TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. 10-K

ITEM 9A—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures As required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Interim Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Based on their evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in that they provide reasonable assurance that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the SEC and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We routinely review our internal controls over financial reporting and from time to time make changes intended to enhance the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and will take action as appropriate. During the most recently completed fiscal quarter, management reviewed all work generated in support of the financial statements and corresponding footnotes in order to determine areas which may be susceptible to human error. The review focused on limiting manual inputs into work papers wherever possible and tying inputs to external source documents. In addition, management also enhanced its work paper review to compare figures to prior year amounts or source documents and increased the number of calculations in the work papers that are reviewed and re-performed. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15(d)-15(f) under the Exchange Act, is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and affected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: 42 Table of Contents · Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; · Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our Board of Directors; and · Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements. Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting can also be circumvented by collusion or improper override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process, and it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making its assessment, management used the criteria established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in its 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework . Based on its assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021. Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm Our independent registered public accounting firm has not assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and, under SEC rules, will not be required to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting so long as we qualify as a “non-accelerated filer”. ITEM 9B—OTHER INFORMATION None. ITEM 9C—DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS Not applicable. 43 Table of Contents PART III ITEM 10— DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Information required by this Item concerning our directors is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Election of Directors” and “Corporate Governance Matters” contained in our proxy statement related to the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders currently scheduled to be held on June 9, 2022, which we intend to file with the SEC within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K. The information required by this Item concerning our Audit and Compliance Committee is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Corporate Governance Matters—Standing Committees—Audit and Compliance Committee” contained in our proxy statement related to the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code of Ethics”) applicable to all of our officers, directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of this Code of Ethics is posted on our website at http://investors.tenaxthera.com/corporate_governance. In the event the Code of Ethics is revised, or any waiver is granted under the Code of Ethics with respect to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, or persons performing similar functions, notice of such revision or waiver will be posted on our website or disclosed on a current report on Form 8-K as required. The information required by this Item concerning our executive officers is set forth at the end of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information required by this Item concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference from the section of the proxy statement captioned “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports”. ITEM 11— EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information under the sections captioned “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” in our proxy statement. ITEM 12— SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table provides information about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2021. Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights Number of securities remaining available for future issuances under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) Plan category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended 663,250 $ 1.90 819,750 Amended and Restated 1999 Amended Stock Plan, as amended 36,317 $ 42.26 - Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders: Plan for Employee Inducement Stock Option Grants 600,000 $ 1.89 - Total 1,299,567 $ 3.02 819,750 The other information required by this Item is incorporated by references to the information under the section captioned “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” contained in our proxy statement. 44 Table of Contents ITEM 13— CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information under the section captioned “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance Matters” in our proxy statement. ITEM 14— PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information under the section captioned “Audit and Compliance Committee Report” in our proxy statement. 45 Table of Contents PART IV ITEM 15—EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) List of documents filed as part of this report: 1. Financial Statements: The financial statements of the Company and the related reports of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm thereon have been filed under Item 8 hereof. 2. Financial Statement Schedules: None. 3. Exhibit Index The following exhibits have been or are being filed herewith and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K: Incorporated by Reference (Unless Otherwise Indicated) Exhibit Number Exhibit Title Form File Exhibit Filing Date 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger between Synthetic Blood International, Inc. and Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc. dated April 28, 2008. 8-K 002-31909 2.01 June 30, 2008 2.2 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc., Life Newco, Inc., Phyxius Pharma, Inc., and the stockholders of Phyxius Pharma, Inc. dated October 21, 2013. 8-K 001-34600 2.1 October 25, 2013 2.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger among PHPrecisionMed Inc., Tenax Therapeutics, Inc., Life Newco II, Inc., and Dr. Stuart Rich dated January 15, 2021. 8-K 001-34600 2.1 January 19, 2021 3.1.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc., dated April 17, 2008. 8-K 002-31909 3.01 June 30, 2008 3.1.2 Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, effective November 9, 2009. 8-K 002-31909 3.1 November 13, 2009 3.1.3 Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, effective May 10, 2013. 8-K 001-34600 3.1 May 15, 2013 3.1.4 Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, effective September 19, 2014. 10-Q 001-34600 3.4 December 15, 2014 3.1.5 Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, effective February 23, 2018. 8-K 001-34600 3.1 February 23, 2018 3.2 Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred, dated December 10, 2018. 8-K 001-34600 4.1 December 11, 2018 46 Table of Contents 3.3 Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, dated January 15, 2021. 8-K 001-34600 4.1 January 19, 2021 3.4 Third Amended and Restated Bylaws. 10-Q 001-34600 3.1 September 9, 2015 4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate. 10-K 001-34600 4.1 July 23, 2010 4.2 Representative’s Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock, dated December 11, 2018. 8-K 001-34600 4.2 December 11, 2018 4.3 Form of Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock, dated December 11, 2018. 8-K 001-34600 4.3 December 11, 2018 4.4 Warrant Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 2018 8-K 001-34600 4.4 December 11, 2018 4.5 Form of Pre-Funded Warrant, dated March 13, 2020. 8-K 001-34600 4.1 March 13, 2020 4.6 Form of Unregistered Warrant, dated March 13, 2020. 8-K 001-34600 4.2 March 13, 2020 4.7 Form of Placement Agent Warrant, dated March 13, 2020. 8-K 001-34600 4.3 March 13, 2020 4.8 Form of Pre-Funded Warrant, dated July 6, 2020. 8-K 001-34600 4.1 July 8, 2020 4.9 Form of Unregistered Warrant, dated July 6, 2020. 8-K 001-34600 4.2 July 8, 2020 4.10 Form of Placement Agent Warrant, dated July 6, 2020. 8-K 001-34600 4.3 July 8, 2020 4.11 Form of Unregistered Pre-Funded Warrant, dated July 6, 2021. 8-K 001-34600 4.1 July 8, 2021 4.12 Form of Unregistered Warrant, dated July 6, 2021. 8-K 001-34600 4.2 July 8, 2021 4.13 Form of HCW Warrant, dated July 6, 2021. 8-K 001-34600 4.3 July 8, 2021 4.14 Description of Common Stock. - - - Filed herewith 10.1.1+ 1999 Amended Stock Plan, as amended and restated June 17, 2008. 10-K 002-31909 10.15 August 13, 2008 10.1.2+ Amendment No. 1 to Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc. 1999 Amended Stock Plan. 10-K 001-34600 10.19 July 29, 2014 10.1.3+ Amendment No. 2 to Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc. 1999 Amended Stock Plan. 10-K 001-34600 10.20 July 29, 2014 10.1.4+ Form of Option issued to Executive Officers and Directors. 10-K 002-31909 10.5 August 13, 2004 10.1.5+ Form of Option issued to Employees. 10-K 002-31909 10.6 August 13, 2004 10.1.6+ Form of Option Agreement with Form of Notice of Grant. 10-K 001-34600 10.9 March 16, 2017 10.2.1 Lease Agreement for North Carolina Corporate Office. 10-Q 001-34600 10.6 March 21, 2011 10.2.2 First Amendment to Lease Agreement for North Carolina Corporate Office. 10-K 001-34600 10.74 March 14, 2016 47 Table of Contents 10.3+ Form of Indemnification Agreement. 10-K 001-34600 10.36 July 15, 2011 10.4.1* License Agreement dated September 20, 2013 by and between Phyxius Pharma, Inc. and Orion Corporation. 10-Q 001-34600 10.3 March 17, 2014 10.4.2* Amendment to License Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2020, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and Orion Corporation. 8-K 001-34600 10.1 October 15, 2020 10.4.3* Amendment to the License Agreement of September 20, 2013 by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and Orion Corporation, dated as of January 25, 2022. 8-K 001-34600 10.1 January 28, 2022 10.5.1+ Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Michael Jebsen dated November 13, 2013. 8-K 001-34600 10.2 November 19, 2013 10.5.2+ First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Michael Jebsen dated June 18, 2015. 8-K 001-34600 10.2 June 19, 2015 10.6+ Description of Non-Employee Director Compensation, effective June 15, 2015. 10-Q 001-34600 10.1 September 9, 2015 10.7.1+ 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. 10-Q 001-34600 10.1 August 9, 2016 10.7.2+ Amendment No. 1 to 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. 10-Q 001-34600 10.1 August 14, 2019 10.7.3+ Amendment No. 2 to 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. 10-Q 001-34600 10.1 August 16, 2021 10.7.4+ Form of Option issued to Non-Employee Directors under 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. 10-Q 001-34600 10.2 August 14, 2018 10.7.5+ Form of Option issued to Employees and Contractors under 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. 10-Q 001-34600 10.3 August 14, 2018 10.7.6+ Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. 10-Q 001-34600 10.4 August 14, 2018 10.8+ Employment Agreement with Anthony DiTonno dated June 1, 2018. 8-K 001-34600 10.1 June 5, 2018 10.9 Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2020, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and the investor identified on the signature page thereto. 8-K 001-34600 10.1 March 13, 2020 10.10 Note, dated April 30, 2020, between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and First Horizon Bank. 10-Q 001-34600 10.1 May 15, 2020 10.11 Form of Securities Purchase Agreement for Class C Units and Class D Units, dated as of July 6, 2020, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and the Investor. 8-K 001-34600 10.1 July 8, 2020 10.12 Form of Securities Purchase Agreement for Class E Units and Class F Units, dated as of July 6, 2020, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and the Investor. 8-K 001-34600 10.2 July 8, 2020 48 10.13 Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2020, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and the Investor. 8-K 001-34600 10.3 July 8, 2020 10.14+ Executive Employment Agreement with Dr. Stuart Rich dated January 15, 2021. 8-K 001-34600 10.1 January 19, 2021 10.15 Securities Purchase Agreement for Unregistered Pre-Funded Warrant, dated as of July 6, 2021 by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and the Investor. 8-K 001-34600 10.1 July 8, 2021 10.16 Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2021, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and the Investor. 8-K 001-34600 10.2 July 8, 2021 10.17+ Separation and General Release Agreement dated July 6, 2021, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and Anthony A. DiTonno. 8-K 001-34600 10.3 July 8, 2021 10.18+ Executive Employment Agreement dated July 6, 2021, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and Christopher T. Giordano. 8-K 001-34600 10.4 July 8, 2021 10.19+ Plan for Employee Inducement Stock Options adopted July 6, 2021 with Form of Stock Option Agreement. 8-K 001-34600 10.5 July 8, 2021 10.20 +* Consulting Agreement dated October 14, 2021, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and Danforth Advisors, LLC. - - - Filed herewith 10.21+ Separation and Release Agreement dated October 14, 2021, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and Michael B. Jebsen. - - - Filed herewith 10.22+ Consulting Agreement dated October 14, 2021, by and between Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and Michael B. Jebsen. - - - Filed herewith 21.1 List of Subsidiaries of Registrant. - - - Filed herewith 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. - - - Filed herewith 31.1 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. - - - Filed herewith 31.2 Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. - - - Filed herewith 32.1 Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. - - - Furnished herewith 32.2 Certification of the Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. - - - Furnished herewith 49 Table of Contents 101.INS XBRL Instance Document. - - - Filed herewith 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. - - - Filed herewith 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. - - - Filed herewith 101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. - - - Filed herewith 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. - - - Filed herewith 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. - - - Filed herewith 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). - - - Filed herewith ___________ + Management contract or compensatory plan. * Certain confidential portions and/or the schedules and attachments to this exhibit have been omitted from this filing pursuant to a confidential treatment request filed with the SEC, or Item 601(a)(5) or 601(b)(10)of Regulation S-K, as applicable. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally an unredacted copy of the exhibit to the SEC upon request. ITEM 16—FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 50 Table of Contents SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. Date: March 29, 2022 By: /s/ Eliot M. Lurier Eliot M. Lurier Interim Chief Financial Officer (On behalf of the Registrant and as Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Name Title Date /s/ Christopher T. Giordano President and Chief Executive Officer and Director March 29, 2022 Christopher T. Giordano (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Eliot M. Lurier Interim Chief Financial Officer March 29, 2022 Eliot M. Lurier (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) /s/ Gerald Proehl Chairman of the Board and Director March 29, 2022 Gerald Proehl /s/ June Almenoff, MD Director March 29, 2022 June Almenoff, MD /s/ Steven Boyd Director March 29, 2022 Steven Boyd /s/ Michael Davidson, MD Director March 29, 2022 Michael Davidson, MD /s/ Declan Doogan, MD Director March 29, 2022 Declan Doogan, MD /s/ Robyn M. Hunter Director March 29, 2022 Robyn M. Hunter /s/ Keith Maher, MD Director March 29, 2022 Keith Maher, MD /s/ Stuart Rich, MD Director March 29, 2022 Stuart Rich, MD 51 Table of Contents TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB ID: 00 677 ) F-2 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS F-3 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS F-4 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY F-5 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS F-6 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-7 F-1 Table of Contents TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Board of Directors and Stockholders Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. Raleigh, North Carolina Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Going Concern Uncertainty The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note A and Note B to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters are described in Note A and Note B to the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. Asset Acquisition Description of Matter As disclosed in Note E to the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed the acquisition PHPrecisionMed, Inc. (“PHPM”) in an all-stock transaction whereby PHPM merged into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The transaction involved a purchase of common stock, conversion of preferred stock to common stock, and a fair value calculation of the consideration. The accounting for the transaction was complex as it required judgement to determine whether the transaction constituted an asset acquisition and whether to capitalize or expense the acquired assets. How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit Our audit procedures included the following: · We obtained an understanding of the internal controls and processes in place over management’s process that related to the recording of the asset acquisition. · We obtained and read the underlying agreements. · We verified proper approval by the Board of Directors. · We tested management’s application of the relevant accounting guidance. · We evaluated the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the total consideration given in the acquisition. · We vouched inputs to agreements and recalculated where necessary to determine reasonableness of the purchase price allocation used by management. Capital Raise Transaction Involving Equity Instruments Description of Matter As disclosed in Note F to the consolidated financial statements, the Company participated in a significant capital raise transaction during the year which involved the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock, registered pre-funded warrants, unregistered pre-funded warrants, unregistered common stock warrants, and placement agent warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The accounting for the transaction was complex and a valuation of the freestanding warrants was required, which involved estimation of the fair value, and evaluation of the appropriate classification of both the pre-funded warrants and common stock warrants in the consolidated financial statements. How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit Our audit procedures included the following: · We obtained an understanding of the internal controls and processes in place over management’s process for recording transactions involving equity instruments. · We obtained and read the underlying agreements. · We confirmed shares outstanding with the stock transfer agent as of December 31, 2021. · We verified proper approval of equity transactions by the Board of Directors. · We evaluated the Company’s selection of the valuation methodology and significant assumptions used by the Company and evaluated the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the significant assumptions. · Specifically, when assessing the key assumptions, we evaluated the appropriateness of the Company’s estimates of its credit risk, volatility, dividend yield, and the market risk free rate. · We tested management’s application of the relevant accounting guidance. /s/ Cherry Bekaert LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2009. Raleigh, North Carolina March 29, 2022 F-2 Table of Contents TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,583,922 $ 6,250,241 Prepaid expenses 105,078 82,578 Marketable securities - 462,687 Total current assets 5,689,000 6,795,506 Right of use asset 287,692 58,778 Property and equipment, net 7,108 5,972 Other assets 8,435 8,435 Total assets $ 5,992,235 $ 6,868,691 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 859,638 $ 757,856 Accrued liabilities 704,340 1,240,616 Note payable - 120,491 Total current liabilities 1,563,978 2,118,963 Long term liabilities Lease liability 183,589 - Note payable - 124,166 Total long term liabilities 183,589 124,166 Total liabilities 1,747,567 2,243,129 Commitments and contingencies; see Note G Stockholders' equity Preferred stock, undesignated, authorized 4,818,654 shares; See Note F Series A Preferred stock, par value $. 0001 , issued 5,181,346 shares; outstanding 210 , respectively - - Common stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share; authorized 400,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 25,206,914 and 12,619,369 , respectively 2,521 1,262 Additional paid-in capital 282,736,332 250,644,197 Accumulated other comprehensive loss - ( 70 ) Accumulated deficit ( 278,494,185 ) ( 246,019,827 ) Total stockholders’ equity 4,244,668 4,625,562 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 5,992,235 $ 6,868,691 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements F-3 Table of Contents TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 Operating expenses General and administrative $ 7,580,847 $ 5,307,206 Research and development 25,147,394 4,560,724 Total operating expenses 32,728,241 9,867,930 Net operating loss 32,728,241 9,867,930 Interest expense 949 1,627 Other income, net ( 254,832 ) ( 18,166 ) Net loss $ 32,474,358 $ 9,851,391 Unrealized (gain)/loss on marketable securities ( 70 ) 528 Total comprehensive loss $ 32,474,288 $ 9,851,919 Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ ( 1.58 ) $ ( 0.95 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted 20,577,246 10,365,826 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements F-4 Table of Contents TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Preferred Stock Common Stock Accumulated other Total Number of Shares Amount Number of Shares Amount Additional paid-in capital comprehensive gain (loss) Accumulated deficit stockholders' equity Balance at December 31, 2019 38,606 $ 4 6,741,860 $ 674 $ 239,939,797 $ 458 $ ( 236,168,436 ) $ 3,772,497 Common stock and pre-funded warrants sold, net of offering costs 3,273,611 327 8,658,850 8,659,177 Common stock issued for services rendered 77,987 8 99,992 100,000 Common stock issued for convertible preferred stock ( 38,396 ) ( 4 ) 38,396 4 - Exercise of pre-funded warrants 1,610,313 161 161 Exercise of warrants 877,202 88 1,692,912 1,693,000 Compensation on options issued 252,646 252,646 Unrealized loss on marketable securities ( 528 ) ( 528 ) Net loss ( 9,851,391 ) ( 9,851,391 ) Balance at December 31, 2020 210 $ - 12,619,369 $ 1,262 $ 250,644,197 $ ( 70 ) $ ( 246,019,827 ) $ 4,625,562 Common stock and preferred stock issued for asset acquisition 10,232 1 1,892,905 189 21,582,141 21,582,331 Common stock issued for convertible preferred stock ( 10,232 ) ( 1 ) 10,232,000 1,023 ( 1,022 ) - Pre-funded warrants sold, net of offering costs 9,192,624 9,192,624 Compensation on options issued 773,787 773,787 Exercise of warrants 457,038 46 544,605 544,651 Exercise of stock options 5,602 1 1 Unrealized loss on marketable securities 70 70 Net loss ( 32,474,358 ) ( 32,474,358 ) Balance at December 31, 2021 210 $ - 25,206,914 $ 2,521 $ 282,736,332 $ - $ ( 278,494,185 ) $ 4,244,668 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements F-5 Table of Contents TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Loss $ ( 32,474,358 ) $ ( 9,851,391 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities Depreciation and amortization 4,116 4,077 Interest on debt instrument 949 1,627 Amortization of right of use asset 104,866 110,671 Gain on debt settlement and extinguishment ( 247,233 ) - Issuance and vesting of compensatory stock options and warrants 773,787 252,646 Issuance of common stock and preferred stock for asset acquisition 21,582,331 - Issuance of common stock for services rendered - 100,000 Amortization of premium on marketable securities 9,427 7,069 Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets ( 22,500 ) 698,374 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ( 544,589 ) ( 535,550 ) Long term portion of lease liability ( 42,999 ) ( 60,379 ) Net cash used in operating activities ( 10,856,203 ) ( 9,272,856 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Sale of marketable securities 803,401 620,123 Purchase of marketable securities ( 345,540 ) ( 596,524 ) Purchase of property and equipment ( 5,252 ) ( 3,490 ) Net cash provided by investing activities 452,609 20,109 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from issuance of common stock and pre-funded warrants, net of issuance costs 9,192,624 8,659,177 Proceeds from the exercise of warrants 544,651 1,693,161 Proceeds from the issuance of notes payable - 244,657 Net cash provided by financing activities 9,737,275 10,596,995 Net change in cash and cash equivalents ( 666,319 ) 1,344,248 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 6,250,241 4,905,993 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 5,583,922 $ 6,250,241 Non-cash investing activity Addition to right of use asset obtained from new operating lease liability $ 333,779 $ - The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements F-6 Table of Contents TENAX THERAPEUTICS, INC. N OTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE A—DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) was originally formed as a New Jersey corporation in 1967 under the name Rudmer, David & Associates, Inc., and subsequently changed its name to Synthetic Blood International, Inc. On June 17, 2008, the stockholders of Synthetic Blood International approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated April 28, 2008, between Synthetic Blood International and Oxygen Biotherapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Synthetic Blood International formed Oxygen Biotherapeutics on April 17, 2008 to participate in the merger for the purpose of changing the state of domicile of Synthetic Blood International from New Jersey to Delaware. Certificates of Merger were filed with the states of New Jersey and Delaware and the merger was effective June 30, 2008. Under the Plan of Merger, Oxygen Biotherapeutics was the surviving corporation and each share of Synthetic Blood International common stock outstanding on June 30, 2008 was converted into one share of Oxygen Biotherapeutics common stock. On September 19, 2014, the Company changed its name to Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. On November 13, 2013, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Life Newco, Inc., a Delaware corporation, acquired certain assets of Phyxius Pharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Phyxius”) pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated October 21, 2013 (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Company, Life Newco, Phyxius and the stockholders of Phyxius. Among these assets was a license with Orion Corporation, a global healthcare company incorporated under the laws of Finland (“Orion”) for the exclusive, sublicenseable right to develop and commercialize pharmaceutical products containing levosimendan, 2.5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion / 5ml vial in the United States and Canada. On October 9, 2020 and January 25, 2022, the Company amended the license (as amended, the “License”), to include two new oral product dose forms containing levosimendan, in capsule and solid dosage form, and a subcutaneously administered product containing levosimendan, subject to certain limitations. Pursuant to the License, the Company and Orion will agree to a new trademark when commercializing levosimendan in either of these forms. The term of the License has been extended until 10 years after the launch of the Product in the Territory, provided that the License will continue after the end of the term in each country in the Territory until the expiration of Orion’s patent rights in the Product in such country. In the event that no regulatory approval for the Product has been granted in the United States on or before September 20, 2030, however, either party will have the right to terminate the License with immediate effect. The Company intends to conduct an upcoming Phase 3 study in pulmonary hypertension patients utilizing one of these oral formulations. See “Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies” below for a further discussion of the License. On January 15, 2021, the Company, Life Newco II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned, subsidiary of the Company (“Life Newco II”), PHPrecisionMed Inc., a Delaware corporation (“PHPM”) and Dr. Stuart Rich, solely in his capacity as holders’ representative ( the “Representative”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the equity of PHPM, a company developing pharmaceutical products containing imatinib for the treatment of PAH (“PAH”) in the United States and the rest of the world. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Life Newco II merged with and into PHPM, with PHPM surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). See “Note 7 - Merger” below for a further discussion of the Merger. Going Concern Management believes the accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company has an accumulated deficit of $ 278,494,185 and $ 246,019,827 on December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and used cash in operations of $ 10,856,203 and $ 9,272,856 during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company requires substantial additional funds to complete clinical trials and pursue regulatory approvals. Management is actively seeking additional sources of equity and/or debt financing; however, there is no assurance that any additional funding will be available. In view of the matters described above, recoverability of a major portion of the recorded asset amounts shown in the accompanying December 31, 2021 balance sheet is dependent upon continued operations of the Company, which in turn is dependent upon the Company’s ability to meet its financing requirements on a continuing basis, to maintain present financing, and to generate cash from future operations. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue in existence. F-7 Table of Contents NOTE B—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates to ensure that these estimates appropriately reflect changes in the Company’s business and new information as it becomes available. If historical experience and other factors used by management to make these estimates do not reasonably reflect future activity, the Company’s results of operations and financial position could be materially impacted. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of Tenax Therapeutics, Inc., Life Newco, Inc. and PHPrecisionMed Inc. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity date of three months or less, when acquired, to be cash equivalents. Cash Concentration Risk The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance limits are $250,000 per depositor per insured bank. The Company had cash balances of $ 5,127,956 and $ 5,870,477 uninsured by the FDIC as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company has financed its operations since September 1990 through the issuance of debt and equity securities and loans from stockholders. The Company had total current assets of $ 5,689,000 and $ 6,795,506 and working capital of $ 4,125,022 and $ 4,676,543 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s cash resources were approximately $ 5.6 million as of December 31, 2021, compared to cash resources, including the fair value of the Company’s available for sale marketable securities of approximately $ 6.7 million as of December 31, 2020. The Company expects to continue to incur expenses related to development of imatinib for PAH and levosimendan for pulmonary hypertension and other potential indications, as well as identifying and developing other potential product candidates. Based on its resources on December 31, 2021, the Company believes that it has sufficient capital to fund its planned operations through the second quarter of calendar year 2022. However, the Company will need substantial additional financing in order to fund its operations beyond such period and thereafter until it can achieve profitability, if ever. The Company depends on its ability to raise additional funds through various potential sources, such as equity and debt financing, or to license its product candidates to another pharmaceutical company. The Company will continue to fund operations from cash on hand and through sources of capital similar to those previously described. The Company cannot provide assurance that it will be able to secure such additional financing, or if available, that it will be sufficient to meet its needs. To the extent that the Company raises additional funds by issuing shares of its common stock or other securities convertible or exchangeable for shares of common stock, stockholders will experience dilution, which may be significant. In the event the Company raises additional capital through debt financings, the Company may incur significant interest expense and become subject to covenants in the related transaction documentation that may affect the manner in which the Company conducts its business. To the extent that the Company raises additional funds through collaboration and licensing arrangements, it may be necessary to relinquish some rights to its technologies or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to the Company. F-8 Table of Contents The continued spread of COVID-19 globally could adversely affect the Company’s clinical trial operations, including its ability to recruit and retain patients, principal investigators and site staff who, as healthcare providers, may have heightened exposure to COVID-19 if an outbreak occurs in their geography. Further, some patients may be unable to comply with clinical trial protocols if quarantines or travel restrictions impede patient movement or interrupt healthcare services, or if the patients become infected with COVID-19 themselves, which would delay the Company’s ability to initiate and/or complete planned clinical and preclinical studies in the future. Any or all of the foregoing may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial performance. Deferred financing costs Deferred financing costs represent legal, due diligence and other direct costs incurred to raise capital or obtain debt. Direct costs include only “out-of-pocket” or incremental costs directly related to the effort, such as a finder’s fee and accounting and legal fees. These costs will be capitalized if the efforts are successful or expensed when unsuccessful. Indirect costs are expensed as incurred. Deferred financing costs related to debt are amortized over the life of the debt. Deferred financing costs related to issuing equity are charged to Additional Paid-in Capital. Derivative financial instruments The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market or foreign currency risk. Terms of convertible promissory note instruments and other convertible equity instruments are reviewed to determine whether or not they contain embedded derivative instruments that are required under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) to be accounted for separately from the host contract and recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair value of derivative liabilities, if any, is required to be revalued at each reporting date, with corresponding changes in fair value recorded in current period operating results. Freestanding warrants issued by the Company in connection with the issuance or sale of debt and equity instruments are considered to be derivative instruments and are evaluated and accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815. Preclinical Study and Clinical Accruals The Company estimates its preclinical study and clinical trial expenses based on the services received pursuant to contracts with several research institutions and contract research organizations (“CROs”) that conduct and manage preclinical and clinical trials on its behalf. The financial terms of the agreements vary from contract to contract and may result in uneven expenses and payment flows. Preclinical study and clinical trial expenses include the following: - fees paid to CROs in connection with clinical trials, - fees paid to research institutions in conjunction with preclinical research studies, and - fees paid to contract manufacturers and service providers in connection with the production and testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug materials for use in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are stated at cost, subject to adjustments for impairment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method with estimated useful lives of three to seven years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and improvements to leased facilities and equipment are capitalized. F-9 Table of Contents Research and Development Costs Research and development costs include, but are not limited to, (i) expenses incurred under agreements with CROs and investigative sites, which conduct our clinical trials; (ii) the cost of supplying clinical trial materials; (iii) payments to contract service organizations, as well as consultants; (iv) employee-related expenses, which include salaries and benefits; and (v) depreciation and other allocated expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for equipment, laboratory and other supplies. All research and development expenses are expensed as incurred. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of the assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is recorded for the amount of income tax payable or refundable for the period increased or decreased by the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period. Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based awards to employees in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which provides for the use of the fair value-based method to determine compensation for all arrangements where shares of stock or equity instruments are issued for compensation. Fair values of equity securities are determined by management based predominantly on the trading price of the Company’s common stock. The values of these awards are based upon their grant-date fair value. That cost is recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the reward. The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with ASC 505-50, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services. Equity instruments issued to non-employees are recorded at their fair value on the measurement date and are subject to periodic adjustment as the underlying equity instruments vest. Loss Per Share Basic loss per share, which excludes antidilutive securities, is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for that particular period. In contrast, diluted loss per share considers the potential dilution that could occur from other equity instruments that would increase the total number of outstanding shares of common stock. Such amounts include shares potentially issuable under outstanding options, restricted stock and warrants. The following outstanding options, restricted stock grants, convertible preferred shares and warrants were excluded from the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the periods presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect. Year ended December 31, 2021 2020 Warrants to purchase common stock 20,928,767 16,599,079 Pre-funded warrants to purchase common stock 10,033,274 5,260,005 Options to purchase common stock 1,299,567 451,148 Convertible preferred shares outstanding 210 210 F-10 Table of Contents Operating Leases The Company determines if an arrangement includes a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, other current liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the net present value of lease payments, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. The operating lease right-of-use assets also include any lease payments made and exclude lease incentives. The Company’s leases may include options to extend or terminate the lease which are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise any such option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. The Company has elected to account for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less similar to previous guidance for operating leases, under which the Company will recognize those lease payments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting standards update (“ASU”), ASU-2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, intended to simplify accounting for income taxes. It removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740, Income Taxes and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2021. The Company’s adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard, ASU-2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, that amends how credit losses are measured and reported for certain financial instruments that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. This standard requires that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down for available-for-sale debt securities and will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2023, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective approach is to be used for certain parts of this guidance, while other parts of the guidance are to be applied using a prospective approach. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Fair Value The Company determines the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s balance sheet includes the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable securities and short-term notes payable. The Company considers the carrying amount of its cash and cash equivalents and short-term notes payable to approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Accounting for fair value measurements involves a single definition of fair value, along with a conceptual framework to measure fair value, with a fair value defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date”. The fair value measurement hierarchy consists of three levels: Level one Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level two Inputs other than level one inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level three Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions; which are developed by the reporting entity and reflect those assumptions that a market participant would use. The Company applies valuation techniques that (1) place greater reliance on observable inputs and less reliance on unobservable inputs and (2) are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach, and include enhanced disclosures of fair value measurements in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. F-11 Table of Contents Investments in Marketable Securities The Company classifies all of its investments as available-for-sale. Unrealized gains and losses on investments are recognized in comprehensive income/(loss), unless an unrealized loss is considered to be other than temporary, in which case the unrealized loss is charged to operations. The Company periodically reviews its investments for other than temporary declines in fair value below cost basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company believes the individual unrealized losses represent temporary declines primarily resulting from interest rate changes. Realized gains and losses are reflected in other income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and are determined using the specific identification method with transactions recorded on a settlement date basis. Investments with original maturities at date of purchase beyond three months and which mature at or less than 12 months from the balance sheet date are classified as current. Investments with a maturity beyond 12 months from the balance sheet date are classified as long-term. As of December 31, 2021, the Company held no investments in marketable securities. The following tables summarize information regarding assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020: Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Balance as of December 31, 2021 Quoted prices in Active Markets for Identical Securities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,583,922 $ 5,583,922 $ - $ - Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Balance as of December 31, 2020 Quoted prices in Active Markets for Identical Securities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,250,241 $ 6,250,241 $ - $ - Marketable securities $ 462,687 $ - $ 462,687 $ - There were no significant transfers between levels in the year ended December 31, 2021. NOTE C—BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS Property and equipment, net Property and equipment primarily consist of office furniture and fixtures. Depreciation and amortization expense were $ 4,116 and $ 4,077 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Accrued liabilities Accrued liabilities consist of the following: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Employee related $ 597,148 $ 860,629 Lease liability 107,192 60,379 Operating costs - 319,608 $ 704,340 $ 1,240,616 F-12 Table of Contents NOTE D—NOTE PAYABLE Payroll Protection Program Loan On April 30, 2020, the Company received a loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Loan”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, as administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The PPP Loan in the principal amount of $ 244,657 was disbursed by First Horizon Bank (the “Lender”) pursuant to a promissory note issued by the Company . On May 28, 2021, the Company received notice from the SBA that the SBA had remitted $ 244,657 in principal and $ 2,576 in interest to the Lender in full forgiveness of the Company’s PPP Loan pursuant to the Company’s application to the SBA for forgiveness of the PPP Loan. The total amount was recorded as other income in our consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. NOTE E—MERGER On January 15, 2021, the Company, Life Newco II, PHPM, and Dr. Rich, as Representative, entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, the Company acquired all of the equity of PHPM. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Life Newco II merged with and into PHPM, with PHPM surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As consideration for the Merger, the stockholders of PHPM received (i) 1,892,905 shares of Company common stock, and (ii) 10,232 shares of the Company’s Series B convertible preferred stock (“Series B Stock”), which were convertible into up to an aggregate of 10,232,000 shares of common stock (collectively, the “Merger Consideration”). To satisfy the Company’s post-closing rights to closing adjustments and indemnification by PHPM and the former stockholders of PHPM pursuant to the Merger Agreement, 1,212,492 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Stock, which represented approximately 10 % of the Merger Consideration, are subject to holdback restrictions for 24 months following closing of the transaction (the “Holdback Shares”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors, at its annual meeting of stockholders held on June 10, 2021, recommended to the Company’s stockholders, and the stockholders approved, the conversion of the Series B Stock pursuant to the Certificate of Designation. As a result, each share of Series B Stock automatically converted into (i) 881.5 shares of common stock, and (ii) the right to receive up to 118.5 Holdback Shares, to be delivered 24 months after the date of issuance of the Series B Stock, subject to reduction for indemnification claims. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on February 25, 2021, the Board appointed three directors designated by the PHPM representative to serve on the Board, Dr. Rich, the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer and a stockholder of PHPM, and Drs. Michael Davidson and Declan Doogan. In connection with the closing of the Merger, Dr. Rich also was appointed Chief Medical Officer of the Company. The Company evaluated this acquisition in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, to determine whether the assets and operations of PHPM met the definition of a business. Included in the in-process research and development project is the historical know-how, formula protocols, designs, and procedures expected to be needed to complete the related phase of testing. The Company concluded that the in-process research and development project is an identifiable intangible asset that would be accounted for as a single asset in a business combination. The Company also qualitatively concluded that there is no fair value associated with the clinical research organization contract and the clinical manufacturing organization contract because the services are being provided at market rates and could be provided by multiple vendors in the marketplace. Therefore, all of the consideration in the transaction was allocated to the in-process research and development project. As such, the Company concluded that substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired was concentrated in the single in-process research and development asset and the set was not a business. The Company is planning to use the acquired asset to further its clinical development in an upcoming phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of patients with PAH. Although the acquired asset may have utility in other patient populations, future development decisions for the acquired asset will be contingent upon the results of the contemplated phase 3 program for PAH. As such, the acquired asset does not have an alternative future use at the acquisition date. In accordance with ASC 730, Research and Development, the Company concluded the entire Purchase Price for the asset acquisition was an expense on the acquisition date. F-13 Table of Contents The consideration transferred, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recognized as follows: Fair value of shares of Common Stock issued $ 3,369,371 Fair Value of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock issued at closing 18,212,960 Total fair value of consideration transferred $ 21,582,331 Tangible assets acquired $ - Accounts payable assumed ( 150,000 ) Total identifiable net assets ( 150,000 ) IPR&D expense recognized 21,732,331 Total fair value of consideration $ 21,582,331 NOTE F—STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is authorized, without further stockholder action, to provide for the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share, in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. Series B Stock As further discussed in “Note E—Merger” above, on January 15, 2021 the Company issued 10,232 shares of its Series B Stock, which were convertible into an aggregate of 10,232,000 shares of common stock, to the stockholders of PHPM as partial consideration for the Merger with PHPM pursuant to the Merger Agreement. The rights, preferences and privileges of the Series B Stock are set forth in the Certificate of Designation. Following receipt of the approval of the stockholders of the Company on June 10, 2021 for the Conversion, each share of Series B Stock automatically converted into (i) 881.5 shares of common stock and (ii) the right to receive up to 118.5 Holdback Shares, to be delivered 24 months after the date of issuance of the Series B Stock, subject to reduction for indemnification claims. As of December 31, 2021, there were no shares of Series B Stock outstanding. Series A Stock On December 11, 2018, the Company closed its underwritten offering of 5,181,346 units for net proceeds of approximately $ 9.0 million (the “2018 Offering”). Each unit consisted of (i) one share of the Company’s Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share (the “Series A Stock”), (ii) a two-year warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $ 1.93 , and (iii) a five-year warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $ 1.93 . In accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the estimated fair value of $ 1,800,016 for the beneficial conversion feature was recognized as a deemed dividend on the Series A Stock during the year ended December 31, 2020. The table below sets forth a summary of the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the Series A Stock. Conversion Subject to the ownership limitations described below, the Series A Stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion ratio determined by dividing the stated value of the Series A Stock by a conversion price of $ 1.93 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment in the case of stock splits, stock dividends, combinations of shares and similar recapitalization transactions. The Company will not affect any conversion of the Series A Stock, nor shall a holder convert its shares of Series A Stock, to the extent that such conversion would cause the holder to have acquired, through conversion of the Series A Stock or otherwise, beneficial ownership of a number shares of common stock in excess of 4.99 % (or, at the election of the holder prior to the issuance of any shares of Series A Stock, 9.99 %) of the common stock outstanding after giving effect to such exercise. F-14 Table of Contents Dividends In the event the Company pays dividends on its shares of common stock, the holders of the Series A Stock will be entitled to receive dividends on shares of Series A Stock equal, on an as-if-converted basis, to and in the same form as paid on the common stock. No other dividends will be paid on the shares of Series A Stock. Liquidation Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company after payment or provision for payment of debts and other liabilities of the Company, the holders of Series A Stock shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders an amount equal to the amount that a holder of common stock would receive if the Series A Stock were fully converted to common stock, which amounts will be paid pari passu with all holders of common stock. Voting rights Shares of Series A Stock will generally have no voting rights, except as required by law and except that the consent of holders of a majority of the then outstanding Series A Stock will be required to amend the terms of the Series A Stock or to take other action that adversely affects the rights of the holders of Series A Stock. As of December 31, 2021, there were 210 shares of Series A Stock outstanding. Common Stock and Pre-Funded Warrants The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation authorizes it to issue 400,000,000 shares of $ 0.0001 par value common stock. As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, there were 25,206,914 and 12,619,369 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, there were 10,033,274 pre-funded warrants outstanding. July 2021 Private Placement (the “July 2021 Offering”) On July 6, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional investor pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and issue to the investor 4,773,269 Units in a private placement at a purchase price of $ 2.095 per unit. Each Unit consisted of (i) one unregistered pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of common stock and (ii) one unregistered warrant to purchase one share of common stock (together with the pre-funded warrants, the “2021 Warrants”). In the aggregate, 9,546,538 shares of the Company’s common stock are underlying the 2021 Warrants. The net proceeds from the private placement, after deducting placement agent fees and other direct offering expenses, were approximately $ 9.2 million. The fair value allocated to the pre-funded warrants and warrants was $ 5.5 million and $ 4.5 million, respectively. Also, on July 6, 2021 and in connection with the July 2021 Offering, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “July 2021 Registration Rights Agreement”) with the investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to register for resale the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the 2021 Warrants within 120 days following the effective date of the July 2021 Registration Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the July 2021 Registration Rights Agreement, on August 20, 2021, the Company filed a resale registration statement on Form S-3, which went effective on September 1, 2021. July 2020 Registered Direct Offering and Private Placement (the “July 2020 Offering”) On July 6, 2020, the Company completed a registered direct offering with an investor for the issuance and sale of 2,523,611 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $ 1.0278 per share and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 652,313 shares of its common stock, at a purchase price of $ 1.0277 per pre-funded warrant (which represents the per share offering price for the common stock less $ 0.0001 , the exercise price of each pre-funded warrant). The Company issued in a concurrent private placement unregistered pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 4,607,692 shares of common stock at the same purchase price as the registered pre-funded warrants, and unregistered common stock warrants to purchase up to 7,783,616 shares of common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $ 8.0 million, priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. The unregistered warrants have an exercise price of $ 0.903 per share and exercise period commencing immediately upon the issuance date and a term of five and one-half years. The net proceeds from the offerings, after deducting placement agent fees and other direct offering expenses were approximately $ 6.5 million. The fair value allocated to the common stock, pre-funded warrants and warrants was $ 1.5 million, $ 3.0 million and $ 3.5 million, respectively. F-15 Table of Contents Also, on July 6, 2020 and in connection with the concurrent private placement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “July 2020 Registration Rights Agreement”) with the investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to register for resale the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the unregistered pre-funded warrants and the unregistered warrants within 120 days following the date of the Registration Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, on August 20, 2020, the Company filed a resale registration statement on Form S-3, which went effective on September 30, 2020. March 2020 Registered Direct Offering and Private Placement (the “March 2020 Offering”) On March 13, 2020, the Company completed a registered direct offering to an investor for the issuance and sale of 750,000 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $1.1651 per share and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 1,610,313 shares of its common stock, at a purchase price of $1.1650 per pre-funded warrant (which represents the per share offering price for the common stock less $0.0001, the exercise price of each pre-funded warrant), for gross proceeds of approximately $ 2.75 million, priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. Additionally, in a concurrent private placement, the Company issued to the investor unregistered warrants to purchase up to 2,360,313 shares of its common stock. The unregistered warrants have an exercise price of $1.04 per share and exercise period commencing immediately upon the issuance date and a term of five and one-half years. The net proceeds from the offerings, after deducting placement agent fees and other direct offering expenses were approximately $ 2.1 million. The fair value allocated to the common stock, pre-funded warrants and warrants was $ 0.5 million, $ 1.1 million and $ 1.1 million, respectively. Warrants During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received approximately $ 545,000 and issued 282,202 shares of common stock upon the exercise of previously outstanding warrants issued in connection with the Company’s December 2018 Offering. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued 519,374 shares of common stock upon the cashless exercise of previously outstanding placement agent warrants issued in connection with the Company’s July 2020 and March 2020 Offerings. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has 20,928,767 warrants outstanding. The following table summarizes the Company’s warrant activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2021: Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2019 10,519,945 $ 1.94 Issued 11,310,480 0.98 Exercised ( 877,202 ) 1.93 Expired ( 4,354,144 ) 1.93 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 16,599,079 $ 1.29 Issued 5,131,264 2.00 Exercised ( 801,576 ) 1.54 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 20,928,767 $ 1.45 July 2021 Warrants As described above, as a part of the July 2021 Offering, the Company issued unregistered warrants to purchase 4,773,269 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $ 1.97 per share and contractual term of five and one-half years. The unregistered warrants were offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. In accordance with ASC 480, these warrants are classified as equity and their relative fair value of approximately $ 4.5 million was recognized as additional paid in capital. The estimated fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model which is based on the value of the underlying common stock at the valuation measurement date, the remaining contractual term of the warrants, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends and expected volatility of the price of the underlying common stock. F-16 Table of Contents July 2020 Warrants As described above, as a part of the July 2020 offering, the Company issued unregistered warrants to purchase 7,783,616 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.903 per share and contractual term of five and one-half years. The unregistered warrants were offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. In accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, these warrants are classified as equity and their relative fair value of approximately $ 3.5 million was recognized as additional paid in capital. The estimated fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model which is based on the value of the underlying common stock at the valuation measurement date, the remaining contractual term of the warrants, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends and expected volatility of the price of the underlying common stock. March 2020 Warrants As described above, as part of the March 2020 Offering, the Company issued unregistered warrants to purchase 2,360,313 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $ 1.04 per share and contractual term of five and one-half years. The unregistered warrants were offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. In accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, these warrants are classified as equity and their relative fair value of approximately $1.1 million was recognized as additional paid in capital. The estimated fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model which is based on the value of the underlying common stock at the valuation measurement date, the remaining contractual term of the warrants, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends and expected volatility of the price of the underlying common stock. Warrants Issued for Services In connection with the July 2021 Offering described above, the Company issued designees of the placement agent warrants to purchase 357,995 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 2.46 and a contractual term of five years. In accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, these warrants are classified as equity and its estimated fair value of $ 558,472 was recognized as additional paid in capital. The estimated fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model which is based on the value of the underlying common stock at the valuation measurement date, the remaining contractual term of the warrant, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends and expected volatility of the price of the underlying common stock. In connection with the July 2020 Offering described above, the Company issued designees of the placement agent warrants to purchase 583,771 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 1.2848 and a contractual term of five years. In accordance with ASC 815, these warrants are classified as equity and its estimated fair value of $ 399,445 was recognized as additional paid in capital. Additionally, the Company issued to its previous underwriter a warrant to purchase 311,345 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.2848 per share and contractual term of five years. In accordance with ASC 815, this warrant is classified as equity and its estimated fair value of $ 213,038 was recognized as additional paid in capital. The estimated fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model which is based on the value of the underlying common stock at the valuation measurement date, the remaining contractual term of the warrant, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends and expected volatility of the price of the underlying common stock. In connection with the March 2020 Offering described above, the Company issued designees of the placement agent warrants to purchase 177,023 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 1.4564 and a contractual term of five years. In accordance with ASC 815, these warrants are classified as equity and its estimated fair value of $ 66,201 was recognized as additional paid in capital. Additionally, the Company issued to its previous underwriter a warrant to purchase 94,413 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 1.4564 per share and contractual term of five years. In accordance with ASC 815, this warrant is classified as equity and its estimated fair value of $ 35,308 was recognized as additional paid in capital. The estimated fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model which is based on the value of the underlying common stock at the valuation measurement date, the remaining contractual term of the warrant, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends and expected volatility of the price of the underlying common stock. Stock Options The following table summarizes all options outstanding as of December 31, 2021: Options Outstanding at December 31, 2021 Options Exercisable and Vested at December 31, 2021 Exercise Price Number of Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 0.66 to $1.85 539,500 8.1 237,171 $ 1.43 $ 1.97 to $11.20 135,750 4.7 37,000 $ 7.60 $ 41.40 to $63.20 19,500 4.7 19,500 $ 46.54 $ 68.40 to $748.00 4,817 2.4 4,817 $ 103.99 699,567 7.3 298,488 $ 6.80 The following table summarizes options outstanding that have vested and are expected to vest based on options outstanding as of December 31, 2021: Number of Option Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Vested 296,488 $ 6.80 $ 190 7.4 Vested and expected to vest 655,451 $ 4.13 $ 190 7.3 (1) Amount represents the difference between the exercise price and $1.04, the closing price of Tenax Therapeutics’ stock on December 31, 2021, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, for all in-the-money options outstanding. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan In June 2016, the Company adopted the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”). Under the 2016 Plan, with the approval of the Board’s Compensation Committee, the Company may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash-based awards or other stock-based awards. On June 16, 2016, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2016 Plan and authorized for issuance under the 2016 Plan a total of 150,000 shares of common stock. On June 13, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2016 Plan which increased the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2016 Plan to a total of 750,000 shares, up from 150,000 previously authorized. On June 10, 2021, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2016 Plan which increased the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2016 Plan to a total of 1.5 million shares, up from 750,000 previously authorized. F-17 Table of Contents The following table summarizes the shares available for grant under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020: Shares Available for Grant Balances, at December 31, 2019 697,500 Options granted ( 341,000 ) Balances, at December 31, 2020 356,500 Additional shares reserved 750,000 Options granted ( 378,750 ) Options cancelled/forfeited 92,000 Balances, at December 31, 2021 819,750 2016 Plan Stock Options Stock options granted under the 2016 Plan may be either incentive stock options (“ISOs”), or nonqualified stock options (“NSOs”). ISOs may be granted only to employees. NSOs may be granted to employees, consultants and directors. Stock options under the 2016 Plan may be granted with a term of up to ten years and at prices no less than fair market value at the time of grant. Stock options granted generally vest over three to four years . The following table summarizes the outstanding stock options under the 2016 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020: Outstanding Options Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balances at December 31, 2019 52,500 $ 5.89 Options granted 341,000 $ 1.18 Balances at December 31, 2020 393,500 $ 1.81 Options granted 378,750 $ 1.88 Options exercised ( 17,000 ) $ 1.18 Options cancelled/forfeited ( 92,000 ) $ 1.59 Balances at December 31, 2021 663,250 $ 1.90 $ 190 (1) (1) Amount represents the difference between the exercise price and $1.04, the closing price of Tenax Therapeutics’ stock on December 31, 2021, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, for all in-the-money options outstanding. The Company chose the “straight-line” attribution method for allocating compensation costs of each stock option over the requisite service period using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to calculate the grant date fair value. The Company used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of options granted under the 2016 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 Risk-free interest rate (weighted average) 0.72 % 1.02 % Expected volatility (weighted average) 101.60 % 97.63 % Expected term (in years) 6.7 7 Expected dividend yield 0.00 % 0.00 % F-18 Table of Contents Risk-Free Interest Rate The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on U.S. Treasury instruments with a term that is consistent with the expected term of the Company’s stock options. Expected Volatility The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s common stock was determined by examining the historical volatility and trading history for its common stock over a term consistent with the expected term of its options. Expected Term The expected term of stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding. It was calculated based on the Company’s historical experience with its stock option grants. Expected Dividend Yield The expected dividend yield of 0% is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The Company has not paid and does not anticipate paying any dividends in the near future. Forfeitures As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on the Company’s historical experience. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $ 1.53 and $ 0.95 , respectively. The Company recorded compensation expense for these stock options grants of $ 391,801 and $ 218,148 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, there were unrecognized compensation costs of approximately $ 167,000 related to non-vested stock option awards under the 2016 Plan that will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 0.82 years. 1999 Stock Plan In October 2000, the Company adopted the 1999 Stock Plan, as amended and restated on June 17, 2008 (the “1999 Plan”). Under the 1999 Plan, with the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, the Company could grant stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options. On March 13, 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 1999 Plan which increased the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 1999 Plan to a total of 200,000 shares, up from 15,000 previously authorized. On September 15, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved an additional amendment to the 1999 Plan which increased the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 1999 Plan to a total of 250,000 shares, up from 200,000 previously authorized. The 1999 Plan expired on June 17, 2018 and no new grants may be made under that plan after that date. However, unexpired awards granted under the 1999 Plan remain outstanding and subject to the terms of the 1999 Plan. 1999 Plan Stock Options Stock options granted under the 1999 Plan may be ISOs or NSOs. ISOs could be granted only to employees. NSOs could be granted to employees, consultants and directors. Stock options under the 1999 Plan could be granted with a term of up to ten years and at prices no less than fair market value for ISOs and no less than 85 % of the fair market value for NSOs. Stock options granted generally vest over one to three years. F-19 Table of Contents The following table summarizes the outstanding stock options under the 1999 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020: Outstanding Options Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balances at December 31, 2019 191,706 $ 93.40 Options cancelled ( 134,058 ) $ 113.64 Balances at December 31, 2020 57,648 $ 46.34 Options cancelled ( 21,331 ) $ 53.28 Balances at December 31, 2021 36,317 $ 42.26 $ - (1) (1) Amount represents the difference between the exercise price and $1.04, the closing price of Tenax Therapeutics’ stock on December 31, 2021, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, for all in-the-money options outstanding. The Company chose the “straight-line” attribution method for allocating compensation costs of each stock option over the requisite service period using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to calculate the grant date fair value. The Company recorded compensation expense for these stock options grants of $ 1,290 and $ 34,498 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, there were no unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock option awards under the 1999 Plan. In connection with the retirement of the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), effective July 13, 2021 (the “Modification Date”), the Company modified the terms of the former CEO’s outstanding stock awards to: (1) accelerate the 152,500 unvested shares underlying his outstanding stock awards immediately as of the Modification Date and (2) extend the period during which his outstanding stock awards for an aggregate of 218,706 shares may be exercised through the earlier of the stock award’s original termination date or the five-year anniversary of the Modification Date. The Company determined that the extension of the period during which the vested shares may be exercised was a Type 1 modification pursuant to ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. However, acceleration of vesting and extension of the exercise period for the remaining Stock Awards was a Type 3 modification pursuant to ASC 718 because absent the modification terms, those Stock Awards would have been forfeited as of the former CEO’s retirement date. On the Modification Date, the Company recognized approximately $ 187,000 of compensation expense, which is included in General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2021, with respect to these modifications. Inducement Stock Options The Company granted two employment inducement stock option awards, one for 100,000 shares of common stock and the other for 250,000 shares of common stock, to its new CEO on July 6, 2021. The employment inducement stock option for 100,000 shares of common stock was awarded in accordance with the employment inducement award exemption provided by Nasdaq listing rule 5635(c)(4) and was therefore not awarded under the Company’s stockholder approved equity plan. The option award will vest as follows: 50% upon initiation of a Phase 3 trial for levosimendan by June 30, 2022; and 50% upon initiation of a Phase 3 trial for imatinib by June 30, 2022. The options have a 10 -year term and an exercise price of $ 1.97 per share, the July 6, 2021 closing price of our common stock. As of December 31, 2021, none of the vesting milestones have been achieved. The estimated fair value of this inducement stock option award was $ 178,291 using a Black-Scholes option pricing model based on market prices and the following assumptions at the date of inducement option grant: risk-free interest rate of 1.37 %, dividend yield of 0 %, volatility factor for our common stock of 103.50 % and an expected life of 10 years. F-20 Table of Contents The employment inducement stock option award for 250,000 shares of common stock also was awarded in accordance with the employment inducement award exemption provided by Nasdaq listing rule 5635(c)(4) and was therefore not awarded under the Company’s stockholder approved equity plan. The option award will vest as follows: 25% on the one-year anniversary of the CEO’s employment start date and an additional 25% on each of the following three anniversaries of the CEO’s employment start date, subject to continued employment. The options have a 10 -year term and an exercise price of $1.97 per share, the July 6, 2021 closing price of our common stock. The estimated fair value of this inducement stock option award was $ 403,180 using a Black-Scholes option pricing model based on market prices and the following assumptions at the date of inducement option grant: risk-free interest rate of 1.13 %, dividend yield of 0 %, volatility factor for our common stock of 99.36 % and an expected life of 7 years. The Company granted an employment inducement stock option award for 250,000 shares of common stock to our chief medical officer on January 15, 2021. This employment inducement stock option was awarded in accordance with the employment inducement award exemption provided by Nasdaq listing rule 5635(c)(4) and was therefore not awarded under the Company’s stockholder approved equity plan. The option award will vest as follows: 25% upon initiation of a Phase 3 trial; 25% upon database lock; 25% upon acceptance for review of an investigational NDA; and 25% upon approval. The options have a 10-year term and an exercise price of $ 1.78 per share, the January 15, 2021 closing price of our common stock. As of December 31, 2021, none of the vesting milestones have been achieved. The estimated fair value of the inducement stock option award granted was $ 402,789 using a Black-Scholes option pricing model based on market prices and the following assumptions at the date of inducement option grant: risk-free interest rate of 1.11 %, dividend yield of 0 %, volatility factor for our common stock of 103.94 % and an expected life of 10 years. Inducement stock option compensation expense totaled $ 194,143 for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, there was $ 778,658 of remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to these inducement stock options. NOTE G—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Operating Leases As described above in “NOTE B”, the Company adopted ASC 842 as of January 1, 2019. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under ASC 840. In January 2011, the Company entered into a lease with Concourse Associates, LLC for its headquarters in Morrisville, North Carolina (the “Lease”). The Lease was amended in August 2015 to extend the term for the 5,954 square foot rental. The current term began on March 1, 2016 and continued for 64 months to June 30, 2021. Rent payments began on July 1, 2016, following the conclusion of a four-month rent abatement period. The Company has two five-year options to extend the Lease and a one-time option to terminate the Lease thirty-six months after the commencement of the initial term if no additional space became available. On April 2, 2021, the Company negotiated a 3-year extension to the existing lease term, commencing July 1, 2021 (the “Commencement Date”). Beginning on the Commencement Date, the annual base rent was increased to $ 125,034 and will increase 2.5 % annually for lease years 2 and 3. The Company performed an evaluation of its other contracts with customers and suppliers in accordance with ASC 842, Leases, and determined that, except for the Lease described above, none of the Company’s contracts contain a lease. The balance sheet classification of our lease liabilities was as follows: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Current portion included in accrued liabilities $ 107,192 $ 60,379 Long term lease liability 183,589 - $ 290,781 $ 60,379 F-21 Table of Contents As of December 31, 2021, the maturities of our operating lease liabilities were as follows: Year ending December 31, 2022 $ 126,612 2023 129,797 2024 65,702 Total lease payments $ 322,111 Less: Imputed interest ( 31,330 ) Operating lease liability $ 290,781 Simdax license agreement On November 13, 2013, the Company acquired, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Life Newco, that certain License Agreement, dated September 20, 2013, as amended on October 9, 2020 and January 25, 2022, by and between Phyxius and Orion (as amended, the “License”), and that certain Side Letter, dated October 15, 2013 by and between Phyxius and Orion. The License grants the Company an exclusive, sublicenseable right to develop and commercialize pharmaceutical products containing levosimendan in the United States and Canada (the “Territory”) and, pursuant to the October 9, 2020 amendment, also includes two product dose forms containing levosimendan, in capsule and solid dosage form, and a subcutaneously administered product containing levosimendan, subject to specified limitations in the License (together, the “Product”). Pursuant to the License, the Company and Orion will agree to a new trademark when commercializing levosimendan in either of these forms. The License also grants the Company a right of first refusal to commercialize new developments of the Product, including developments as to the formulation, presentation, means of delivery, route of administration, dosage or indication (i.e., line extension products). Orion’s ongoing role under the License includes sublicense approval, serving as the sole source of manufacture, holding a first right to enforce intellectual property rights in the Territory, and certain regulatory participation rights. Orion must notify the Company before the end of 2024 if it chooses not to exercise its right to supply oral formulations of levosimendan to the Company for commercialization in the Territory. Additionally, the Company must grant back to Orion a broad non-exclusive license to any patents or clinical trial data related to the Product developed by the Company under the License. The term of the License extends until 10 years after the launch of the Product in the Territory, provided that the License will continue after the end of the term in each country in the Territory until the expiration of Orion’s patent rights in the Product in such country. In the event that no regulatory approval for the Product has been granted in the United States on or before September 20, 2030, however, either party will have the right to terminate the License with immediate effect. Pursuant to the terms of the License, on November 13, 2013, the Company paid to Orion a non-refundable up-front payment in the amount of $ 1.0 million. The License also includes the following development milestones for which the Company must make non-refundable payments to Orion no later than 28 days after the occurrence of the applicable milestone event: (1) $ 2.0 million upon the grant of United States Food and Drug Administration approval, including all registrations, licenses, authorizations and necessary approvals, to develop and/or commercialize the Product in the United States; and (2) $ 1.0 million upon the grant of regulatory approval for the Product in Canada. Once commercialized, the Company is obligated to make certain non-refundable commercialization milestone payments to Orion, aggregating to up to $ 13.0 million, contingent upon achievement of certain cumulative net sales amounts in the Territory. The Company also must pay Orion tiered royalties based on net sales of the Product in the Territory made by the Company and its sublicensees. After the end of the License term, the Company must pay Orion a royalty based on net sales of the Product in the Territory for as long as the Company sells the Product in the Territory. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has not met any of the developmental milestones under the License and, accordingly, has not recorded any liability for the contingent payments due to Orion. F-22 Table of Contents Litigation The Company is subject to litigation in the normal course of business, none of which management believes will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. NOTE G—401(k) BENEFIT PLAN The Company sponsors a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for all eligible employees. Full-time employees over the age of eighteen are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan after 90 days of continuous employment. Participants may elect to defer earnings into the 401(k) Plan up to the annual IRS limits and the Company provides a matching contribution up to 5% of the participants’ annual salary in accordance with the 401(k) Plan documents. A third-party trustee manages the 401(k) Plan. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded $ 73,855 and $ 69,793 for matching contributions expense, respectively. NOTE H—INCOME TAXES The Company has not recorded any income tax expense (benefit) for the period ended December 31, 2021 due to its history of net operating losses. The reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) at the statutory federal income tax rate of 21 % for the periods ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows: December 31, 2021 2020 U.S. federal tax benefit at statutory rate $ ( 6,819,615 ) $ ( 2,068,792 ) State income tax benefit, net of federal benefit ( 641,368 ) ( 194,565 ) Stock compensation 171,269 57,611 Other nondeductible, including IPR&D expense 5,032,981 576 Change in state tax rate 1,768,013 - Federal and state net operating loss adjustments 745,439 1,605,223 Other, including effect of tax rate brackets ( 73 ) ( 56,640 ) Change in realizability of IPR&D 229,750 - Change in valuation allowance ( 486,396 ) 656,587 $ - $ - The tax effects of temporary differences and carry forwards that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets are as follows: December 31, Deferred Tax Assets 2021 2020 Net operating loss carryforwards $ 35,291,097 $ 35,540,911 Accruals and other 308,296 545,225 Capital loss carryforwards 11,003 11,003 Valuation allowance ( 35,610,396 ) ( 36,096,792 ) Net deferred tax assets - 347 Deferred Tax Liabilities Other liabilities - ( 347 ) Net Deferred Tax Liabilities $ - $ - The Company has established a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty that such assets will be realized. The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets. At such time that it is determined that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced. The net decrease in the valuation allowance during 2021 was approximately $ 0.49 million. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had Federal and State net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $ 159.3 million and $ 119.0 million available to offset future federal and state taxable income, respectively. Federal net operating losses of $ 125.2 million begin to expire in 2022, while the remaining $ 34.2 million carryforward indefinitely. State net operating losses begin to expire in 2024. F-23 Table of Contents Utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation due to the ownership percentage change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar state provisions. The annual limitations may result in the expiration of the net operating losses before utilization. The Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, which expire in various years if not utilized. In addition, it has federal research and development credit carryforwards. The federal research and development credit carryforwards expire in various years if not utilized. Under Sections 382 and 383 of Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change NOLs and other pre-change tax attributes, such as research tax credits, to offset its future post-change income and taxes may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” occurs if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by “5% shareholders” that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. The Company has not performed a formal study to determine whether any of its NOLs are subject to these limitations. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets for our NOLs and research and development credits and have recorded a full valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets. In the event that it is determined that it has in the past experienced additional ownership changes, or if it experiences one or more ownership changes as a result of future transactions in its stock, then the Company may be further limited in its ability to use its NOLs and other tax assets to reduce taxes owed on the net taxable income that it earns in the event that The Company attains profitability. Any such limitations on the ability to use its NOLs and other tax assets could adversely impact its business, financial condition, and operating results in the event that the Company attain profitability. Management has evaluated all other tax positions that could have a significant effect on the financial statements and determined the Company had no uncertain income tax positions at December 31, 2021. The Company files U.S. and state income tax returns with varying statutes of limitations. The tax years 2002 and forward remain open to examination due to the carryover of unused net operating losses or tax credits. NOTE I—SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On January 4, 2022, the Company was issued US Pat. No. 11,213,524, entitled PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS FOR SUBCUTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION OF LEVOSIMENDAN , which is directed towards the use of levosimendan via subcutaneous administration for treating a subject having a health condition of any kind, such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension including PH-HFpEF, chronic kidney disease, stroke, or other health conditions. The patent is expected to expire no earlier than 2039, exclusive of any possible extensions. The Company also has a PCT international application pending, with a U.S. counterpart already under examination, that describes and claims methods of treating the Company’s first intended clinical indication, PH-HFpEF, by providing levosimendan by any route of administration. F-24