Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion should
be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein. This discussion includes forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The statements regarding Sunshine Biopharma, Inc. contained in this
Report that are not historical in nature, particularly those that utilize terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,”
“likely,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes” or “plans,”
or comparable terminology, are forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, and entail various risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Important
factors known to us that could cause such material differences are identified in this report and in our annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2021. We undertake no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law. You are advised, however, to consult any
future disclosures we make on related subjects in future reports to the SEC .
Overview
We are a pharmaceutical company
focusing on the research and development of proprietary drugs including our anticancer compound Adva-27a, our anticancer K1.1 mRNA molecules,
and anti-coronavirus lead compound, SBFM-PL4.
In addition, we develop science-based
nutritional supplements through our wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Sunshine Biopharma Canada Inc. (“Sunshine Canada”),
and we currently sell one nutritional supplement product, Essential 9 tm .
On October 20, 2022, we completed the acquisition of Nora Pharma Inc.
(“Nora Pharma”), a Canadian generic pharmaceuticals company. Based in the greater Montreal area, Nora Pharma has 36 employees
and operates in a 15,000 square foot facility certified by Health Canada. Nora Pharma currently offers over 50 pharmaceutical products,
including generic prescription drugs, over-the-counter products and biosimilars. Nora Pharma sales were $10.7 million for its fiscal year
ended June 30, 2022 and its net income for this period was $0.3 million (USD).
Proprietary Drug Development Operations
SBFM-PL4 Anti-Coronavirus Treatment
The following is a summary of
the development to date of our coronavirus treatment project:
·
On May 22, 2020, we filed a patent application in the
United States for a new treatment for Coronavirus infections. Our patent application covers composition subject matter pertaining to
small molecules for inhibition of the Coronavirus main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro). Both enzymes are essential
for viral replication. In addition to being involved in maturation of specific viral proteins, PLpro is responsible for suppression
of the human immune system making the virus more virulent. The small molecules covered by the patent application were designed by
Dr. Steve N. Slilaty, our chief executive officer. The patent application has a priority date of May 22, 2020.
·
In August 2020, we completed the synthesis of four different potential inhibitors of PLpro. These compounds are based on the technology described in our patent application filed on May 22, 2020.
·
In September 2020, we completed the screening of our four compounds and subsequently identified a lead Anti-Coronavirus drug candidate (SBFM-PL4). The screening which pinpointed the lead compound was performed at the University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy.
·
The next steps in our SBFM-PL4 drug development plan will involve conducting additional in vitro studies followed by cell culture assays and assessment in Coronavirus infected mice before entering human clinical trials.
·
In February 2022, we expanded our search for additional PLpro inhibitors by entering into a research agreement with the University of Arizona for the purposes of conducting research focused on determining the in vivo safety, pharmacokinetics, and dose selection properties of three University of Arizona owned PLpro inhibitors, to be followed by efficacy testing in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the “Research Project”). Under the agreement, the University of Arizona granted the Company a first option to negotiate a commercial, royalty-bearing license for all intellectual property developed by University of Arizona personnel under the Research Project. In addition, the Company and the University of Arizona entered into an Option Agreement whereby the Company was granted a first option to negotiate a royalty-bearing commercial license for the underlying technology of the Research Project. Intending to move forward with the technology, we submitted a Notice of Option Exercise to the University of Arizona on September 13, 2022.
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Adva-27a Anticancer Compound
In the area of oncology, our proprietary
drug development activities have been focused on the development of a small molecule called Adva-27a for the treatment of aggressive forms
of cancer. A Topoisomerase II inhibitor, Adva-27a has been shown to be effective at destroying Multidrug Resistant Cancer cells including
Pancreatic Cancer cells, Breast Cancer cells, Small-Cell Lung Cancer cells and Uterine Sarcoma cells (Published in ANTICANCER RESEARCH,
Volume 32, Pages 4423-4432, October 2012). Sunshine Biopharma is direct owner of all issued patents pertaining to Adva-27a including U.S.
Patents Number 8,236,935 and 10,272,065.
Figure 1
Adva-27a is a GEM-difluorinated
C-glycoside derivative of Podophyllotoxin (see Figure 1). Another derivative of Podophyllotoxin called Etoposide is currently on the market
and is used to treat various types of cancer including leukemia, lymphoma, testicular cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, prostate cancer,
bladder cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer and several other forms of cancer. Etoposide is one of the most widely used
anticancer drugs. Adva-27a and Etoposide are similar in that they both attack the same target in cancer cells, namely the DNA unwinding
enzyme, Topoisomerase II. Unlike Etoposide however, Adva-27a is able to penetrate and destroy Multidrug Resistant Cancer cells. In addition,
Adva-27a has been shown to have distinct and more desirable biological and pharmacological properties compared to Etoposide. In side-by-side
studies using Multidrug Resistant Breast Cancer cells and Etoposide as a reference, Adva-27a showed markedly greater cell killing activity
(see Figure 2).
Figure 2
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The next sequence of steps in
our Adva-27a development program includes:
·
GMP Manufacturing of 2 kilograms for use in IND-Enabling Studies and Phase I Clinical Trials
·
IND-Enabling Studies
·
Regulatory Filing (Fast-Track status anticipated)
·
Phase I Clinical Trials (Pancreatic Cancer indication)
Adva-27a’s initial indication
will be pancreatic cancer for which there are currently little or no treatment options available. We are planning to conduct our clinical
trials at McGill University’s Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Canada. All aspects of the clinical trials in Canada will employ
FDA standards at all levels.
According to the American Cancer
Society, nearly 1.5 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. While particularly effective against Multidrug Resistant
Cancer, we believe Adva-27a can potentially treat all cancer types, particularly those in which Topoisomerase II has been amplified. We
believe that upon successful completion of Phase I Clinical Trials we may receive one or more offers from large pharmaceutical companies
to purchase or license our drug. However, there are no assurances that our Phase I Trials will be successful, or if successful, that any
pharmaceutical companies will make an acceptable offer to us. In the event we do not consummate such a transaction, we will require significant
capital in order to secure regulatory approval, manufacture and market our new drug on our own.
K1.1 Anti-cancer mRNA
In June 2021, we initiated a new
research project in which we set out to determine if certain mRNA molecules can be used as anti-cancer agents. The data collected to date
have shown that a selected group of mRNA molecules are capable of destroying cancer cells in vitro including multidrug resistant breast
cancer cells (MCF-7/MDR), ovarian adenocarcinoma cells (OVCAR-3), and pancreatic cancer cells (SUIT-2). Other studies using non-transformed
(normal) human cells (HMEC cells) showed that these mRNA molecules had little cytotoxic effects. These new mRNA molecules, bearing the
laboratory name K1.1, are readily adaptable for delivery into patients using the mRNA vaccine technology. In April 2022, we filed a provisional
patent application in the United States covering the subject mRNA molecules. We are currently in discussion with several potential partners
for the purposes of formulating our K1.1 mRNA molecules into lipid nanoparticles (K1.1::LNP). Using the K1.1::LNP formulations, we plan
to commence mice xenograft studies within approximately the next twelve months.
Nutritional Supplements Operations
Our wholly owned Canadian subsidiary,
Sunshine Canada, focuses on the development and marketing of science-based nutritional supplements. In December 2018, we completed the
development of our first nutritional supplement product which we named Essential 9 ™ .
On December 14, 2018, Health Canada issued NPN 80089663 through which it authorized us to manufacture and sell the Essential 9™
product. Our Essential 9™ nutritional supplement product was originally launched as a tablet and has now been reformatted into vegan
capsules. Our Essential 9 tm capsules contain a balanced formula of the 9 Essential
Amino Acids that the human body cannot make. Essential Amino Acids are 9 out of the 20 amino acids required for protein synthesis. Proteins
are involved in all body functions – From the musculature and immune system to hormones and neurotransmitters. Like vitamins, Essential
Amino Acids cannot be made by the human body and must be obtained through diet. Deficiency in one or more of the 9 Essential Amino Acids
can lead to loss of muscle mass, fatigue, weight gain and reduced ability to build muscle mass in athletes. Our Essential 9™ provides
all 9 Essential Amino Acids in freeform and in the proportions recommended by Health Canada. Essential 9™ is currently available
on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca. Figure 3 below shows our reformatted 60-Capsule Essential 9™ product.
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Figure 3
In November 2019, we received
Health Canada approval for another nutritional supplement, a new Calcium-Vitamin D tablet. Health Canada issued NPN 80093432 through which
it authorized us to manufacture and sell the new Calcium-Vitamin D supplement under the brand name Essential Calcium-Vitamin D™.
Vitamin D is a group of steroid-like molecules responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.
They are also involved in multiple other biological functions, including proper functioning of the immune system, promoting healthy growth
of bone, and reduction of inflammation. The most important compounds in this group are ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol
(Vitamin D3). Sunshine Biopharma’s Essential Calcium-Vitamin D™ tablets contain both of these compounds as well as calcium
for optimum health benefits. We are considering potentially launching this product in 2023.
Results of Operations
Comparison of results of operations for the
three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
During the three months ended
September 30, 2022, we generated revenues of $132,808, compared to revenue of $50,376 for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The
increase is attributable to increased marketing efforts. All of these revenues were generated from our science-based nutritional supplements
operations. The direct cost for generating these revenues was $65,783 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 (49.5%), compared
to $19,506 (38.7%) for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The increase in cost of sales in 2022 is due to increases in manufacturing
cost. Our gross profit increased to $67,025 for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to a gross profit of $30,870 for the
same period in 2021.
General and administrative expenses
during the three month period ended September 30, 2022 were $1,785,005 compared to $527,129 during the three month period ended September
30, 2021, an increase of $1,257,876. Overall, we incurred a loss of $1,717,980 from our operations in the three month period ended September
30, 2022, compared to a loss from operations of $496,259 in the similar period of 2021.
In addition, we had interest income of $260,938, interest expense of
$2, and debt forgiveness of $0, during the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to interest income of $0, interest expense
of $46,849, and debt forgiveness of $7,688, during the three months ended September 30, 2021. This was primarily due to the transitioning
of our financing from convertible debt to equity. We incurred no losses related to debt conversion during the three months ended September
30, 2022, compared to $3,504,000 in losses arising from debt conversion during the three months ended September 30, 2021. This was also
due to the transitioning of our financing from convertible debt to equity.
As a result, we incurred a net
loss of $1,457,019 for the three month period ended September 30, 2022, compared to a net loss of $4,039,383 for the three month period
ended September 30, 2021.
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Comparison of results of operations for the
nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
During the nine months ended September
30, 2022, we generated revenues of $405,760, compared to revenue of $143,308 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The increase
is attributable to increased marketing efforts. All of these revenues were generated from our science-based nutritional supplements operations.
The direct cost for generating these revenues was $200,311 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 (49.4%), compared to $56,541 (39.5%)
for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The increase in cost of sales in 2022 is due to increases in manufacturing cost. Our gross
profit increased to $205,449 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to a gross profit of $86,767 for the same period in
2021.
General and administrative expenses
during the nine month period ended September 30, 2022 were $3,842,589 compared to $2,247,270 during the nine month period ended September
30, 2021, an increase of $1,595,319. Overall, we incurred a loss of $3,637,140 from our operations in the nine month period ended September
30, 2022, compared to a loss from operations of $2,160,503 in the similar period of 2021.
In addition, we had interest
income of $406,984, interest expense of $12,866, and debt forgiveness of $10,852 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared
to interest income of $0, interest expense of $292,188, and debt forgiveness of $58,940 during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
This was primarily due to the transitioning of our financing from convertible debt to equity. We incurred no losses related to debt conversion
during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $10,709,843 in losses arising from debt conversion during the nine months
ended September 30, 2021. This was also due to the transitioning of our financing from convertible debt to equity.
As a result, we incurred a net
loss of $3,232,125 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2022, compared to a net loss of $13,103,563 for the nine month period
ended September 30, 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents
of $40,555,931.
Net cash used in operating activities
was $3,001,746 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1,517,015 during the nine month period ended September 30,
2021. The increase was a result of increased marketing and R&D activities as well as increases in professional fees related to becoming
a Nasdaq listed company.
Cash flows provided by financing
activities were $41,561,363 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $2,928,339 for the nine month period ended September
30, 2021. The increase was a result of three financing events completed in February, March and April 2022, as well as warrant exercises.
Cash flows used in investing activities
were $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021.
We are not generating adequate
revenues from our operations to fully implement our business plan as set forth herein. On February 17, 2022, we received net proceeds
of approximately $6.8 million from the sale of common stock and warrants in an underwritten public offering. On March 14, 2022, we received
net proceeds of approximately $6.8 million from the sale of common stock and warrants in a private placement. On April 28, 2022, we received
net proceeds of approximately $16.8 million from the sale of common stock and warrants in a private placement. We believe our existing
cash will be sufficient to fund our operations, including general and administrative expenses, expanded research and development activities,
and nutritional supplement business, for the next 24 months. There is no assurance our estimates will be accurate. We have no committed
sources of capital and we anticipate that we will need to raise additional capital in the future, including for further research and development
activities and possibly clinical trials, as well as expansion of our generic pharmaceutical operations arising from the Nora Pharma acquisition.
Additional capital may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of
our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make
estimates and judgments that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that
are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates
under different assumptions or conditions.
For a detailed list of significant
accounting policies, please see our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, including our financial statements
and notes thereto included therein as filed with the SEC on March 21, 2022,
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In February 2020, the FASB issued
ASU 2020-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842) - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to
SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02,
Leases (Topic 842) which amends the effective date of the original pronouncement for smaller reporting companies. ASU 2016-13
and its amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022.
The Company believes the adoption will modify the way the Company analyzes financial instruments, but it does not anticipate a material
impact on results of operations. The Company is in the process of determining the effects adoption will have on its consolidated financial
statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued
ASU 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts
in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815 – 40) , (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for certain
financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s
own equity. The ASU2020-06 amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those
fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim
periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance on its unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Off Balance-Sheet Arrangements
None.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk.
We are a smaller reporting company
and are not required to provide the information under this item.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.