Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, including those set forth under “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements.” Actual results and experience could differ materially from the anticipated results and other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to those discussed in this Item and in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Summary Overview
We are a pre-revenue, development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new medicines to treat pain and fatigue-related disorders. Our pipeline is focused on two separate pillars: Nav 1.7 modulation to treat chronic and acute pain disorders and combination antiviral therapies targeting reactivated herpes virus mediated illnesses. The proprietary non-opioid NaV 1.7 analgesic program is centered on our lead development candidate Halneuron®, which is a voltage-gated sodium channel modulator, a mechanism known to be effective for reducing pain. The antiviral program includes IMC-1 and IMC-2, which are novel, proprietary, fixed dose combinations of nucleoside analog, anti-herpes antivirals and the anti-inflammatory agent celecoxib for the treatment of FM and LC.
Nav 1.7 Non-Opioid Analgesic Program
Our lead product candidate, Halneuron®, is in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of CINP. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is highly purified TTX, a potent sodium channel modulator found in puffer fish and several other marine animals. Halneuron® works as an analgesic by modulating the activity of Nav1.7, a key sodium channel involved in pain signal transmission. By reducing the activity of the Nav1.7 channel, Halneuron® has the potential to reduce pain associated with conditions involving neuropathic pain.
In the first quarter of 2025, we commenced a HALT-CINP-203 clinical trial in the United States. HALT-CINP-203 is a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial to access the efficacy and safety of Halneuron® in 200 patients with moderate to severe neuropathic pain caused by previous platinum and/or taxane chemotherapy. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline at week 4 in the weekly average of daily 24-hour recall pain intensity scores, comparing Halneuron® to the placebo. The secondary endpoints are patient global impression of change, PROMIS regarding fatigue, PROMIS related to sleep, PROMIS-29, pain interference, hospital anxiety and depression scale and neuropathic pain symptom inventory. We expect to release interim data from HALF-CINP-203 in the second half of 2025.
Antiviral Program
We plan to continue development of IMC-1 and IMC-2 which are novel, proprietary, fixed dose combinations of nucleoside analog, anti-herpes antivirals and the anti-inflammatory agent celecoxib. IMC-1 is a novel combination of famciclovir and celecoxib intended to synergistically suppress herpesvirus activation and replication, with the end goal of reducing a patient’s viral mediated disease burden. IMC-2 is a combination of valacyclovir and celecoxib that like IMC-1, is intended to synergistically suppress herpesvirus activation and replication with a more specific activity against the Epstein-Barr virus (herpesvirus HHV-4).
Share Exchange Agreement
On October 7, 2024, the Company, entered into the Exchange Agreement with Sealbond, pursuant to which the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Pharmagesic and the parent company of Wex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the Combination. Prior to the Combination, Pharmagesic was a
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wholly-owned subsidiary of Sealbond and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CKLS, a listed entity on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Loan Agreement
On October 7, 2024, in connection with the Exchange Agreement, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Conjoint Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Lender”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, Lender agreed to make a loan to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $19,500,000, of which (i) $16,500,000 was disbursed on October 7, 2024 and (ii) $3,000,000 was disbursed on February 18, 2025. Prior to the Debt Exchange and Cancellation Transaction described below, the Loan Agreement bore interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The Loan Agreement was payable in full with principal and accrued interest on October 7, 2027.
Contingent Value Rights Agreement
Concurrently with the closing of the Combination, the Company entered into a contingent value rights agreement (the “CVR Agreement”) with a rights agent (the “Rights Agent”), pursuant to which each holder of Common Stock as of October 17, 2024, including those holders receiving shares of Common Stock in connection with the Combination, is entitled to one contractual contingent value right (each, a “CVR”) issued by the Company, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the CVR Agreement, for each share of Common Stock held by such holder as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 17, 2024. The CVR Agreement has a term of seven years.
Each contingent value right entitles the holders (the “Holders”) thereof, in the aggregate, to 87.75% of any Upfront Payment (as defined in the CVR Agreement) or Milestone Payment (as defined in the CVR Agreement) received by the Company in a given calendar quarter.
The distributions in respect of the CVRs that become payable will be made on a quarterly basis and will be subject to a number of deductions, subject to certain exceptions or limitations, including but not limited to for certain taxes and certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Company.
Under the CVR Agreement, the Rights Agent has, and Holders of at least 30% of the CVRs then-outstanding have, certain rights to audit and enforcement on behalf of all Holders of the CVRs. The CVRs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, encumbered or in any other manner transferred or disposed of, in whole or in part, other than as permitted pursuant to the CVR Agreement. The Holders of the CVRs do not have the rights of a shareholder and do not have the ability to vote, rights to dividends, or other interests. The CVRs also establish certain restrictions of mergers and change in control activities, as defined in the agreement.
Name Change
On October 7, 2024, the Company changed its name from “Virios Therapeutics, Inc.” to “Dogwood Therapeutics, Inc.” In addition, effective at the open of market trading on October 9, 2024, the Company’s Common Stock ceased trading under the ticker symbol “VIRI” and began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “DWTX”.
Reverse Stock Split
On October 7, 2024, the Company effected the Reverse Stock Split, pursuant to which every 25 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock was converted automatically into one issued and outstanding share of Common Stock. The Reverse Stock Split affected all stockholders uniformly and did not by itself alter any stockholder’s percentage interest in the Company’s equity, except to the extent that the Reverse Stock Split would result in a stockholder owning a fractional share. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split and any stockholder who would have received any fractional shares instead received a cash payment equal to the fair market value of such fractional share.
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Recent Developments
On March 12, 2025, we entered into the Exchange and Cancellation Agreement with the Lender. Pursuant to the Exchange and Cancellation Agreement, the principal amount of all loans made to the Company under the Loan Agreement, along with accrued interest through March 12, 2025, was deemed repaid and all of the Company’s obligations satisfied in full and cancelled in exchange for 284.2638 shares of the Company’s Series A-1 Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
On March 12, 2025, we entered into an agreement with Maxim Group LLC as placement agent in connection with the issuance and sale by the Company in a registered direct offering of 578,950 shares of our Common Stock at a price of $8.26 per share in the March 2025 Offering, pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-263700). The March 2025 Offering closed on March 14, 2025, and the gross proceeds from the March 2025 Offering were approximately $4.78 million. The net proceeds of the March 2025 Offering were approximately $4.25 million after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses payable by the Company.
Financial Operations Overview
The following discussion sets forth certain components of our statements of operations as well as factors that impact those items.
Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in development and clinical studies relating to our product candidates, including:
● payments to third-party contract research organizations, or CROs;
● payments to contract laboratories and independent consultants.
We expense all research and development costs as incurred. Clinical development expenses for our product candidates are a significant component of our current research and development expenses. Products in later stage clinical development generally have higher research and development expenses than those in earlier stages of development, primarily due to increased size and duration of the clinical trials. We track and record information regarding research and development expenses for each study or trial we conduct. We use third-party CROs, CMOs, contractor laboratories and independent contractors. We recognize the expenses associated with third parties performing services for us in our clinical studies based on the percentage of each study completed at the end of each reporting period.
Our research and development expenses in 2024 primarily related to planning and start-up costs of the HALT-CINP-203 clinical trial; funding the grant to the Bateman Horne Center for the second investigator-sponsored study assessing IMC-2 as a treatment for symptoms associated with LC; and continued salaries and benefits.
As we advance the HALT-CINP-203 clinical trial, we expect our research and development expenses to increase. These expenditures are subject to numerous uncertainties regarding timing and cost to completion. Completion of our clinical development and clinical trials may take several years or more. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with product development, we cannot determine with certainty the duration and completion costs of the current or future studies and clinical trials or if, when, or to what extent we
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will generate revenues from the commercialization and sale of our product candidates. We may never succeed in achieving regulatory approval for our product candidates. The duration, costs and timing of clinical trials and development of our product candidates will depend on a variety of factors, including:
● successful enrollment in, and completion of, clinical trials;
● successful completion of Investigational New Drug-enabling activities;
● receipt of marketing approvals from applicable regulatory authorities;
● effectively competing with other therapies and treatment options;
● a continued acceptable safety profile following approval;
● achieving desirable medicinal properties for the intended indications.
A change in the outcome of any of these factors could mean a significant change in the costs and timing associated with the development of our current and future product candidates. For example, if the FDA or another regulatory authority were to require us to conduct clinical trials beyond those that we currently anticipate will be required for the completion of clinical development, or if we experience significant delays in execution of or enrollment in any of our clinical trials, we could be required to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of clinical development. We expect our research and development expenses to increase for the foreseeable future as we continue the development of our product candidates.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, benefits and other related personnel costs, including equity and stock-based compensation, for personnel serving in our executive, finance and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include public company costs, directors’ and officers’ insurance, professional fees for legal, including patent related expenses, consulting, auditing and tax services.
We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future to support continued research and development activities and potential commercialization of our product candidates and increased costs of operating as a public company. These increases will likely include increased costs related to the hiring of additional personnel and fees to outside consultants, lawyers and accountants, among other expenses.
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Other Income/Expense
Other income/expense consists of interest income earned on cash in a money market account offset by interest expense and loan amortization costs associated with the loan from Conjoint, Inc.
Related Parties
The Company uses Gendreau Consulting, LLC (“Gendreau”), a consulting firm, for drug development, clinical trial design, and planning, implementation and execution of contracted activities with CROs. Gendreau’s managing member became the Company’s Chief Medical Officer (“CMO”) effective January 1, 2021. The Company has and may continue to contract the services of the CMO’s spouse through Gendreau to perform certain activities in connection with the Company’s clinical programs.
On October 7, 2024, in connection with the Exchange Agreement, the Company entered into the Loan Agreement with Lender who is an affiliate of CKLS. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Lender agreed to make a loan to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $19,500,000, of which (i) $16,500,000 was disbursed on October 7, 2024 and (ii) $3,000,000 was disbursed on February 18, 2025. The Loan Agreement bore interest at SOFR plus 2.00%. On March 12, 2025, the principal amount of all loans made to the Company under the Loan Agreement, along with accrued interest through such date was deemed repaid and all of the Company’s obligations with respect to the principal amount and accrued interest was satisfied in full and cancelled in connection with the Debt Exchange and Cancellation Transaction.
For a full discussion of related party transactions see Note 11 to the Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Income Taxes
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $36,669,000, which have an indefinite carryforward and Georgia and Florida state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $44,443,000 and $1,372,000, respectively, which have a twenty-year carryforward and begin expiring in 2037. As of December 31, 2024, the Company also had Canadian non-capital loss carryforwards of approximately $25,277,000, which have a twenty year carryforward and begin expiring in 2025 and Hong Kong tax losses carryforwards or approximately $58,126,000 which have no expiry. These net operating losses can be carried forward and applied against future taxable income, if any. As the Company was incorporated in December 2020, all tax years of the Company remain open to examination by tax authorities.
The Company has provided a full valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023 due to the uncertainty surrounding the ability to realize these assets. At December 31, 2024, the Company evaluated the realizability of its deferred tax assets and determined that the valuation allowance should be adjusted for the consideration of the acquired in-process research and development intangible assets. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which these temporary differences become deductible.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We believe that several accounting policies are important to understanding our historical and future performance. We refer to these policies as critical because these specific areas generally require us to make judgments and estimates about matters that are uncertain at the time we make the estimate, and different estimates — which also would have been reasonable — could have been used. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those described in greater detail below. We base our estimates on historical experience and other market-specific or other relevant assumptions that we believe to
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be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe the following accounting policies to be most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of In-Process Research and Development (“IPR&D”). The fair values of IPR&D project assets acquired in business combinations are capitalized. The Company generally utilizes the Multi-Period Excess Earning Method to determine the estimated fair value of the IPR&D assets acquired in a business combination. The projections used in this valuation approach are based on many factors, such as relevant market size, the estimated probability of regulatory success rates, anticipated patent protection, expected pricing, expected treated population, and estimated payments (e.g., royalty). The estimated future net cash flows are then discounted to the present value using an appropriate discount rate. These assets are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or abandonment of the projects, at which time the assets are amortized over the remaining useful life or written off, as appropriate.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, including IPR&D, are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise and, at a minimum, annually. However, an entity is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. Further testing is only required if the entity determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test consists of a one-step analysis that compares the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company considers many factors in evaluating whether the value of our intangible assets with indefinite lives may not be recoverable, including, but not limited to, expected growth rates, the cost of equity and debt capital, general economic conditions, outlook and market performance of the Company’s industry and recent and forecasted financial performance.
Redeemable and Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company applies ASC 480 when determining the classification and measurement of its preferred stock. Preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable preferred shares (including preferred shares that feature redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, preferred shares are classified as stockholders’ (deficit) equity.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company arranges and contracts with third-party contract research organizations (“CROs”), contract development and manufacturing organizations (“CMOs”), contractor laboratories and independent consultants. As part of the process of preparing its financial statements, the Company may be required to estimate some of its expenses resulting from its obligations under these arrangements and contracts. The financial terms of these contracts are subject to negotiations which vary from contract to contract and may result in payment flows that do not match the periods over which materials or services are provided. The Company’s objective is to reflect the appropriate expenses in its financial statements by matching those expenses with the period in which services are rendered. The Company determines any accrual estimates based on account discussions with applicable personnel and outside service providers as to the progress or state of completion. The Company makes estimates of its accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date based on the facts and circumstances known at that time. The Company’s estimates
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are dependent upon the timely and accurate reporting of CROs, CMOs and other third-party vendors. At the end of each reporting period, the Company compares the payments made to each service provider to the estimated progress towards completion of the related project. Factors that the Company considers in preparing these estimates include the number of patients enrolled in studies, milestones achieved, and other criteria related to the efforts of its vendors. These estimates will be subject to change as additional information becomes available. Depending on the timing of payments to vendors and estimated services provided, the Company will record prepaid or accrued expenses related to these costs.
Equity and Share-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense relating to equity-based payments based on the fair value of the equity or liability instrument issued. For equity-based instruments, the expense is based upon the grant date fair value and recognized over the service period. For awards with a performance condition, compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance condition will be satisfied. Expense is recognized within both research and development and general and administrative expenses and forfeitures are recognized as they are incurred. For awards to non-employees, the Company recognizes compensation expense in the same manner as if the Company had paid cash for the goods or services. The Company estimates the fair value of options and warrants granted using an options pricing model.
Results of Operations
Operating expenses and other (expense) income were comprised of the following:
Year Ended
December 31,
Operating expenses:
Other (expense) income:
Interest (expense) income, net (92,192) 150,904
Exchange loss, net (30,787) —
Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses increased by $1.8 million to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increases in expenses for clinical trials of $1.0 million, research and preclinical activities of $0.3 million, drug development and manufacturing costs of $0.4 million and salaries and related personnel costs of $0.3 million partially offset by a decrease in regulatory consulting of $0.2 million.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $5.0 million to $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to nonrecurring transaction costs of $4.9 million related to the Combination, an increase in salaries and related
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personnel costs of $0.4 million offset by a decrease of $0.3 million related to costs associated with being a public company primarily due to lower insurance expenses.
Other (Expense) Income
Other (expense) income increased by $0.3 million to $0.1 million in expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $0.2 million in income for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in other expense was due the interest and loan discount amortization on the related party loan of $0.3 million offset by interest income of $0.2 million versus $0.2 million in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our inception, we have financed our operations through public offerings of common stock and proceeds from private placements of membership interests and convertible promissory notes. To date, we have not generated any revenue from the sale of products and we do not anticipate generating any revenue from the sales of products for the foreseeable future. We have incurred losses and generated negative cash flows from operations since inception. As of December 31, 2024, our principal source of liquidity was our cash, which totaled $14.8 million.
Equity Financings
On May 19, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement with Maxim Group LLC as placement agent in connection with the issuance and sale by the Company in a public offering of 340,000 shares of its Common Stock at a public offering price of $5.00 per share (the “May 2024 Offering”), pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-263700). The May 2024 Offering closed on May 22, 2024, and the gross proceeds from the May 2024 Offering were $1,700,000. The net proceeds of the May 2024 Offering were $1,382,170 after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses payable by the Company.
In July 2023, we entered into a Capital on DemandTM Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (“JonesTrading”) under which we could issue and sale shares of our Common Stock, from time to time, through JonesTrading, acting as sales agent or principal, up to an aggregate offering price of up to $6,700,000 in which is commonly referred to as an “at-the-market” (“ATM”) program. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we sold 25,675 shares of our Common Stock under the ATM program at a weighted-average gross sales price of approximately $52.78 per share and raised $1,355,090 of gross proceeds. The total commissions and related legal and accounting fees were approximately $198,650, and we received net proceeds of approximately $1,156,440. In August 2023, we terminated the Sales Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, there was no ATM program in place.
Debt Financings
Concurrent with the Combination with Pharmagesic, on October 7, 2024, the Company entered into the Loan Agreement with Lender and an affiliate of CKLS. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Lender agreed to make a loan to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $19,500,000, of which (i) $16,500,000 was disbursed on October 7, 2024 and (ii) $3,000,000 was disbursed on February 18, 2025. Pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, the proceeds are to be used for the purpose of (1) funding operations and (2) performing clinical and research & development activities related to Halneuron®. The Loan Agreement bears interest at SOFR plus 2.00%, that increases by 1.00% in the event of default that resets on an annual basis on October 1st. On March 12, 2025, the principal amount of all loans made to the Company under the Loan Agreement, along with accrued interest through such date was deemed repaid and all of the Company’s obligations with respect to the principal amount and accrued interest was satisfied in full and cancelled in connection with the Debt Exchange and Cancellation Transaction. For more information, please see “Recent Developments” above.
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There were no debt financings during the year ended December 31, 2023. There was no debt outstanding at December 31, 2023.
Future Capital Requirements
We anticipate our cash on hand at December 31, 2024 of approximately $14.8 million plus the additional loan proceeds of $3 million received on February 18, 2025 and net offering proceeds of $4.25 million received on March 14, 2025, will fund operations through the first quarter of 2026. The Company will need to secure additional financing to fund its ongoing clinical trials and operations beyond the first quarter of 2026 to continue to execute its strategy. We will need to finance our cash needs through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, collaboration and licensing arrangements or other financing alternatives. To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity or equity-linked securities, our shareholders will experience dilution. We can give no assurances that we will be able to secure such additional sources of funds to support our operations, or, if such funds are available to us, that such additional financing will be sufficient to meet our needs. As a result, substantial doubt exists regarding our ability to continue as a going concern 12 months from the issuance of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. Failure to secure the necessary financing in a timely manner and on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s strategy and value and could require the delay of product development and clinical trial plans.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities.
Years Ended
December 31,
Statement of Cash Flows Data:
Net cash (used in) provided by:
Investing activities 3,761,936 —
Years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in operations was $8.8 million and consisted of a net loss of $12.3 million and a net change in operating assets and liabilities of $3.5 million attributable to a net decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $0.1 million and an increase in prepaid expenses of $0.5 million offset by non-cash items of $3.5 million for non-cash transaction costs, $0.5 million attributable to share-based compensation and $0.1 million of depreciation, amortization and loss on foreign exchange.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in operations was $4.9 million and consisted of a net loss of $5.3 million and a net change in operating assets and liabilities of $0.4 million attributable to a decrease in accounts payable of $0.5 million and a decrease in accrued expenses of $0.2 million offset by a decrease in prepaid expenses of $0.5 million and non-cash items of $0.6 million attributable to share-based compensation.
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Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted of $3.8 million in cash acquired in connection with the Combination. There were no investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $16.7 million and was attributable to loan proceeds, net of fees, of $15.3 million and cash proceeds from our public offering in May 2024, net of placement agent fees and offering costs, of $1.4 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $1.2 million and was attributable to proceeds from the issuance and sale of common stock under the ATM program, net of commissions and other related expenses. In addition, there were 19,145 warrants cashless exercised. As a result, 7,718 shares of common stock were surrendered at fair value to satisfy the exercise price and 11,427 shares of common stock were issued.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to the financial statements elsewhere in this report for details of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on our financial statements.
JOBS Act
On April 5, 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (“JOBS Act”), was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for an “emerging growth company.” As an “emerging growth company,” we are electing to take advantage of the extended transition period afforded by the JOBS Act for the implementation of new or revised accounting standards.
Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, as an “emerging growth company,” we are not required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (ii) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (iii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis), and (iv) disclose certain executive compensation-related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the chief executive officer’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply until December 31, 2025 or until we no longer meet the requirements for being an “emerging growth company,” whichever occurs first.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
This item is not required.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 92
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 93
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 97
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Shareholders, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee
Dogwood Therapeutics, Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dogwood Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in Series A non-voting convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has incurred an accumulated deficit since inception, has not generated revenue from operations and does not expect to experience positive cash flows from operating activities in the near term. These conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
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 audits.
We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Forvis Mazars, LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
Atlanta, Georgia
March 31, 2025
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DOGWOOD THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(As Adjusted)
Assets
Current assets:
Property and equipment, net 16,811 —
Right-of-use assets 205,837 —
Prepaid expenses, long-term 18,133 —
Current liabilities:
Lease liability, current portion 49,696 —
Debt with related party, net of issuance costs 15,381,077 —
Lease liability, long-term portion 154,885 —
Deferred tax liability 11,314,925 —
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,862,987) —
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
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DOGWOOD THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
(As Adjusted)
Revenue $ — $ —
Operating expenses:
Other (expense) income:
Exchange loss, net (30,787) —
Deferred income tax provision 503 —
Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (12,863,829) $ (5,296,015)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (12.52) $ (7.05)
Comprehensive loss
Foreign currency translation adjustment (3,862,987) —
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
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DOGWOOD THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SERIES A NON-VOTING CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Shares Amount Shares Par Paid-In Capital Deficit Loss Stock (Deficit) Equity
Net loss — — — — — (5,296,015) — — (5,296,015)
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
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DOGWOOD THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended
December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Loss on foreign exchange 30,787 —
Amortization of loan costs 58,432 —
Depreciation 12,177 —
Non-cash transaction costs 3,563,273 —
Deferred tax benefit (503) —
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 219,888 (461,251)
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities (302,439) (223,463)
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash acquired through the acquisition of Pharmagesic 3,761,936 —
Net cash provided by investing activities 3,761,936 —
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from loan with related party, net of fees 15,322,645 —
Payout of fractional shares with reverse stock split (351) —
Proceeds from issuance of shares on ATM, net of fees — 1,156,443
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash (144,592) —
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
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DOGWOOD THERAPEUTICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Background and Organization
Dogwood Therapeutics, Inc. (“Dogwood”), formerly known as Virios Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 16, 2020 through a corporate conversion (the “Corporate Conversion”) just prior to the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”). The Company was originally formed on February 28, 2012 as a limited liability company (“LLC”) under the laws of the State of Alabama as Innovative Med Concepts, LLC. On July 23, 2020, the Company changed its name from Innovative Med Concepts, LLC to Virios Therapeutics, LLC. On October 7, 2024, the Company acquired Pharmagesic (Holdings) Inc., a Canadian corporation (“Pharmagesic”) and the parent company of Wex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Wex”), and changed its name from Virios Therapeutics, Inc. to Dogwood Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Name Change”) on October 9, 2024.
Dogwood operates in one segment and is a pre-revenue, development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new medicines to treat pain and fatigue-related disorders. The Dogwood research pipeline is focused on two separate mechanistic pillars; Nav 1.7 modulation to treat chronic and acute pain disorders and combination antiviral therapies targeting reactivated herpes virus mediated illnesses. The proprietary non-opioid Nav 1.7 analgesic program is centered on our lead development candidate Halneuron®. Halneuron® is a voltage-gated sodium channel modulator, a mechanism known to be effective for reducing pain. Halneuron® treatment has demonstrated pain reduction of both general cancer related pain and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (“CINP”). The Halneuron® Phase 2b study commenced in the first quarter of 2025. The antiviral program includes IMC-1 and IMC-2, which are novel, proprietary, fixed dose combinations of nucleoside analog, anti-herpes antivirals and the anti-inflammatory agent, celecoxib for the treatment of fibromyalgia (“FM”) and Long-COVID (“LC”).
Going Concern
Since its founding, the Company has been engaged in research and development activities, as well as organizational activities, including raising capital. The Company has not generated any revenues to date. As such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with any development-stage biotechnology company that has substantial expenditures for research and development. Since inception, the Company has incurred losses and negative cash flows from operating activities. The Company has funded its losses primarily through issuance of members’ interests, convertible debt instruments and issuances of equity securities. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred consolidated net losses of $12,349,724 and $5,296,015, respectively, and had consolidated net cash outflows used in operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 of $8,790,805 and $4,870,489, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a consolidated accumulated deficit of $73,818,946 and is expected to incur losses in the future as it continues its development activities.
Concurrent with the Combination discussed below, on October 7, 2024, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Conjoint Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Lender”) and an affiliate of CKLS. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Lender agreed to make a loan to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $19,500,000, of which (i) $16,500,000 was disbursed on October 7, 2024 and (ii) $3,000,000 was disbursed on February 18, 2025. Pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, the proceeds are to be used for the purpose of (1) funding operations and (2) performing clinical and research & development activities related to Halneuron®.
During November 2024, the Company announced the results from an investigator-sponsored study conducted by the Bateman Horne Center (“BHC”) in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled investigator-sponsored study (“BHC-202”) assessing the combination of Val/Cel for the treatment of fatigue and related sequalae associated with Long-COVID (“LC”). The study demonstrated that the low dose combination antiviral therapy IMC-2 treated patient cohort (valacyclovir 750 mg + celecoxib dosed 200 mg twice daily) exhibited
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clinically meaningful reductions in LC associated fatigue and sleep disturbance, as compared with the placebo treated cohort. The high dose IMC-2 treated cohort (valacyclovir 1500 mg + celecoxib 200 mg dosed twice daily) did not exhibit clinically meaningful differences versus placebo, believed to be related to higher levels of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events associated with the higher dose regimen. The Company has initially applied for non-dilutive funding through the NIH’s initiative to address LC called RECOVER-Treating Long-COVID (“RECOVER-TLC”) which just allocated new funds for LC programs. The Company is also engaged with potential investors who are performing due diligence for funding a larger study.
Management anticipates the cash on hand at December 31, 2024 of approximately $14.8 million plus the additional loan proceeds of $3 million received on February 18, 2025 and net offering proceeds of $4.25 million received on March 14, 2025, will fund operations through the first quarter of 2026. The Company will need to secure additional financing to fund its ongoing clinical trials and operations beyond the first quarter of 2026 to continue to execute its strategy. Management plans to explore various dilutive and non-dilutive sources of funding, including equity financings, debt financings, collaboration and licensing arrangements or other financing alternatives. There can be no assurance that management will be successful in raising additional funds or on terms acceptable to the Company. Accordingly, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to operate as a going concern within one year after the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments to reflect this uncertainty.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to U.S. GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Pharmagesic, including Pharmagesic’s wholly owned subsidiary, Wex, and Wex’s wholly owned subsidiaries, IWT Bio, Inc. (“IWT”), Wex Medical Corporation (“WMC”), and Wex Medical Limited (“WML”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company has determined the functional currency of Pharmagesic, Wex, IWT and WMC and WML to be the Canadian Dollar. The Company translates assets and liabilities of Pharmagesic, Wex, IWT, WMC and WML at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date with the resulting translation adjustments directly recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates for the period. Transactions which are not in the functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency and gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement are recorded in foreign currency exchange and other gain (loss), net.
Reverse Stock Split
On October 9, 2024, we effected a reverse stock split of 25 shares for 1 share of Common Stock (“the Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split reduced the number of shares of Common Stock issued (which includes outstanding shares and treasury shares) from 27,950,888 shares to 1,118,035 shares, and reduced shares outstanding from 27,757,937 shares to 1,110,317 shares. There was no change to the total number of shares of Common Stock that the Company is authorized to issue and there was no change in the par value of the Common Stock, and no fractional shares were issued. All share and per share amounts in the financial statements and footnotes have been retroactively adjusted for all periods presented to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the exercise prices and number of shares to be issued under each of our outstanding option and warrant agreements were proportionately adjusted. As a result of the changes, there was a reclassification of $1,867 to additional paid in capital from par value of Common Stock and treasury stock as of December 31, 2023. The cash settlement of fractional shares that occurred in October 2024 was less than $1,000.
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Use of Estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. In addition, management’s assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern involves the estimation of the amount and timing of future cash inflows and outflows. The Company's significant estimates and assumptions include estimated work performed but not yet billed by contract manufacturers and clinical research organizations, the valuation of equity and stock-based related instruments, the valuation allowance related to deferred taxes and the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with the business combination of Pharmagesic, and the estimated fair value of the contingent value rights (“CVRs”) given to common stockholders at the time of the business combination. Some of these judgments can be subjective and complex, and, consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates. Although the Company believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are based upon information available at the time the estimates and assumptions were made. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources in assessing performance. The Company has one reportable segment. The segment consists of the development of clinical and preclinical product candidates focused on advancing novel therapeutics for pain and fatigue illness. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the chief executive officer.
The accounting policies of the segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The CODM assesses performance for the segment based on net loss, which is reported on the income statement as consolidated net loss. The measure of segment assets is reported on the balance sheet as total consolidated assets.
To date, the Company has not generated any product revenue. The Company expects to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future as it advances product candidates through all stages of development and clinical trials and, ultimately, seek regulatory approval. As such, the CODM uses cash forecast models in deciding how to invest into the segment. Such cash forecast models are reviewed to assess the entity-wide operating results and performance. Net loss is used to monitor budget versus actual results. Monitoring budgeted versus actual results is used in assessing performance of the segment and in establishing management’s compensation, along with cash forecast models.
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The table below summarizes the significant expense categories regularly reviewed by the CODM for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
Operating expenses:
Exchange loss, net 30,787 —
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Cash is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk. The Company believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial strength of the depository institutions in which the cash is held.
Fair Value Measurements
ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, provides guidance on the development and disclosure of fair value measurements. Under this accounting guidance, fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability.
The accounting guidance classifies fair value measurements in one of the following three categories for disclosure purposes:
● Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
The carrying amount of the Company’s consolidated financial instruments, including cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values. See Notes 3, 9, and 10 below.
Business Combinations
The Company evaluates acquisitions of assets and other similar transactions to assess whether or not the transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition by first applying a screen to determine if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single
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identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If the screen is met, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If the screen is not met, further determination is required as to whether or not the Company has acquired inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs, which would meet the requirements of a business. If determined to be a business combination, the Company accounts for the transaction under the acquisition method of accounting as indicated in ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (ASC 805), which requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the fair value of all assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and establishes the acquisition date as the fair value measurement point. Accordingly, the Company recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations based on the fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition. In accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, the Company recognizes and measures goodwill as of the acquisition date, as the excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the identified net assets acquired.
Cash
Cash is maintained in bank deposit accounts, which exceed the federally insured limits of $250,000. The Company does not have any cash equivalents.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at acquisition cost less accumulated depreciation, subject to review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable as described further under the heading "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" below.
Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease. Office equipment and furniture are depreciated over five years and computer software and equipment are depreciated over two years.
When an asset is disposed of, the associated cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the related accounts on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with any resulting gain or loss included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of In-Process Research and Development (“IPR&D”). The fair values of IPR&D project assets acquired in business combinations are capitalized. The Company generally utilizes the Multi-Period Excess Earning Method to determine the estimated fair value of the IPR&D assets acquired in a business combination. The projections used in this valuation approach are based on many factors, such as relevant market size, the estimated probability of regulatory success rates, anticipated patent protection, expected pricing, expected treated population, and estimated payments (e.g., royalty). The estimated future net cash flows are then discounted to the present value using an appropriate discount rate. These assets are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or abandonment of the projects, at which time the assets are amortized over the remaining useful life or written off, as appropriate.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, including IPR&D, are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise and, at a minimum, annually. However, an entity is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. Further testing is only required if the entity determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test consists of a one-step analysis that compares the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company considers many factors in evaluating whether the value of our intangible assets with indefinite lives may not be recoverable, including, but not limited
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to, expected growth rates, the cost of equity and debt capital, general economic conditions, outlook and market performance of the Company’s industry and recent and forecasted financial performance.
The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually on October 1 and whenever facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company determined that there was no impairment to IPR&D.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the amount of consideration paid in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired as a result of the Company’s business acquisitions accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The intangible assets acquired represented the fair value of IPR&D which has been recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as indefinite-lived intangible assets. A deferred tax liability was recorded for the difference between the fair value of the acquired IPR&D and its tax basis which was recognized as goodwill in applying the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized and is subject to impairment testing at a reporting unit level on an annual basis or when a triggering event occurs that may indicate the carrying value of the goodwill is impaired. An entity is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. Further testing is only required if the entity determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying amount.
The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually on October 1 and whenever facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company determined that there was no impairment to goodwill.
Operating Lease Right-of-use Asset and Lease Liability
The Company accounts for leases under ASC 842, Leases. Operating leases are included in “Right-of-use assets” within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. The Company’s related obligation to make lease payments are included in “Lease liability” and “Lease liability, net of current portion” within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rates, which are the rates incurred to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The ROU assets are tested for impairment according to ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”). Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s operating lease ROU assets and corresponding short-term and long-term lease liabilities primarily relate to the operating lease for an office in Vancouver, British Columbia, that was acquired as part of the Business Combination with Pharmagesic. The office lease expires on August 31, 2028.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with ASC 360-10-35, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable (i.e., impaired). Once an impairment is determined, the actual impairment recognized is the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value (less costs to sell for assets to be disposed of) as estimated using one of the following approaches: income, cost, and/or market. Fair value using the income approach is determined primarily using a discounted cash flow model that uses the estimated cash flows associated with the asset or asset group under review, discounted at a rate commensurate
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with the risk involved. Fair value utilizing the cost approach is determined based on the replacement cost of the asset reduced for, among other things, depreciation and obsolescence. Fair value, utilizing the market approach, benchmarks the fair value against the carrying amount.
Redeemable and Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company applies ASC 480 when determining the classification and measurement of its preferred stock. Preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable preferred shares (including preferred shares that feature redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, preferred shares are classified as stockholders’ (deficit) equity. See Note 10 to these consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes
The Company provides for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and the tax rates in effect when these differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company operated as an Alabama limited liability company until its Corporate Conversion. Therefore, the Company passed through all income and losses to its members until this point.
The Company is subject to the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under ASC 740, consideration is given to the recognition and measurement of tax positions that meet a “more-likely-than-not” threshold. A tax position is a position taken in a previously filed tax return or a position expected to be taken in a future that is reflected in measuring current or deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Tax positions include the Company’s status as a pass-through entity until December 16, 2020 and as a corporation thereafter. The recognition and measurement of tax positions taken for various jurisdictions consider the amounts and probabilities of outcomes that could be realized upon settlement using the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. The Company has determined that it does not have any material unrecognized tax benefits or obligations as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. The Company is not currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service or by state tax authorities and the Company’s tax year remains subject to examination by the tax authorities.
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share Applicable to Common Stockholders
The Company uses the two-class method to compute net income per common share during periods the Company realizes net income and has securities outstanding (e.g., redeemable convertible preferred stock) that entitle the holder to participate in dividends and earnings of the Company. In addition, the Company analyzes the potential dilutive effect of outstanding redeemable convertible preferred stock under the "if-converted" method when calculating diluted earnings per share and reports the more dilutive of the approaches (two class or "if-converted"). The two-class method is not applicable during periods with a net loss, as the holders of the redeemable convertible preferred stock have no obligation to fund losses. The Company also analyzes the potential dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and warrants under the treasury stock method (as applicable), during periods of income.
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share
Basic net loss per common share (“EPS”) is computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects potential dilution and is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average
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number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potential common shares had been issued and were dilutive. However, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS to the extent that their effect is anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had 92,777 and 77,745 options, respectively, 7,755 and 7,755 warrants, respectively, 22,138,044 and 0 preferred stock, respectively, to purchase or convert into common shares outstanding that were anti-dilutive.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company arranges and contracts with third-party contract research organizations (“CROs”), contract development and manufacturing organizations (“CMOs”), contractor laboratories and independent consultants. As part of the process of preparing its financial statements, the Company may be required to estimate some of its expenses resulting from its obligations under these arrangements and contracts. The financial terms of these contracts are subject to negotiations which vary from contract to contract and may result in payment flows that do not match the periods over which materials or services are provided. The Company’s objective is to reflect the appropriate expenses in its financial statements by matching those expenses with the period in which services are rendered. The Company determines any accrual estimates based on account discussions with applicable personnel and outside service providers as to the progress or state of completion. The Company makes estimates of its accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date based on the facts and circumstances known at that time. The Company’s estimates are dependent upon the timely and accurate reporting of CROs, CMOs and other third-party vendors. At the end of each reporting period, the Company compares the payments made to each service provider to the estimated progress towards completion of the related project. Factors that the Company considers in preparing these estimates include the number of patients enrolled in studies, milestones achieved, and other criteria related to the efforts of its vendors. These estimates will be subject to change as additional information becomes available. Depending on the timing of payments to vendors and estimated services provided, the Company will record prepaid or accrued expenses related to these costs.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense relating to share-based awards to employees and directors with a performance condition over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance condition will be satisfied. For awards to non-employees, the Company recognizes compensation expense in the same manner as if the Company had paid cash for the goods or services. The Company estimates the fair value of options and warrants granted using an options pricing model, see Note 13. Expense is recognized within both research and development and general and administrative expenses and forfeitures are recognized as they are incurred.
Emerging Growth Company Status
The Company is an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that is (i) no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided by the JOBS Act. As a result, these financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (ASC 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures”
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(“ASU 2023-07”), which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The 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. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. See Segment Information above.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740), which establishes new income tax disclosure requirements in addition to modifying and eliminating certain existing requirements. The new guidance requires consistent categorization and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation, as well as further disaggregation of income taxes paid. This change is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. This change will apply on a prospective basis to annual financial statements for periods beginning after the effective date. However, retrospective application in all prior periods presented is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial statements.
Subsequent Events
On March 13, 2025, the Board approved an exchange of the outstanding principal plus accrued interest of $19,926,891 related to the Loan Agreement into Series A-1 Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A1 Preferred Stock”) at the market price of the lower of the average five-day closing price of the closing price on the date the transactions completed. As such, the Company issued 284.2638 shares of Series A1 Preferred Stock.
On March 12, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement with Maxim Group LLC as placement agent in connection with the issuance and sale by the Company in a registered direct offering of 578,950 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $8.26 per share (the “March 2025 Offering”), pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-263700). The March 2025 Offering closed on March 14, 2025, and the gross proceeds from the March 2025 Offering were approximately $4.78 million. The net proceeds of the March 2025 Offering were approximately $4.25 million after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses payable by the Company.
3. Business Combination
On October 7, 2024, the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Sealbond Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation (“Sealbond”), pursuant to which the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Pharmagesic (Holdings) Inc., a Canadian corporation (“Pharmagesic”) (such transaction, the “Combination”). Prior to the Combination, Pharmagesic was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sealbond and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc. (“CKLS”), a listed entity on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Under the terms of the Exchange Agreement, on October 7, 2024 (the “Closing”), in exchange for all of the outstanding common shares of Pharmagesic immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Company issued to Sealbond, as sole shareholder of Pharmagesic, an aggregate of (A) 211,383 shares of the Company’s unregistered Common Stock, which shares shall represent a number of shares equal to no more than 19.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of immediately before the Effective Time and (B) 2,108.3854 shares of the Company’s unregistered Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”) (as described below). The issuance of the shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock to Sealbond occurred on October 9, 2024. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is
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convertible into 10,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to certain conditions described in the Exchange Agreement.
The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) approved the Exchange Agreement and the related transactions, and the consummation of the Combination was not subject to approval of Company stockholders. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Company agreed to hold a stockholders’ meeting to submit the certain matters to its stockholders for their consideration, including: (i) the approval of the conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock in accordance with the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Conversion Proposal”) and (ii) the approval of a “change of control” under Nasdaq Listing Rules 5110 and 5635(b) (the “Change of Control Proposal”); and together with the Conversion Proposal, the “Meeting Proposals”). In connection with these matters, the Company agreed to file a proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the SEC at any time between the interim analysis readout of the Phase 2b study for Halneuron® and June 30, 2026, or earlier, if mutually agreed upon by both parties.
The Company’s transaction costs of $4.9 million were expensed as incurred and included in the General and Administration expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.
The transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, the total purchase price of the acquisition is allocated to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the fair values as of the date of the acquisition. Consideration paid is comprised of the estimated fair value of various securities issued including the Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock issued to Sealbond, the sole shareholder of Pharmagesic. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the preliminary purchase price allocation was updated, including the related determination of fair value of these securities issued as consideration, the allocation of consideration to the specific in-process research and development programs acquired and the related tax implications for the updates to the purchase price allocation.
The fair value of the consideration totaled approximately $71.3 million, summarized as follows:
Fair value of common stock issued $ 893,093
Fair value of preferred stock issued 70,372,634
The Company recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the Combination based on the information available at that date. The following table presents the allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Combination date:
Assets acquired:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 380,000
Property and equipment 19,000
In-process research and development assets 69,500,000
Right-of-use asset - operating leases 230,000
Liabilities assumed:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 2,017,000
Operating lease liabilities 230,000
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The fair value of IPR&D was capitalized as of the Combination date and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets until completion or disposition of the assets or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon successful completion of the development efforts, the useful lives of the IPR&D assets will be determined based on the anticipated period of regulatory exclusivity and will be amortized within operating expenses. Until that time, the IPR&D assets will be subject to impairment testing and will not be amortized. The goodwill recorded related to the acquisition is the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred by the acquirer over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Combination. The goodwill recorded is not deductible for tax purposes.
The following summarizes the Company’s intangible assets and goodwill acquired in connection with the Combination and their carrying value as of December 31, 2024.
Carrying Value
as of
Combination Date December 31,
Fair Value Impairment Translation Adj 2024
Intangible asset fair values for the two IPR&D programs were determined using the Multi-Period Excess Earnings Method (“MPEEM”) which is a form of the income approach. Under the MPEEM, the fair value of an intangible asset is equal to the present value of the asset's incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) remaining after deducting the market rates of return on the estimated value of contributory assets (contributory charge) over its remaining useful life. To calculate fair value of acquired IPR&D programs under the MPEEM, the Company uses probability-weighted cash flows discounted at a rate considered appropriate given the significant inherent risks associated with drug development by development-stage companies. Cash flows were calculated based on estimated projections of revenues and expenses related to each program and then reduced by a contributory charge on requisite assets employed. Contributory assets included debt-free working capital, net fixed assets and assembled workforce. Rates of return on the contributory assets were based on rates used for comparable market participants. Cash flows were assumed to extend through the market exclusivity period estimated to be provided by trade-secrets and patents for the synthetic manufacture of drug product. The resultant cash flows were then discounted to present value using a weighted-average cost of equity capital for companies with profiles substantially similar to that of each acquired IPR&D program, which the Company believes represents the rate that market participants would use to value the assets. The Company compensated for the phase of development of each program by probability-adjusting its estimation of the expected future cash flows. The projected cash flows were based on significant assumptions, such as the time and resources needed to complete the development and approval of each IPR&D program, estimates of revenue and operating profit related to the program considering its stage of development, the life of the potential commercialized product and associated risks, including the inherent difficulties and uncertainties in drug development, such as obtaining marketing approval from the FDA and other regulatory agencies, and risks related to the viability of and potential alternative treatments in any future target markets.
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of the Company as if the Combination had taken place on January 1, 2023. The unaudited pro forma financial
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information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transactions been effected on the assumed date.
December 31,
Net revenues $ — $ —
Nonrecurring pro forma transaction costs directly attributable to the Combination was $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. There were no such costs for the year ending December 31, 2023. The costs deducted included success fees of $3.6 million in the aggregate incurred with financial advisors in connection with the Combination.
4. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
December 31, December 31,
Prepaid travel 96,749 —
Prepaid accounting fees 55,525 —
Other miscellaneous current assets 28,006 3,559
Long-term
Security deposit on leased premises 18,133 —
5. Property and Equipment
In connection with the Combination, the Company acquired certain property and equipment that was revalued at the date of the Combination. At December 31, 2024, net property and equipment at cost consisted of the following:
December 31,
Computer equipment $ 5,952
Office furniture and equipment 12,435
Total property and equipment, at cost 18,387
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,576)
Property and equipment, net $ 16,811
6. License Agreement
The Company entered into a Know-How License Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the University of Alabama (“UA”) in 2012. In consideration for the Agreement, UA received a 10% non-voting membership interest in the Company. Upon the adoption of the May 1, 2020 Second Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, the non-voting membership interest converted to a voting membership interest. Upon the Corporate Conversion, voting membership interest was converted into shares of common stock. The Agreement is in effect for 25 years and will terminate on June 1, 2037.
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7. Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
December 31, December 31,
Accrued compensation 737,281 —
Accrued clinical research costs 611,741 —
Other miscellaneous accrued expenses 1,127 —
8. Leases
In connection with the Combination, the Company acquired a right-of-use asset which was revalued at the date of the Combination. Pharmagesic has obtained the right to control the use of office premises for a period of time through a lease arrangement. The lease arrangement was negotiated on an individual basis and contains a wide range of different terms and conditions including lease payments and remaining lease terms to August 31, 2028. The lease arrangement does not impose any covenants other than the security interests in the leased asset that is held by the lessor. The Company maintains a security deposit totaling $18,133 as of December 31, 2024.
There were no additions or extensions to the right-of-use asset during the period from the Combination date to December 31, 2024. Total cash outflows for the lease were $31,940 for the period from the Combination date to December 31, 2024 and these costs were included in net cash used in operating activities.
The following table presents the components of the lease costs included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations for the period ended December 31, 2024:
December 31,
Component of lease cost
Operating lease cost $ 17,772
Variable lease cost 14,167
Total lease expense $ 31,939
Future minimum annual commitments under the operating leases are as follows:
Year ending December 31:
Total lease payments 234,187
Less: amount representing interest (29,606)
Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 204,581
Less: current obligations (49,696)
Long-term obligations under leases $ 154,885
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Other information related to this operating lease and the calculation of related right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities consists of the following:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) - operating leases 3.7
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases 7.82%
9. Promissory Note with Related Party
On October 7, 2024, in connection with the Exchange Agreement, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Conjoint Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Lender”) and an affiliate of CKLS. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, Lender agreed to make a loan to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $19,500,000, of which (i) $16,500,000 was disbursed on October 7, 2024 and (ii) $3,000,000 was disbursed on February 18, 2025. Pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, the proceeds are to be used for the purpose of (1) funding operations and (2) performing clinical and research & development activities related to Halneuron®. The Loan Agreement bears interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 2.00%, that increases by 1.00% in the event of default that resets on an annual basis on October 1st. The Loan Agreement is payable in full with principal and accrued interest on October 7, 2027. The promissory note was recorded net of issuance costs of $1,177,355. The issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense using an effective interest rate of 7.82%. As of the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized interest expense of $229,454 and amortization of issuance costs of $58,432 in the accompanying consolidated income statements.
The Company evaluated the fair value of its related party note payable by analyzing the terms of the instrument in comparison to a synthetic credit rating and implied market cost of debt rate. Based on this evaluation, which included consideration of current rates and other terms available to the Company for similar debt instruments, the Company believes the fair value of the note is approximately $15.7 million as of December 31, 2024.
There were no outstanding promissory notes for the year ended December 31, 2023.
10.Stockholders’ Deficit
Preferred Stock
The restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, of the Company permits its Board of Directors to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share, in one or more series, to designate the number of shares constituting such series, and fix by resolution, the powers, privileges, preferences and relative, option or special rights thereof, including liquidation preferences and dividends, and conversion and redemption rights of each such series.
In October 2024, the Board of Directors designated 2,213.8044 of the 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock to be Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”). As of December 31, 2024, the Company has authorized, issued and outstanding2,213.8044 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 1,997,786 authorized and no issued and outstanding shares of preferred stock .
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay, payment-in-kind dividends on each share of Series A Preferred Stock, accruing at a rate equal to five percent (5.0%) per annum payable in shares of Series A Preferred Stock on the date that is 180 days after the date of the original issuance of such Series A Preferred Stock or such earlier date that that such holder may convert any portion of the Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock.
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Except as otherwise required by law, the Series A Preferred Stock does not have voting rights. However, as long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company may not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, (i) alter or change adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series A Preferred Stock or alter or amend the Certificate of Designation, amend or repeal any provision of, or add any provision to, the Charter or Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, or file any articles of amendment, certificate of designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights of any series of Preferred Stock, if such action would adversely alter or change the preferences, rights, privileges or powers of, or restrictions provided for the benefit of the Series A Preferred Stock, regardless of whether any of the foregoing actions shall be by means of amendment to the Charter or by merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, conversion or otherwise, (ii) issue further shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or increase or decrease (other than by conversion) the number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock (iii) prior to the Stockholder Approval (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) or at any time while at least 30% of the originally issued Series A Preferred Stock remains issued and outstanding, consummate either: (A) any Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) or (B) any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any stock sale to, or other business combination in which the stockholders of the Company immediately before such transaction do not hold at least a majority of the capital stock of the Company immediately after such transaction, or (iv) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing.
The Series A Preferred Stock shall rank on parity with the Common Stock as to distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.
Following stockholder approval of the Conversion Proposal, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will automatically convert into 10,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to certain limitations provided in the Certificate of Designation, including that the Company shall not affect any conversion of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock if, as a result of such conversion, such holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than a specified percentage of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”); provided, however, that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not apply after the stockholder approval of the Change of Control Proposal and upon the occurrence of certain other events as set forth in the Certificate of Designation. If at any time following the earliest of (a) Stockholder Approval (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), (b) the interim analysis of the Phase 2b study for Halneuron® proves futile, (c) Dogwood is delisted from Nasdaq, (d) the interim analysis of the Phase 2b study for Halneuron® is not completed by December 31, 2025, or (e) June 30, 2026, the Company fails to deliver to a Holder certificates representing shares of Common Stock or electronically deliver such shares, the Series A Preferred Stock is redeemable for cash at the option of the holder thereof at a price per share equal to the then-current Fair Value (as defined and described in the Certificate of Designation) of the Series A Preferred Stock for any undeliverable shares.
Form of Repurchase Agreement
The terms of the Exchange Agreement provides that Sealbond has the right to exercise an option, but not an obligation, after the Closing and upon the occurrence of certain conditional events including continued listing requirements, to acquire all of the Company’s and its direct and indirect subsidiaries’ intellectual property, rights, title, regulatory submissions, assignment of contracts, data and interests, as of the time of such acquisition, in and to tetrodotoxin and Halneuron®, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the form of Repurchase Agreement for a cash settlement value as defined in the agreement.
Contingent Value Rights Agreement
Concurrently with the Closing of the Combination, the Company entered into a contingent value rights agreement (the “CVR Agreement”) with a rights agent (the “Rights Agent”), pursuant to which each holder of Common Stock as of October 17, 2024, including those holders receiving shares of Common Stock in connection with the Combination, was entitled to one contractual contingent value right (each, a “CVR”) issued by the Company, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the CVR Agreement, for each
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share of Common Stock held by such holder as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 17, 2024. The CVR Agreement has a term of seven years.
Each contingent value right entitles the holders (the “Holders”) thereof, in the aggregate, to 87.75% of any Upfront Payment (as defined in the CVR Agreement) or Milestone Payment (as defined in the CVR Agreement) received by the Company in a given calendar quarter.
The distributions in respect of the CVRs that become payable will be made on a quarterly basis and will be subject to a number of deductions, subject to certain exceptions or limitations, including but not limited to for certain taxes and certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Company.
Under the CVR Agreement, the Rights Agent has, and Holders of at least 30% of the CVRs then-outstanding have, certain rights to audit and enforcement on behalf of all Holders of the CVRs. The CVRs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, encumbered or in any other manner transferred or disposed of, in whole or in part, other than as permitted pursuant to the CVR Agreement. The Holders of the CVRs do not have the rights of a shareholder and do not have the ability to vote, rights to dividends, or other interests. The CVRs also establish certain restrictions of mergers and change in control activities, as defined in the agreement.
The Company determined that the fair value of the CVRs were immaterial on the date of issuance as there were no imminent transactions to indicate value. The Company will evaluate the fair value of the CVRs at least annually on October 1 and whenever facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may have changed.
The Company’s certificate of incorporation adopted on December 16, 2020, authorizes the issuance of two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock”. The total number of shares which the Company is authorized to issue is 45,000,000, each with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Of these shares, 43,000,000 shall be Common Stock and 2,000,000 shall be Preferred Stock.
Common Stock
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had 43,000,000 shares of common stock authorized, of which 22,359,995 shares of common stock were reserved for the issuance upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock.
Dividends
Subject to the rights of holders of all classes of Company stock outstanding having rights that are senior to or equivalent to holders of the Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board.
Liquidation
Subject to the rights of holders of all classes of stock outstanding having rights that are senior to or equivalent to the holders of Common Stock as to liquidation, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the assets of the Company will be distributed to the holders of the Common Stock.
Voting
The holders of the Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held. There is no cumulative voting.
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At-the-market Offering
On July 14, 2023, the Company entered into a Capital on DemandTM Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (“JonesTrading”) relating to shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share. In accordance with the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Company could offer and sell shares of Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $6,700,000 from time to time through JonesTrading, acting as sales agent or principal, in which is commonly referred to as an “at-the-market” (“ATM”) program. On August 14, 2023, the Company announced a halt to sales under the Sales Agreement and on September 18, 2023, the Company announced the termination of the Sales Agreement with JonesTrading effective September 28, 2023. Before the termination of the Sales Agreement, the Company sold 25,675 shares of Common Stock under the ATM program at a weighted-average gross sales price of approximately $52.78 per share and raised $1,355,090 of gross proceeds. The total commissions and related legal and accounting fees were approximately $198,650, and the Company received net proceeds of approximately $1,156,440.
Public Offering
On May 19, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement with Maxim Group LLC as placement agent in connection with the issuance and sale by the Company in a public offering of 340,000 shares of its Common Stock at a public offering price of $5.00 per share (the “May 2024 Offering”), pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-263700). The May 2024 Offering closed on May 22, 2024, and the gross proceeds from the May 2024 Offering were $1,700,000. The net proceeds of the May 2024 Offering were $1,382,170 after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses payable by the Company.
11. Related Parties
The Company uses Gendreau Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm (“Gendreau”), for drug development, clinical trial design and planning, implementation and execution of contracted activities with the clinical research organization. Gendreau’s managing member is the Company’s Chief Medical Officer (“CMO”). The Company may continue to contract the services of the CMO’s spouse through Gendreau to serve as the Company’s Medical Director and to perform certain activities in connection with the Company’s ongoing clinical development of its product candidates. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company paid Gendreau $56,141 and $103,624, respectively, and had accounts payable of $21,260 and $0 to Gendreau as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See also Note 9 – “Promissory Note with Related Party” and Note 2 under “Subsequent Events”.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is subject, from time to time, to claims by third parties under various legal disputes. The defense of such claims, or any adverse outcome relating to any such claims, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition and cash flows.
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Employment Agreement and Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company has employment agreements with its CEO, CFO, SVP of Operations (the “Executives”), as well as its CMO. Per the terms of the agreements, each Executive and the CMO are entitled to receive a cash bonus with a target amount of no less than 50% for the CEO, 35% for the CMO and 20% for the CFO and SVP of Operations, of the then-current base salary. The bonuses are subject to achievement of annual bonus metrics set by the Board. The employment agreements will continue in effect until terminated by either party pursuant to its terms. Upon termination of the agreement by the Company for any reason other than for cause, death or disability or by one of the Executives or CMO for good reason, the Company shall pay to an Executive a “Severance Payment” equal to the aggregate of the Executive’s then-current annual base salary plus an amount equal to a prorated portion of the Executive’s cash bonus for the year in which the termination occurs. The Severance Payment to an Executive is payable in cash over a period of one year. The Company shall pay to the CMO a Severance Payment equal to 25% of the then-current annual base salary plus a prorated portion of the CMO’s cash bonus for the year in which the termination occurs over a period of three months and health benefits for a period of 12 months unless the CMO becomes eligible for health benefits under another employer. If the termination of the agreement is related to a change of control, the Company shall pay to the Executives and the CMO a “Change of Control Termination Payment” equal to the aggregate of 1.0 times the then-current annual base salary plus an amount equal to 1.0 times the Executives’ and CMO’s cash bonus for year in which the termination occurs. The Change of Control Termination Payments are payable in a single cash lump sum no later than 45 days after the triggering event.
13. Share-Based Compensation
Equity Incentive Plan
On June 16, 2022, the stockholders of the Company approved the Amended and Restated 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the total number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan by 50,000 shares to 82,500 total shares issuable under the Plan. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 1,423 and 16,454 shares, respectively, were available for future grants.
The Plan provides for grants to employees, members of the Board, consultants and advisors to the Company, in the form of stock awards, options, and other equity-based awards. The amount and terms of grants are determined by the Board. Stock options have a maximum term of 10 years after date of grant and are exercisable in cash or as otherwise determined by the Board. The maximum aggregate number of shares subject to grant under the Plan to any individual, with the exception of any non-employee director, during any calendar year is limited to 20,000 shares. With respect to any non-employee director, the maximum aggregate number of shares subject to grant under the Plan to any individual during any calendar year is limited to 8,000 shares.
The table below sets forth the outstanding options to purchase common shares under the Plan:
Weighted
Average
Weighted Remaining
Average Contractual
Number of Exercise Term
Shares Price (Years)
Forfeited — — —
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As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was $0. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was $192,465 and $64,155, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted certain individuals options to purchase 15,031 shares of the Company’s Common Stock with an average exercise price of $8.925 per share, contractual terms of 10 years and a vesting period of one year. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $105,931 that was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Variables used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model included: (1) discount rate of 4.2975% based on the daily par yield curve rates for U.S. Treasury obligations, (2) expected life of 5.5 years based on the simplified method (vesting plus contractual term divided by two), (3) expected volatility of 100.76% based on the average historical volatility of comparable companies’ stock, (4) no expected dividends and (5) fair market value of the Company’s stock of $8.925 per share.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted certain individuals options to purchase 1,260 shares of the Company’s common stock with an average exercise price of $46.25 per share, contractual terms of 10 years and a vesting period of one year. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $45,360 that was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Variables used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model included: (1) discount rate of 3.89% based on the daily par yield curve rates for U.S. Treasury obligations, (2) expected life of 5.5 years based on the simplified method (vesting plus contractual term divided by two), (3) expected volatility of 98.66% based on the average historical volatility of comparable companies’ stock, (4) no expected dividends and (5) fair market value of the Company’s stock of $46.25 per share.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense related to stock options of $476,021 and $619,972, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense for stock options at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $168,741 and $539,461, respectively.
Stock Options for Unregistered Securities
In addition to the stock options issued under the Plan, and in conjunction with the IPO, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 11,700 shares of common stock as provided for in the President’s employment agreement (the “President Options”). The President Options are exercisable within 10 years of the date of grant at $10.00 per share, were 100% vested at the grant date and have a remaining contractual term of 5.96 years. As of December 31, 2024, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to these options as they were 100% vested upon issuance. The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the President Options will be unregistered, and the option agreement does not include any obligation on the part of the Company to register such shares of common stock. Consequently, the Company has not recognized a contingent liability associated with registering the securities for the arrangement. As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of the President Options was $0.
Underwriters Warrants
In conjunction with the IPO, the Company granted the underwriters warrants to purchase 6,900 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $312.50 per share. The warrants have a five-year contractual term and became 100% exercisable on December 21, 2021.
In conjunction with the offering in September 2022, the Company granted the underwriter warrants to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $15.625 per share (the “Representative
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Warrants”). The Representative Warrants have a five-year contractual term and became 100% exercisable on March 18, 2023.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, there were 19,145 Representative Warrants exercised. As a result, 7,718 shares of common stock were surrendered at fair value to satisfy the exercise price and 11,427 shares of common stock were issued. The surrendered shares are shown as treasury stock at a cost of $299,128 in stockholders’ (deficit) equity.
There were no warrant exercises for the year ended December 31, 2024.
There is no unrecognized compensation expense for these awards as of December 31, 2024. The table below sets forth the outstanding warrants to purchase common shares:
Weighted
Average
Weighted Remaining
Average Contractual
Number of Exercise Term
Shares Price (Years)
Granted — — —
Granted — — —
As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of the warrants outstanding was $0.
14. Income Taxes
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $36,669,000, which have an indefinite carryforward and Georgia and Florida state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $44,443,000 and $1,372,000, respectively, which have a twenty-year carryforward and begin expiring in 2037. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had Canadian non-capital loss carryforwards of approximately $25,277,000, which have a twenty year carryforward and begin expiring in 2025 and Hong Kong tax losses carryforwards or approximately $58,126,000 which have no expiry.
A reconciliation of the worldwide consolidated income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:
Year Ended