connection with the Fundamental Transaction, whether that consideration be in the
form of cash, stock or any combination thereof, or whether the holders of Common Stock are given the choice to receive from among alternative
forms of consideration in connection with the Fundamental Transaction; provided, further, that if holders of Common Stock of the Company
are not offered or paid any consideration in such Fundamental Transaction, such holders of Common Stock will be deemed to have received
common stock of the successor entity (which such successor entity may be the Company following such Fundamental Transaction). Additionally,
the Series F-1 Warrant Amendments amend the definition of Black Scholes Value related to the volatility input which is now an expected
volatility equal to the 30 day volatility, obtained from the “HVT” function on Bloomberg (determined utilizing a 365 day
annualization factor) as of the trading day immediately following the earliest to occur of (1) the public disclosure of the applicable
Fundamental Transaction and (2) the date of a holder’s request. The modification resulted in the reclassification of the Series
F-1 Warrants to be considered equity classified as they were no longer in the scope of ASC 815.
Series
G Private Placement
On
May 20, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Series G Purchase Agreement” and collectively
with the Series F-1 Purchase Agreement, each a “Purchase Agreement” and collectively, the “Purchase Agreements”)
with certain accredited investors (the “Series G Investors” and collectively with the Series F-1 Investors, the “Investors”),
with certain accredited investors (the “Series G Investors”), pursuant to which it agreed to sell to the Series G Investors
(i) an aggregate of 8,950 shares of the Company’s newly-designated Series G Preferred Stock, initially convertible into up to 4,928,416
shares of the Company’s Common Stock, at an initial conversion price (the “Series G Conversion Price”) of $1.816 per
share (ii) short-term warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 4,928,416 shares of Common Stock (the “Series G Short-Term Warrants”)
at an exercise price of $1.816 per share, and (iii) long-term warrants to acquire up to an aggregate of 4,928,416 shares of Common Stock
(the “Series G Long-Term Warrants,” and collectively with the Series G Short-Term Warrants, the “Series G Warrants”)
at an initial exercise price (the “Series G Exercise Price”) of $1.816 per share (collectively, the “Series G Private
Placement” and collectively with the Series F-1 Private Placement, each a “Private Placement” and collectively, the
“Private Placements”). The closing of the Series G Private Placement occurred on May 23, 2024 (the “Series G Closing
Date” and collectively with the Series F-1 Closing Date, the “Closing Date”).
As of December 31, 2024, in
connection with the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Series F-1 Preferred Stock, (i) the Series G Conversion
Price was equal to $1.30 per share due to the full ratchet anti-dilution provisions contained in the Series G Certificate of Designations
and, (ii) the exercise price of the Series G Warrants was equal to $1.30 per share and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of the Series G Warrants was equal to 13,769,230 shares pursuant to the full ratchet anti-dilution provisions
contained in the Series G Warrants.
71
We
received net proceeds from the Series G Private Placement of approximately $8.9 million, after deducting various fees and expenses. We
intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 8,884 shares of Series G Preferred
Stock outstanding, Series G Short-Term Warrants outstanding to purchase up to 6,884,615 shares of Common Stock, and Series G Long-Term
Warrants outstanding to purchase up to 6,884,615 shares of Common Stock. As of December 31, 2024, the Series G Conversion Price was equal
to $1.30 and on March 4, 2025, the Series G Conversion Price was adjusted to $0.364.
Series
G Preferred Stock
The
Series G Preferred Shares became convertible upon issuance into Common Stock (the “Series G Conversion Shares”) at the election
of the holder at any time at an initial conversion price of $1.816 (the “Series G Conversion Price”). The Series G Conversion
Price is subject to customary adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits, reclassifications and the like, and subject to price-based
adjustment in the event of any issuances of Common Stock, or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, at
a price below the then-applicable Series G Conversion Price (subject to certain exceptions).
At
any time after the issuance date of the Series G Preferred Shares, the Company has the option to redeem in cash all or any portion of
the shares of Series G Preferred Shares then outstanding at a premium upon notice by the Company to all holders of the Series G Preferred
Shares.
The
holders of the Series G Preferred Shares will be entitled to dividends of 10% per annum, compounded monthly, which will be payable in
arrears monthly, at the holder’s options, (i) in cash, (ii) “in kind” in the form of additional shares of Series G
Preferred Shares (the “PIK Shares”), or (iii) in a combination thereof, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the
Certificate of Designations of the Series G Preferred Shares (the “Series G Certificate of Designations”). Upon the occurrence
and during the continuance of a Triggering Event (as defined in the Series G Certificate of Designations), the Series G Preferred Stock
will accrue dividends at the rate of 15% per annum. Upon conversion or redemption, the holders of the Series G Preferred Shares are also
entitled to receive a dividend make-whole payment. The holders of the Series G Preferred Shares will be entitled to vote with holders
of the Common Stock on as as-converted basis, with the number of votes to which each holder of Series G Preferred Share is entitled to
be calculated assuming a conversion price of $2.253 per share, which was the Minimum Price (as defined in Rule 5635 of the Rule of the
Nasdaq Stock Market) applicable immediately before the execution and delivery of the Series G Purchase Agreement, subject to certain
beneficial ownership limitations as set forth in the Series G Certificate of Designations. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the
Company recorded dividends totaling $559,032 and $0, respectively, which are reported as Series G Preferred Stock Dividends on the
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company’s ability to settle conversions and make dividend make-whole payments using shares of Common Stock is
subject to certain limitations set forth in the Series G Certificate of Designations. Further, the Series G Certificate of Designations
contains a certain beneficial ownership limitation, which applies to each Series G Investor, other than PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc., after
giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series G Preferred Shares or as part of any dividend
make-whole payment under the Series G Certificate of Designations.
On
June 17, 2024, the Company entered into an Amendment Agreement (the “Series G Amendment”) with the Required Holders (as defined
in the Series G Certificate of Designations). Pursuant to the Series G Amendment, the Required Holders agreed to amend the Series G Certificate
of Designations by filing a Certificate of Amendment (“Series G Certificate of Amendment”) to the Series G Certificate of
Designations with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary of State”) to increase the number of authorized
shares of Series G Preferred Stock from 8,950 to 12,826,273, in order to authorize a sufficient number of shares of Series G Preferred
Stock for the payment of PIK Shares. On June 17, 2024, the Company filed the Series G Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of
State, thereby amending the Series G Certificate of Designations. The Series G Certificate of Amendment became effective with the Secretary
of State upon filing.
72
On
August 8, 2024, the Company entered into an Amendment Agreement (the “August Series G Amendment”) with the Required Holders
(as defined in the Series G Certificate of Designations). Pursuant to the August Series G Amendment, the Required Holders agreed to amend
the Series G Certificate of Designations by filing a Certificate of Amendment (“August Series G Certificate of Amendment”)
to the Series G Certificate of Designations with the Secretary of State to adjust the calculation of the PIK Shares. On August 8, 2024,
the Company filed the August Series G Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State, thereby amending the Series G Certificate
of Designations. The August Series G Certificate of Amendment became effective with the Secretary of State upon filing.
Series
G Warrants
Pursuant
to the Series G Private Placement, the Company issued to investors (i) the Series G Long-Term Warrants to purchase 4,928,416 shares
of Common Stock, with an initial exercise price of $1.816 per share (subject to adjustment), for a period of five years from the
date of issuance and (ii) the Series G Short-Term Warrants to purchase 4,928,416 shares of Common Stock, with an initial exercise
price of $1.816 per share (subject to adjustment), for a period of eighteen months from the date of issuance. As of December 31,
2024, the Series G Exercise Price was adjusted to $1.30 per share and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the Series G Warrants was adjusted proportionally to 13,769,230 shares pursuant to the full ratchet anti-dilution provisions
contained in the Series G Warrants.
The
exercise price of the Series G Warrants and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series G Warrants are subject to customary
adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits, reclassifications and the like, and subject to price-based adjustment, on a “full
ratchet” basis, in the event of any issuances of Common Stock, or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for Common
Stock, at a price below the then-applicable exercise price (subject to certain exceptions). Upon any such price-based adjustment to the
exercise price, the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series G Warrants will be increased proportionately.
On
August 16, 2024, the Company entered into (i) an Amendment (the “Series G Long Term Warrant Amendment”) with the Series G
Investors, effective as of June 30, 2024, relating to the Series G Long Term Warrants, and (ii) an Amendment (the “Series G Short
Term Warrant Amendment” and, together with the Series G Long Term Warrant Amendment, the “Series G Warrant Amendments”)
with the Series G Investors, effective as of June 30, 2024, relating to the Series G Short Term Warrants. The Series G Warrant Amendments
modified certain terms of the Series G Warrants relating to the rights of the holders of the Series G Warrants to provide that, in the
event of a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Series G Warrants) that is not within the Company’s control, including the
Fundamental Transaction not being approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, the holder of the Series G Warrant shall only be
entitled to receive from the Company or any successor entity the same type or form of consideration (and in the same proportion), at
the Black Scholes Value (as defined in the Series G Warrants) of the unexercised portion of such Series G Warrant, that is being offered
and paid to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock in connection with the Fundamental Transaction, whether that consideration
be in the form of cash, stock or any combination thereof, or whether the holders of Common Stock are given the choice to receive from
among alternative forms of consideration in connection with the Fundamental Transaction; provided, further, that if holders of Common
Stock of the Company are not offered or paid any consideration in such Fundamental Transaction, such holders of Common Stock will be
deemed to have received common stock of the successor entity (which such successor entity may be the Company following such Fundamental
Transaction). Additionally, the Series G Warrant Amendments amend the definition of Black Scholes Value related to the volatility input
which is now an expected volatility equal to the 60 day volatility, obtained from the “HVT” function on Bloomberg (determined
utilizing a 365 day annualization factor) as of the trading day immediately following the earliest to occur of (1) the public disclosure
of the applicable Fundamental Transaction and (2) the date of a holder’s request. The modification resulted in the reclassification
of the Series G Warrants to be considered equity classified as they were no longer in the scope of ASC 815.
Registration
Rights Agreements
In
connection with the Series F-1 Private Placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Series F-1 Investors
(the “Series F-1 Registration Rights Agreement,”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a resale registration statement
(the “Series F-1 Registration Statement”) with the SEC to register for resale (A) 200% of the Series F-1 Conversion Shares
and (B) 200% of the Series F-1 Warrant Shares promptly following the Closing Date, but in no event later than 30 calendar days after
the Closing Date, and to have such Series F-1 Registration Statement declared effective by the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in
the Series F-1 Registration Rights Agreement).
73
In
connection with the Series G Private Placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Series G Investors
(the “Series G Registration Rights Agreement” and, together with the Series F-1 Registration Rights Agreement, the “Registration
Rights Agreements”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a resale registration statement (the “Series G Registration
Statement”) with the SEC to register for resale (A) 200% of the Series G Conversion Shares, (B) 200% of the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the PIK Shares, and (C) 200% of the Series G Warrant Shares promptly following the Closing Date, but in no
event later than 30 calendar days after the Closing Date, and to have such Series G Registration Statement declared effective by the
Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Series G Registration Rights Agreement).
In
connection with the Registration Rights Agreements, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 covering such securities,
which registration statement was filed on June 21, 2024, amended on August 8, 2024 and declared effective by the SEC on August 12, 2024.
Under the Series F-1 Registration Rights Agreement, the Company is obligated to pay certain liquidated damages to the Series F-1 Investors
if the Company, among other things, failed to file the Series F-1 Registration Statement when required, failed to file or cause the Series
F-1 Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC when required, or fails to maintain the effectiveness of the Series F-1
Registration Statement.
Private
Placement Warrants
In
connection with the Private Placements, pursuant to (A) an engagement letter (the “GPN Agreement”) with GP Nurmenkari Inc.
(“GPN”) and (B) an engagement letter (the “Palladium Agreement,” and collectively with the GPN Agreement, the
“Engagement Letters”) with Palladium Capital Group, LLC (“Palladium,” and collectively with GPN, the “Placement
Agents”), the Company engaged the Placement Agents to act as non-exclusive placement agents in connection with each Private Placement,
pursuant to which, the Company agreed to (i) pay the Placement Agents a cash fee equal to 3% of the gross proceeds of each Private Placement
(including any cash proceeds realized by the Company from the exercise of the Series F Warrants), (ii) reimbursement and payment of certain
expenses, and (iii) issue to the Placement Agents on the Closing Date, warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 693,833 of shares of
Common Stock to each Placement Agent, which is equal to 3% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock underlying the securities
issued in each Private Placement, including upon exercise of any Series F Warrants, with terms identical to the Series G Long-Term Warrants
and Series F-1 Long-Term Warrants.
Nasdaq
Stockholder Approval
The
Company’s ability to issue Series F-1 Conversion Shares and Series G Conversion Shares and Series F-1 Warrant Shares and Series
G Warrant Shares using shares of Common Stock is subject to certain limitations set forth in the Series F-1 Certificate of Designations
and Series G Certificate of Designations, as applicable. Prior to the Nasdaq Stockholder Approval (as defined below), such limitations
included a limit on the number of shares that could be issued until the time that the Company’s stockholders have approved the
issuance of more than 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock in accordance with the rules of the Nasdaq Stock
Market. Each Purchase Agreement requires the Company to hold a meeting of its stockholders no later than August 1, 2024, to seek approval
(the “Stockholder Approval”) (i) under Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5635(d) for the issuance of shares of Common Stock in excess
of 19.99% of the Company’s issued and outstanding sh
/stocks — the workspaceLOADING