Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY
DATA
UNICYCIVE THERAPEUTICS, INC.
INDEX TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Audited Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID # 606 ) F-2
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2024 F-3
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 F-4
Statements of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 F-5
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 F-6
Notes to the Financial Statements F-7
F- 1
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Audit Committee and Stockholders
of
Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet
of Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related statements of operations,
stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the year ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial
statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company
as of December 31, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our
audit. 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 audit 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 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 audit, 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 audit included performing procedures to assess
the risks of material misstatement of the 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 financial statements.
Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from
the current period audit of the 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 financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging,
subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there were no critical audit matters.
/s/ Grassi & Co., CPAs, P.C .
GRASSI & CO., CPAs, P.C.
We have served as the Company’s
auditors since 2023.
Jericho, New York
March 31, 2024
F- 2
Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.
Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except for share and per share
amounts)
As of
As of
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash
$ 9,701
$ 26,142
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,698
4,806
Total current assets
13,399
30,948
Right of use asset, net
766
645
Property, plant and equipment, net
26
75
Total assets
$ 14,191
$ 31,668
Liabilities and stockholders’( deficit) equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 839
$ 1,058
Accrued liabilities
3,234
3,562
Warrant liability
13,134
18,936
Operating lease liability – current
327
564
Total current liabilities
17,534
24,120
Operating lease liability – long term
466
117
Total liabilities
18,000
24,237
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:
Series A-2 Prime preferred stock, $ 0.001 par value per share – 43,649 Series A-2 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and 21,388.01 Series A-2 Prime shares authorized at December 31, 2024; 43,649 Series A-2 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 6,150.21 Series A-2 Prime shares outstanding at December 31, 2024
-
-
Series B-2 preferred stock, $ 0.001 par value per share – zero and 7,882 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively; zero and 3,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively
Preferred stock: $ 0.001 par value per share— 9,926,161 and 9,846,891 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively; zero shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024
-
-
Common stock, $ 0.001 par value per share – 200,000,000 and 400,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively; 34,756,049 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 113,842,364 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024
35
114
Additional paid-in capital
60,697
108,587
Accumulated deficit
( 64,541 )
( 101,270 )
Total stockholders’(deficit) equity
( 3,809 )
7,431
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity
$ 14,191
$ 31,668
See accompanying notes to the financial statements
F- 3
Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.
Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except for share and per share
amounts)
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2024
Licensing revenues
$ 675
$ -
Operating expenses:
Research and development
12,902
20,014
General and administrative
8,547
12,103
Total operating expenses
21,449
32,117
Loss from operations
( 20,774 )
( 32,117 )
Other income (expenses):
Interest income
615
1,261
Interest expense
( 82 )
( 71 )
Change in fair value of warrants
( 10,303 )
( 5,802 )
Total other income (expenses)
( 9,770 )
( 4,612 )
Net loss
( 30,544 )
( 36,729 )
Deemed dividend to Series A-1 preferred stockholders
( 867 )
-
Dividends on Series B-1 Preferred Stock
-
( 1,095 )
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
$ ( 31,411 )
$ ( 37,824 )
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
$ ( 1.28 )
$ ( 0.56 )
Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted
24,539,309
66,985,129
See accompanying notes to the financial statements
F- 4
Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.
Statements of Stockholders’ (Deficit)
Equity
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Series A-1
Series B-1
Series A-2
Series A-2 Prime
Series B-2
Additional
Stockholder’
Preferred
Stock
Preferred Stock
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Preferred Stock
Paid-In
Accumulated
(Deficit)
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Balance at
December 31, 2022
-
$ -
-
$ -
15,231,655
$ 15
-
$ -
-
$ -
-
$ -
$ 33,516
$ ( 33,997 )
$ ( 466 )
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 30,544 )
( 30,544 )
Issuance of Series A-1 preferred
stock, net of issuance costs and allocated fair value of warrant liability
30,190
25,407
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Deemed dividends on Series
A-1 preferred stock
-
867
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 867 )
-
( 867 )
Issuance of Series A-2 preferred
stock and common stock upon conversion of Series A-1 preferred stock
( 30,190 )
( 26,274 )
-
-
19,516,205
20
43,649
-
-
-
-
-
26,254
-
26,274
Issuance of common stock for
exercise of options
-
-
-
-
8,189
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
27
-
27
Stock-based
compensation expense
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,767
-
1,767
Balance at December 31,
2023
-
-
-
-
34,756,049
35
43,649
-
-
-
-
-
60,697
( 64,541 )
( 3,809 )
Net loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 36,729 )
( 36,729 )
Issuance of Series B-1 preferred
stock , net of issuance costs
-
-
50,000
46,187
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dividends on Series B-1 preferred
stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 1,095 )
-
( 1,095 )
Exchange of Series A-2 preferred
stock for Series A-2 Prime preferred stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 43,649 )
-
21,388.01
-
-
-
-
-
-
Conversion of Series A-2 Prime
preferred stock into common stock
-
-
-
-
31,097,551
31
-
-
( 15,237.8 )
-
-
-
-
-
31
Issuance of Series B-2 preferred
stock and common stock upon conversion of Series B-1 preferred stock
-
-
( 50,000 )
( 46,187 )
42,118,000
$ 42
-
-
-
-
7,882
-
46,108
-
46,150
Conversion of Series B-2 preferred
stock into common stock
-
-
-
-
4,882,000
5
-
-
-
-
( 4,882 )
-
-
-
5
Issuance of common stock for
cash, net of issuance costs
-
-
-
-
977,407
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
523
-
524
Issuance of common stock for
exercise of options
-
-
-
-
11,357
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
4
Stock-based
compensation expense
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,350
-
2,350
Balance
at December 30, 2024
-
$ -
-
$ -
113,842,364
$ 114
-
$ -
6,150.21
$ -
3,000
$ -
$ 108,587
$ ( 101,270 )
$ 7,431
See accompanying notes to the financial statements
F- 5
Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2024
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
$ ( 30,544 )
$ ( 36,729 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation expense
9
22
G&A expense for issuance of common stock
-
-
Stock-based compensation expense
1,767
2,350
Amortization of operating lease right of use asset
275
406
Change in fair value of warrant liability
10,303
5,802
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expense and other current assets
( 1,117 )
( 820 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
1,276
790
Operating lease liability
( 252 )
( 397 )
Net cash used in operating activities
( 18,283 )
( 28,575 )
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
( 12 )
( 72 )
Net cash used in investing activities
( 12 )
( 72 )
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments on financed insurance policies
( 496 )
( 527 )
Gross Proceeds from Secondary Offerings
-
683
Dividends
-
( 1,095 )
Deferred Cost of at the market offering
-
( 160 )
Proceeds from issuance of Series A-1 preferred stock and warrants
30,190
50,000
Issuance costs related to Series A-1 preferred stock and warrants
( 2,153 )
( 3,813 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
27,541
45,088
Net (decrease) increase in cash
9,246
16,441
Cash at the beginning of the period
455
9,701
Cash at the end of the period
$ 9,701
$ 26,142
Supplemental cash flow information
Deferred preclinical charges included in prepaid expenses and other current assets
$ 349
$ -
Deferred insurance charges included in prepaid expenses and other current assets
$ 270
$ 267
Issuance of Series A-2 preferred stock and common stock upon conversion of Series A-1 preferred stock
$ 26,274
$ -
Issuance of Series B-2 preferred stock and common stock upon conversion of Series B-1 preferred stock
-
46,187
Accrued dividends on preferred stock
$ 867
$ -
Fair value of warrants issued in connection with the issuance of preferred stock
$ 2,831
$ -
Cash paid for interest
$ 24
$ 12
Cash paid for income taxes
$ -
$ -
See accompanying notes to the financial statements
F- 6
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Organization and Description of Business
Overview
Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc. (“the Company”)
was incorporated in the State of Delaware on August 18, 2016 . The Company was dormant until July 2017 when it began evaluating several
drug candidates for in-licensing.
The Company in-licensed the drug candidate UNI
494 from Sphaera Pharma Pte. Ltd, a Singapore-based corporation, (“Sphaera”) (Note 3). UNI 494 is a pro-drug of Nicorandil
that is being developed as a treatment for acute kidney injury.
In September 2018, the Company purchased a second
drug candidate, Renazorb RZB 012 and its trademark, RENALAN, and various patents from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Spectrum”)
(Note 3). Renazorb (“Oxylanthanum Carbonate”) is being developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with Chronic
Kidney Disease (“CKD”).
The Company continues to evaluate the licensing
of additional technologies and drugs, targeting orphan diseases and other renal, liver, and other metabolic diseases affecting fibrosis
and inflammation.
Liquidity
The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties
common to early-stage companies in the biotechnology industry including, but not limited to, development by competitors of new technological
innovations, protection of proprietary technology, dependence on key personnel, compliance with governmental regulations and the need
to obtain additional financing to fund operations. The Company’s product candidates currently under development will require significant
additional research and development efforts prior to commercialization. Future revenue streams may consist of collaboration or licensing
revenue as well as product sales.
The Company has incurred operating losses and
negative cash flows from operations since inception and expects to continue to incur negative cash flows from operations in the future.
As the Company increases its research and development activities, the operating losses are expected to increase. The Company has historically
relied on private equity offerings, debt financing and loans from a stockholder to fund its operations. As of December 31, 2023, and December
31, 2024, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $ 64.5 million and $ 101.3 million, respectively.
In connection with its initial public offering
(“IPO”), on July 13, 2021, the Company began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “UNCY”, and
on July 15, 2021, received approximately $ 22.3 million in net proceeds after deducting the underwriting discounts, commissions and other
offering expenses. The Company has used the net proceeds from the IPO to complete pre-clinical and clinical studies, prepare regulatory
filings for the FDA, and for general and corporate purposes, including hiring additional management and conducting market research and
other commercial planning.
On March 3, 2023, the Company entered into a securities
purchase agreement with certain healthcare-focused institutional investors that may provide up to $ 130.0 million in gross proceeds through
a private placement and that included initial upfront funding of $ 28.0 million in net proceeds.
F- 7
On March 13, 2024, the Company entered into a
securities purchase agreement with certain healthcare-focused institutional investors to provide $ 50.0 million in gross proceeds through
a private placement. Pursuant to the securities purchase agreement, the Company issued institutional purchasers $ 50.0 million in shares
of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company received $ 46.2 million in net proceeds (net of issuance costs).
On November 13, 2024, the Company entered into
a Sales Agreement, with Guggenheim Securities, LLC pursuant to which, the Company may offer and sell shares of our common stock having
an aggregate offering price of up to $ 50.0 million, subject to certain limitations and in accordance with the terms of the Sales Agreement,
from time to time through or to Guggenheim Securities, acting as sales agent or principal. From November 13, 2024 through December 31,
2024 the Company sold 977,407 shares of common stock at an average price of $ 0.72 per share resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately
$ 0.7 million, for which it paid Guggenheim approximately $ 21,000 in commissions, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately
$ 0.7 million.
The Company expects to continue incurring losses
in the future and will be required to raise additional capital in the future to complete its planned clinical trials, pursue product development
initiatives and penetrate markets for the sale of its products. Management believes that the Company will continue to have access to capital
resources through possible equity offerings, debt financing, corporate collaborations, or other means. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to the Company, on a timely basis or at all. If the Company
is unable to secure additional capital, it may be required to curtail any clinical trials and development of new or existing products
and take additional measures to reduce expenses in order to conserve its cash in amounts sufficient to sustain operations and meet its
obligations. Based on the Company’s currently anticipated level of expenditures, and after receiving the proceeds from the private
placement in March 2024 and at-the-market public offering in November 2024, the Company believes that it has sufficient resources such
that there is not substantial doubt about the ability to continue operations for at least one year after the date that these financial
statements are available to be issued.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements and accompanying notes
have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during
the periods presented. Management believes that these estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, actual results may differ and
could have a material effect on future results of operations and financial position. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions
include stock-based compensation and valuation of warrant liabilities. Actual results may materially differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The Company
applies the five-step model in ASC 606 and recognizes revenue from product sales or services rendered when control of the promised goods
or services are transferred to a counterparty in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled
in exchange for those goods and services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps: identify the contract
with the client, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price
to performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenues when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
F- 8
Warrant Liability
In conjunction with the issuance of Series A-1
Preferred Stock (see Note 10), the Company established a warrant liability as of March 3, 2023, representing the fair value of warrants
that may be issued (and have since been issued – see Note 11), subject to shareholder approval, upon conversion of the Series A-1
Preferred Stock. The Company accounts for these warrants as liabilities (in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from
Equity ) on the balance sheets as a result of certain redemption clauses that are not within the control of the Company. The warrant
liability was initially measured at fair value and is remeasured at fair value each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of the
warrant liability is recognized in earnings during each period. The warrant liability is measured using Level 3 fair value inputs. See
Note 12 for a description of warrant liability and the related valuations.
Segment Information
The Company reports its segment information to
reflect the manner in which the CODM reviews and assesses performance. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer has the responsibility
as the CODM to review and assess the performance of the Company as a whole.
The primary financial measures used by the CODM
to evaluate performance and allocate resources are net income (loss) and operating income (loss). The CODM uses net income (loss) and
operating income (loss) to evaluate the performance of the Company’s ongoing operations and as part of the Company’s internal
planning and forecasting processes. Information on net income (loss) and operating income (loss) is disclosed in the Statements of Operations.
Segment expenses and other segment items are provided to the CODM on the same basis as disclosed in the Statements of Operations.
The CODM does not evaluate performance or allocate
resources based on segment assets, and therefore such information is not presented in the notes to the financial statements.
Risks and Uncertainties
The Company operates in a dynamic and highly competitive
industry and believes that changes in any of the following areas could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future financial
position, results of operations, or cash flows: ability to obtain future financing; advances and trends in new technologies and industry
standards; results of clinical trials; regulatory approval and market acceptance of the Company’s products; development of sales
channels; certain strategic relationships; litigation or claims against the Company related to intellectual property, product, regulatory,
or other matters; and the Company’s ability to attract and retain employees necessary to support its growth.
The Company’s general business strategy
may be adversely affected by any such economic downturns, volatile business environments and continued unstable or unpredictable economic
and market conditions.
Any product candidates developed by the Company
will require approvals from the FDA or other international regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales. There can be no assurance that
the Company’s current product candidates or any future product candidates will receive the necessary approvals. If the Company is
denied approval, approval is delayed or the Company is unable to maintain approval, it could have a materially adverse impact on the Company.
The Company has expended and will continue to
expend substantial funds to complete the research, development and clinical testing of its product candidates. The Company also will be
required to expend additional funds to establish commercial-scale manufacturing arrangements and to provide for the marketing and distribution
of products that receive regulatory approval. The Company will require additional funds to commercialize its products. The Company is
unable to entirely fund these efforts with its current financial resources. If adequate funds are unavailable on a timely basis from operations
or additional sources of financing, the Company may have to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate one or more of its research or development
programs, which would materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and operations.
The Company is dependent upon the services of
its employees, consultants and other third parties.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at
cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements, and major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life
of an asset are capitalized. repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized
on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.
F- 9
Management assesses the carrying value of property
and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If there is an indication
of impairment, management prepares an estimate of future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition.
If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its estimated
fair value at that time. As of December 31, 2024, management determined there were no impairments of the Company’s property and
equipment.
Leases
The Company determines whether a contract is,
or contains, a lease at inception. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease
term, and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets
and lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based upon the estimated present value of unpaid lease payments over the lease
term. The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement in determining
the present value of unpaid lease payments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments include
the warrant liability, cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Fair value is defined as the price that would
be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement
date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The fair value
hierarchy contains the following levels:
● Level 1 — defined as observable inputs based on unadjusted
quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
● Level 2 — defined as inputs other than Level 1 that
are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active;
and
● Level 3 — defined as unobservable inputs in which little
or no market data exists where valuations are derived from techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
The fair value of the warrant liability associated
with the Company’s March 2023 private placement transaction, further described in Note 12, was determined as of March 3, 2023, and
March 31, 2023, by using a Monte Carlo simulation technique (“MCS”) to value the embedded derivatives associated with the
warrants. The MCS methodology calculates the theoretical value of a warrant liability based on certain parameters, including: (i) the
threshold of exercising the warrants, (ii) the price of the underlying security, (iii) the time to expiration, or expected term, (iv)
the expected volatility of the underlying security, (v) the risk-free rate, (vi) the number of paths, and (vii) estimated probability
assumptions surrounding shareholder approval as well as the achievement by the Company of technical milestones associated with regulatory
and commercial progress.
The MCS valuation model was used for the valuations
performed as of the transaction inception at March 3, 2023 and at March 31, 2023 due to uncertainty in the timing of shareholder approval
and the potential variability in the warrant exercise prices. On June 26, 2023, the Company held its annual shareholder meeting, and as
a result, shareholder approval for the issuance of common shares upon the conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock was obtained, the
warrants were issued, and the exercise price for the warrants became fixed. Therefore, as of December 31, 2023, the fair value of the
warrant liability was determined using a Black Scholes model with parameters including (i) the exercise price of the warrants, (ii) the
price of the underlying security, (iii) the time to expiration, or expected term, (iv) the expected volatility of the underlying security,
(v) the risk-free rate, and (vi) estimated probability assumptions surrounding the achievement by the Company of technical milestones
associated with regulatory and commercial progress.
F- 10
These valuation techniques involve management’s
estimates and judgment based on unobservable inputs and are classified in Level 3. The fair value estimates may not be indicative of the
amounts that would be realized in a market exchange. Additionally, there may be inherent uncertainties or changes in the underlying assumptions
used, which could significantly affect the current or future fair value estimates. Generally, a significant increase (decrease) in the
probabilities of shareholder approval and the achievement of technical milestones would have resulted in a significantly higher (lower)
fair value measurement; however, changes in other inputs such as expected term and price of the underlying common stock will have a directionally
opposite impact on fair value measurement.
The following table summarizes the fair value
hierarchy of financial liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands).
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Total
Warrant liability
$ -
$ -
$ 18,936
$ 18,936
Total liabilities at fair value
$ -
$ -
$ 18,936
$ 18,936
The following table summarizes the changes in
fair value of the warrant liability classified in Level 3. Gains and losses reported in this table include changes in fair value that
are attributable to unobservable inputs (in thousands).
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
Fair value, January 1, 2023
$ -
Issuance of warrants (March 3, 2023)
2,831
Change in fair value of warrants
10,303
Fair value, December 31, 2023
$ 13,134
Year Ended
December 31,
2024
Fair value, January 1, 2024
$ 13,134
Change in fair value of warrants
5,802
Fair value, December 31, 2024
$ 18,936
Expense relating to the change in fair value of
the warrant liability of $ 10.3 million and $ 5.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively, are included in
other income (expense) in the statements of operations.
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement requires all entities
to disclose the fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2024, the recorded values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximated
fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities are Level
1 financial instruments.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject
the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. The cash and cash equivalents the Company uses to satisfy
working capital and operating expense needs are held in accounts at various financial institutions. Cash balances may at times exceed
federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents could be adversely impacted, including the loss of uninsured deposits and other uninsured
financial assets, if one or more of the financial institutions in which the Company holds its cash or cash equivalents fails or is subject
to other adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets. No such losses have been incurred through December 31, 2024.
F- 11
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets represent
costs incurred that benefit future periods. These costs are amortized over specific time periods based on the agreements.
Research and Development Expenses
Substantially all the Company’s research
and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in connection with the development of the Company’s product candidates. These
expenses include fees paid to third parties to conduct certain research and development activities on the Company’s behalf, consulting
costs, costs for laboratory supplies, product acquisition and license costs, certain payroll and personnel-related expenses, including
salaries and bonuses, employee benefit costs and stock-based compensation expenses for the Company’s research and product development
employees. The Company expenses both internal and external research and development expenses as they are incurred.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses represent
personnel costs for employees involved in general corporate functions, including finance, accounting, legal and human resources, among
others. Additional costs included in general and administrative expenses consist of professional fees for legal (including patent costs),
audit and other consulting services, stock-based compensation, and other general corporate overhead expenses as well as costs from a service
agreement with a related party (See Note 7).
Patent Costs
The Company expenses all costs as incurred in
connection with patent licenses and applications (including direct application fees, and the legal and consulting expenses related to
making such applications) and such costs are reflected in general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation
for all share-based payments made to employees and non-employees by estimating the fair value on the date of grant and recognizing compensation
expense over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. The Company recognizes forfeitures related to stock-based compensation
as they occur. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model
requires the input of subjective assumptions, including expected common stock volatility, expected dividend yield, expected term, risk-free
interest rate, and the estimated fair value (prior to the Company’s initial public offering) or the public market closing price
of the Company’s underlying common stock on the date of grant.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for corporate income taxes
in accordance with GAAP as stipulated in ASC, Topic 740, Income Taxes, (“ASC 740”). This standard entails the use of the asset
and liability method of computing the provision for income tax expense. Current tax expense results from corporate tax payable at the
Federal and California jurisdictions for the Company, which relates to the current accounting period. Deferred tax expense results primarily
from temporary differences between financial statement and tax return reporting, which result in additional tax payable in future periods.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets
and liabilities using enacted tax rates and law. Net future tax benefits are subject to a valuation allowance when management expects
that it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
F- 12
Current and non-current tax assets and liabilities
are based upon an estimate of taxes refundable or payable for each of the jurisdictions in which the Company is subject to tax. In the
ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying income tax positions. The Company assess income tax positions
and record the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50 % likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing
authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that
a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized in the financial statements. The Company’s policy is to recognize
interest or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the
option to immediately deduct research and development expenditures in the year incurred under Section 174, which became effective January
1, 2022. We are monitoring legislation for any further changes to Section 174 and the impact, if any, on the financial statements in 2025.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss includes all changes in equity
(net assets) during a period from non-owner sources. There were no elements of other comprehensive income (loss) in the periods presented,
as a result comprehensive loss is the same as net loss for each period presented.
Net Loss per Share
Basic and diluted net loss per share is presented
in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. Basic and diluted net loss for common stock and
for preferred stock is computed by dividing the sum of distributed earnings and undistributed earnings for each class of stock by the
weighted average number of shares outstanding for each class of stock for the period. Diluted net loss per share includes potentially
dilutive securities outstanding for the period. As the Company has reported a net loss for all periods presented, a diluted net loss per
common share is the same as basic net loss per common share for those periods.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements
are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies and adopted by the Company
as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective are
not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic280): Improvements
to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires an enhanced disclosure of significant segment expenses on an annual and interim basis.
This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the guidance should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented
in the financial statements. We have adopted this guidance and do not expect it to have a material impact on our financial statements.
Income Taxes Disclosures – In December
2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” ASU2023-09 requires
disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid.
ASU 2023-09 is effective for public entities with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounting pronouncements pending adoption
On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03,
Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (“ASU 2024-03”). ASU 2024-03 amends 220, Comprehensive Income to expand income statement
expense disclosures and require disclosure in the notes to the financial statements of specified information about certain costs and expenses.
ASU 2024-03 is required to be adopted for fiscal years commencing after December 15, 2026, with early adoption permitted. The company
is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
F- 13
3. Significant Agreements
With regards to manufacturing, testing and potential
commercial supply of oxylanthanum carbonate, on October 31, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with Shilpa Medicare Ltd (“Shilpa”)
based in India. Pursuant to the Agreement, Shilpa provides certain development, manufacturing, supply and other CMC-related services related
to the development and commercialization of oxylanthanum carbonate (“OLC”).
In June 2024, the Company entered into the First
Amendment to Manufacturing and Supply Agreement with Shilpa (the “Amendment”) in anticipation of an increased manufacturing
demand for OLC. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Company has agreed to make a binding purchase order for tablets of OLC and Shilpa has agreed
to deliver such order by September 30, 2025. In addition, the Company has agreed to order additional tablets for delivery between December
31, 2025, and September 30, 2026. Further, the Company has agreed to make certain milestone payments and to provide certain funding to
Shilpa for a new manufacturing line. The initial term of the Agreement shall continue until the eighth (8th) anniversary of the date of
receipt by the Company of FDA approval of its NDA of OLC (the “Initial Term”). Following the Initial Term, the Agreement shall
continue in effect for consecutive periods of four (4) years each unless earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.
In October 2017, the Company entered into an exclusive
license agreement with Sphaera, a stockholder, for the rights to further develop the drug candidate, UNI 494, for commercialization. No
payments were made upon execution of the agreement but payments for $ 50,000 will be due commencing with the initiation by the Company
of a second clinical trial and $ 50,000 on completion of such trial. If the FDA accepts a NDA application submitted by the Company for
the product, the Company will pay Sphaera $ 1.65 million. Upon commercialization and sale of the drug product, royalty payments will also
be payable quarterly to Sphaera equal to 2 % of net sales in the preceding quarter.
In September 2018, the Company entered into an
Assignment and Asset Purchase Agreement with Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Spectrum Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company
purchased certain assets from Spectrum, including Spectrum’s right, title, interest in and intellectual property related to Renazorb
RZB 012, also known as RENALAN™ (“Renalan”) and RZB 014, also known as SPI 014 (“SPI” and together with
Renalan, the “Compounds”), to further develop and commercialize oxylanthanum carbonate and related compounds. In partial consideration
for the Spectrum Agreement, the Company issued 313,663 shares of common stock to Spectrum valued at approximately $ 4,000 which represented
four percent of the Company on a fully-diluted basis at the date of the execution of the Spectrum Agreement. The Spectrum Agreement has
an anti-dilution provision, which provides that Spectrum maintain its ownership interest in the Company at 4 % of the Company’s shares
on a fully-diluted basis. Fully-diluted shares of common stock for purposes of the oxylanthanum carbonate Purchase Agreement assumes conversion
of any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for common stock or any combination thereof, including any common stock
reserved for issuance under a stock option plan, restricted stock plan, or other equity incentive plan approved by the Board of Directors
of the Company immediately following the issuance of additional shares of the Company’s common stock (but prior to the issuance
of any additional shares of common stock to Spectrum). Spectrum’s ownership shall not be subject to dilution until the earlier of
thirty-six months from the first date the Company’s stock trades on a public market, or the date upon which the Company attains
a public market capitalization of at least $ 50 million. On July 13, 2021, the Company’s initial public offering resulted in a public
market capitalization of at least $ 50 million, and as a result the Company was required to issue 438,374 anti-dilution shares of common
stock. This issuance represented the final anti-dilution calculation required under the Spectrum Agreement, and no further anti-dilution
shares will be issued. The Company calculated the fair value of the shares and recognized $ 2.2 million to research and development expenses
as cost to issue those shares during the third quarter of 2021. In the event an NDA filing for oxylanthanum carbonate is accepted by the
FDA, the Company will be required to pay $ 0.2 million to Altair Nanomaterials, Inc., (“Altair”) in accordance with the Spectrum
Agreement. In addition, in the event FDA approval for oxylanthanum carbonate is received, the Company will be required to pay $ 4.5 million
to Altair. The Company is also required to pay Spectrum 40 % of all the Company’s sublicense income for any sublicense granted to
certain sublicensees during the first 12 months after the Closing Date (as that term is defined in the Spectrum Agreement) and 20 % of
all other sublicense income. The Company’s payment obligations to Spectrum will expire on the twentieth (20th) anniversary of the
Closing Date of the Spectrum Agreement. In August 2022, the Company received an upfront payment of approximately $ 1.0 million resulting
from a sublicense development agreement with Lee’s Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited. In February 2023, the Company received an upfront
payment of approximately $ 0.7 million resulting from a sublicense development agreement with Lotus International Pte Ltd. The payment
represents sublicense income as described in the Spectrum Agreement, and 20 % of the amount received has been accrued as a research and
development expense in the accompanying statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024.
F- 14
On July 19, 2021, the Company entered into an
agreement with Syneos Health LLC (“Syneos”) pursuant to which Syneos will provide preclinical research and analysis services
related to the development of UNI-494. The initial budget for the study, which includes clinical pharmacology, translational sciences,
and bioanalytical services, was approximately $ 2.3 million. Approximately $ 2.0 million has been paid to Syneos and the research was completed
during 2023.
On January 6, 2022, the Company entered into a
Master Services Agreement with Quotient Sciences Limited (“Quotient”), a UK based company that provides drug development and
analysis services, for the purpose of performing clinical research in support of UNI-494. The initial budget for the study is approximately
$ 3.7 million, and subsequent revisions reduced the overall budget to $ 2.9 million. Related payments totaling approximately $ 2.8 million
have been paid to Quotient as of December 31, 2024. Approximately $ 2.8 million of related expense has been recorded, and approximately
$ 0.6 million has been recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying balance sheets as of December 31, 2023
and there is no prepaid balance in 2024.
On February 9, 2022, the Company entered into
a Master Services Agreement with CBCC Global Research Inc. (“CBCC”), a California based company that provides clinical trial
and related services, for the purpose of performing clinical research in support of Oxylanthanum Carbonate. The budget for the initial
study was approximately $ 1.4 million. Payments relating to the initial agreement totaling approximately $ 0.4 million have been paid to
CBCC as of March 31, 2023, and approximately $ 0.4 million of related expense has been recorded. In September 2022, a statement of work
revised the remaining services budget to approximately $ 0.1 million, and the research was completed as of March 31, 2023.
On June 29, 2022, the Company entered into an
agreement with Inotiv, an Indiana based company that provides preclinical trial and related services, for the purpose of performing research
in support of Oxylanthanum Carbonate.
On April 10, 2023, the Company entered into an
agreement with Inotiv that provides preclinical trial and related services, for the purpose of performing research in support of UNI-494.
The budget for these services is approximately $ 2.9 million. Approximately $ 2.9 million has been paid to Inotiv as of December 31, 2024,
and approximately $ 0.3 million has been recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying balance sheet as of
December 31, 2023 and there is no prepaid balance in 2024.
On July 14, 2022, the Company entered into a license
agreement with Lee’s Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited (see Note 4). Under the terms of the agreement, Lee’s Pharmaceutical will
be responsible for development, registration filing and approval for Oxylanthanum Carbonate in China, Hong Kong, and certain other Asian
markets. In addition, Lee’s Pharmaceutical will have sole responsibility for the importation of the drug product from the Company
and for the costs of commercialization of Oxylanthanum Carbonate in the licensed territories. The Company has received an upfront payment
of $ 1.0 million, expects to receive up to $ 1.0 million in milestone payments upon product launch in China and will be eligible for tiered
royalties of between 7 % and 10 % upon achievement of prespecified regulatory and commercial achievements.
On July 27, 2022, the Company entered into an
agreement with Celerion, a Nebraska based company that provides clinical trial and related services, for the purpose of performing research
in support of Oxylanthanum Carbonate. The budget for the services is approximately $ 2.7 million, approximately $ 2.7 million has been paid
to Celerion as of December 31, 2023, and the research was completed during 2023.
On February 1, 2023, the Company entered into
a license agreement with Lotus International Pte Ltd. (“Lotus”) (see Note 4). Under the terms of the agreement, Lotus will
be responsible for development, registration filing and approval for Oxylanthanum Carbonate in the licensed territory of South Korea.
In addition, Lotus will have sole responsibility for the importation of the drug product from the Company and for the costs of commercialization
of Oxylanthanum Carbonate in the licensed territory. The Company has received an upfront payment of $ 0.7 million, may receive up to $ 3.7
million in future milestone payments and will be eligible for tiered royalties upon achievement of specified commercial achievements.
On June 29, 2023 and October 26, 2023, the Company
entered into services agreements with Shilpa Medicare Ltd related to NDA filing support for Oxylanthanum Carbonate. The agreements provide
for total payments of up to $ 6.5 million, and the Company has made $ 6.5 million in payments pursuant to the agreements as of December
31, 2024.
F- 15
4. Licensing Revenues
On July 14, 2022, the Company entered into a license
agreement (the “Lee’s Agreement”) with Lee’s Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited (“Lee’s”). Under the
terms of the agreement, Lee’s Pharmaceutical will be responsible for development, registration filing and approval for Oxylanthanum
Carbonate in China, Hong Kong, and certain other Asian markets. In addition, Lee’s will have sole responsibility for the importation
of the drug product from the Company and for the costs of commercialization of Oxylanthanum Carbonate in the licensed territories. Both
parties agreed to enter into a separate manufacturing and supply agreement whereby Unicycive will supply Lee’s with Oxylanthanum
Carbonate product. The Company has received an upfront payment of approximately $ 1.0 million, expects to receive up to $ 1.0 million in
milestone payments upon product launch in China and will be eligible for tiered royalties between 7 % and 10 % upon achievement of prespecified
regulatory and commercial achievements.
The Company has evaluated the Lee’s Agreement
in accordance with ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements (“ASC 808”) and ASC 606. The Company first assessed whether
the contractual arrangement is within the scope of ASC 808 which defines a collaborative arrangement as a contractual arrangement that
involves a joint operating activity. Under ASC 606, the counterparty is considered a customer only if it is acquiring goods or services
that are an output of the entity’s “ordinary activities”. The Lee’s Agreement is consistent with the Company’s
current ongoing operations, which is an operating model adopted by many early-stage biotech companies. The license portion of the contract
as well as the future potential transactions under a manufacturing and supply agreement both represent a vendor-customer relationship.
The Company does not believe that its promise
to provide goods under a future manufacturing and supply agreement represents a material right to Lee’s, and therefore the promise
does not represent a current performance obligation. The Company has concluded the agreement contains one performance obligation –
the IP license.
ASC 606 indicates that constrained variable consideration
should be included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative
revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Variable consideration
consisting of milestone payments and sales-based royalties may be received based on the completion of certain clinical, regulatory, and
commercial activities. The Company has concluded that the future milestone payments should be excluded from the transaction price due
to the uncertainty of achievement as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024. The Company will reassess this conclusion at each reporting
date until the uncertainties are resolved.
For the sales-based royalty payments, guidance
requires an entity to recognize revenue for a sales-based royalty promised in exchange for a license of intellectual property only when
the later of 1) the subsequent sale or usage occurs, or 2) the performance obligation to which some or all the sales-based or usage-based
royalty has been allocated has been satisfied or partially satisfied. The Company has concluded that the future sales-based royalties
should be excluded from the transaction price as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024. The Company will reassess this conclusion
at each reporting date.
The Company has concluded that at contract inception
the total transaction price is the $ 1.0 million upfront fee.
The Company has concluded that the license of
the Oxylanthanum Carbonate IP is functional IP as it contains all the necessary information for Lee’s to develop for commercialization
in the Territory. Unicycive’s ongoing activities do not significantly affect the standalone functionality of the IP. In addition,
the functionality of the IP is not expected to substantially change during the license period based on Unicycive’s activities. The
revenue should therefore be recognized at a point in time. This intellectual property was transferred to Lee’s in July 2022, and
the Company has recognized $ 1.0 million in the accompanying statements of operations as licensing revenue for the year ended December
31, 2022.
F- 16
On February 1, 2023, the Company entered into
a license agreement (“Lotus Agreement”) with Lotus International Pte Ltd. (“Lotus”). Under the terms of the agreement,
Lotus will be responsible for development, registration filing and approval for Oxylanthanum Carbonate in the licensed territory of South
Korea. In addition, Lotus will have sole responsibility for the importation of the drug product from the Company and for the costs of
commercialization of Oxylanthanum Carbonate in the licensed territory. The Company has agreed to complete development of the drug product,
at its own expense, as required for obtaining regulatory approval in the U.S. Both parties agreed to enter into a separate manufacturing
and supply agreement whereby Unicycive will supply Lotus with Oxylanthanum Carbonate product. The Company has received an upfront payment
of $ 0.7 million, may receive up to $ 3.7 million in future milestone payments and will be eligible for tiered royalties upon achievement
of specified commercial achievements.
The Company has evaluated the Lotus Agreement
in accordance with ASC 808 and ASC 606. The Company first assessed whether the contractual arrangement is within the scope of ASC 808
which defines a collaborative arrangement as a contractual arrangement that involves a joint operating activity. Under ASC 606, the counterparty
is considered a customer only if it is acquiring goods or services that are an output of the entity’s “ordinary activities”.
The Lotus Agreement is consistent with the Company’s current ongoing operations, which is an operating model adopted by many early-stage
biotech companies. The license portion of the contract as well as the future potential transactions under a manufacturing and supply agreement
both represent a vendor-customer relationship.
The Company does not believe that its promise
to provide goods under a future manufacturing and supply agreement represents a material right to Lotus, and therefore the promise does
not represent a current performance obligation. The Company evaluated the development services and concluded that although not material
in cost, they are highly interrelated with the license grant. If a promised good or service is not distinct, an entity is required to
combine that good or service with other promised goods or services until it identifies a bundle of goods or services that is distinct.
The combination of the license grant and development services is distinct as Lotus plans to use the product of this bundled unit for developing
its regulatory applications. The Company concluded that the Lotus agreement contains one performance obligation, the bundle of the license
grant and development services.
ASC 606 indicates that constrained variable consideration
should be included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative
revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Variable considerations
consisting of milestone payments and sales-based royalties may be received based on the completion of certain clinical, regulatory, and
commercial activities. The Company has concluded that the future milestone payments should be excluded from the transaction price due
to the uncertainty of achievement as of December 31, 2024. The Company will reassess this conclusion at each reporting date until the
uncertainties are resolved.
For the sales-based royalty payments, guidance
requires an entity to recognize revenue for a sales-based royalty promised in exchange for a license of intellectual property only when
the later of 1) the subsequent sale or usage occurs, or 2) the performance obligation to which some or all the sales-based or usage-based
royalty has been allocated has been satisfied or partially satisfied. The Company has concluded that the future sales-based royalties
should be excluded from the transaction price as of December 31, 2024. The Company will reassess this conclusion at each reporting date.
The Company has concluded that at contract inception
the total transaction price is $ 675,000 in the amount of the upfront payment. ASC 606 generally requires an entity to allocate the transaction
price to the performance obligations in proportion to their standalone selling prices (i.e., on a relative standalone selling price basis).
The Company identified the bundle of the license grant and development services as the single performance obligation in the agreement.
The $ 675,000 initial transaction price will therefore be entirely allocated to this obligation.
F- 17
The Company has concluded that the license of
the Oxylanthanum Carbonate IP is functional IP. However, since it is not distinct, revenue must be recognized based on the combination
of the functional IP and the related development services. Lotus will not simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the Oxylanthanum
Carbonate IP or development services. Since the performance of the development services creates an asset that will also be used by the
Company and can be licensed to other customers outside of the Territory, the Company is considered to control the asset as it is created,
and it does create an asset with an alternative use. Therefore, the Company concluded that control is not deemed to be transferred over
time and is instead transferred at a point in time. The intellectual property was transferred to Lotus in February 2023, and the development
services were determined to be immaterial to the contract. The Company has recognized $ 0.7 million in the accompanying statements of operations
as licensing revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023.
We may earn additional licensing revenue in the
future if we negotiate business development arrangements with third parties.
5. Balance Sheet Components
Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of
December 31, 2023, and 2024 consisted of the following (in thousands):
As of
As of
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2024
Prepaid directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums
$ 270
$ 263
Prepaid preclinical services
3,103
3,604
Other
325
939
Total
$ 3,698
$ 4,806
Property, plant and equipment as of December 31,
2023 and 2024 consisted of the following (in thousands):
As of
As of
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2024
Leasehold improvements
$ 21
$ 49
Lab Equipment
-
26
CIP
-
10
Furniture and fixtures
21
29
Subtotal
42
114
Less accumulated depreciation
( 16 )
( 39 )
Net
$ 26
$ 75
F- 18
Accounts payable as of December 31, 2023 and 2024
consisted of the following (in thousands):
As of
As of
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2024
Trade accounts payable
$ 821
$ 966
Credit card liability
18
92
Total
$ 839
$ 1,058
Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and
2024 consisted of the following (in thousands):
As of
As of
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2024
Accrued labor costs
$ 1,917
$ 1,910
Accrued drug development costs
1,034
1,258
Other
283
394
Total
$ 3,234
$ 3,562
6. Operating Lease
The Company leases office space under an operating
lease. In December 2021, the Company entered into a lease agreement for 2,367 square feet of office space commencing December 1, 2021.
The initial lease term was for two years , and there was an option to extend the lease for an additional year. On March 3, 2023, the Company
expanded its leased space through a lease amendment by an additional 2,456 square feet commencing March 15, 2023. The term of the amended
lease is for three years with an option to extend the lease for three additional years . On June 28, 2024, the Company further expanded
its leased space through a lease amendment by an additional 2,581 square feet commencing July 15, 2024. The term of the amended lease
unifies with the current expiration of the lease.
The lease amendment represents a modification
of the original lease, and the Company evaluated the new agreement under ASC 842, Leases . The Company classified the lease as an
operating lease and, on July 15, 2024, determined that the present value of the lease was approximately $ 1.0 million using an estimated
incremental borrowing rate of 10 %. During the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2024, the Company reflected amortization of right-of-use
asset of approximately $ 275,000 and $ 406,000 , respectively, resulting in a right of use asset balance of approximately $ 0.6 million at
December 31, 2024.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, and
2024 the Company made cash payments on the lease of approximately $ 331,000 and $ 474,000 respectively towards the lease liabilities. As
of December 31, 2024, the total lease liability was $ 0.7 million. Rent expense for the lease for the years ended December 31, 2023, and
2024 was approximately $ 354,000 and $ 484,000 , respectively.
F- 19
Maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities
are as follows (in thousands):
Operating
Lease
Year ending December 31, 2025
608
Year ending December 31, 2026
118
Total lease payments
726
Less imputed interest rate / present value discount
( 45 )
Present value of lease liability
681
Less current portion
( 564 )
Long term portion
$ 117
7. Related Party Transactions
Loan from Chief Executive Officer and Stockholder
The Company received advances from a stockholder
of $ 210,000 during February 2023. The Company repaid amounts owed to the stockholder of $ 210,000 plus accrued interest during March 2023.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Contingencies
The Company is subject to claims and legal proceedings
that arise in the ordinary course of business. Such matters are inherently uncertain, and there can be no guarantee that the outcome of
any such matter will be decided favorably to the Company or that the resolution of any such matter will not have a material adverse effect
upon the Company’s financial statements. The Company currently has no pending claims or legal proceedings.
In December 2022, the Company signed an advisory
services agreement with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) pursuant to which the Company will pay Maxim $ 100,000 upon the closing of
a private placement of the Company’s equity or equity-linked securities. Maxim provided advisory services with respect to a private
placement securities purchase agreement with certain healthcare-focused institutional investors, which closed in March of 2023. The Company
paid the $ 100,000 advisory fee in March 2023.
Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company
enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and provide for general indemnifications,
including for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, in connection with any trade secret, copyright, patent or other intellectual
property infringement claim by any third party with respect to its technology. The terms of these indemnification agreements are generally
perpetual any time after the execution of the agreements. The Company’s exposure under these agreements is unknown because it involves
claims that may be made against the Company in the future, but that have not yet been made. To date, the Company has not paid any claims
or been required to defend any action related to its indemnification obligations.
F- 20
The Company believes that the likelihood of conditions
arising that would trigger these indemnities is remote and, historically, the Company has not made any significant payment under such
indemnification provisions. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any liabilities relating to these agreements. However, the Company
may record charges in the future as a result of these indemnification obligations.
Additionally, the Company has agreed to indemnify its directors and
officers for certain events or occurrences while the director or officer is, or was serving, at the Company’s request in such a
capacity. The indemnification period covers all pertinent events and occurrences during the director’s or officer’s service.
Employee Benefit Plan
In December 2021, the Company implemented a 401(k)
Plan which covers all eligible employees of the Company (the “401(k) Plan”). Employer matching contributions are immediately
100 % vested. The Company’s 401(k) Plan provides that the Company matches each participant’s contribution at 100 % up to 4 %
of the employee’s eligible compensation. Company contributions to the 401(k) Plan totaled approximately $ 107,000 and $ 136,000 for
the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2024, respectively.
9. Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity
Authorized Common Stock
The Company is authorized to issue up to 400,000,000 shares of common
stock at par value of $ 0.001 per share.
Issuance of Common Stock and Warrants from Initial Public Offering
During July 2021, as a result of its initial public offering, the Company
issued 5,000,000 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 warrants to investors in exchange for cash at $ 5.00 per unit, consisting of $ 4.99
per share of common stock and $ .0125 per four fifths of a warrant. The warrants have a 5 -year term and an exercise price of $ 6.00 per
warrant. The underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 600,000 warrants, and the Company received $ 7,500 in proceeds.
As a result of the initial public offering, the Company’s outstanding
convertible notes and unpaid accrued interest were converted into 736,773 shares of common stock. Additionally, convertible noteholders
were granted a total of 184,193 common stock warrants with a 5 -year term and with an exercise price of $ 6.00 per warrant.
The warrants from the initial public offering are equity classified.
The following table summarizes activity for the Company’s IPO warrants for the year ended December 31, 2024:
Weighted-
Number of Average
Shares Weighted- Remaining Aggregate
Underlying Average Contractual Intrinsic
Outstanding Exercise Term Value
Warrants Price (in Years) (in thousands)
Outstanding, December 31, 2023 4,784,193 6.00 2.54 -
Warrants granted -
-
-
-
Warrants exercised -
-
-
-
Outstanding, December 31, 2024 4,784,193 6.00 1.54 -
F- 21
Issuance of Common Stock Upon Conversion of Series A and Series
B Preferred Stock
On June 26, 2023, the Company held its annual shareholder meeting and,
as a result, shareholder approval for the issuance of common shares upon the conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock was obtained
(see Note 10). On July 11, 2023, pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series A Convertible
Voting Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”), the Company issued a total of 19,516,205 shares of common stock
and 43,649 Series A-2 Preferred Stock in settlement of the auto-conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock.
On March 26, 2024, the Company issued 2,850,000 shares of common stock
upon conversion of 1,396.50 shares of Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
On June 20, 2024, we held our annual stockholder meeting, and as a
result, stockholder approval for the conversion of the Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock was obtained (see Note 11). On July 5, 2024,
pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company
issued 42,118,000 shares of common stock and 7,882 shares of Series B-2 preferred stock in settlement of the automatic conversion of the
Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock.
On June 25, 2024, the Company issued 5,956,000 shares of common stock
upon conversion of 2,918.44 shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
On July 23, 2024, the Company issued 3,550,000 shares of common stock
upon conversion of 1,739.50 shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
On July 25, 2024, the Company issued 3,756,000 shares of common stock
upon conversion of 1,840.44 shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
On July 29, 2024, the Company issued 1,359,000 shares of common stock
upon conversion of 665.91 shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
On August 14, 2024, the Company issued 3,502,000 shares of common stock
upon conversion of 1,715.98 shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
On October 9, 2024, the Company issued 5,500,000 shares of common stock
upon conversion of 2,695 shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
On October 31, 2024, the Company issued 438,000 shares of common stock
upon conversion of 438 shares of the Company’s Series B-2 Preferred Stock.
On December 11, 2024, the Company issued 7,863,327 shares of common
stock upon conversion of 3,853.03 shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
On December 18, 2024, the Company issued 1,441,000 shares of common
stock upon conversion of 1,441 shares of the Company’s Series B-2 Preferred Stock.
On December 19, 2024, the Company issued 3,003,000 shares of common
stock upon conversion of 3,003 shares of the Company’s Series B-2 Preferred Stock.
F- 22
Voting Rights of Common Stock
Each holder of shares of common stock shall be entitled to one vote
for each share thereof held.
10. Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock
On March 3, 2023, the Company issued and sold, in a private placement,
30,190 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock for an aggregate net proceeds of $ 28.0 million (the “Preferred Stock Offering”),
net of placement agent fees and offering expenses of $ 2.2 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Preferred Stock
Offering to support the Company’s New Drug Application (NDA) submission for approval of Oxylanthanum Carbonate for the treatment
of hyperphosphatemia and, if approved, for the commercial launch of Oxylanthanum Carbonate in the U.S.
Pursuant to the Certificate of Designation, as of March 3, 2023, each
share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock was, subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders, convertible into a unit (“Unit”)
consisting of: (i) shares of common stock of the Company and, if applicable, shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, in lieu of common stock,
(ii) a tranche A warrant to acquire approximately 46,675,940 shares (excluding deemed dividends) of Series A-3 Preferred Stock (the “Tranche
A Warrant”), (iii) a tranche B warrant to acquire approximately 42,432,672 shares (excluding deemed dividends) of Series A-4 Preferred
Stock (the “Tranche B Warrant”), and (iv) a tranche C warrant to acquire approximately 67,892,276 shares (excluding deemed
dividends) of Series A-5 Preferred Stock (the “Tranche C Warrant”, together with the Tranche A Warrant and the Tranche B Warrant,
the “Warrants”). The Tranche A Warrant, for an aggregate exercise price of approximately $ 25 million, is exercisable until
21 days following the Company’s announcement of receipt of FDA approval for Oxylanthanum Carbonate, the Tranche B Warrant, for an
aggregate exercise price of approximately $ 25 million, is exercisable until 21 days following the Company’s announcement of receipt
of Transitional Drug Add-On Payment Adjustment (“TDAPA”) approval for Oxylanthanum Carbonate, and the Tranche C Warrant for
an aggregate exercise price of approximately $ 50 million is exercisable until 21 days following four quarters of commercial sales of Oxylanthanum
Carbonate following receipt of TDAPA approval.
The Company has designated 30,190 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock,
1,800,000 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, 1,800,000 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, 1,800,000 shares of Series A-4 Preferred
Stock, and 3,600,000 shares of Series A-5 Preferred Stock, together the “Series A Preferred Stock”. The Series A Preferred
Stock has a par value of $ 0.001 per share. The Certificate of Designation states that, to the extent that the conversion of the Series
A-1 preferred stock as well as the exercise of the Warrants into Series A-2, Series A-3, Series A-4, and Series A-5 preferred stock results
in a beneficial ownership interest in excess of the maximum percentage of common stock upon conversion, the holders will receive the as
converted equivalent for the remaining shares in preferred stock.
The Company determined that the Warrants are freestanding from the
Series A-1 Preferred Stock, because the stock will automatically convert into shares of common stock, and the holders will be able to
sell those shares while retaining the Warrants. The Company noted that at contract inception, the Warrants were contingently issuable
upon the occurrence of a specified event (shareholder approval).
In connection with the Series A-1 Preferred Stock issuance, the Company
recognized liabilities for the associated Warrants, which had an aggregate fair value of $ 2.8 million at the time of issuance. Offering
costs of $ 0.2 million were allocated to the Warrants and expensed during March 2023. The fair value of the Warrants was accounted for
as a reduction to the net proceeds of the Preferred Stock Offering, which resulted in an initial carrying value of $ 25.4 million for the
Series A-1 Preferred Stock (net of $ 2.0 million of placement agent fees and offering costs allocated to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock).
Refer to Note 11 for disclosures related to the Warrants.
On June 26, 2023, the Company held its annual shareholder meeting and,
as a result, shareholder approval for the conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock was obtained. On July 11, 2023, pursuant to the
Certificate of Designation, the Company issued 19,516,205 shares of common stock (see Note 9) and 43,649 shares of Series A-2 Preferred
Stock in partial settlement of the auto-conversion of the Series A-1 preferred shares. As of December 31, 2023, there were zero shares
of Series A-1 preferred stock issued and outstanding and there were 43,649 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
The Series A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5 Preferred Stock have the following
rights:
Dividends: While shares of Series A Preferred Stock are issued and
outstanding, holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, and the Corporation shall pay, dividends on shares of Series
A Preferred Stock equal (on an as-if-converted-to-Common-Stock basis) and in the same form as dividends (other than dividends in the form
of Common Stock) actually paid on shares of the Common Stock when, as and if such dividends are paid on shares of the Common Stock.
Voting: Holders of the Series A-2, A-3, A-4, and A-5 Preferred Stock
are entitled to vote together with the common stock on an as-if-converted-to-common-stock basis as determined by dividing the liquidation
preference with respect to such shares of Preferred Stock by the conversion price. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for
each share of common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Accordingly, holders of Series A Preferred Stock will
be entitled to one vote for each whole share of Common Stock into which their Series A Preferred Stock is then-convertible on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders.
At the option of the holder thereof, each share of Series A-2 Preferred
Stock, Series A-3 Preferred Stock, Series A-4 Preferred Stock, or Series A-5 Preferred Stock shall be convertible into one share of common
stock.
F- 23
Exchange Agreement – Issuance of Series A-2 Prime Preferred
On March 13, 2024, the Company entered into an exchange agreement (the
“Exchange Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Investors surrendered
all shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock held by them in exchange for an aggregate of 21,388.01 shares of new preferred stock to beknown
as “Series A-2 Prime Preferred” (the “Exchanged Preferred”) having rights set forth the Amended and Restated Certificate
of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series A Convertible Voting Preferred Stock (the “Amended Series A
Certificate of Designation”).
Concurrent with execution of the Exchange Agreement, but prior to filing
of the Amended Series A Certificate of Designation with the Delaware Secretary of State, the Company filed Certificates of Elimination
for each of its Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series A-3 Preferred Stock, Series A-4Preferred Stock and Series
A-5 Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Certificates of Elimination”) with the Delaware Secretary of State.
Concurrent with the execution of the Exchange
Agreement, the Company and each Investor have amended and restated the following warrants: (i) tranche A warrants to acquire an aggregate
of 47,852,430 shares of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company convertible into 47,852,430 shares of common stock that
were issued on July 11 2023 (the “Original Tranche A Warrants”) have been amended and restated to acquire an aggregate of
25,840.3122 shares of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock (as amended, the “Amended Tranche A Warrants”) convertible into
47,852,430 shares of common stock; (ii) tranche B warrants to acquire an aggregate of 43,502,206 shares of Series A-4 Convertible Preferred
Stock of the Company convertible into 43,502,206 shares of common stock that were issued on July 11, 2023 (the “Original Tranche
B Warrants”) have been amended and restated to acquire an aggregate of 25,666.30154 shares of Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock
(as amended, the “Amended Tranche B Warrants”) convertible into 43,502,206 shares of common stock and (iii) tranche C warrants
to acquire an aggregate of 69,603,531 shares of Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company convertible into 69,603,531 shares
of common stock that were issued on July 11, 2023 (the “Original Tranche C Warrants”, and together with the Original Tranche
A Warrants and Tranche B Warrants, the “Original Warrants”) have been amended and restated to acquire 51,506.61294 shares
of Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock (as amended, the “Amended Tranche C Warrants,” together with the Amended Tranche
A Warrants and the Amended Tranche B Warrants, the “Amended Warrants”) convertible into 69,603,351 shares of common stock.
The Amended Warrants have the same terms and conditions as the original warrants except that such Amended Warrants: (i) reduced the amount
of shares of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock and Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock
into which such Amended Warrants are convertible as described above; (ii) allow for the issuance of fractional shares of Series A-3 Preferred
Stock, Series A-4 Preferred Stock and Series A-5 Preferred Stock, as applicable upon exercise of such Amended Warrants and (ii) revised
the exercise price to be $ 1,000 per share of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, Series A-4 Preferred Stock and Series A-5 Preferred Stock, as
applicable in such Amended Warrants. The aggregate exercise price, the amount of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Series
A-3 Preferred Stock, the Series A-4 Preferred Stock and the Series A-5 Preferred Stock and exercise period in the Amended Warrants did
not change from the Original Warrants.
Subject to the terms and limitations contained in the Amended Series
A Certificate of Designation, each share of Series A-2 Prime Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series
A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock or Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible into a number shares of Common Stock obtained
by dividing the Original Per Share Price ($ 1,000 ) of each such share of Series A-2 Prime Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-3Convertible
Preferred Stock, Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock or Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock by the applicable conversion price of
$ 0.49 , $ 0.54 ,$ 0.59 and $ 0.74 of each such share of Series A-2 Prime Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock,
Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock or Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively.
Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, effective March 13,
2024, the Company filed the Amended Certificate of Designation with the Delaware Secretary of State designating, 21,400 shares as Series
A-2 Prime Preferred Stock, 25,900 shares as Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, 25,700 shares as SeriesA-4 Convertible Preferred Stock,
and 51,600 shares as Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock (all such series of preferred stock referred to herein collectively as “Series
A Preferred Stock”), each with a stated value of $ 1,000 per share (the “Original Per Share Price”). The Amended Certificate
of Designation sets forth the rights, preferences and limitations of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Terms not otherwise defined
in this item shall have the meanings given in the Amended Certificate of Designation. The Amended Certificate of Designation was filed
with an effective date of March 14, 2024 and the Series A-2 Prime, A-3, A-4, and A-5 Preferred Stock have the following rights, has the
following terms:
F- 24
Dividends. At all times following the Issuance Date, while shares of
Series A Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, and the Company
shall pay, dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock equal (on an as-if-converted-to-Common-Stock basis and without regard to any
limitations on conversion set forth herein or otherwise) to and in the same form as dividends (other than dividends in the form of Common
Stock, which shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Amended Certificate of Designation) actually paid on shares of the Common
Stock when, as and if such dividends (other than dividends in the form of Common Stock, which shall be made in accordance with the terms
of the Amended Certificate of Designation) are paid on shares of the Common Stock.
Voting Rights. Subject to certain limitations described in the Amended
Certificate of Designation, the Series A Preferred Stock is voting stock. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote
together with the Common Stock on an as-if-converted-to-Common-Stock basis. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each
share of Common Stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Accordingly, holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be
entitled to one vote for each whole share of Common Stock into which their Series A Preferred Stock is then-convertible on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Liquidation. Upon any Liquidation, the assets of the Company available
for distribution to its stockholders shall be distributed among the holders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock,
pro rata based on the number of shares held by each such holder, treating for this purpose all shares of Series A Preferred Stock as if
they had been converted to Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Amended Certificate of Designation immediately prior to such Liquidation,
without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth in the Amended Certificate of Designation or otherwise.
Conversion. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Amended Certificate
of Designation, at the option of the holder, each share of Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock, Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series
A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock or Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock shall be convertible into a number of shares of Common Stock
obtained by dividing the Original Per Share Price ($ 1,000 ) of each such share of Series A-2 Prime Convertible Preferred Stock, Series
A-3Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock or Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock by the applicable conversion
price of $ 0.49 , $ 0.54 ,$ 0.59 and $ 0.74 for the Series A-2 Prime Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series
A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock or Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively.
Note 11. Issuance of Series B-1 Preferred Stock and Series B-2 Preferred
Stock
On March 13, 2024, the Company signed a securities
purchase agreement with certain healthcare-focused institutional investors that provided $ 50 million in gross proceeds through a private
placement. Pursuant to the securities purchase agreement, the Company issued to institutional investors $ 50.0 million in shares of Series
B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock. 50,000 Shares of Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock were issued at a price of $ 1,000.00 per share
and each share is convertible into shares of common stock at a rate equal to the initial $ 1,000 purchase price divided by the initial
conversion price of $ 1.00 per share.
Pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and
Limitations of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 14, 2024, as corrected by
the Certificate of Correction to Series B Certificate of Designation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 8, 2024 (the
“Series B Certificate of Designation”), each share of Series B-1 Preferred Stock is, subject to approval of the Company’s
stockholders, convertible into shares of common stock of the Company and, if applicable, shares of Series B-2 Convertible Preferred Stock
(the “Series B-2 Preferred Stock”), in lieu of common stock.
F- 25
The Company has designated 50,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock
and 50,000 shares of Series B-2 Preferred Stock. The Series B Certificate of Designation states that, to the extent that the conversion
of the Series B-1 preferred stock results in a beneficial ownership interest in excess of the maximum percentage of common stock upon
conversion, the holders will receive them as converted equivalent for the remaining shares in preferred stock.
On June 20, 2024, The Company held its annual
stockholder meeting, and as a result, stockholder approval for the conversion of the Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock was obtained.
On July 5, 2024, pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock, the Company issued 42,118,000 shares of common stock and 7,882 shares of Series B-2 preferred stock in settlement of the automatic
conversion of the Series B-1Convertible Preferred Stock.
The Series B-1 Preferred Stock have the following rights:
Dividends: Prior to the receiving Stockholder Approval, dividends will
accrue, on all issued and outstanding shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, prior to and in preference to all other shares of capital
stock of the Company, at an annual rate of eight percent ( 8 %) compounded annually on the original per share price (plus any such accreted
compounded amounts); provided that such annual dividend rate shall increase to fourteen percent ( 14 %) if Stockholder Approval is not obtained
at the first meeting of stockholders following the date of the Preferred Stock offering. If such dividends are not declared and paid in
cash, the dividend amounts will be added to the aggregate liquidation preference then outstanding of the Series B-1 Preferred Stock. At
all times following the Issuance Date, while shares of Series B-1 Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding, holders of Series B Preferred
Stock shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay, dividends on shares of Series B-1 Preferred Stock equal (on an as-if-converted-to-Common-Stock
basis and without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth herein or otherwise)to and in the same form as dividends (other than
dividends in the form of Common Stock, which shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Series B Certificate of Designation) actually
paid on shares of the Common Stock when, as and if such dividends (other than dividends in the form of Common Stock, which shall be made
in accordance with the terms of the Series B Certificate of Designation) are paid on shares of the Common Stock. Stockholder approval
was received on June 20, 2024.
Voting: : Subject to certain limitations described in the Series B
Certificate of Designation holders of the Series B-1 Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the common stock on an as-if-converted-to-common-stock
basis as determined by dividing the liquidation preference with respect to such shares of Series B-1Preferred Stock by the conversion
price. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Unless and until the Company has obtained the Stockholder Approval, the number of shares of Common Stock that shall be deemed issued upon
conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock (for purposes of calculating the number of aggregate votes that the holders of Series B Preferred
Stock are entitled to on an as-converted basis) will be equal to that number of shares equal to 19.9 % of the Company’s outstanding
Common Stock as of the Signing Date (excluding for purposes of the calculation, any securities issued on the Signing Date) (the “Cap”),
which each such holder being able to vote the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by it relative to the total number of
shares of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding multiplied by the Cap. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of the Series B
Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote together with the Common Stock on an as-if-converted-to-Common-Stock-basis with regard to the
approval of the issuance of Common Stock upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock.
On the tenth trading day following the announcement of the Stockholder
Approval, each share of Series B-1 Preferred Stock shall automatically convert into a unit consisting of: (1) the number of shares of
common stock equal to the quotient of (A) the liquidation preference with respect to such share of Series B-1 Preferred Stock, divided
by (B) the conversion price, provided that, to the extent the share conversion would cause such Holder’s beneficial ownership to
exceed 9.99 %, such holder shall receive shares of Series B-2 Preferred Stock in lieu of common stock, on a one-for-one basis, with respect
to the number of shares of common stock that exceed 9.99 % ownership divided by 1,000 .
Liquidation Preference: The Series B-1 Preferred Stock had a liquidation
preference of one-times the original per share price of $ 1,000 per share, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not
declared, subject to certain customary anti-dilution adjustments.
F- 26
The Series B-2 Preferred Stock has the following rights:
Dividends: Dividends will accrue, on all issued and outstanding shares
of Series B-2 Preferred Stock, prior to and in preference to all other shares of capital stock of the Company, at an annual rate of eight
percent ( 8 %) compounded annually on the original per share price (plus any such accreted compounded amounts). If such dividends are not
declared and paid in cash, the dividend amounts will be added to the aggregate liquidation preference then outstanding.
Voting: Subject to certain limitations described in the Series B Certificate
of Designation, the Series B-2 Preferred Stock is voting stock. Holders of the Series B-2 Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together
with the common stock on an as-if-converted-to-common-stock basis. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of
common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Accordingly, holders of Series B-2 Preferred Stock will be entitled
to one vote for each whole share of common stock into which their Series B-2 Preferred Stock is then-convertible on all matters submitted
to a vote of stockholders.
Liquidation: Upon any Liquidation, the assets of the Company available
for distribution to its stockholders shall be distributed among the holders of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock and common stock,
pro rata based on the number of shares held by each such holder, treating for this purpose all shares of Series B Preferred Stock as if
they had been converted to common stock pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation immediately prior to such Liquidation,
without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth in the Series B Certificate of Designation or otherwise.
Conversion: Subject to the limitations set forth in the Series B Certificate
of Designation, at the option of the holder thereof, each share of Series B-2 Preferred Stock, is convertible into the number of shares
of common stock equal to the quotient of (A) the stated value ($ 1,000 ), divided by (B) the conversion price of $ 1.00 .
12. Warrant Liability
In connection with the Series A-1 Preferred Stock Offering (see Note
10), the Company issued the Warrants.
After the Warrants were legally issued as a result of the automatic
conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock upon shareholder approval, they became immediately exercisable at the option of the holder.
The Company determined that the Warrants, while still contingently issuable, qualified as derivative instruments pursuant to ASC 815-40,
Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity and that the Warrants were considered issued for accounting purposes concurrently with
the Series A-1 Preferred Stock.
On June 26, 2023, the Company held its annual shareholder meeting,
and as a result, shareholder approval for the conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock was obtained. On July 11, 2023, pursuant to
the Certificate of Designation, the Company issued, in addition to common stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock, (i) Tranche A Warrants
to acquire 47,852,430 shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, (ii) Tranche B Warrants to acquire 43,502,206 shares of Series A-4 Preferred
Stock, and (iii) Tranche C Warrants to acquire 69,603,531 shares of Series A-5 Preferred Stock.
On March 13, 2024 the Company and each Investor
amended and restated the following warrants: (i) tranche A warrants to acquire an aggregate of 47,852,430 shares of Series A-3 Convertible
Preferred Stock of the Company convertible into 47,852,430 shares of common stock that were issued on July 11 2023 (the “Original
Tranche A Warrants”) have been amended and restated to acquire an aggregate of 25,840.3122 shares of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred
Stock (as amended, the “Amended Tranche A Warrants”) convertible into 47,852,430 shares of common stock; (ii) tranche B warrants
to acquire an aggregate of 43,502,206 shares of Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company convertible into 43,502,206 shares
of common stock that were issued on July 11, 2023 (the “Original Tranche B Warrants”) have been amended and restated to acquire
an aggregate of 25,666.30154 shares of Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock (as amended, the “Amended Tranche B Warrants”)
convertible into 43,502,206 shares of common stock and (iii) tranche C warrants to acquire an aggregate of 69,603,531 shares of Series
A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company convertible into 69,603,531 shares of common stock that were issued on July 11, 2023 (the
“Original Tranche C Warrants”, and together with the Original Tranche A Warrants and Tranche B Warrants, the “Original
Warrants”) have been amended and restated to acquire 51,506.61294 shares of Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock (as amended,
the “Amended Tranche C Warrants,” together with the Amended Tranche A Warrants and the Amended Tranche B Warrants, the “Amended
Warrants”) convertible into 69,603,351 shares of common stock. The Amended Warrants have the same terms and conditions as the original
warrants except that such Amended Warrants: (i) reduced the amount of shares of Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A-4 Convertible
Preferred Stock and Series A-5 Convertible Preferred Stock into which such Amended Warrants are convertible as described above; (ii) allow
for the issuance of fractional shares of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, Series A-4 Preferred Stock and Series A-5 Preferred Stock, as applicable
upon exercise of such Amended Warrants and (ii) revised the exercise price to be $ 1,000 per share of Series A-3 Preferred Stock, Series
A-4 Preferred Stock and Series A-5 Preferred Stock, as applicable in such Amended Warrants. The aggregate exercise price, the amount of
shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Series A-3 Preferred Stock, the Series A-4 Preferred Stock and the Series A-5 Preferred
Stock and exercise period in the Amended Warrants did not change from the Original Warrants.
F- 27
The Warrants are recognized as liabilities in the balance sheets and
were initially recognized at fair value at the time of issuance. The Warrants are also subject to remeasurement at each balance sheet
date after issuance. Any change in fair value is recognized as a component of other income (expense) in the statements of operations in
the period of change.
The valuation of the Warrants contains unobservable inputs that reflect
the Company’s own assumptions for which there is little market data. Accordingly, the Warrants are measured at fair value on a recurring
basis using unobservable inputs and are classified as Level 3 inputs. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement
of the Company’s Warrants include, but are not limited to, probability of obtaining certain shareholder approvals, probability of
reaching certain technical milestones related to the development of Oxylanthanum Carbonate, and the estimated term of the Warrants. Significant
increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Generally,
a change in the assumption used for the probability of obtaining certain shareholder approvals is not correlated to a change in the probability
of reaching certain technical milestones. However, a change to the assumption used for the probability of obtaining certain shareholder
approvals or a change in the probability of reaching certain technical milestones would have been accompanied by a directionally opposite
change and a directionally similar change, respectively, in the assumption used for the estimated term.
The fair value of the contingently issuable Warrants associated with
the Company’s March 2023 private placement transaction was determined as of March 3, 2023, and March 31, 2023, by using a Monte
Carlo simulation technique (“MCS”) to value the embedded derivatives associated with the Warrants. The MCS methodology calculates
the theoretical value of a warrant based on certain parameters, including: (i) the threshold of exercising the warrant, (ii) the price
of the underlying security, (iii) the time to expiration, or expected term, (iv) the expected volatility of the underlying security, (v)
the risk-free rate, (vi) the number of paths, (vii) estimated probability assumptions surrounding shareholder approval as well as the
achievement by the Company of technical milestones associated with regulatory and commercial progress, and (viii) an estimated discount
for lack of marketability.
The MCS valuation model was used for the valuation performed as of
the transaction inception on March 3, 2023, and on March 31, 2023, due to uncertainty in the timing of shareholder approval and the potential
variability in the Warrant exercise price. On June 26, 2023, the Company held its annual shareholder meeting, and as a result, shareholder
approval for the issuance of common shares upon the conversion of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock was obtained and the exercise price for
the Warrants became fixed. Therefore, as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, the fair value of the Warrants was determined using
a Black Scholes model using parameters including (i) the exercise price of the warrant, (ii) the price of the underlying security, (iii)
the time to expiration, or expected term, (iv) the expected volatility of the underlying security, (v) the risk-free rate, and (vi) estimated
probability assumptions surrounding the achievement by the Company of technical milestones associated with regulatory and commercial progress.
F- 28
These valuation techniques involve management’s estimates and
judgment based on unobservable inputs and are classified in Level 3. The fair value estimates may not be indicative of the amounts that
would be realized in a market exchange. Additionally, there may be inherent uncertainties or changes in the underlying assumptions used,
which could significantly affect the current or future fair value estimates. Generally, a significant increase (decrease) in the probabilities
of shareholder approval and the achievement of technical milestones would have resulted in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement;
however, changes in other inputs such as expected term and price of the underlying common stock will have a directionally opposite impact
on fair value measurement.
The Company uses a third-party valuation expert to assist in the determination
of the fair value of the Warrants. The tables below summarize the valuation inputs into the Black Scholes model for the liability associated
with the three tranches of Warrants at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024.
Tranche A Warrant
At December 31,
2023
At December 31,
2024
Fair value of underlying stock
$ 0.87
0.79
Exercise price
$ 0.54
0.54
Volatility
96.5 % – 139.2 %
105.4 % – 111.3 %
Risk free rate
4.6 % – 5.3 %
4.2 %
Dividend yield
0 %
0 %
Term (in years)
0.5 – 1.5
0.5 – 1.5
Discount for lack of marketability
12.5 %
7.5 %
Probability for FDA approval
29.3 %
38.48 % - 39.29 %
Tranche B Warrant
At December 31,
2023
At December 31,
2024
Fair value of underlying stock
$ 0.87
0.79
Exercise price
$ 0.59
0.59
Volatility
114.6 % – 139.2 %
105.4 % – 125.2 %
Risk free rate
4.4 % – 4.8 %
4.2 %
Dividend yield
0 %
0 %
Term (in years)
1.0 – 2.0
1.0 – 2.0
Discount for lack of marketability
12.5 %
7.5 %
Probability for FDA approval
12 %
30 %
Tranche C Warrant
At December 31,
2023
At December 31,
2024
Fair value of underlying stock
$ 0.87
0.79
Exercise price
$ 0.74
0.74
Volatility
107.8 % – 114.6 %
105.4 % – 125.2 %
Risk free rate
4.0 % – 4.4 %
4.2 %
Dividend yield
0 %
0 %
Term (in years)
2.0 – 3.0
1.5 – 2.5
Discount for lack of marketability
12.5 %
7.5 %
Probability for FDA approval
4.3 % - 12.5 %
0.01 %
- 27.46 %
As of the issuance date March 3, 2023, the Company estimated the fair
value of the Warrants to be $ 2.8 million. As of December 31, 2023, the Company estimated the fair value of the Warrants to be $ 13.1 million.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company estimated the fair value of the Warrants to be $ 18.9 million.
F- 29
The following table summarizes activity for the Company’s Warrants
for the year ended December 31, 2024 (includes the conversion effect in the liquidation preference of accrued dividends):
Weighted-
Number of Average
Shares Weighted- Remaining Aggregate
Underlying Average Contractual Intrinsic
Outstanding Exercise Term Value
Warrants Price (in Years) (in thousands)
Outstanding, December 31, 2023 -
-
-
-
Warrants issued 160,958,167 0.64 2.34 36,864
Warrants exercised -
-
-
-
Outstanding, December 31, 2024 160,958,167 0.64 2.12 -
13. Stock-based Compensation
On July 15, 2021, in connection with the completion of the Company’s
IPO, the Company adopted a new comprehensive equity incentive plan, the 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”).
Following the effective date of the 2021 Plan, no further awards may be issued under the 2018 Plan or the 2019 Plan (collectively, the
“Prior Plans”). However, all awards under the Prior Plans that are outstanding as of the effective date of the 2021 Plan will
continue to be governed by the terms, conditions and procedures set forth in the Prior Plans and any applicable award agreements. A total
of 1,302,326 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2021 Plan prior to our annual meeting on June 26, 2023.
Shareholders approved an increase to the number of shares reserved on June 26, 2023, and accordingly, at December 31, 2023, approximately
12,775,996 shares were reserved for issuance. On June 20, 2024, shareholders approved a further increase of 8,000,000 shares, to the number
of shares reserved, for a total of 20,775,996 shares. The 2021 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory
stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards. As of December 31, 2023,
approximately 2,815,503 shares of common stock were available under the 2021 Plan. As of December 31, 2024, there are approximately 7,433,327
shares of common stock available under the 2021 Plan.
The following table summarizes activity for stock options under all
plans for the year ended December 31, 2024:
Weighted-
Number of Average
Shares Weighted- Remaining Aggregate
Underlying Average Contractual Intrinsic
Outstanding Exercise Term Value
Options Price (in Years) (in thousands)
Outstanding, December 31, 2023 10,302,086 $ 1.00 9.34 $ 1,196
Options granted 3,370,411 $ 1.00 9.35 $
Options forfeited -
$ 4.39 - $ -
Options exercised ( 1,357 ) $ 3.27 - $ -
Outstanding, December 31, 2024 13,671,140 $ 1.00 8.59 $ 705
Options vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2024 5,231,799 $ 1.23 8.11 $ 243
The grant date fair value of options granted during the year ended
December 31, 2024, was $ 2.8 million.
As of December 31, 2024, the unrecognized compensation cost related
to outstanding stock options was $ 5.5 million, which is expected to be recognized as expense over approximately 4.0 years.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, employees and consultants
exercised a total of 383,721 stock options and the Company received $ 119,000 in proceeds. A portion of these options were exercised early
(prior to vesting), and as of September 30, 2024, none of the options remained unvested. Proceeds received related to the vested portion
of options of $ 2,500 were reclassified to equity during the year ended December 31, 2024.
F- 30
During May 2022, the Company granted a consultant 10,000 restricted
stock units with a grant date fair value of $ 7,200 , resulting in a fair value per share of $ 0.72 . The restricted stock units vested in
May 2024.
During August 2023, the Company granted a consultant 10,000 restricted
stock units with a grant date fair value of $ 7,500 , resulting in a fair value per share of $ 0.75 . The restricted stock units will vest
in March 2025.
During August 2024, the Company granted a consultant 11,765 restricted
stock units with a grant date fair value of $ 4,000 , resulting in a fair value per share of $ 0.34 . The restricted stock units will vest
in August 2026.
The Company has recorded stock-based compensation
expense, which includes expense related to restricted stock units, allocated by functional cost as follows for the years ended December
31, 2023, and 2024 (in thousands):
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
Year Ended
December 31,
2024
Research and development
$ 847
$ 1,058
General and administrative
920
1,292
Total stock-based compensation
$ 1,767
$ 2,350
Fair Value of Stock Options
The assumptions are based on the following for each of the periods
presented:
Expected Term - The expected term is calculated using the simplified
method which is used when there is insufficient historical data about exercise patterns and post-vesting employment termination behavior.
The simplified method is based on the vesting period and the contractual term for each grant, or for each vesting-tranche for awards with
graded vesting. The mid-point between the vesting date and the maximum contractual expiration date is used as the expected term
under this method.
Common Stock Fair Value - The fair value of the common stock
underlying the Company’s stock options prior to the initial public offering was estimated at each grant date and was determined
on a periodic basis and based either on transactions with third parties in which common stock was sold for cash or with the assistance
of an independent third-party valuation expert. Subsequent to our initial public offering, the fair value underlying the Company’s
common stock is determined based on the public market closing price on each date of grant. The assumptions underlying these valuations
represented management’s best estimates, which involved inherent uncertainties and the application of significant levels of management
judgment.
Volatility - The expected volatility being used is derived from
the historical stock volatilities of a representative industry peer group of comparable publicly listed companies over a period approximately
equal to the expected term of the options.
F- 31
Risk-free Interest Rate - The risk-free interest rate is based
on median U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options.
Expected Dividend – Through December 31, 2024, the Company
has never declared nor paid any cash dividends. The Company shall modify its dividend policy to state that the Company intends to pay
dividends to all stockholders, including holders of Series A Preferred Stock on an as-if-converted-to-common-stock basis, on a quarterly
basis in an amount of which the aggregate of all quarterly dividends shall equal at least seventy-five percent ( 75 %) of its annual net
cash flow from operations following the approval of Oxylanthanum Carbonate by the FDA if obtained, and the commencement of commercial
sales.
The following average assumptions were used to
calculate the fair value of awards granted to employees, directors and non-employees for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2024:
Year
Ended December 31,
2023
Year
Ended December 31,
2024
Expected volatility
104.00 – 108.00 %
105.00
– 107.00 %
Risk-free interest rate
4.35 – 4.37 %
3.78 – 4.65 %
Dividend yield
- %
- %
Expected term
5.50 - 6.25 years
6.25 years
14. Income Taxes
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes
to the amount computed by applying the statutory income tax rate of 21 % to the net loss is summarized for the years ended December 31,
2023, and 2024 is as follows:
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2024
Income taxes (benefit) at statutory rates
21.00 %
21.00 %
State income tax (benefit), net of federal benefit
0.48 %
5.84 %
Change in valuation allowance
( 12.24 )%
( 23.12 )%
Fair value adjustment on warrants
( 7.08 )%
( 3.32 )%
Other
( 2.16 )%
( 0.40 )%
Effective income tax rate
- %
- %
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, the Company did not
record a deferred income tax expense or benefit. Income tax expense has been nominal for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected
tax consequences attributable to the differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities and
operating loss carryforward, and they are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when differences are expected to reverse.
A valuation allowance is recorded for loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not that such loss
carryforward and deferred tax asset will not be realized. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets at December
31, 2023 and 2024 are shown below (in thousands):
December 31,
December 31,
2023
2024
Deferred tax assets:
Stock-based compensation
$ 427
$ 730
Net operating losses carryforwards
5,976
11,022
Depreciation and Amortization
389
960
Capitalized research
4,106
6,572
Accrued expenses
439
553
Gross deferred tax assets
11,337
19,837
Less: Valuation allowance
( 11,176 )
( 19,668 )
Net deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
$ 161
$ 169
Deferred tax liabilities:
Other
$ ( 161 )
$ ( 169 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
( 161 )
( 169 )
Net deferred tax assets / liabilities
$ -
$ -
F- 32
The valuation allowance increased by $ 8.5 million during the year ended
December 31, 2024. The Company has concluded, based upon ASC 740, that it is more likely than not the Company will not realize any benefit
from the deferred tax assets related to certain Federal and state net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Accordingly, the Company
has established a full valuation allowance against its Federal and state deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had available Federal and state
net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $ 39.2 million and $ 40.0 million, respectively, to reduce future taxable income, if any.
Federal net operating losses generated prior to 2018 and all state net operating losses generated expire in varying amounts beginning
in 2037. The net operating losses generated after 2017 do not expire and will be able to offset 80 % of taxable income generated in the
future.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had research and development credit
carryforwards of approximately $ 1,353,000 and $ 631,000 available to reduce future taxable income, if any, for federal and state income
tax purposes, respectively. These credits have been provided a full reserve under ASC 740-10. The federal credit carryforwards begin to
expire in 2037, and the state credit carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely.
Utilization of net operating losses and tax credits may be subject
to an annual limitation due to ownership change limitations provided in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”),
and similar state provisions. The effect of an ownership change would be the imposition of annual limitation on the use of net operating
loss (“NOL”) carryforwards attributable to periods before the change in ownership. An assessment of such ownership changes
under Section 382 of the Code was not completed through December 31, 2024, and as such the Company is not able to determine the impact
on the NOLs and tax credit carryforwards, if any, as of the date of the financial statements. To the extent that an assessment is completed
in the future, the Company’s ability to utilize tax attributes could be restricted on a year-by-year basis and certain attributes
could expire before they are utilized.
The Company applies the guidance under ASC 740, subtopic 10-50-15,
Unrecognized Tax Benefit Related Disclosures (formerly FASB Interpretation 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes). For benefits
to be realized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized
is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 % likely of being realized upon settlement. This interpretation also
provides guidance on measurement, de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties.
The following table summarizes the changes to the Company’s gross
unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 (in thousands):
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2024
Beginning balance
$ 690
$ 1,027
Additions related to current year positions
152
958
Additions related to prior year positions
184
-
Ending balance
$ 1,027
$ 1,985
As of December 31, 2023 and 2024, the total unrecognized tax benefit
was approximately $ 1.0 million and $ 2.0 million, respectively. The Company does not expect any material changes to the estimated amount
of liability associated with its uncertain tax positions within the next 12 months. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest
and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no accrued interest and
penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
The Company files U.S. and state income tax returns with varying statutes
of limitations. Tax years 2018 and forward remain open to examination due to the carryover of NOL carryforwards. There are no ongoing
examinations by taxing authorities at this time.
F- 33
15. Net loss per share
The Company computes net loss per share using the two-class method.
The two-class method uses an earnings allocation formula that determines net loss per share for common stock and any participating securities
according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings.
Diluted net loss per share includes the potential dilutive effect of
common stock equivalents as if such securities were converted or exercised during the period, when the effect is dilutive. Common stock
equivalents include: (i) outstanding stock options and restricted stock units; (ii) common stock to be issued upon the assumed exercise
of the Company’s common stock warrants; and (iii) prior to issuance, the issuable warrants related to the Company’s March
private placement financing. Because the impact of these items is generally anti-dilutive during periods of net loss, there is no difference
between basic and diluted income (loss) per common share for periods with net losses.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
net loss per share of common and preferred stock (in thousands, except share and per share data):
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2024
Numerator:
Net loss
$ ( 30,544 )
$ ( 36,729 )
Less: Deemed dividends on Series A-1 Preferred Stock
( 867 )
Less: Dividends on Series B-1 Preferred Stock
-
( 1,095 )
Net loss attributable to common shares, basic and diluted
( 31,411 )
( 37,824 )
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
24,539,309
66,985,129
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
$ ( 1.28 )
$ ( 0.56 )
The following outstanding shares of potentially dilutive securities
were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive:
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2024
Options to purchase common stock
10,302,086
13,671,140
Warrants to purchase common stock
4,784,193
4,784,193
Warrants to purchase convertible preferred stock
160,958,167
160,958,167
Total
6,126,863
179,413,500
16. Subsequent Events
On February 18, 2025, the Company issued 1,400,000 shares of common
stock, upon conversion of 686 shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Prime Preferred Stock.
F- 34
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
[None.]