Item 1. Business
Item 1. Business
Company Overview
We, through our wholly owned subsidiary Skinvisible
Pharmaceuticals Inc., are a pharmaceutical research and development (“R&D”) company that has developed and patented an
innovative polymer delivery system, Invisicare® and formulated over forty topical skin products, which we out-license globally. We
were incorporated in 1998 and target an estimated $80 billion global skincare and dermatology market and a $30 billion global over-the-counter
market as well as other healthcare / medical and consumer goods markets. We are also exploring new opportunities in large medical markets
outside of the dermatology market such as obesity and other potential markets where a topical or transdermal solution would be a viable
alternative.
With the research and development complete on forty
products and numerous patents issued (technology and product patents), we are ready to monetize our investment. Our business model will
continue to be to out-license our patented prescription and over-the-counter (“OTC”) products featuring Invisicare to established
manufacturers and marketers of brands internationally and to maximize profits from the products we have already out-licensed.
The opportunity for us to license our products continues
to be a viable model as the need for pharmaceutical companies to access external R&D companies for new products due to their own downsizing
or elimination of internal R&D departments. The demand for our products is enhanced due to the granting of key US and international
patents and the completed development of a number of unique products.
Our Flagship Product
Pivotal to our success is our patented polymer delivery
system technology Invisicare. Invisicare is a patented polymer delivery system that enhances the delivery of active ingredients for topically
applied skin care products. Its patented technology has a unique formula and process for combining active ingredients with a delivery
system that extends the duration of time the product remains on the skin and active.
Invisicare is specifically formulated to carry water
insoluble active and certain cationic active ingredients in water-based products without the use of alcohol, silicones, waxes, or other
organic solvents. Products utilizing Invisicare have the proven ability to bond active ingredients to the skin for up to four hours and
longer. They are non-occlusive and allow normal skin respiration and perspiration while moisturizing and protecting against exposure from
a wide variety of environmental irritants.
When topically applied, these formulated products
adhere to the skin's outer layers, forming a protective bond, resisting wash-off, and delivering targeted levels of therapeutic or cosmetic
skincare agents to the skin. They allow enhanced delivery performance for a variety of skincare agents resulting in improved efficacy,
longer duration of action, reduced irritation and lower dosage of active agent required. The "invisible" polymer compositions
wear off as part of the natural exfoliation process of the skin's outer layer cells.
The advantage of products formulated with Invisicare
is (1) Invisicare’s ability to bind active ingredients (the drug) to the skin, forming a protective bond on the skin, for extended
periods of time; (2) Invisicare can deliver targeted levels (high or low) of therapeutic or cosmetic ingredients to the skin in a controlled
release; (3) Invisicare can help to reduce the irritation of some active ingredients due to how it controls the slower release of that
active ingredient; and (4) Invisicare science proves that it provides a protective skin barrier which helps retain the natural moisture
content of the skin, while still allowing it to breathe. These benefits present an excellent opportunity for clear scientific advantages
and marketing messages which resonate with physicians and consumers.
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We generate revenue by:
•
LICENSING : We develop topical prescription and over-the-counter products enhanced with Invisicare to license to pharmaceutical and consumer goods companies around the world for an upfront fee and ongoing royalties.
•
CO-DEVELOPMENT : We assist pharmaceutical clients in the early development of the most optimal formulation, which they then take forward into clinical testing.
•
LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT : We provide cost-effective solutions to global pharmaceutical companies by reformulating their products coming off patent with a new Invisicare patent and new product benefits and line extensions. Pharmaceutical companies are under a lot of pressure to develop innovative strategies to counteract the revenue loss from their drugs coming off patent.
License Agreement with Quoin
On October 17, 2019, we entered an Exclusive License
Agreement with Quoin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Quoin”) pursuant to which we granted Quoin a license
to certain patents for the development of products for commercial sale. In exchange for the license, Quoin paid us a license fee of one
million USD dollars (USD $1,000,000) (the “License Fee”) and will additionally pay a single digit royalty interest of all
net sales on the licensed products subject to adjustment in certain situations. The agreement also requires that Quoin make a milestone
payment of $5 million to us upon achieving the first to occur of either FDA or European Union regulatory approval for one product licensed.
In addition, and upon the successful approval in the
US or European Union, whichever occurs first, Skinvisible is entitled to receive a single digit royalty percentage of Quoins net sales
revenues for any licensed product covered by the patent rights licensed under the License Agreement. Plus, Quoin also agreed to pay Skinvisible
25% of any revenues they receive as royalties in the event that they sublicense any licensed products to a third party.
On June 6, 2022, the Company announced that its licensee
Quoin and its product QRX003, was the first Invisicare delivery technology product to receive U.S. FDA Acceptance of Investigational New
Drug Application and that Quoin was actively working towards obtaining necessary FDA and other regulatory approvals for marketing the
product in the United States and other countries.
On February 14, 2024, the Company announced that there
was significant progress in Quoin's clinical trials for product formulations containing Invisicare targeting Netherton Syndrome. The trials
focus on the innovative formulation "QRX003," powered by Skinvisible’s Invisicare® proprietary drug delivery technology.
The updates include:
•
Positive Initial Data and Clean Safety Profile: The trials have demonstrated positive initial data and a clean safety profile, leading to the implementation of an optimization plan.
•
Optimization Plan Implementation: Quoin has increased the size of both clinical trials significantly and adjusted dosing frequency to twice-daily from once-daily for both trials.
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Elimination of Lower Dose: In the blinded trial, a lower dose has been eliminated based on the positive outcomes observed.
•
Protocol Amendments: Quoin's press release highlights protocol amendments aimed at enhancing the data set and potentially expediting regulatory approval.
We believe these protocol amendments could ultimately
result in the generation of a highly compelling data set, which could support regulatory filings and approval for QRX003 as the first
treatment for Netherton Syndrome.
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On March 4, 2024, Quoin announced a further milestone:
it received FDA Clearance to recruit teen subjects into both ongoing Netherton Syndrome clinical studies. We believe this announcement
is important as:
•
Clearance to include teen patients in both Quoin’s open label and placebo-controlled studies are expected to significantly expand the number of eligible subjects, potentially expedite recruitment and lead to a more robust data set.
•
This development represents the first ever inclusion of non-adult subjects in Netherton Syndrome clinical studies conducted under an open Investigational New Drug Application.
•
It is believed that the inclusion of this patient population in Quoin’s studies will be a critical component of the development of a robust data set that could result in regulatory approval with a broad label as QRX003 is being tested both as monotherapy and in conjunction with off-label treatments.
On June 27, 2024, Quoin announced an International
Expansion of ongoing clinical trials for Netherton Syndrome in Saudi Arabia. The site is currently treating Netherton patients who are
eligible for recruitment into Quoin studies.
On October 22, 2024, Quoin announced further International
Expansion of ongoing clinical trials for Netherton Syndrome with two additional clinical sites to be opened in the United Kingdom where
both sites are recognized Centers of Excellence for Netherton Syndrome in the UK.
On November 5, 2024, Quoin Pharmaceuticals initiated
clinical testing of its lead product in a pediatric Netherton Syndrome patient. This clinical assessment is being performed on a pediatric
patient at children’s health Ireland in Dublin; the first evaluation of QRX003, powered by Skinvisible’s Invisicare technology,
in a pediatric patient.
On December 19, 2024, Quoin Pharmaceuticals announced
FDA clearance to initiate a new additional Netherton Syndrome (NS) clinical study for QRX003. The company further announced that the study
will be conducted by Dr. Amy Paller, of Northwestern University. It is planned that up to eight subjects will be enrolled into the study
and will have QRX003 applied twice daily to greater than 80% of their entire body surface area (BSA) over a 12-week period. By comparison,
in Quoin’s ongoing open-label and double-blind clinical studies, QRX003 is applied to approximately 20% of the subject’s BSA,
typically the arms and lower leg. This new study, designed to mimic how NS patients will use QRX003 if approved, represents the most extensive
use of QRX003 in a clinical setting to date. It is anticipated that the data generated from this study will be used to supplement the
data package to support the potential regulatory approval of QRX003 as a treatment for NS.
Quoin also announced other key developments, including:
•
Significant clinical improvements in both open label and pediatric studies including subject's disease classification improved from "severe" to "mild" after 6 weeks dosing;
•
No adverse events or safety concerns reported to date from each of Quoin's ongoing clinical studies in Netherton Syndrome subjects; and
•
License of Netherton Syndrome product QRX003 with Invisicare delivery technology in 60 countries.
On May 20, 2025, Quoin announced that it has been
granted an Orphan Drug Designation in Europe by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its lead product QRX003 in Netherton Syndrome.
Orphan Drug Designation in Europe affords the Company
incentive benefits including scientific advice on study protocols, various fee reductions and access to EU grants. If approved, QRX003
will be granted 10 years of market exclusivity in Europe for the treatment of Netherton Syndrome.
On June 24, 2025, Quoin announced that the FDA granted
a Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) Designation for QRX003, for the treatment of Netherton Syndrome.
The designation reinforces the potential of QRX003
as a therapeutic candidate for a profoundly underserved pediatric population. The FDA’s Rare Pediatric Disease Designation program
is intended to encourage the development of new therapies for serious and life-threatening diseases that primarily affect individuals
under 18 years of age. If a New Drug Application (NDA) for QRX003 is approved, upon reauthorization of the program Quoin may be eligible
to receive a Priority Review Voucher (PRV), which can be redeemed to receive priority review for another marketing application or may
be sold or transferred.
On January 27, 2026 Quoin Pharmaceuticals Announced
1. USA - Quoin Pharmaceuticals Announces “FDA Grants Fast Track Designation for QRX003 for the Treatment of Netherton Syndrome” .
Fast Track Designation facilitates development and expedites regulatory review of therapies addressing serious conditions with significant
unmet medical need. Fast Track Designation follows Pediatric Rare Disease and Orphan Drug Designation previously granted by the FDA and
Orphan Drug Designation granted by the European Medicines Agency for QRX003 in Netherton Syndrome. QRX003 lotion (4%) currently being
evaluated in two late-stage whole-body clinical trials for treatment of Netherton Syndrome. 2. Saudi Arabia - Quoin Pharmaceuticals Files
Breakthrough Medicine Designation Application in Saudi Arabia for QRX003 in Netherton Syndrome. If granted, QRX003 could be approved for
sale and reimbursement in Saudi Arabia as the first ever approved treatment for Netherton Syndrome. 3. Japan - Quoin Pharmaceuticals Announces
Submission to Japanese MHLW for Orphan Drug Designation for QRX003 and has been approved for both Fast Track and Regulatory Review Status
for QRX003 for Netherton Syndrome.
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On March 25, 2026 Quoin Pharmaceuticals Ltd. provided a clinical
and regulatory update from its recent constructive Type C meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead product
candidate, QRX003, for the treatment of Netherton Syndrome (NS):
Key highlights from the meeting include:
•
FDA indicated that a single Phase 3 study may be sufficient
to support marketing approval for QRX003 for Netherton Syndrome, which is an alternative to the traditional expectation for two Phase
3 studies in NS patients originally proposed by the Company.
•
FDA expressed openness to an alternative innovative clinical
trial design such as a randomized withdrawal or a randomized delayed start for a pivotal Phase 3 study. Such trial design would likely
not include a traditional upfront vehicle or placebo control.
•
Based on the feedback from the meeting, Quoin is implementing
FDA recommendations consistent with the meeting outcomes, ensuring its readiness to advance toward registrational Phase 3 development.
Quoin will submit clinical data from the ongoing Phase 2 and pediatric investigator studies and plans to request a meeting to discuss
this data prior to initiating the Phase 3 pivotal program for QRX003 to gain alignment with FDA on the design of the program. Quoin remains
on track to complete patient recruitment into its Phase 3 program by the end of 2026 and to potentially file for FDA approval for QRX003
as the first treatment for Netherton Syndrome in 2027.
License Agreement with Ovation Science
On February 3, 2020, we entered into a License Agreement
with Ovation Science Inc. pursuant to which Skinvisible granted to Ovation Science Inc. a license for the manufacture and distribution
rights to its hand sanitizer product, DermSafe. In exchange for the license, Ovation Science Inc. agreed to pay to Skinvisible a royalty
percentage on all net sales on the licensed products subject to adjustment in certain situations plus a license fee payable in year 3
of the agreement if it chooses to continue the license.
On June 10, 2020, Ovation Science paid us the fee
otherwise due in year 3 and in exchange we extended the term of Ovation Science’s license to 6-years and granted Ovation additional
rights to its hand sanitizer products and assigned Canadian Identification Numbers 02310589 and 02355558, all DermSafe Trademarks, DermSafe
clinical data and the right to patent DermSafe where not currently patented. In exchange for these rights, Ovation Science paid a $100,000
license fee. We completed the required assignments during the year ending December 31, 2020 and recognized $100,000 in revenue.
On September 18, 2025, the Company signed a new agreement
with Ovation Science. Ovation Science retains exclusive global rights to use Skinvisible’s Invisicare® technology with cannabinoids
for topical/transdermal products, including new formulations with THC-V targeting obesity and metabolic health. The agreement covers confidential
know-how and a pending PCT patent application for transdermal delivery of glucose-controlling agents. The collaboration aims to address
gastrointestinal side effects in obesity treatments and capitalize on a projected $150 billion market by 2035 (Morgan Stanley, 2025).
Patent Applications for Transdermal Delivery for
Obesity and Glucose-Controlling Agents
In May and June of 2024, we filed provisional patent
applications covering formulations that leverage Invisicare for the transdermal administration of obesity drugs and glucose-controlling
agents for diseases such as diabetes. The patents are titled "Transdermal Delivery Composition for Delivery of CB-1 Receptor Antagonists
and/or GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, and Method of Delivery” and “Transdermal Delivery Composition for Delivery of at Least One
Glucose Controlling Agent, and Method of Delivering at Least One Glucose Controlling Agent.”
The patent applications focus on the use of Invisicare
in a transdermal delivery technology designed to incorporate CB-1 receptor antagonists and/or GPL-1 receptor agonists, with drugs known
for their potential in obesity management and for glucose-controlling agents, into a lotion that is applied topically to the skin using
a metered applicator. Studies have demonstrated the superior transdermal penetration and controlled release of other active compounds
using Invisicare's innovative technology, with certain actives exhibiting up to a tenfold increase in transdermal delivery effectiveness.
By utilizing Invisicare, we aim to not only offer patients a convenient and effective alternative to traditional oral or injectable therapies
but to also enhance drug efficacy and potentially significantly reduce side effects as transdermal delivery avoids first-pass metabolism.
Additionally, for long-term treatment of obesity and glucose controlling agents, a transdermal delivery system could feasibly provide
a convenient method for administering maintenance doses for these medications.
We are actively pursuing strategic partnerships with
pharmaceutical and/or biotech companies to facilitate the introduction of the first transdermal obesity therapies to market and to explore
the application of its delivery platform across diverse disease domains.
Competition
Market research indicates there is reasonably limited
direct competition for Invisicare and patented products in terms of performance capabilities for topically administered skin products.
Many companies are seeking unique delivery systems to enhance their portfolio and purchasing companies that have delivery technology.
Nevertheless, our current and potential competitors
may have longer operating histories, significantly greater resources and name recognition, and a larger base of customers than we have.
Our competitors may also be able to adopt more aggressive pricing policies and devote greater resources to the development, marketing
and sale of their products and services than we can. To be competitive, we must continue to invest significant resources in sales and
marketing. We may not have sufficient resources to make these investments or to develop the technological advances necessary to be competitive,
which in turn will cause our business to suffer and restrict our profitability potential.
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Government Regulation
Cosmetic and Skin Care Regulation
Depending upon product claims and formulation, skin
care products may be regulated as cosmetics, drugs, devices, or combination cosmetics and drugs. The FDA has authority to regulate cosmetics
marketed in the United States under the FDCA and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (“FPLA”) and implementing regulations.
The Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) regulates the advertising of cosmetics under the FTCA.
The FDCA prohibits the marketing of adulterated and
misbranded cosmetics. Cosmetic ingredients must also comply with the FDA’s ingredient, quality, and labeling requirements and the
FTC’s requirements pertaining to truthful and non-misleading advertising. Cosmetic products and ingredients, except for color additives,
are not required to have FDA premarket approval. Manufacturers of cosmetics are also not required to register their establishments, file
data on ingredients, or report cosmetic-related injuries to the FDA.
We will be responsible for substantiating the safety
and product claims of the cosmetic products and ingredients before marketing. The FDA or FTC may disagree with our characterization of
one or more of the skin care products as a cosmetic or the product claims. This could result in a variety of enforcement actions which
could require the reformulation or relabeling of our products, the submission of information in support of the product claims or the safety
and effectiveness of our products, or more punitive action, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. If the
FDA determines we have failed to comply with applicable requirements under the FDCA or FPLA, it can impose a variety of enforcement actions
from public warning letters, injunctions, consent decrees, and civil penalties to seizure of our products, total or partial shutdown of
our production, and criminal prosecutions. If any of these events were to occur, it could materially adversely affect us. If the FTC determines
we have failed to substantiate our claims, it can pursue a variety of actions including disgorgement of profits, injunction from further
violative conduct, and consent decrees.
Domestic State and Local Government Regulation
Some states and local governments in the United States
regulate the labeling, operation, sale, and distribution of our skin care products. To the extent additional state or local laws apply,
we intend to comply with them.
Foreign Government Regulation
In general, we will need to comply with the government
regulations of each individual country in which our products are to be distributed and sold. These regulations vary in complexity and
can be as stringent, and on occasion even more stringent, than FDA regulations in the United States. The level of complexity and stringency
is not always precisely understood today for each country, creating greater uncertainty for the international regulatory process. Furthermore,
government regulations can change with little to no notice and may result in up-regulation of our product(s), thereby creating a greater
regulatory burden for us. We have not yet thoroughly explored the applicable laws and regulations that we will need to comply with in
foreign jurisdictions. As a result, it is possible that we may not be permitted to sell our products in foreign markets or expand our
business into one or more foreign jurisdictions.
Environmental Laws
We are not subject to any significant or material
environmental regulation in the normal operation of our business.
Employees
Currently, we have two employees, including our Director
and CEO Terry Howlett.
Subsidiaries
We conduct our operations through our wholly owned
subsidiary, Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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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.