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 .
About
Sunshine Biopharma
Sunshine Biopharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company
offering and researching life-saving medicines in a wide variety of therapeutic areas, including oncology and antivirals. In addition
to our own drug development operations, we operate three wholly owned subsidiaries, including (i) Nora Pharma Inc. (“Nora Pharma”),
a Canadian corporation with a portfolio consisting of 50 prescription drugs on the market in Canada and 28 additional drugs scheduled
to be launched in 2023 and 2024, (ii) Sunshine Biopharma Canada Inc. (“Sunshine Canada”), a Canadian corporation which develops
and sells OTC supplements, and (iii) NOX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Colorado corporation which is inactive and is scheduled to be dissolved
later this year.
History
We
were incorporated in the State of Colorado on August 31, 2006 and on October 15, 2009 we acquired Sunshine Biopharma, Inc. in a transaction
classified as a reverse acquisition. Sunshine Biopharma, Inc. was holding an exclusive license to a new anticancer drug bearing the laboratory
name, Adva-27a (the “License Agreement”). Upon completion of the reverse acquisition transaction, we changed our name to
Sunshine Biopharma, Inc. and began operating as a pharmaceutical company focusing on the development of the licensed Adva-27a anticancer
drug. In December 2015, we acquired all worldwide issued (US Patent Number 8,236,935, and 10,272,065) and pending patents under PCT/FR2007/000697
and PCT/CA2014/000029 for the Adva-27a anticancer compound and terminated the License Agreement.
In
early 2020, we initiated a new R&D project focused on the development of a treatment for COVID-19 and on May 22, 2020, we filed a
provisional patent application in the United States for the new coronavirus treatment. The patent application covers composition subject
matter pertaining to small molecules for inhibition of the main Coronavirus protease, Mpro. On April 30, 2021, we filed a PCT application
containing new research results and extending coverage to include the Coronavirus Papain-Like protease, PLpro.
In
June 2021, we initiated another R&D project in which we set out to determine if certain mRNA molecules can be used as anticancer
agents. The data obtained for mRNA molecules bearing the laboratory name K1.1 became the subject of a new patent application filed in
April 2022.
On
October 20, 2022, we acquired Nora Pharma Inc. (“Nora Pharma”), a Canadian generic pharmaceuticals company based in the greater
Montreal area. Nora Pharma has 37 employees and operates in a 15,000 square foot facility certified by Health Canada. Nora Pharma currently
offers 50 generic prescription drugs and 11 nonprescription OTC products. Nora Pharma sales were $10.7 million USD during its fiscal
year ended June 30, 2022. The consolidated financial statements contained in this report include the results of operations of Nora Pharma
from October 20, 2022 through December 31, 2022.
13
Products
on the Market
As
a result of the acquisition of Nora Pharma we now have the following generic prescription drugs on the market in Canada:
Drug
Action/Indication
Reference
Brand
Alendronate
Osteoporosis
Fosamax®
Amlodipine
Cardiovascular
Norvasc®
Apixaban
Cardiovascular
Eliquis®
Atorvastatin
Cardiovascular
Lipitor®
Azithromycin
Antibacterial
Zithromax®
Candesartan
Hypertension
Atacand®
Candesartan HCTZ
Hypertension
Atacand®
Celecoxib
Anti-inflammatory
Celebrex®
Cetirizine
Allergy
Reactine®
Ciprofloxacin
Antibiotic
Cipro®
Citalopram
Central nervous system
Celexa®
Clindamycin
Antibiotic
Dalacin®
Clopidogrel
Cardiovascular
Plavix®
Donepezil
Central nervous system
Aricept®
Duloxetine
Central nervous system
Cymbalta®
Dutasteride
Urology
Avodart®
Escitalopram
Central nervous system
Cipralex®
Ezetimibe
Cardiovascular
Ezetrol®
Finasteride
Urology
Proscar®
Flecainide
Cardiovascular
Tambocor®
Fluconazole
Antifungal
Diflucan®
Fluoxetine
Central nervous system
Prozac®
Hydroxychloroquine
Antimalarial
Plaquenil®
Lacosamide
Central nervous system
Vimpat®
Letrozole
Oncology
Femara®
Levetiracetam
Central nervous system
Keppra®
Mirtazapine
Central nervous system
Remeron®
Metformin
Diabetes
Glucophage®
Montelukast
Allergy
Singulair®
Olanzapine ODT
Central nervous system
Zyprexa®
Olmesartan
Cardiovascular
Olmetec®
Olmesartan HCTZ
Cardiovascular
Olmetec Plus®
Pantoprazole
Acid Reflux
Pantoloc®
Paroxetine
Central nervous system
Paxil®
Perindopril
Cardiovascular
Coversyl®
Pravastatin
Cardiovascular
Pravachol®
Pregabalin
Central nervous system
Lyrica®
Quetiapine
Central nervous system
Seroquel®
Quetiapine XR
Central nervous system
Seroquel XR®
Ramipril
Cardiovascular
Altace®
Rizatriptan ODT
Central nervous system
Maxalt® ODT
Rosuvastatin
Cardiovascular
Crestor®
Sertraline
Central nervous system
Zoloft®
Sildenafil
Urology
Viagra®
Tadalafil
Urology
Cialis®
Telmisartan
Cardiovascular
Micardis®
Telmisartan HCTZ
Cardiovascular
Micardis Plus®
Tramadol Acetaminophen
Central nervous system
Tramacet®
Zolmitriptan
Central nervous system
Zomig®
Zopiclone
Central nervous system
Imovane®
14
In
addition, we have the following nonprescription OTC products on the market in Canada and partially in the U.S.:
Product
Description
Essential 9 ™
Essential Amino Acids capsules (761 mg)
L-Arginine
L-Arginine capsules (500
mg)
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine capsules (667
mg)
Extreme-Mass ™
Weight Gain powder
Iso-Whey™
Whey Protein powder
BCAA 2:1:1™
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
capsules (600 mg)
L-Creatine
L-Creatine Monohydrate powder
Nora B12-1000
Vitamin B-12 tablets (Cyanocobalamine,
1,000 mcg)
Nora Calcium
Calcium Carbonate tablets
(500 mg)
Nora Cal-D 400
Calcium Carbonate (500 mg)
+ Vitamin D (400 IU) tablets
Nora Cal-D 1000
Calcium Carbonate (500 mg)
+ Vitamin D (1,000 IU) tablets
Nora D-400
Vitamin D tablets (Calciferol
400 IU)
Nora D-1000
Vitamin D tablets (Calciferol
1,000 IU)
Nora Senna
Senna Alexandrina tablets
(8.6 mg)
Nora Sennosides
Senna Alexandrina tablets
(8.6 mg)
NRA-ASA
Acetylsalicylic Acid tablets
(80 mg)
NRA-Docusate Sodium
Docusate Sodium capsules
(100 mg)
NRA K-20
Potassium Chloride tablets
(1,500 mg)
Products
in Development
The
following table summarizes our generic and proprietary drugs in development:
Generic
Drugs
Therapeutic
Area(s)
Development
Stage
Launch
Date
Group A (4 Products)
Central Nervous System, Urology,
Cardiovascular
Under Regulatory Review
2023Q2
Group B (3 Products)
Central Nervous System, Gastrointestinal
Under Regulatory Review
2023Q3
Group C (1 Product)
Oncology
Under Regulatory Review
2023Q4
Group D (8 Products)
Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular,
Metabolism
Under Regulatory Review
2024Q1
Group E (5 Products)
Cardiovascular, Urology,
Endocrinology
Under Regulatory Review
2024Q2
Group F (6 Products)
Urology, Cardiovascular,
Oncology, Anti-infectives
Under Regulatory Review
2024Q3
Proprietary
Drugs
Therapeutic
Area
Development
Stage
Launch
Date
Adva-27a (Small Molecule)
Oncology (Pancreatic Cancer)
IND-Enabling Studies
TBD
K1.1 (mRNA LNP)
Oncology (Liver Cancer)
Animal Testing
TBD
SBFM-PL4 (Small Molecule)
Antiviral (COVID-19)
Animal Testing
TBD
Proprietary
Drugs in Development
Adva-27a
Anticancer Drug
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). We are the direct owner of all patents pertaining
to Adva-27a including U.S. Patents Number 8,236,935 and 10,272,065.
15
Adva-27a
is a GEM-difluorinated C-glycoside derivative of Podophyllotoxin. 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 1).
Figure
1
In
February 2023, we signed a research agreement with the Jewish General Hospital (“JGH”), to complete the IND-enabling studies.
The JGH has also agreed to negotiate with us the terms for Phase I Clinical Trials. Adva-27a’s initial indication will be pancreatic
cancer for which there are currently little or no treatment options available. All aspects of the clinical trials in Canada will employ
FDA standards at all levels.
K1.1
Anticancer 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).
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 recently concluded
an agreement with a specialized partner for the purposes of formulating our K1.1 mRNA molecules into lipid nanoparticles, ready for use
to conduct studies in xenograft mice. We anticipate commencing such studies later this year.
SBFM-PL4
COVID-19 Treatment
The
initial genome expression products of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19,
are two large polyproteins, referred to as pp1a and pp1ab. These two polyproteins are cleaved at 15 specific sites by two virus encoded
proteases (Mpro and PLpro) to generate 16 different non-structural proteins essential for viral replication. Mpro and PLpro represent
attractive anti-viral drug development targets as they play a central role in the early stages of viral replication. PLpro is of particular
interest as a therapeutic target in that, in addition to processing viral proteins, it is also responsible for suppression of the human
immune system making the virus more life-threatening.
16
Our
COVID-19 research effort has been focused on developing an inhibitor of PLpro, the viral enzyme that mediates suppression of the human
immune system. 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).
In
February 2022, we expanded our PLpro inhibitors research effort 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 (the “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. On September 13,
2022, we exercised our option under the Option Agreement and on February 24, 2023, we entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement
with the University of Arizona for all of the technology related to the Research Project.
Intellectual
Property
We
are the sole owner of all worldwide rights pertaining to Adva-27a. These patent rights are covered by PCT/FR2007/000697 and PCT/CA2014/000029. The
patent applications filed under these two PCT's have been issued in the United States (US Patent Number 8,236,935 and 10,272,065), Europe,
and Canada.
On
May 22, 2020, we filed a provisional 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 main Coronavirus protease, Mpro, an
enzyme that is essential for viral replication. The patent application has a priority date of May 22, 2020. On April 30, 2021, we filed
a PCT application containing new research results and extending coverage to include the Coronavirus Papain-Like protease, PLpro. The
priority date of May 22, 2020 has been maintained in the newly filed PCT application.
On
April 20, 2022, we filed a provisional patent application in the United States covering mRNA molecules capable of destroying cancer cells
in vitro. The patent application contains composition and utility subject matter pertaining to the structure and sequence of the relevant
mRNA molecules.
Our
recently acquired wholly owned subsidiary, Nora Pharma, owns 152 DIN’s issued by Health Canada for prescription drugs currently
on the market in Canada. These DIN’s were secured through in-licenses or cross-licenses from international manufacturers of generic
pharmaceutical products.
In
addition, we are the owner of two NPN’s issued by Health Canada: NPN 80089663 authorizes us to manufacture and sell our in-house
developed OTC product, Essential 9™, and NPN 80093432 authorizes us to manufacture and sell the OTC product, Calcium-Vitamin D
under the brand name Essential Calcium-Vitamin D ™ .
Results
of Operations
Comparison
of results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
During
the three months ended March 31, 2023, we generated $4,894,053 in sales, compared to $122,645 for the three months
ended March 31, 2022, an increase of $4,771,408. The increase is attributable to sales generated by our recently acquired wholly owned
subsidiary, Nora Pharma. The direct cost for generating these sales was $3,065,931 (62.6%) for the three months ended March 31, 2023,
compared to $59,845 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 (48.8%). The increase in the cost of goods sold in 2023 is due to the cost
of manufacturing of the generic prescription drugs sold by Nora Pharma. Our gross profit grew to $1,828,122 for the three months ended
March 31, 2023, compared to $62,800 for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
17
General and administrative expenses during the three month period ended March
31, 2023 were $3,657,103, compared to $1,286,164 during the three month period ended March 31, 2022, an increase of $2,370,939. This increase
was the result of increased overhead associated with being a Nasdaq listed company and expenses related to Nora Pharma operations. Specifically,
we incurred increased costs in accounting ($95,951), consulting ($126,117), office costs ($199,953), research and development ($71,273),
salaries ($1,739,257) and taxes ($63,718). Overall, we incurred a loss of $1,828,981 from our operations for the three months ended March
31, 2023, compared to a loss of $1,223,364 from our operations in the three month period ended March 31, 2022.
In
addition, we had net interest income of approximately $172,821 during the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to a net interest
expense of approximately $12,870 during the three months ended March 31, 2022, as a result of interest earned on the cash on hand.
As
a result, we incurred a net loss of $1,702,430 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $1,236,234 for the
three month period ended March 31, 2022.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
As of March
31, 2023, we had cash or cash equivalents of $19,294,218.
Net cash used in operating activities was $1,850,106
during the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $1,304,208 during the three month period ended March 31, 2022. The increase
was a result of the addition of Nora Pharma’s operations.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $146,303
for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was the result of cash
invested in Nora Pharma.
Cash flows used in financing activities were $(538,299)
for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $12,437,673 provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31,
2022. The decrease was primarily as a result of no offerings made during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to two offerings
completed in February and March 2022, and due to our purchase of $506,822 in common stock under Rule 10B-14 in the first quarter of 2023
period compared to $0 during the same period in 2022.
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 OTC supplements business, for the next 24 months. There is no assurance our estimates will be accurate.
Management estimates that we will need additional capital in the amount of approximately
$30 million to fully implement our business plan, including funding for further research and development activities and possibly clinical
trials, as well as expansion of our generic pharmaceuticals operations arising from the Nora Pharma acquisition. Additional capital may
not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Currently, we do not have any firm committed arrangements for financing and
can provide no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing when required. No assurance can be given that we will obtain access
to capital markets in the future or that financing, adequate to satisfy the cash requirements of implementing our business will be available
on acceptable terms. Our inability to obtain acceptable financing could have an adverse effect upon the results of our operations and
financial condition.
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,
2022, including our financial statements and notes thereto included therein as filed with the SEC on April 4, 2023.
18
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.
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.
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