Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes a number of forward-looking statements that reflect
Management’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. You can identify these statements by
forward-looking words such as “may” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,”
“estimate” and “continue,” or similar words. Those statements include statements regarding the intent,
belief or current expectations of us and members of its management team as well as the assumptions on which such statements are
based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve risk and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements.
Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures
made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Important factors known to us could
cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update
or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in the future operating
results over time. We believe that its assumptions are based upon reasonable data derived from and known about our business and operations.
No assurances are made that actual results of operations or the results of our future activities will not differ materially from its assumptions.
Factors that could cause differences include, but are not limited to: risks related to failure to obtain clearances or approvals from
the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and noncompliance with FDA regulations; our possible need for additional financing;
substantial competition; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement;
limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and the COVID-19 pandemic, including its impact on the Company.
Business Overview
We
are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics and vaccines
to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Our portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease,
immunology and infectious disease product candidates.
Our CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat
pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Our lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is
in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. We are enrolling patients into a Phase 3 study
that was launched in the second quarter of 2022 and for which interim data are expected in the second quarter of 2023. TNX-102 SL is also
being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. We initiated a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the third
quarter of 2022 and expect interim data in the second quarter of 2023. Finally, TNX-102 SL is being developed to treat posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), a serious psychiatric disorder. We expect to begin enrolling a Phase 2 study in Kenya in the fourth quarter of 2022.
TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation
by the FDA. We have been awarded a grant from the National Institute of Drug Abuse to support clinical development of TNX-1300. A Phase
2 study of TNX-1300 is expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2023. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), a small molecule
in development for chronic migraine, is expected to enter the clinic with a Phase 2 study in the fourth quarter of 2022. TNX-601 ER (tianeptine
hemioxalate extended-release tablets) is a once-daily formulation of tianeptine being developed as a potential treatment for major depressive
disorder (MDD) with a Phase 2 study expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2023.
Our
rare disease portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare
genetic disorder. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA.
Our
immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which
is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection
and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the first half of 2023.
We are also developing TNX-1700 which is a recombinant fusion protein including Trefoil Family Factor 2 (TFF2)-related peptides
as an immune-oncology treatment for certain cancers, particularly colorectal and gastric cancer.
Our
infectious disease pipeline consists of a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, next-generation vaccines to
prevent COVID-19, and a platform to make fully human monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19. TNX-801, our vaccine in development
to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform for
other infectious diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-801 is expected to be initiated in Kenya in the first half of 2023. Our lead
vaccine candidate for COVID-19 is TNX-1850, a live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox live virus vector vaccine
platform. We have collaborated with scientists at Columbia University to make fully human monoclonal antibodies with the potential
to treat COVID-19. We own and operate an infectious disease research and development facility in Frederick, MD and a live virus
vaccine process development and manufacturing facility in the New Bedford Business Park in Dartmouth, MA.
All of Tonix’s
product candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.
Results of Operations
We anticipate that
our results of operations will fluctuate for the foreseeable future due to several factors, such as the progress of our research
and development efforts and the timing and outcome of regulatory submissions. Due to these uncertainties, accurate predictions
of future operations are difficult or impossible to make.
25
Three Months Ended September 30,
2022 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Research and
Development Expenses . Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 were $22.2 million,
an increase of $9.1 million, or 69%, from $13.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. This increase is predominately
due to increased clinical expenses of $2.4 million, manufacturing expenses of $1.0 million, non-clinical expenses of $1.4 million,
employee-related expenses of $2.5 million and laboratory expenses of $0.9 million. We expect research and development expenses
to increase during 2022 as we move our clinical development programs forward and continue to invest in our development pipeline.
The table below summarizes
our direct research and development expenses for our product candidates and development platform for the three months ended September
30, 2022, and 2021.
Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2022
2021
Change
Research and development expenses:
Direct expenses – TNX - 102 SL
$ 4,258
$ 2,066
$ 2,192
Direct expenses – TNX - 601 ER
207
593
(386 )
Direct expenses – TNX - 801
1,281
—
1,281
Direct expenses – TNX - 1300
935
376
559
Direct expenses – TNX - 1500
4,219
802
3,417
Direct expenses – TNX - 1800
41
2,624
(2,583 )
Direct expenses – TNX - 1900
1,116
655
461
Direct expenses – TNX - 2100
168
1,120
(952 )
Direct expenses – TNX - 3500
237
132
105
Direct expenses – Other programs
1,898
1,301
597
Internal staffing, overhead and other
7,841
3,413
4,428
Total research & development
$ 22,201
$ 13,082
$ 9,119
Our direct research
and development expenses consist principally of external costs for clinical, nonclinical and manufacturing, such as fees paid to
contractors, consultants and CROs in connection with our development work. Included in “Internal Staffing, Overhead and Other”
is overhead, supplies, research and development employee costs (including stock option expenses), travel, regulatory and legal.
General
and Administrative Expenses . General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 were
$7.4 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 35%, from $5.5 million incurred in the three months ended September 30, 2021. The
increase is primarily due to employee-related expenses of $0.9 million, an increase in legal fees of $0.3 million due to increased
patent prosecution costs, and an increase in financial reporting expenses of $0.7 million.
Net Loss .
As a result of the foregoing, the net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was $29.0 million, compared to a net loss
of $18.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Research and
Development Expenses . Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were $57.2 million,
an increase of $10.7 million, or 23%, from $46.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. This increase is predominately
due to increased clinical expenses of $1.0 million, employee-related expenses of $6.7 million, rent and office expenses of $1.0
million and lab supplies of $1.9 million. We expect research and development expenses to increase during 2022 as we move our clinical
development programs forward and continue to invest in our development pipeline.
26
The table below summarizes
our direct research and development expenses for our product candidates and development platform for the nine months ended September
30, 2022, and 2021.
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2022
2021
Change
Research and development expenses:
Direct expenses – TNX - 102 SL
$ 10,388
$ 9,520
$ 868
Direct expenses – TNX - 601 ER
854
2,126
(1,272 )
Direct expenses – TNX - 801
1,478
70
1,408
Direct expenses – TNX - 1800
3,503
6,100
(2,597 )
Direct expenses – TNX - 1300
2,597
5,116
(2,519 )
Direct expenses – TNX - 1500
7,731
2,804
4,927
Direct expenses – TNX - 1900
2,669
1,355
1,314
Direct expenses – TNX - 2100
1,217
2,115
(898 )
Direct expenses – TNX - 3500
1,301
5,123
(3,822 )
Direct expenses – Other programs
5,535
3,629
1,906
Internal staffing, overhead and other
19,929
8,584
11,345
Total research & development
$ 57,202
$ 46,542
$ 10,660
Our direct research
and development expenses consist principally of external costs for clinical, nonclinical and manufacturing, such as fees paid to
contractors, consultants and CROs in connection with our development work. Included in “Internal Staffing, Overhead and Other”
is overhead, supplies, research and development employee costs (including stock option expenses), travel, regulatory and legal.
General
and Administrative Expenses . General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022
were $22.2 million, an increase of $5.9 million, or 36%, from $16.3 million incurred in the nine months ended September 30,
2021. The increase is primarily due to employee-related expenses of $3.8 million, an increase in technology and software
expenses of $0.5 million, an increase in travel and entertainment of $0.3 million and an increase in financial reporting
expenses of $0.6 million.
Net Loss .
As a result of the foregoing, the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $78.5 million, compared to a net loss
of $62.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
27
License Agreements
On May 18, 2022, we
entered into an exclusive License Agreement with the University of Alberta focused on identifying and testing broad-spectrum antiviral
drugs against future variants of SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses. As consideration for entering into the License Agreement,
we paid a low-five digit license fee to University of Alberta. The License Agreement also provides for single-digit royalties and
contingent milestone payments. As of September 30, 2022, other than the upfront fee, no payments have been accrued or paid in relation
to this agreement.
On April 14, 2021,
we and OyaGen, Inc. (“OyaGen”) entered into an exclusive License Agreement (the “OyaGen License Agreement”)
pursuant to which OyaGen granted us an exclusive license to certain patents and technical information related to an antiviral inhibitor
of SARS-CoV-2, sangivamycin, and to develop and commercialize products thereunder, and to acquire rights to any technology based
thereon for the prevention or treatment of Covid-19 developed by OyaGen during the term of the License Agreement.
As consideration for
entering into the License Agreement, we agreed to pay a low-seven digit license fee to OyaGen, and agreed to issue to OyaGen and
an affiliated entity an aggregate of 86,010 shares of our common stock, valued at $3.0 million, which are unregistered and subject
to a six-month lock-up and a voting agreement, pursuant to which OyaGen and the affiliated entity have agreed to vote the common
stock on any matter put to a vote of the shareholders of the Company in accordance with management’s recommendations. The
OyaGen License also provides for single-digit royalties and contingent milestone payments. As of September 30, 2022, no milestone
payments have been accrued or paid in relation to this agreement. In July 2022, we notified OyaGen of our intent to terminate
the License Agreement, and the agreement was terminated effective September 20, 2022.
On February 11, 2021,
we entered into a license agreement (the “Inserm License Agreement”) pursuant to which we licensed technology using
oxytocin-based therapeutics for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome and non-organic failure to thrive disease from Inserm (the
French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), Aix-Marseille Université and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire
of Toulouse. The Inserm License Agreement provides for the payment of annual fees and milestone payments upon the occurrence of
specified sales milestones, totaling approximately $0.4 million, as well royalties on net sales of products based on the licensed
technology, and assignment/transfer and sublicense royalties. As of September 30, 2022, no milestone payments have been accrued
or paid in relation to this agreement.
On September 16, 2019,
we entered into an exclusive License Agreement (the “Columbia License Agreement”) with the Trustees of Columbia University
in the City of New York (“Columbia”) pursuant to which Columbia granted to us an exclusive license, with the right
to sublicense, certain patents and technical information (collectively, the “TFF2 Technology”) related to a recombinant
Trefoil Family Factor 2 (TFF2), and to develop and commercialize products thereunder (each, a “TFF2 Product”). Pursuant
to the terms of the Columbia License Agreement, Columbia has reserved for itself the right to practice the TFF2 Technology for
academic research and educational purposes.
We paid a five-digit
license fee to Columbia as consideration for entering into the Columbia License Agreement, which was recorded to research and development
expenses in the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. We are obligated to use Commercially Reasonable Efforts,
as defined in the Columbia License Agreement, to develop and commercialize the TFF2 Product, and to achieve specified developmental
milestones.
We are obligated to pay Columbia single-digit
royalties on net sales of (i) TFF2 Products sold by us or a sublicensee and (ii) any other products that involve material or technical
information related to the TFF2 Product and transferred to us pursuant to the License Agreement (“Other Products”)
sold by us or a sublicensee. Royalties on each particular TFF2 Product are payable on a country-by-country and Product-by-Product
basis until the latest of (i) the date of expiration of the last valid claim in the last to expire of the issued patents covered
by the Columbia License Agreement, and (ii) a specified period of time after the first commercial sale of a TFF2 Product in the
country in question. Royalties on each particular Other Product are payable on a country-by-country and product-by-product basis
until a specified period of time after the first commercial sale of such particular Other Product in such country. Royalties payable
on net sales of the TFF2 Product and Other Products may be reduced by 50% of the royalties payable by us to any third party for
intellectual property rights which are necessary for the practice of the rights licensed to us under the Columbia License Agreement,
provided that the royalty payable on a TFF2 Product or Other Product may not be reduced by more than 50%.
We are also obligated
to make contingent milestone payments to Columbia totaling $4.1 million on a Product-by-Product basis upon the achievement of certain
development, approval and sales milestones related to a TFF2 Product. In addition, we shall pay Columbia 5% of consideration, other
than royalty payments and certain other categories of consideration, payable to us by a sublicensee. As of September 30, 2022,
no milestone payments have been accrued or paid in relation to this agreement.
28
On May 20, 2019, we
entered into an exclusive License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Columbia pursuant to which Columbia, for
itself and on behalf of the University of Kentucky and the University of Michigan (collectively, the “Institutions”)
granted to us an exclusive license, with the right to sublicense, certain patents, technical information and material (collectively,
the “Technology”) related to a double-mutant cocaine esterase, and to develop and commercialize products thereunder
(each, a “Product”). Pursuant to the terms of the License Agreement, Columbia has reserved for itself and the Institutions
the right to practice the Technology for academic research and educational purposes.
We paid a six-digit
license fee to Columbia as consideration for entering into the License Agreement. We are obligated to use Commercially Reasonable
Efforts, as defined in the License Agreement, to develop and commercialize the Product, and to achieve specified developmental
milestones.
We are obligated to pay Columbia single-digit
royalties on net sales of (i) Products sold by us or a sublicensee and (ii) any other products that involve material or technical
information related to the Product and transferred to us pursuant to the License Agreement (“Other Products”) sold
by us or a sublicensee. Royalties on each particular Product are payable on a country-by-country and Product-by-Product basis until
the latest of (i) the date of expiration of the last valid claim in the last to expire of the issued patents covered by the License
Agreement, (ii) a specified period of time after the first commercial sale of a Product in the country in question, or (iii) expiration
of any market exclusivity period granted by a regulatory agency. Royalties on each particular Other Product are payable on a country-by-country
and product-by-product basis until the later of (i) a specified period of time after the first commercial sale of such particular
Other Product in such country or (ii) expiration of any market exclusivity period granted by a regulatory agency. Royalties payable
on net sales of the Product and Other Products may be reduced by 50% of the royalties payable by us to any third party for intellectual
property rights which are necessary for the practice of the rights licensed to us under the License Agreement, provided that the
royalty payable on a Product or Other Product may not be reduced by more than 50%.
We are also obligated
to make contingent milestone payments to Columbia totaling $3 million on a Product-by-Product basis upon the achievement of certain
development, approval and sales milestones related to a Product. In addition, we shall pay Columbia 5% of consideration, other
than royalty payments and certain other categories of consideration, payable to us by a sublicensee. As of September 30, 2022,
no milestone payments have been accrued or paid in relation to this agreement.
Asset Purchase Agreements
On December 22, 2020,
we entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Katana Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Katana”)
pursuant to which we acquired Katana assets related to insulin resistance and related syndromes, including obesity (the “Katana
Assets”). In connection with the acquisition of the Assets, we assumed Katana’s rights and obligations under that certain
Exclusive License Agreement by and between Katana and The University of Geneva (“Geneva”) (the “Geneva License
“Agreement”) pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement with Geneva (“Geneva Assignment and Assumption
Agreement”), dated December 22, 2020. As consideration for entering into the Asset Purchase Agreement, we paid $0.7 million
to Katana. Because the Katana intellectual property was acquired prior to FDA approval, the cash consideration totaling $0.7 million,
was expensed as research and development costs since there is no alternative future use and the acquired intellectual property
does not constitute a business.
Pursuant to the terms
of the Geneva Assignment and Assumption Agreement, Geneva granted us an exclusive license, with the right to sublicense, certain
patents related to the Katana Assets. We are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to diligently develop, manufacture,
and sell products claimed or covered by the patent and will use commercially reasonable efforts to diligently develop markets for
such products. The Geneva License Agreement specifies developmental milestones and the period of time during which such milestones
must be completed and provides for an annual maintenance fee payable to Geneva. As of September 30, 2022, no milestone payments
have been accrued or paid in relation to this agreement.
On June 11, 2020, we
entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Trigemina Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Trigemina, Inc. (“Trigemina”)
and certain shareholders named therein (the “Executive Shareholders”) pursuant to which we acquired Trigemina assets
related to migraine and pain treatment technologies (the “Trigemina Assets”). In connection with the acquisition of
the Trigemina Assets, we assumed Trigemina’s rights and obligations under that certain Amended and Restated Exclusive License
Agreement, dated November 30, 2007, as amended, by and between Trigemina and The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior
University (“Stanford”) (the “Stanford License “Agreement”) pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption
Agreement with Stanford (“Assignment and Assumption Agreement”), dated June 11, 2020.
29
As consideration for
entering into the Trigemina Asset Purchase Agreement, we paid $824,759 to Trigemina and issued to Trigemina 62,500 shares of our
common stock and paid Stanford $250,241 pursuant to the terms of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement. The common stock is unregistered
and subject to a 12 month lock-up and a Shareholder Voting Agreement, dated June 11, 2020, pursuant to which Trigemina and the
Executive Shareholders have agreed to vote the common stock on any matter put to a vote of our shareholders in accordance with
management’s recommendations. Both the costs associated with the cash payments and share issuance, totaling $2.4 million,
were recorded to research and development in the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Because the Trigemina
intellectual property was acquired prior to FDA approval, the cash and stock consideration was expensed as research and development
costs since there is no alternative future use and the acquired intellectual property does not constitute a business.
Pursuant to the terms
of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, Stanford has granted us an exclusive license, with the right to sublicense, certain
patents related to the Trigemina Assets. Stanford has reserved for itself the right to practice under the patents for academic
research and educational purposes. We are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to diligently develop, manufacture,
and sell products claimed or covered by the patent and will use commercially reasonable efforts to diligently develop markets for
such products. The Stanford License Agreement specifies developmental milestones and the period of time during which such milestones
must be completed, and provides for an annual maintenance fee payable to Stanford. As of September 30, 2022, other than the annual
maintenance fee, no milestone payments have been accrued or paid in relation to this agreement.
On August 19, 2019,
we entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “TRImaran Asset Purchase Agreement”) with TRImaran Pharma, Inc. (“TRImaran”)
and the selling shareholders named therein (the “Selling Shareholders”) pursuant to which we acquired TRImaran’s
assets related to certain pyran-based compounds (the “TRImaran Assets”). In connection with the acquisition of the
TRImaran Assets, we entered into a First Amended and Restated Exclusive License Agreement (the “WSU License Agreement”)
with Wayne State University (“WSU”) on August 19, 2019. As consideration for entering into the TRImaran Asset Purchase
Agreement, we paid $100,000 to TRImaran and have assumed certain liabilities of TRImaran totaling $68,500. The $168,500 was recorded
to research and development expenses in the statement of operations in 2019. Upon the achievement of specified development, regulatory
and sales milestones, we also agreed to pay TRImaran and the Selling Shareholders, in restricted stock or cash, at our option,
a total of approximately $3.4 million. Pursuant to the terms of the TRImaran Asset Purchase Agreement, TRImaran and the Selling
Shareholders are prohibited from disclosing confidential information related to the TRImaran Assets and are restricted from engaging,
for a period of three years, in the development or commercialization of any therapeutic containing any pyran-based drug compound
for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or major depressive disorder. Also
for a period of three years, if TRImaran or any Selling Shareholder engage in the research or development of any potential therapeutic
compound for the treatment of any central nervous system disorder, TRImaran or such Selling Shareholder is obliged to provide notice
and opportunity to Tonix to make an offer to acquire or license rights with respect to such product candidate. As of September
30, 2022, no milestone payments have been accrued or paid in relation to this agreement.
Pursuant to the terms
of the WSU License Agreement, WSU granted us an exclusive license, with the right to sublicense, certain patents, technical information
and material (collectively, the “Technology”) related to the TRImaran Assets. WSU has reserved for itself the right
to practice the Technology for academic research and educational purposes. We are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts
to obtain regulatory approval for one or more products utilizing the Technology (“WSU Products”) and to use commercially
reasonable marketing efforts throughout the term of the WSU License Agreement. The WSU License Agreement specifies developmental
milestones and the period of time during which such milestones must be completed and provides for an annual maintenance fee payable
to WSU. We are obligated to substantially manufacture WSU Products in the United States if WSU Products will be sold in the United
States.
Pursuant to the WSU
License Agreement, we paid $75,000 to WSU as reimbursement of certain patent expenses, and, upon the achievement of specified development,
regulatory and sales milestones, we also agreed to pay WSU, milestone payments totaling approximately $3.4 million. We have also
agreed to pay WSU single-digit royalties on net sales of WSU Products sold by us or a sublicensee on a tiered basis based on net
sales, and additional sublicense fees on certain consideration received from sublicensees. Royalties on each particular WSU Product
are payable on a country-by-country and Product-by-Product basis until the date of expiration of the last valid claim in the last
to expire of the issued patents covered by the WSU License Agreement. Royalties payable on net sales of WSU Products may be reduced
by 50% of the royalties payable by us to any third party for intellectual property rights which are necessary for the practice
of the rights licensed to us under the WSU License Agreement, provided that the royalty payable on a WSU Product may not be reduced
by more than 50%. Each party also has the right to terminate the agreement for customary reasons such as material breach and bankruptcy.
The WSU License Agreement contains provisions relating to termination, indemnification, confidentiality and other customary matters
for an agreement of this kind. As of September 30, 2022, no milestone payments have been accrued or paid in relation to this agreement.
30
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September
30, 2022, we had working capital of $137.8 million, comprised primarily of cash and cash equivalents of $140.0 million and prepaid
expenses and other of $11.2 million, offset by $4.6 million of accounts payable, $8.3 million of accrued expenses and current lease
liabilities of $0.5 million. A significant portion of the accounts payable and accrued expenses are due to work performed in relation
to our Phase 3 clinical trial in FM, our vaccine program and the build-out of our facilities.
The following table
provides a summary of operating, investing and financing cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and 2021, respectively
(in thousands):
September 30,
2022
2021
Net cash used in operating activities
$ (75,752 )
$ (53,112 )
Net cash used in investing activities
(43,476 )
(9,685 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
80,615
168,720
For the nine months
ended September, 2022 and 2021, we used approximately $75.8 million and $53.1 million of cash in operating activities, respectively,
which represents cash outlays for research and development and general and administrative expenses in such periods. The increase
in cash outlays principally resulted from an increase in research and development activities. For the nine months ended September
30, 2022 and 2021, net proceeds from financing activities were $80.6 million and $168.7 million, respectively, predominately from
the sale of our common stock and warrants.
Cash used in investing
activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, was $43.5 million and $9.7 respectively, related to the purchase
of property and equipment.
We believe that
our cash resources at September 30, 2022, and the proceeds that we raised from equity offerings subsequent to the end of the
third quarter of 2022 will allow us to meet our operating and capital expenditure requirements into the third quarter of
2023, but not beyond.
We continue to
face significant challenges and uncertainties and, as a result, our available capital resources may be consumed more rapidly
than currently expected due to changes we may make in our research and development spending plans. These factors raise
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the one year period from the date of filing of this
Form 10-Q. We believe we have the ability to obtain additional funding through public or private financing or collaborative
arrangements with strategic partners to increase the funds available to fund operations. Without additional funds, we may be
forced to delay, scale back or eliminate some of our research and development activities, or other operations and potentially
delay product development in an effort to provide sufficient funds to continue our operations. If any of these events occurs,
our ability to achieve our development and commercialization goals would be adversely affected.
Future Liquidity Requirements
We expect to incur
losses from operations for the near future. We expect to incur increasing research and development expenses, including expenses
related to clinical trials and the build out of recently acquired research and development and manufacturing facilities. We will
not have enough resources to meet our operating requirements for the one-year from filing date of this report.
Our future capital
requirements will depend on a number of factors, including the progress of our research and development of product candidates,
the timing and outcome of regulatory approvals, the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and
enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights, the status of competitive products, the availability of financing
and our success in developing markets for our product candidates.
We will need to obtain
capital in order to fund future research and development activities and the build out of our recently acquired research and development
and manufacturing facilities. Future financing may include the issuance of equity or debt securities, obtaining credit facilities,
or other financing mechanisms. Even if we are able to raise the funds required, it is possible that we could incur unexpected costs
and expenses, fail to collect significant amounts owed to us, or experience unexpected cash requirements that would force us to
seek alternative financing. Furthermore, if we issue additional equity or debt securities, shareholders may experience additional
dilution or the new equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of our common
stock.
If additional financing
is not available or is not available on acceptable terms, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate our research
and development programs, reduce our commercialization efforts or obtain funds through arrangements with collaborative partners
or others that may require us to relinquish rights to certain product candidates that we might otherwise seek to develop or commercialize
independently.
31
Convertible Redeemable Preferred stock
On June
24, 2022, we issued 2,500,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 500,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock to certain institutional
investors in a private placement. The Preferred Stock has an aggregate stated value of $30,000,000. Each share of the Preferred Stock
had a purchase price of $9.50, representing an OID of 5% of the stated value. The shares of the Preferred Stock were convertible into
shares of our common stock, upon the occurrence of certain events, at a conversion price of $4.00 per share, at the option of the holder,
and at our option upon the fulfillment of certain conditions and subject to certain limitations. The Company and the holders of the Preferred
Stock also entered into a registration rights agreement to register the resale of the shares of common stock issuable in the event of
the conversion of the Preferred Stock. The $28.5 million in gross proceeds of the Offering were held in an escrow account, along with
an additional $3.0 million deposited by the Company to cover the aggregate OID as well as the additional amount that would have been necessary
to fund the 105% redemption price until the expiration of the redemption period for the Preferred Stock.
All outstanding shares of its
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock and Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock was redeemed in August 2022 at 105%
of the $10.00 stated value of the Preferred Stock, or $31.5 million in the aggregate.
2022 Lincoln Park Transaction
On August 16, 2022,
we entered into a purchase agreement (the “2022 Purchase Agreement”) and a registration rights agreement (the “2022
Registration Rights Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”). Pursuant to the terms of
the 2022 Purchase Agreement, Lincoln Park has agreed to purchase from us up to $50,000,000 of our common stock (subject to certain
limitations) from time to time during the term of the 2022 Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the 2022 Registration Rights
Agreement, we filed with the SEC a registration statement to register for resale under the Securities Act the shares that have
been or may be issued to Lincoln Park under the 2022 Purchase Agreement.
Pursuant to the terms
of the 2022 Purchase Agreement, at the time we signed the 2022 Purchase Agreement and the 2022 Registration Rights Agreement, we
issued 625,000 shares of common stock to Lincoln Park as consideration for its commitment to purchase shares of our common stock
under the 2022 Purchase Agreement. The commitment shares were valued at $1,000,000 and recorded as an addition to equity for the
issuance of the common stock and treated as a reduction to equity as a cost of capital to be raised under the 2022 Purchase Agreement.
During the nine months
ended September 30, 2022, no shares of common stock were sold under the 2022 Purchase Agreement. Subsequent to September 30, 2022,
we sold 1.0 million shares of common stock under the 2022 Purchase Agreement, for net proceeds of approximately $0.5 million.
Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park
On December 3, 2021,
we entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park”) and a registration rights agreement
(the “Lincoln Park Registration Rights Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”).
Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park agreed to purchase from us up to $80,000,000 of
our common stock (subject to certain limitations) from time to time during the term of the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park.
Pursuant to the terms of the Lincoln Park Registration Rights Agreement, we filed with the SEC a registration statement to register
for resale under the Securities Act the shares that have been or may be issued to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement with
Lincoln Park.
Pursuant to the terms
of the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park, at the time we signed the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park
Registration Rights Agreement, we issued 90,910 shares of common stock to Lincoln Park as consideration for its commitment to purchase
shares of our common stock under the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park. The commitment shares were valued at $1.6 million and
recorded as an addition to equity for the issuance of the common stock and treated as a reduction to equity as a cost of capital
to be raised under the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park.
During the nine months
ended September 30, 2022, we sold 2.9 million shares of common stock under the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park, for net proceeds
of approximately $8.7 million.
Under applicable rules
of the NASDAQ Global Market, the Company could not issue or sell more than 19.99% of the shares of its common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the execution of the Purchase Agreement (approximately 2.9 million shares) with Lincoln Park under the Purchase
Agreement without stockholder approval, unless the average price of all applicable sales of its common stock to Lincoln Park under
the Purchase Agreement equals or exceeds a threshold amount. As we have issued approximately 2.9 million shares to Lincoln Park
under the Purchase Agreement at less than the threshold amount, we will not sell any additional shares under the Purchase Agreement
without shareholder approval.
2021 Lincoln Park Transaction
On May 14, 2021, we
entered into a purchase agreement (the “2021 Purchase Agreement”) and a registration rights agreement (the “2021
Registration Rights Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”). Pursuant to the terms of
the 2021 Purchase Agreement, Lincoln Park agreed to purchase from us up to $80,000,000 of our common stock (subject to certain
limitations) from time to time during the term of the 2021 Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Registration Rights
Agreement, we filed with the SEC a registration statement to register for resale under the Securities Act the shares that have
been or may be issued to Lincoln Park under the 2021 Purchase Agreement.
32
Pursuant to the terms
of the 2021 Purchase Agreement, at the time we signed the 2021 Purchase Agreement and the 2021 Registration Rights Agreement, we
issued 40,000 shares of common stock to Lincoln Park as consideration for its commitment to purchase shares of our common stock
under the 2021 Purchase Agreement. The commitment shares were valued at $1.6 million and recorded as an addition to equity for
the issuance of the common stock and treated as a reduction to equity as a cost of capital to be raised under the 2021 Purchase
Agreement.
During the nine months
ended September 30, 2021, we sold an aggregate of approximately 1.3 million shares of common stock under the 2021 Purchase Agreement,
for gross proceeds of approximately $29.5 million.
Under applicable rules
of the NASDAQ Global Market, we could not issue or sell more than 19.99% of the shares of our common stock outstanding immediately
prior to the execution of the 2021 Purchase Agreement (approximately 2.0 million shares) to Lincoln Park under the 2021 Purchase
Agreement without stockholder approval, unless the average price of all applicable sales of its common stock to Lincoln Park under
the 20121 Purchase Agreement equals or exceeds a threshold amount. As we have issued approximately 2.0 million shares to Lincoln
Park under the 2021 Purchase Agreement, at less than the threshold amount, we will not sell any additional shares under the 2021
Purchase Agreement without shareholder approval.
February 2021 Financing
On February 8, 2021,
we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors relating to the issuance and sale of 1.8 million
shares of our common stock, in a registered direct public offering (the “February 2021 Financing”), with A.G.P/Alliance
Global Partners (“AGP”), acting as placement agent. The public offering price for each share of common stock was $38.40.
The February 2021 Financing closed on February 9, 2021. AGP received a cash fee of 7% of the gross proceeds, for an aggregate amount
of $4.9 million. We incurred other offering expenses of approximately $0.1 million. We received net proceeds of approximately $65.0
million, after deducting the fees and other offering expenses.
January 2021 Financing
On January 11, 2021,
we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors relating to the issuance and sale of 1.6 million
shares of our common stock in a registered direct public offering (the “January 2021 Financing”), with AGP as placement
agent. The public offering price for each share of common stock was $25.60. The January 2021 Financing closed on January 13, 2021.
AGP received a cash fee of 7% of the gross proceeds, for an aggregate of $2.8 million. We incurred other offering expenses of approximately
$0.3 million. We received net proceeds of approximately $36.9 million, after deducting the fees and other offering expenses.
At-the-Market Offerings
On April 8, 2020, we entered into a sales agreement (the “Sales Agreement”)
with AGP pursuant to which we may issue and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of
up to $320.0 million in at-the-market offerings (“ATM”) sales. AGP will act as sales agent and will be paid a 3% commission
on each sale under the Sales Agreement. Our common stock will be sold at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, and, as a result,
prices will vary. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we sold approximately 34.2 million shares of common stock under the
Sales Agreement, for net proceeds of approximately $76.2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we sold approximately
1.3 million shares of common stock under the Sales Agreement, for net proceeds of approximately $37.2 million. Subsequent to September
30, 2022, we sold 3.2 million shares of common stock under the Sales Agreement, for net proceeds of approximately $1.6 million.
33
Stock Compensation
On May 3, 2019, our
stockholders approved the Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The 2019
Plan provided for the issuance of up to 4,375 shares of our common stock. With the adoption of the 2020 Plan (as defined below),
no further grants may be made under the 2019 Plan. On January 16, 2020, our stockholders approved the Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding
Corp. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). The 2020 Plan provided for the issuance of up to 18,750 shares of
our common stock. With the adoption of the Amended and Restated 2020 Plan (as defined below), no further grants may be made under
the 2020 Plan.
On May 1, 2020, our
stockholders approved the Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. Amended and Restated 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (“Amended and
Restated 2020 Plan”), and together with the 2020 Plan and the 2019 Plan, the “Plans”).
Under the terms of
the Amended and Restated 2020 Plan, we may issue (1) stock options (incentive and nonstatutory), (2) restricted stock, (3) stock
appreciation rights (“SARs”), (4) RSUs, (5) other stock-based awards, and (6) cash-based awards. The Amended and Restated
2020 Plan initially provided for the issuance of up to 312,500 shares of common stock, which amount will be increased to the
extent that awards granted under the Plans are forfeited, expire or are settled for cash (except as otherwise provided in the Amended
and Restated 2020 Plan). In addition, the Amended and Restated 2020 Plan contains an “evergreen provision” providing
for an annual increase in the number of shares of our common stock available for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2020 Plan
on January 1 of each year for a period of ten years, commencing on January 1, 2021 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2030,
in an amount equal to the difference between (x) twenty percent (20%) of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding
on December 31st of the preceding calendar year, and (y) the total number of shares of common stock reserved under the Amended
and Restated 2020 Plan on December 31st of such preceding calendar year (including shares subject to outstanding awards, issued
pursuant to awards or available for future awards). The Board of Directors determines the exercise price, vesting and expiration
period of the grants under the Amended and Restated 2020 Plan. However, the exercise price of an incentive stock option may not
be less than 110% of fair value of the common stock at the date of the grant for a 10% or more shareholder and 100% of fair value
for a grantee who is not a 10% shareholder. The fair value of the common stock is determined based on quoted market price or in
absence of such quoted market price, by the Board of Directors in good faith. Additionally, the expiration period of grants under
the Amended and Restated 2020 Plan may not be more than ten years. As of September 30, 2022, 625,496 shares were available for
future grants under the Amended and Restated 2020 Plan.
We measure the
fair value of stock options on the date of grant, based on the Black Scholes option pricing model using certain assumptions discussed
below, and the closing market price of our common stock on the date of the grant. For employees and directors, the fair value of
the award is measured on the grant date. Most stock options granted pursuant to the Plans typically vest 1/3rd 12 months from the
date of grant and 1/36th each month thereafter for 24 months and expire ten years from the date of grant. In addition, we issue
options to directors which vest over a one-year period. We also issue premium options to executive officers, which have an exercise
price greater than the grant date fair value, subject to a one year minimum service period prior to vesting. Stock-based compensation
expense related to awards is amortized over the applicable vesting period using the straight-line method.
The weighted average
fair value of options granted during the three and nine months ended September 2022 was $0 per share and $5.25 per share, respectively.
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the three and nine months ended September 2021 was $21.46 per share and
$33.78 per share, respectively.
The risk-free interest
rate is based on the yield of Daily U.S. Treasury Yield Curve Rates with terms equal to the expected term of the options as of
the grant date. The expected term of options is determined using the simplified method, as provided in an SEC Staff Accounting
Bulletin, and the expected stock price volatility is based on the Company’ historical stock price volatility.
Stock-based compensation
expense relating to options granted of $2.7 million, of which $2.0 million and $0.7 million, related to General and Administration
and Research and Development, respectively was recognized for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. Stock-based compensation
expense relating to options granted of $2.3 million, of which $1.6 million and $0.7 million, related to General and Administration
and Research and Development, respectively was recognized for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.
Stock-based compensation
expense relating to options granted of $8.1 million, of which $5.9 million and $2.2 million, related to General and Administration
and Research and Development, respectively was recognized for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022. Stock-based compensation
expense relating to options granted of $5.6 million, of which $3.9 million and $1.7 million, related to General and Administration
and Research and Development, respectively was recognized for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021.
As of September 30,
2022, we had approximately $14.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards granted under the
Plans, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
34
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
On May 3, 2019, our
stockholders approved the Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holdings Corp. 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2019 ESPP”).
As a result of adoption of the 2020 ESPP, as defined below, by the stockholders, no further grants may be made under the 2019 ESPP
Plan. On May 1, 2020, our stockholders approved the Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holdings Corp. 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
“2020 ESPP”). As a result of the adoption of the 2022 ESPP, as defined below, by the stockholders, no further grants
may be made under the 2020 ESPP Plan. On May 6, 2022, our stockholders approved the Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holdings Corp. 2022 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (the “2022 ESPP”, and together with the 2019 ESPP and the 2020 ESPP, the “ESPP Plans”)).
The 2022 ESPP allows
eligible employees to purchase up to an aggregate of 93,750 shares of our common stock. Under the 2022 ESPP, on the first
day of each offering period, each eligible employee for that offering period has the option to enroll for that offering period,
which allows the eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock at the end of the offering period. Each offering period
under the 2022 ESPP is for six months, which can be modified from time-to-time. Subject to limitations, each participant will be
permitted to purchase a number of shares determined by dividing the employee’s accumulated payroll deductions for the offering
period by the applicable purchase price, which is equal to 85 percent of the fair market value of our common stock at
the beginning or end of each offering period, whichever is less. A participant must designate in his or her enrollment package
the percentage (if any) of compensation to be deducted during that offering period for the purchase of stock under the 2022 ESPP,
subject to the statutory limit under the Code. As of September 30, 2022, 1 share was available for future sales under the 2020
ESPP and 93,750 shares were available for future sales under the 2022 ESPP.
The 2022 and
2020 ESPP are considered compensatory plans with the related compensation cost expensed over the six-month offering period. For
the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, $46,000 and $42,000, respectively, was expensed. For the nine months ended
September 30, 2022 and 2021, $46,000 and $89,000, respectively were expensed. In January 2021, 1,703 shares that were purchased
as of December 31, 2020, under the 2020 ESPP, were issued. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2021, approximately $28,000
of employee payroll deductions accumulated at December 31, 2020, related to acquiring such shares, was transferred from accrued
expenses to additional paid in capital. The remaining $4,000 was returned to the employees. In January 2022, 4,033 shares that
were purchased as of December 31, 2021, under the 2020 ESPP, were issued. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2022, approximately
$40,000 of employee payroll deductions accumulated at December 31, 2021, related to acquiring such shares, was transferred from
accrued expenses to additional paid in capital. The remaining $30,000 was returned to the employees. As of September 30, 2022,
approximately $40,000 of employee payroll deductions have accumulated and have been recorded in accrued expenses.
Commitments
Contractual agreements
We have entered into
contracts with various contract research organizations with outstanding commitments aggregating approximately $61.4 million at
September 30, 2022 for future work to be performed.
We have entered into
a construction contract with outstanding commitments aggregating approximately $3.3 million at September 30, 2022 for future work
to be performed.
Operating leases
As of September 30,
2022, future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending December 31,
2022
135
2023
438
2024
163
2025
159
2026 and beyond
11
Included interest
(20 )
$ 886
35
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and
analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which
have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial
statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses. We
evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that
we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying
values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
We believe the
following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Research and Development.
We outsource our research and development efforts and expense the related costs as incurred, including the cost of manufacturing
product for testing, licensing fees and costs associated with planning and conducting clinical trials. The value ascribed to patents
and other intellectual property acquired was expensed as research and development costs, as it related to particular research and
development projects and had no alternative future uses.
We estimate our accrued
expenses. Our clinical trial accrual process is designed to account for expenses resulting from our obligations under contracts
with vendors, consultants and clinical research organizations and clinical site agreements in connection with conducting clinical
trials. The financial terms of these contracts are subject to negotiations, which vary from contract to contract and may result
in payment flows that do not match the periods over which materials or services are provided to us under such contracts. We account
for trial expenses according to the progress of the trial as measured by participant progression and the timing of various aspects
of the trial. We determine accrual estimates that take into account discussions with applicable personnel and outside service providers
as to the progress or state of completion of trials, or the services completed. During the course of a clinical trial, we adjust
our clinical expense recognition if actual results differ from our estimates. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each
balance sheet date based on the facts and circumstances known to us at that time. Our clinical trial accruals and prepaid assets
are dependent upon the timely and accurate reporting of contract research organizations and other third-party vendors.
Stock-Based Compensation.
All stock-based payments to employees and to nonemployee directors for their services as directors consisted of grants of restricted
stock and stock options, which are measured at fair value on the grant date and recognized in the condensed consolidated statements
of operations as compensation expense over the relevant vesting period. In addition, for awards that vest immediately and are nonforfeitable,
the measurement date is the date the award is issued.
Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Stock. Preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair
value. The Company classifies conditionally redeemable preferred shares, which includes preferred shares that feature redemption
rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely
within the Company’s control, as temporary equity (“mezzanine”) until such time as the conditions are removed
or lapse.
Other than contractual
obligations incurred in the normal course of business, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities,
guarantee contracts, retain or contingent interests in transferred assets or any obligation arising out of a material variable
interest in an unconsolidated entity.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than contractual
obligations incurred in the normal course of business, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities,
guarantee contracts, retain or contingent interests in transferred assets or any obligation arising out of a material variable
interest in an unconsolidated entity.
36
ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not required under
Regulation S-K for “smaller reporting companies.”
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.